Coahoma Community College welcomed faculty and staff to its Fall 2026 Pre-School Conference at the S.A.F.E. Center in Clarksdale, Miss., emphasizing student value, communication and teamwork.
The annual conference brought employees together to prepare for the 2026-27 academic year and reinforce the shared responsibility of creating a supportive, student-centered campus environment. Sessions focused on effective communication, meaningful interactions, teamwork and the role each employee plays in helping students feel valued and connected.
The conference opened with an invocation led by Ezra Howard, director of web services, followed by welcome remarks, introductions and recognitions from Letha Richards, chief of staff. Dr. Nekedra Blockett, registrar and director of admissions, also provided enrollment updates as the College prepares to welcome new and returning students for the fall semester.
During a presentation titled “Communicating Effectively with Students,” Seam Glassberg encouraged employees to consider the organizations and companies that make them feel valued and apply those observations to the student experience at Coahoma Community College.
Glassberg emphasized that meaningful service does not always require large gestures. A warm welcome, an extra effort to assist someone or a handwritten note can have a lasting impact on how students experience the College. Employees also considered the perspectives of students, parents and mentors while discussing factors that may cause students to withdraw and ways the campus community can strengthen students’ sense of belonging.
Daniel Vassel continued the conference with an interactive presentation featuring team-building exercises designed to move employees outside their comfort zones. The activities highlighted communication, trust and collaboration while connecting those principles to how employees work across departments to serve students and advance the College’s mission.
Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, president of Coahoma Community College, reflected on the energy of a new academic year and the importance of the day’s presentations.
“Regardless as to how many times we can experience The First Day or Return Back To School, a feeling of energy and excitement permeate the atmosphere. It is always uplifting to see colleagues return from the summer break. We were also fortunate to have two superbly relevant presenters who shared invaluable information and insight. The morning session should serve as motivation for the institution as we fulfill our mission of Student Success: Our Top Priority.”
Dr. Towner also encouraged employees to lead with kindness and service while remembering those who contributed to their own personal and professional success. He emphasized that success is rarely achieved alone and challenged employees to extend that same level of support to the students they serve.
The day also included door prizes and the distribution of the 2026-27 Academic Calendar to assist employees with planning for the new academic year. The Fall 2026 Pre-School Conference reinforced the role of faculty and staff in shaping the Coahoma experience. As the College begins the new academic year, the conference underscored a unified message: student success depends on intentional service, effective communication, teamwork and a campus community committed to helping every student move forward.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon Band.