Northwest Mississippi Community College and BankFirst Announce Expanded Multi-Year Partnership

BankFirst branding to be featured on Bobby Franklin Field as part of expanded support for Ranger Athletics

by Dr. Brad Smith

Senatobia, MS (09/29/2026) — Northwest Mississippi Community College and BankFirst Financial Services have announced an expanded multi-year partnership that will bring new BankFirst branding to Ranger Stadium at Bobby Franklin Field while strengthening BankFirst's investment in Northwest Athletics and its student-athletes.

As part of the partnership, BankFirst logos will be displayed near the 25-yard lines on Bobby Franklin Field, providing significant visibility during Northwest home football games and broadcasts. The addition is believed to make Northwest the first community college in Mississippi to feature corporate sponsorship branding on its football playing surface.

BankFirst has been a longtime supporter of Northwest and the communities the college serves, including its sponsorship of the BankFirst Ranger Hour. The expanded partnership builds upon that relationship and represents a significant commitment to the continued growth of Ranger Athletics.

"Partnerships like this allow us to continue investing in an exceptional experience for our students, both in the classroom and through intercollegiate athletics," said Dr. Michael J. Heindl, president of Northwest Mississippi Community College. "BankFirst has been a tremendous partner and a trusted presence throughout our region. We are grateful for their continued investment in Northwest and for their commitment to the students and communities we serve."

The new field branding represents a broader effort by Northwest to expand corporate partnerships and create meaningful opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with the college's students, alumni, fans and communities throughout northwest Mississippi.

"Bobby Franklin Field is one of the most visible stages we have to showcase Northwest, and this partnership demonstrates the value and reach of Ranger Athletics," said Dr. Brad Smith, vice president of Institutional Affairs at Northwest. "This is about more than putting a logo on the field. It is about developing mutually beneficial partnerships that generate additional resources for our student-athletes while providing our corporate partners meaningful opportunities to engage with the Northwest community. We are excited to have BankFirst help lead the way."

"Northwest Rangers football is part of the fabric of north Mississippi," said Doug McClure, Senatobia Community Bank President. "Bobby Franklin Field is more than a place to play football. It's where families, friends, and neighbors gather, make memories, and cheer on the student-athletes who proudly represent Northwest. It's a place where hard work, determination and opportunity come together, and that's at the heart of what we do at BankFirst. We're proud to expand our partnership with Northwest and support these students today, knowing the impact they can have on our community tomorrow."

Founded in 1888 and headquartered in Columbus, Mississippi, BankFirst Financial Services serves communities across Mississippi and Alabama, including areas within Northwest Mississippi Community College's service region.

Founded in 1926, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public two-year institution serving an 11-county district in northwest Mississippi. The college is celebrating its Centennial during the 2026-27 academic year, marking 100 years of transforming students' lives and serving communities throughout the region.

Northwest Ranger football has a storied tradition of success, including four NJCAA national championships in 1982, 1992, 2015 and 2020. The playing surface at Ranger Stadium was named Bobby Franklin Field in 2005 in honor of the longtime Northwest head football coach and NJCAA Hall of Famer.

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