Northwest Mississippi Community College Strengthens Executive Leadership with Appointment of Two Vice Presidents

Senatobia, MS (07/09/2026) — Northwest Mississippi Community College has announced the appointment of two accomplished higher education leaders to its executive leadership team. Dr. Brad Smith has been named Vice President of Institutional Affairs, and Dr. Ginger Robbins has been named Vice President of Instruction.

The appointments reflect Northwest's continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team as the college advances its mission of transforming student lives, enriching communities, and striving for excellence in its educational programs and services.

"Northwest is fortunate to welcome two exceptional leaders whose experience, vision and passion for higher education will help guide our college both now and into the future," said Dr. Michael Heindl, president of Northwest Mississippi Community College. "Dr. Smith and Dr. Robbins each bring impressive records of leadership and innovation, along with an unwavering commitment to student success. Their expertise will strengthen our institution both inside and outside the classroom as we continue building upon Northwest's tradition of excellence."

As Vice President of Institutional Affairs, Dr. Smith will provide executive leadership for the college's external relations initiatives, including institutional advancement, marketing and communications, athletics, community affairs, alumni relations, campus leadership, community partnerships, and strategic outreach efforts.

Dr. Smith brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in higher education with an extensive background in external affairs, intercollegiate athletics, fundraising, marketing, advertising, promotions, name, image and likeness (NIL) initiatives, capital campaigns, and institutional branding. His experience in cultivating partnerships and advancing institutional visibility positions Northwest for continued growth and engagement across the region. He comes to Northwest from the University of Texas, San Antonio, where he most recently held the position of Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs.

"It is an incredible honor to join Northwest Mississippi Community College as Vice President of Institutional Affairs," said Dr. Smith. "I am deeply grateful to Dr. Michael Heindl and his confidence in me, and I look forward to serving an institution with such a strong legacy of excellence and commitment to student success.

"I have always believed that the greatest institutions are defined not only by what happens on campus, but by the impact they have beyond it. Institutional Affairs plays a vital role in connecting the college to its stakeholders, telling the Northwest story, and creating opportunities that advance our mission. I look forward to working alongside Northwest's outstanding faculty and staff to elevate the college's visibility, expand strategic partnerships and support student success in meaningful ways.

"My family and I are thrilled to become part of the Northwest family and the Senatobia community. We are excited for this next chapter and look forward to investing our time, talents, and energy in helping Northwest continue to thrive."

As Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Robbins will oversee the college's instructional and workforce training operations, providing leadership for faculty, curriculum development, instructional quality, institutional research, instructional outreach, economic development and student learning across Northwest's campuses.

Dr. Robbins brings more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience, with expertise in workforce education, instructional leadership, course and curriculum development, strategic partnerships, strategic planning, student services leadership, community and government relations, and grant development. Throughout her career, she has focused on building innovative programs that align educational excellence with workforce needs while expanding opportunities for students and employers alike. She comes to Northwest from Hinds Community College, where she most recently held the position of Vice President of Workforce Development and Governmental Affairs.

"I am honored and excited to join Northwest Mississippi Community College as the Vice President of Instruction," said Dr. Robbins. "The college has a proven history of excellence, and I am thrilled to partner with a team so deeply committed to student success. I look forward to collaborating with the Northwest family to continue aligning instructional excellence with evolving workforce needs. By embedding career relevance throughout all levels of our curriculum, we will strengthen student outcomes, prepare students for economic mobility, and provide business and industry with exceptional graduates."

Together, Smith and Robbins join Northwest's executive leadership team at a pivotal time as the college continues to expand instructional programming, meet workforce demands, grow student support services and build community partnerships throughout Northwest Mississippi. Their appointments reinforce the college's longstanding commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education while preparing students to succeed in an increasingly dynamic workforce and economy.

About Northwest Mississippi Community College

Founded in 1926, Northwest Mississippi Community College serves an 11-county district through campuses in Senatobia, Batesville, Southaven, and Oxford. The college offers university transfer, career-technical, workforce development, adult education, and continuing education programs while remaining committed to its mission of transforming student lives, enriching communities, and striving for excellence in its educational programs and services.

To learn more about Northwest, please visit northwestms.edu.

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