Northwest Mississippi Community College

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Sturgis Monteith appointed to NWCC Board of Trustees

DESOTO COUNTY, MS - (12/21/2023) — The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors, along with Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC), is proud to announce and welcome a new member to the college's Board of Trustees. The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors appointed Sturgis Monteith to assume the position held by retiring trustee Bill Austin.

"Sturgis has served the citizens of DeSoto County for decades, not only as an educator but also as the first mayor of the town of Walls," said Ray Denison, president of the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors. "He has dedicated decades of his life to serving others, and I believe he will honorably represent DeSoto County on the college's board of trustees."

During Mr. Monteith's 35 years with NWCC, he was regularly recognized for his work with students, including the HEADWAE Teacher of the Year award, an honor established by the Mississippi Legislature for excellence in higher education teaching.

Northwest President Michael Heindl, Ph.D., states, "Northwest is experiencing great momentum and growth. I look forward to working with Mr. Monteith as we continue our mission of transforming student lives, enriching our communities, and striving for excellence in our educational programs and services."

"I am honored to have been appointed by DeSoto County to the Northwest Community College Board of Trustees, a position previously held by my father-in-law, Bill Austin," said Monteith. "I am excited to return to the college, having been a member of its faculty for over thirty years. It will be a privilege to work with the Board and President Heindl, and I look forward to being a part of the future of Northwest."

Mr. Cory Uselton, chair of the Northwest Board of Trustees, said, "We are incredibly happy to hear of the appointment of Sturgis Monteith to the college board of trustees; Mr. Monteith has an incredible relationship with the citizens of DeSoto County. As a retired English instructor from the college and a former mayor in DeSoto county, he is impeccably qualified to serve as a member of the board of trustees."

Mr. Monteith will fill the position held by local attorney Mr. Bill Austin since 2014. The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors thank Mr. Austin for his commitment and dedication to NWCC.

"Trustee Austin truly is a fine man who has a heart for Northwest. We are thankful for his dedication, contributions, and leadership over the 9 years he served on the Board of Trustees," said Supervisor Lee Caldwell, Vice-President of the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors.

Northwest Mississippi Community College primarily serves students in the following 11 counties: Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha. Supervisors from each county appoint two trustees to serve on the board. DeSoto County schools superintendent Cory Uselton is Desoto County's other appointment to the Northwest Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees.

The college board of trustees is the highest governing body of the college, established at each community college statewide by the Mississippi Legislature. Trustees, working with college administration, determine the current and future direction of the organization and allocate the resources to accomplish the goals of the Institution. The charge of the board is to manage and direct all things necessary to the successful operation of Northwest Mississippi Community College.

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