Coahoma Community College is proud to announce that Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, a trailblazer in the field of education and President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, will deliver the keynote address at the 72nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Dr. Wheelan, currently serving as President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, has made history as the first African American and the first woman to hold this esteemed position. With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Wheelan has held various pivotal roles, including faculty member, chief student services officer, campus provost, college president, and Secretary of Education. Her groundbreaking achievements have shattered barriers, as she became the first African American and/or woman in several of these leadership positions.
A distinguished scholar, Dr. Wheelan earned her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Trinity University in Texas in 1972. She continued her academic pursuits, obtaining a Master’s degree in Developmental Educational Psychology from Louisiana State University in 1974, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration with a special concentration in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Wheelan has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including six honorary degrees and prestigious distinctions such as the Distinguished Graduate Award from Trinity University and the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. She has been honored as one of Washingtonian Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington, DC, and has received the AAUW Woman of Distinction Award, among others.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Wheelan is deeply involved in various local, state, and national organizations, including Rotary International, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the American Association of Community Colleges, among others. Her commitment to service and leadership is evident through her membership in numerous boards and advisory panels, where she continues to advocate for excellence and equity in education.
Dr. Wheelan attributes her success to hard work, endurance, tenacity, and the invaluable support of her family and friends. As a devoted mother to her adult son, Reginald, she understands the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of education.
Coahoma Community College is honored to welcome Dr. Belle S. Wheelan as the keynote speaker for the 72nd Commencement Ceremony. Her address promises to inspire graduates as they embark on their journey beyond academia, equipped with knowledge, resilience, and a commitment to positive change.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Alexus Hunter
Chief Communications Officer
(662) 621-4061