MEDIA INVITE: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Ranger Center at Northwest DeSoto Campus

by Dr. Andrew Dale and Sarah Smith

Southaven, MS (06/18/2025) — - Northwest Mississippi Community College will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Ranger Center at its DeSoto Campus on Tuesday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. The event will take place at 1210 Church Road in Southaven, the site of the new facility.

The Ranger Center marks a significant milestone in the college's commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education and workforce training in DeSoto County. The 42,000-square-foot facility includes:

Workforce training classrooms and labs

A professional testing center

Community meeting rooms

The first-ever Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program in DeSoto County

The $13 million project was made possible through a $7 million federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with additional support from the State of Mississippi, the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors, and Northwest's institutional funds.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will feature remarks from key stakeholders, including:

Dr. Michael Heindl, President, Northwest Mississippi Community College

Mayor Darren Musselwhite, City of Southaven

Kell Smith, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board

Members of the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors

Potential Representatives from the U.S. Economic Development Administration

Potential Representative from Baptist Health DeSoto

Additional state and local officials

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the new facility and enjoy a complimentary lunch following the ceremony.

"This is a transformative step forward for our region," said Dr. Michael Heindl. "The Ranger Center expands our capacity to meet workforce needs, train future nurses, and provide a high-quality educational experience for students right here in DeSoto County."

The new facility supports Northwest's strategic plan, Achieving Success, with a focus on instructional, institutional, personal, and community excellence.

Members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by June 20 to Dr. Andrew Dale at adale@northwestms.edu or call 662-562-3319 for more information.

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