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Northwest Mississippi Community College Kicks off Its Centennial

by Sarah Ashley Smith

Senatobia, MS (09/09/2026) — Northwest Mississippi Community College kicked off its Centennial year on Tuesday, Sept. 8 with college officials, administration, students and employees, alongside state and local politicians including Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, and the local community.

"Generations of students have passed through our halls, along with great leaders through the years to make our institution what it is today," said Northwest President Dr. Michael J. Heindl. "The Institution has been innovating for 100 years with different campuses, different centers, different programs, and different facilities."

The event kicked off with a presentation of colors by the Air National Guard and national anthem performed by the Ranger Consort, Northwest's premier choral group, led by Northwest's Director of Choral Activities Dr. Alex Belohlavek. They also performed the Northwest Alma Mater, written by alumnus Carl Johnson (class of 1956) and alumnus and former Director of Fine Arts Glenn Triplett, Jr. (class of 1957).

"One hundred years of educating students, of strengthening the community, and serving the great people of Mississippi," said Gov. Reeves. "One hundred years is a remarkable achievement and it doesn't just happen overnight. It takes generations of people who believe in the mission and are willing to do what it takes to accomplish it. It takes great teachers, dedicated administrators, staff, supportive communities, and students, most of all, students who are willing to work hard."

Gov. Reeves said that Northwest has had a substantial impact on the communities it has served and on the students who have studied here who have made a difference in their communities.

"It's my honor today on behalf of the state of Mississippi to recognize this historic anniversary," said Gov. Reeves, "and acknowledge today, Sept. 8, 2026, as Northwest Mississippi Community College Day in Mississippi."

For 100 years, Northwest has focused on adapting and changing to serve North Mississippi and improve the lives of students who sought to better themselves here.

"That affect compounds over generations, and over time an institution becomes woven into the fabric of a region, and that's exactly what Northwest has become to this region of our state," said Gov. Reeves. "Today is certainly an opportunity to celebrate the past, but it's also an opportunity to think about what comes next. As Northwest begins its second century, another generation gets the responsibility of carrying that mission forward. If the next 100 years look anything like the first, there is no telling how many Mississippi lives will be changed because of the work being done right here. That's a legacy worth celebrating, and it is one that every person who has been a part of Northwest should be incredibly proud to share."

After Gov. Reeves' remarks, Dr. Heindl welcomed the family of former Dean of Students James P. McCormick to unveil the portrait of Dean McCormick that will hang in the lobby of the Administration Building named in his honor. Dean McCormick's son Tommy said that his father's impact cannot be understated.

"Dad did not just help manage Northwest, he breathed life into it," said Tommy. "His wisdom, integrity, profound empathy and unwavering commitment to the students and faculty shaped the very fabric of this institution. After graduating college in 1949, he and Mother moved into an apartment on campus, and they spent the next 42 years living here on campus while raising their family. Northwest was the only place Daddy ever worked."

For perspective, Tommy shared that in 1949, there were only 10 instructors and less than 100 students, and in the 77 years since his father began working at the college, there have been thousands of students, various locations and hundreds of employees at the college.

Due to the historic nature of the day, Vice President of Institutional Affairs Dr. Brad Smith unveiled Northwest's newest piece of hardware -- the historical marker sign which details the historic run of Northwest and how it began.

"We are honoring the people's vision, determination and belief in education that built the institution we know today," said Dr. Smith. "This marker will stand as a permanent reminder of where Northwest began, how far we have come and the generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders who made the dream possible."

The event wrapped up with a reception in the historic R.C. Pugh Library, where the library faculty and staff set up displays on various topics from the past 10 decades highlighting Northwest's long history in academia, arts, athletics and everything else in between.

"This indeed is a huge milestone in the life of our institution," said Dr. Heindl. "The College has a rich tradition of excellence in instruction, excellence in the arts, and excellence in athletics."

Media Attachments

Northwest students, faculty, staff, alumni, local community members and politicians on Sept. 8 in front of the McCormick Administration Building on the Senatobia campus. Photo by Carly Fox

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