MDCC Launches Center for Teaching and Learning to Advance Instructional Excellence

MOORHEAD, MS (July 2, 2025) – Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), effective July 1, 2025. Chaired by longtime educator Jenni Hargett, the CTL will serve as a hub for professional development, instructional support, and pedagogical innovation for faculty and staff across all MDCC instructional sites and delivery formats.
 
Located in the Horton Building on MDCC’s Moorhead campus, the CTL reflects the college’s growing investment in teaching excellence, student success, and regional educational partnerships. The CTL will offer monthly professional development programming tailored to the needs of educators teaching in traditional, online, hybrid, dual credit, Middle College, and Prison Education settings.
 
Under the leadership of Vice President of Instruction and Accreditation/Provost Dr. Valarie Morgan, the CTL is designed to empower faculty and staff with the resources and support they need to grow professionally and meet the evolving needs of students. Dr. Morgan emphasized the Center’s role in enhancing instruction across the Mississippi Delta.
 
“As Provost, my vision is to see Mississippi Delta Community College provide the highest quality education to our students by equipping our faculty with the tools, strategies, and support they need to excel,” said Morgan. “I believe that teachers are the key to student success, and I am deeply passionate about supporting the lifelong learning and professional growth of our faculty members.”
 
In addition to on-campus faculty support, the CTL will engage regional teaching partners and K–12 educators. A robust calendar of events will include workshops on instructional design, classroom management, ethics, innovation, and Praxis exam preparation. One major initiative launching through the CTL is a new faculty mentorship program that pairs new MDCC instructors with experienced mentors to promote confidence and community from the start of their teaching journey.
 
Hargett, who brings nearly two decades of classroom experience in the Delta, shared her vision for the Center.
 
“The Center for Teaching and Learning represents a commitment to excellence in education and our belief that great teaching transforms lives,” said Hargett. “As I begin my 20th year of teaching in the Mississippi Delta, I remain convinced that the future of the Delta rests on the shoulders of our educators. With the CTL, we’re not just supporting our faculty and staff—we’re investing in education across our seven-county service area.”
 
Hargett also emphasized the CTL’s focus on innovative, hands-on experiences. “Our professional development offerings go far beyond traditional workshop formats—we're committed to delivering transformative experiences that educators can immediately implement to enhance student engagement.”
 
MDCC President Dr. Steven Jones praised the Center as a bold and timely addition to the college’s growing instructional portfolio.
 
“I am extremely proud of the bold, creative, and innovative work that is occurring in the Division of Instruction at Mississippi Delta Community College under the leadership of Dr. Valarie Morgan,” said Jones. “The new Center for Teaching and Learning is another way for our faculty and staff to receive high-quality professional development in areas that truly matter. Whether it is learning new techniques for how to manage a classroom or implementing new instructional methods, the Center will guide our educators through new channels of growth to enhance teaching and learning at MDCC.”
 
Jones also noted the CTL’s potential regional impact. “This new initiative opens doors for new partnerships between MDCC and the local school districts as we offer professional development for our K-12 instructors. Whether it is preparing for the Praxis Exam or obtaining CEUs, our K-12 partners can find it all in the Center for Teaching and Learning at MDCC. I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank Dr. Valarie Morgan for her leadership and vision for this initiative. MDCC is on the move!”
 
The Center for Teaching and Learning embodies MDCC’s continued commitment to investing in its educators and building a culture of excellence and innovation that will benefit students and communities across the Mississippi Delta.