Coahoma Community College

CCC Presidents

Presidents of Coahoma Community College

B. F. McLaurin

Benjamin F. McLaurin


The first President of the College was Mr. Benjamin. F. McLaurin (July 21, 1910 – May 2, 1988). He was married to the late Sezzie McLaurin. He served the institution from 1945-1966. During his tenure, the high school grew into the college. Offering its first college courses in 1949.  Mr. B.F. McLaurin and Mrs. Sezzie McLaurin’s heritage can be found on the campus today. The B.F. McLaurin Vocational/Technical Center is named in his honor and a residential dorm for women is named in honor of the late Sezzie McLaurin. He retired from the college in 1966.
 

 

James Miller

James E. Miller


The second President of the college was Mr. James E. Miller. He served the college from 1966-1979. Mr. Miller, a former English Instructor as the college, continued the legacy of establishing the then Coahoma Junior College as a catalyst to economic and educational growth in our community. Our beautiful football stadium in named in honor of the second president of the college.

 

McKinley Martin

McKinley C. Martin

The third President of the College was Dr. Mckinley C. Martin (December 2, 1936 – January 10, 2024). He received degrees from Coahoma Junior College (AA), Jackson State University (BS), Delta State University (MS), Florida State University (PhD). Dr. Martin was the first graduate of Coahoma Junior College to become President of Coahoma. 


Dr. Martin was president of Coahoma Junior College from 1980 - 1992. During his tenure the college continued to flourish. The plans to build the beautiful Pinnacle were began under his leadership as a building to support the community. His legacy on campus continues to be preserved as the newest residential facility is named in his honor. 

 

 

Vivian M. Presley

Vivian M. Presely

Dr. Vivian M. Presley was the fourth president of Coahoma Community College. She was the first female president of any community college in the State of Mississippi. She served from 1992- 2013. During her time as president, in 1989, the Board of Trustees and State Board for Community and Junior Colleges approved renaming the junior college to Coahoma Community College. Additionally, in 1995, the Mississippi legislature granted the college its own district consisting of Bolivar, Coahoma, Quitman, Tallahatchie, and Tunica Counties. The beautiful CCC Administration Building is named in her honor. It houses the office of the President, Admissions, Financial Aid, Business Office and the CCC Campus Bookstore.

 

 
Valmadge Towner

 

Valmadge T. Towner

Dr. Valmadge T. Towner serves as the current President of Coahoma Community College. He is the fifth President of the college and the second graduate of the college to serve as President. Dr. Towner began his tenure as president in 2013. During his time as President, the college continues to grow and flourish. There have been several building projects during this time, the campus began a tremendous beautification project and an increased focus on health with the additional of a track that is utilized by the community. Our football field/ stadium has undergone a wonderful makeover. Additionally, our academic, health science and career technical areas are continuing to develop scholastically. We look forward to how his namesake with grace our campus as his legacy. 

 

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