Media Advisory: Mississippi Education Leaders to Join MGCCC, USM Officials to Announce New Education Pathway Program

TO: News editors, directors

WHAT: Announcement and signing of a memorandum of understanding to recognize a new, innovative teacher education pathway program offered through an official partnership between Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) and The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

WHEN: 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019

WHERE: President's Conference Room, Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building, USM Hattiesburg campus

SPECIFICS: Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. is among Mississippi education leaders expected to attend the signing of a memorandum of understanding for “Teacher's College,” a new, innovative teacher education pathway program established between MGCCC and USM. The program encourages high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit at MGCCC as part of their Collegiate Academy program. Students who complete MGCCC's Collegiate Academy will meet all admission criteria for a select number of teacher education degree programs at USM. Students who successfully complete the Teacher's College program will satisfy all IHL graduation requirements within two years, meaning program participants would be eligible for a 5-year career level license from the Mississippi Department of Education.

CONTACT:

-Kendra Ablaza, USM, Communications Specialist, 601.266.5330, kendra.ablazaFREEMississippi

-Kathy McAdams, MGCCC, Public Information Coordinator, 228.669.8914, kathy.mcadams@mgccc.edu.

About Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is recognized at the state and national level as one of the most accomplished community colleges.  It has been named a top 100 associate-degree producer, a STEM Jobs Approved College, a Military Friendly School, a Great College to Work For and a Fit-Friendly Workplace. Additionally, Wallet Hub ranked MGCCC 82nd in the nation's best community colleges out of more than 1,500 colleges. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has served the communities of South Mississippi for 106 years. Whether it is in traditional college classes or a career, technical, workforce or adult education program, Gulf Coast's goal is to provide the very best learning opportunities for South Mississippi residents.  For more information, visit mgccc.edu.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the CarnegieClassification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 35 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.