(Clarksdale, Mississippi) — Coahoma Community College (CCC) proudly hosted its first-ever Celebration Luncheonon Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to honor six exceptional students whose groundbreaking research was recently featured at the 2025 Mississippi Academy of Sciences (MAS) conference. Held on CCC’s main campus, the luncheon recognized the academic rigor, innovation, and community-centered impact demonstrated by these rising scholars.
The event welcomed faculty, staff, community leaders, and special guests who gathered to celebrate this milestone moment for both the students and the institution. Hosted by the Office of Academic Affairs in partnership with the STEM and Health Sciences Divisions, the program featured remarks from CCC President Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, who applauded the students for representing the college with distinction and elevating the academic profile of the Mississippi Delta.
“These students have not only shown what is possible when opportunity meets preparation, but they have also made history for our institution,” said Dr. Towner. “Their work represents the heart of our mission—empowering scholars to explore real-world problems and create lasting impact in our communities.”
At the MAS conference, held earlier this spring, CCC students presented original research addressing critical issues within the Mississippi Delta. Their work was peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, Volume 70, Number 1, signifying the scholarly relevance of their contributions. The research topics included:
- "Battling HIV/AIDS in the Mississippi Delta" by Shadiah Robinson – highlighting disparities in healthcare access and prevention.
- "Exploring the Causes of Reduced Female Mortality Rates in the Mississippi Delta" by Hope Thomas and Shari’a Davis – examining improved outcomes through healthcare and education initiatives.
- "Investigation of Pollutants in Treated Water in Six Cities in the Mississippi Delta" by Ashton Harris – analyzing public health risks associated with local water systems.
- "Leveraging Data Science to Combat Poverty in the Mississippi Delta" by Jasmine Stewart – proposing data-driven solutions to support economic mobility.
- "The Renewable Energy Solution for the Mississippi Delta" by Reginald Rodges – exploring sustainable energy models tailored to rural infrastructure.
Coordinated by STEM faculty member Mrs. Angela Reynolds, the students received mentorship throughout their research journey and gained valuable presentation experience at MAS. Their work attracted the attention of university researchers, healthcare professionals, and policy experts, further validating the importance of elevating rural voices in academic research.
Support for their participation was made possible by a grant awarded through a collaborative alliance of nine Mississippi colleges and universities. Dr. Ouida McAfee, co-author and academic sponsor, expressed deep gratitude for the funding that enabled the students to attend and present at the conference.
“This achievement speaks volumes about the caliber of talent at CCC,” said Dr. McAfee. “It also reflects the power of access—when students from rural areas are given the tools and support they need, they excel beyond expectations.”
The Celebration Luncheon closed with an awards presentation and a student reflection panel, where each scholar shared how the MAS experience shaped their academic and professional goals. Many expressed aspirations to continue their research, pursue graduate studies, and use their work to uplift the communities they call home.
This landmark event underscores Coahoma’s commitment to fostering excellence, equity, and engagement through research and innovation. As CCC continues to expand its academic reach, the success of these six student-researchers sets a powerful precedent for future generations of scholars.
For more information about Coahoma Community College and its programs, visit www.coahomacc.edu.