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Northwest Cuts Ribbon on New Ranger Center and Entrance at DeSoto Campus

SOUTHAVEN, MISS. (06/25/2025) — SOUTHAVEN, MISS. - Northwest Mississippi Community College officially celebrated the grand opening of its new 42,000-square-foot Ranger Center at the DeSoto Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 24. The event also marked the unveiling of the campus's new entrance at 1210 Church Road, featuring a majestic gate and a striking electronic sign that warmly welcomes students, visitors, and newcomers to the Northwest DeSoto Campus.

The new entrance clearly marks the gateway to the campus. It leads directly to the Ranger Center, which represents a historic milestone for DeSoto County as the first-ever home of a Registered Nursing (RN) program in the area. Until now, students seeking an RN degree had to travel outside the county for their training. With the launch of the program this spring, Northwest is expanding access to high-demand healthcare education where it's needed most.

"This facility is a dream realized-not only for our college but for the entire community," said Dr. Michael Heindl, president of Northwest. "The Ranger Center offers flexibility, innovation, and access. It's a modern educational hub where students will gain the skills they need to succeed-and it's happening right here in DeSoto County."

In addition to the RN program, the Ranger Center supports a wide range of workforce training, career-technical education programs, professional testing, and community engagement initiatives. The project was made possible through a combination of federal, state, local, and institutional funding, including a $7 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and a $1 million direct investment from the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors.

Facility features include: DeSoto County's first Registered Nursing (RN) program A regional testing and assessment center with 31 stations (including ADA-accessible testing) Three flexible classrooms with 96 seats each A versatile workforce training and career-technical education lab Four nursing simulation labs and a dedicated skills lab 24 faculty offices Multiple conference rooms and community meeting spaces Two catering kitchens for events and training use.

Sturgis Montieth, a member of the Northwest Board of Trustees representing DeSoto County, reflected on the personal and community impact of the new facility. "Three years ago, I stood next to my late father-in-law as we broke ground for this building. Today, I stand in his former seat and celebrate what this space means for our students and our future," Montieth said. "It's not just a building-it's a gateway to opportunity and economic growth."

Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite and DeSoto County Supervisor Lee Caldwell echoed the importance of the project in creating both career pathways and economic appeal for the region. "This changes everything," said Musselwhite. "Creating opportunities for our youth is just priceless. You can't put a dollar amount on that. Not just getting a college degree, but having a specialized skill launched right here in Southaven." Caldwell, a longtime educator, shared a poem written in tribute to the building, calling the center "a beacon bright" that unites family, education, and future dreams.

Kell Smith, executive director of the Mississippi Community College Board, praised the project's broader statewide impact. "The Ranger Center is a symbol of progress, partnership, and promise," Smith said. "Facilities like this one open the door to careers, confidence, and community success."

Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist DeSoto Hospital, highlighted the importance of the local RN program to the region's healthcare system. "We're facing a critical nursing shortage in Mississippi, and Northwest is one of our most valued partners," Hogan said. "We hire more nurses from Northwest than from any other program-and with this facility, we'll hire even more."

Following the ceremony, guests toured the building, including the new simulation labs, testing center, and flexible classrooms. The first cohort of RN students began training in spring 2025, with the second cohort scheduled to arrive this fall. The next application period for the Associate Degree Nursing program opens in August for students who will begin classes in January 2026. For more information about programs at the Northwest DeSoto Campus or the RN program, visit www.northwestms.edu.

Media Attachments

Mayor Musselwhite speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday Aug, 24th.

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