Northwest Mississippi Community College and Rust College Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Student Opportunities
Holly Springs, MS (09/10/2025) — Administrators from Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) visited with Rust College Administrators on Friday, September 5, to officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and re-establish a partnership between the two historic institutions. The agreement is designed to create seamless transfer pathways, scholarship opportunities, and enhanced collaboration that will benefit students across North Mississippi.
Founded in 1866 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Rust College is Mississippi's oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and has grown into a nationally recognized liberal arts institution. Northwest Mississippi Community College, now in its 99th year, continues to expand access to higher education for students in its 11-county district. Together, the proximity of the two institutions-Senatobia and Holly Springs-and their shared mission of student success make this partnership especially significant.
Key Elements of the Agreement
Scholarship Support: Rust College will offer the E.A. Smith Presidential Scholarship, a last-dollar award for Phi Theta Kappa honor students transferring from Northwest who have completed their associate degree and reside on the Rust campus.
Guaranteed Admission: Northwest students who complete an associate degree in a similar academic pathway will be guaranteed admission to Rust College, provided institutional requirements are met.
Transfer of Credit: Students will be able to transfer up to 70 semester hours from Northwest to Rust, with core courses aligned to academic majors.
Reverse Transfer: The institutions will collaborate to increase graduation rates by allowing credits earned at Rust to count toward completion of associate degrees at Northwest.
Articulation Pathways: Students completing Northwest associate degrees will be admitted to Rust at junior standing, requiring no more than 60 additional semester hours to complete their bachelor's degree.
"This agreement is about creating options and removing barriers," said Dr. Michael J. Heindl, President of Northwest Mississippi Community College. "We are excited to partner with Rust College to ensure our students have clear, affordable pathways to bachelor's degrees in fields that match their goals. By working together, Northwest and Rust are opening more doors for students to achieve their dreams."
Dr. Johnny M. Moore, President of Rust College, added: "Rust College is honored to partner with Northwest in supporting student success. This transfer agreement not only opens doors for continued academic advancement, but it also strengthens our region's workforce and future leadership."
The MOU also calls for future collaboration on co-enrollment opportunities, shared curricular resources, scholarships for Northwest employees seeking advanced degrees, and mutual professional development initiatives.
Media Attachments
Northwest Mississippi Community College and Rust College Administration. Photo courtesy of Rust College