Northwest's Alumni of the Year: Artie and Tina Smith
Senatobia, MS (09/25/2025) — Northwest Mississippi Community College's 2025 Alumni of the Year, Artie Smith and Tina Burcham Smith, have become some of the college's most supportive alumni who strive to treat every student they encounter like their own. They have become beacons of light supporting all Rangers, all the time.
The Smiths have been valuable members of the Tate County community for many years. Giving back, using their talents, and influencing the next generation has been their passion. The impact it's had on the community and students has evolved since their own time at Northwest - class of 1978. The relationships formed because of their alma mater has been unique to Artie and Tina. They are known around campus for this very quality.
Upon retirement in 2012, Artie and Tina established a new routine of visiting Northwest while taking care of their ailing parents. It was first an escape and a refuge for them that quickly morphed into a ministry bonded by their love of the college.
Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement, expresses the Alumni Association's excitement to honor Artie and Tina.
"They are so deserving of the title of Alumni of the Year," said Gordon. "They come and support Northwest in so many different ways like attending early morning send-offs for athletic championships, alumni tailgating, fine arts events, student move-in days, Heindl Center performances, and so many different athletic games. Artie and Tina truly shine as Alumni of the Year."
For Tina and Artie, Northwest is a refuge.
"It fills voids in our life to be here," Tina said. "We will never make it to 100, but our college will."
The Smiths will surely celebrate that milestone with Northwest next year. Their time as students may be over, but being a Ranger is never ending for Artie and Tina who are faithful fans, friends and family to Northwest.
Together they have a daughter, Alyssa, son-in-law Chris, and their two grandchildren, Adley and Aiden who live in Hernando. Artie and Tina are dedicated members of First Baptist Church of Senatobia, where they have faithfully attended for years. When Artie and Tina hear the phrase, "always a Ranger" Artie said, "that's us."
They are still amazed and very humbled to be chosen for this award. The Smiths will be honored by the Northwest Alumni Association during the Homecoming Celebration on October 16.
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Artie and Tina Smith at the Bobby Franklin football field. Photo by Sarah Smith