The campus community is having to say its goodbyes to beloved, long-serving employees of the College. Eleven retirees and 10 tenured employees were saluted by Coahoma Community College president Dr. Valmadge T. Towner in last week’s Retirement and Service Awards ceremony. Each retiree was given the opportunity to address the audience, moments in which the honorees presented brief love notes to the institution. Some of the remarks uttered were indicative of bittersweet departures.

Many expressed an endearing, lifelong love as the institution has greatly supported them. English instructor and 20-year retiree Robert Rockett shared, “My greatest wish was to work at Coahoma Community College.”

23-year retiree and Director of Educational Outreach Letha Richards reflected on the day she received news of being hired by Coahoma. A grant writer, among other things, credited for landing substantial grants for the College, she noted that she wanted to leave Coahoma in better shape than when she first arrived.

Larry Barrett, who has served a hefty 38 years as the carpentry instructor, commented that the College had influenced him in several ways. “I’m proud to have been a part of Coahoma,” said Barrett.

Coahoma Community College wholeheartedly appreciates the dedication and unstinting service the 2021 retirees have imparted over the years:

Retiree

Years of Service

Angela Lackey

33

Beverly Overton

11

Danny Woodard

27

Deborah Valentine

23

Emily Gordon

14

Jesse Nunley

27

Joyce Pryor

41

Larry Barrett

38

Letha Richards

23

Robert Chambers

14

Robert Rockett

20

Shirley Hicks

27

Teresa Hooker

23