ASU Mid-South turning 25

ASU Mid-South turning 25

Community College to unveil plans celebrating quarter- century of learning this afternoon

ralphhardin@gmail.com Even when looking back, ASU Mid-South is “forward thinking.” That’s the theme for the community college’s upcoming 25th anniversary celebration.

Founded in 1992 as Mid-South Community College and now shaping futures as Arkansas State University Mid-South, the West Memphis institution has played a part in furthering the education for thousands of area students.

As part of the commemoration, school officials are making plans. What those plans are will be revealed this afternoon and the community is invited.

We are having a reception on Monday at 4 p.m. at Magruder Hall,” said MSCC Foundation Interim Director Debbie Yen. “October 23rd coincides with the date 25 years ago when the Arkansas Department of Education accepted our application to become a community college. Please join ASU Mid-South Chancellor Dr. Debra West and the faculty and staff of ASU Mid-South as we unveil plans for a celebration of 25 years.

The gathering will be held in Magruder Hall, Room MH108. The public is invited. There will be a brief presentation and refreshments will be served.

With credit enrollment of nearly 2,000 students, recently- established programs in Hospitality ASU

Management and Digital Media, and an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology program in partnership with FedEx Express, ASU Mid-South continues to blaze a trail in meeting regional higher education needs.

ASU Mid-South has enjoyed phenomenal growth and local support in its 25 years. Starting as a vocational school with only 136 students in August 1992, the institution has become one of the most evolutionary and forward-looking community colleges in the state and region.

While the number of students has risen dramatically, the College’s focus remains the same – to provide accessible, affordable, employment-relevant, world-class education. In conjunction with the award-winning Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium (ADTEC), ASU Mid-South has established a “career pathways” model that offers a series of logical employment “stopout points” along a comprehensive training continuum. ASU Mid-South remains aggressive and determined in its efforts to meet the current and future employment needs of the region so that students will be prepared for the jobs of today

and tomorrow.

By Ralph Hardin