Northwest Holds Ribbon Cutting for Centennial Bell Tower
Senatobia, MS (11/06/2026) — Northwest Mississippi Community College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Centennial Bell Tower Nov. 5 on the main campus in Senatobia. The Centennial Bell Tower was prominently built at the former band practice field in the center of campus, standing 56 feet above ground level and showcasing bright blue and red lights on game nights, tolling on the hour, and even playing the college's fight song and Christmas tunes such as "Joy to the World" that was played at the ribbon cutting.
Dr. Michael J. Heindl welcomed everyone to the event, that he said was a proud accomplishment for the college to dedicate this Bell Tower to the Centennial. Dr. Heindl announced that the coming months a history chapel was to be placed behind the Bell Tower in the grove of pines off of Northwest Drive.
"The Centennial Bell Tower is a dream to be able to have a facility, an area where our college family can gather for different student activities, college employee events, and just be a centralized component of our college campus," said Dr. Heindl. "The Bell Tower will be here, continue to serve as a great meeting spot, student activity place, and meeting place for our institution."
Dr. Heindl thanked all the people who made it possible including the Northwest Board of Trustees, the executive council, the Northwest family and the builders and designers of the Bell Tower. The tower was designed by Northwest partners Eley Guild Hardy Architects, and constructed by Murphy and Sons, Inc., and other general contractors.
The idea for the Centennial Bell Tower came in 2019 with the 12-year Facility Master Plan that was developed and approved in 2019 by the Board of Trustees.
"The goal of the Bell Tower was to create a campus core identity to attract students to a central gathering point in the heart of campus," said Mary Ayers, director of College Construction and Maintenance.
Student representative and Miss NWCC Senatobia Anna Kate O'Connor spoke at the event speaking to the pride she felt getting to be a part of one of the first events held here at the Homecoming Pep Rally.
"Today is about more than just unveiling a new landmark on our campus," O'Connor said. "It is about celebrating the history, pride, and community that makes Northwest so special. Northwest is more than just a place where we can come to learn. It is a place where friendships are formed, memories are made, and students grow into the people they are meant to become. For so many of us, Northwest has become a home away from home."
Completed in the summer of 2026, there have been numerous events that have been celebrated at the Centennial Bell Tower, including the Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally which kicked off there to celebrate the season. On Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., Northwest will honor the nation's veterans with a Veteran's Day prayer at the Bell Tower followed by a reception in the R.C. Pugh Library.
This infrastructure is another reminder and hallmark of the Centennial season for the college, as it celebrates the mark it has made in north Mississippi history. Northwest has been serving students since 1926, when it opened registration for the first college courses. Since then, the college has been a place to serve Mississippi, the Mid-South and even now internationally with students who have come to study, play sports and develop their skills.
To learn more about Northwest's Centennial, please visit, northwestms.edu/centennial
Media Attachments
Northwest faculty, staff, students and board of trustees, alongside builders and architects on the project at the Centennial Bell Tower Ribbon Cutting Nov. 5. Photo by Carly Fox-Mayo ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE AT: https://nwccimages.smugmug.com/Executive-Council-College-Leadership/2026-2027/Bell-Tower-Ribbon-Cutting/n-cF4BVX (All photo credits go to: NWCC/Carly Fox
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Andrew Dale, Associate Vice President of Community Relations, adale@northwestms.eduShare this Story
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