(Clarksdale, Miss.) — Coahoma Community College marked the official start of the Spring 2026 semester by welcoming faculty and staff back to campus during its annual Spring Convocation, held Monday, January 5, in the Pinnacle. The event served as an opportunity to bring the campus community together following the winter break and to set a unified tone for the semester ahead. Centered around the theme, “Every Student, Every Chance, Every Day,” the convocation reaffirmed the college’s unwavering commitment to student-centered learning, institutional excellence, and collective responsibility.
The program opened with an invocation delivered by Christopher Dixon, Coordinator of Student Activities, who offered thoughtful words of reflection and encouragement, inviting attendees to approach the new semester with renewed purpose and dedication. His message underscored the importance of service, collaboration, and intentionality in supporting students throughout their academic journeys.
Following the invocation, Letha Richards, Chief of Staff, formally welcomed faculty and staff back to campus and led the introduction of new faculty and staff members. This segment highlighted the continued growth of the institution and celebrated the diverse expertise, talents, and experiences that new team members bring to Coahoma Community College. Richards emphasized the essential role each employee plays in advancing the college’s mission and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
The convocation program also included a musical selection by Mr. Jemero Carter, whose performance provided a moment of inspiration and reflection. The musical presentation added a meaningful cultural and artistic element to the event, further enriching the overall experience for attendees.
The featured guest speaker, Dr. Bethan Miller, delivered a comprehensive and engaging presentation focused on statistics, recruitment strategies, and data-informed decision-making within higher education. Dr. Miller shared key insights related to enrollment trends, student demographics, and the importance of using data to guide recruitment and retention efforts. Her presentation encouraged faculty and staff to think strategically about outreach, collaboration, and innovation, while highlighting the role data plays in strengthening institutional effectiveness and student success initiatives.
The program concluded with remarks and words of encouragement from President Dr. Valmadge Towner, who addressed the faculty and staff with a message focused on unity, resilience, and shared purpose. He reflected on the college’s progress, acknowledged the dedication and hard work of employees, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a student-first mindset as the semester begins. His remarks reinforced the significance of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across all areas of the institution.
The Spring 2026 Convocation served not only as a welcome back event but also as a call to action for the campus community. It provided faculty and staff with an opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas, and recommit to the mission of Coahoma Community College. As the institution moves forward into the Spring semester, faculty and staff remain focused on creating meaningful learning experiences, strengthening student support services, and ensuring that every student is given every opportunity to succeed every day.