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MDCC plans for in-person classroom instruction in Fall 2020 semester
College’s COVID-19 Task Force prepares for reopening
Mississippi Delta Community College President Dr. Tyrone Jackson said the college is committed to welcoming students back on campus and in-person with plans to resume classroom instruction in the Fall 2020 semester.
The transition back to more traditional campus activities is the focus of a new, expanded COVID-19 Task Force comprised of committee members from the college’s faculty, staff and community. Under President Jackson’s direction, this group is developing strategies to reopen a safe campus environment upon return of MDCC students, faculty, staff and visitors.
While the college administration continues to use the latest public health information from the CDC, state and local health departments, this Task Force will provide further support in planning and protecting the safety, health and well-being of all individuals in the MDCC community.
“In this time of unprecedented circumstances for our college, the nation and the world, we are fortunate to have faculty and staff with expertise and knowledge to work through these challenges,” said Dr. Tyrone Jackson, MDCC President.
“I will look to the new Task Force for input on our continued efforts in monitoring, anticipating, preparing and responding to the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation. I am grateful for the expertise provided by the individuals on the Task Force and appreciate their dedication and support for the college during this time,” Jackson said.
The committee is co-chaired by Dr. Kate Failing, director of institutional research and Mr. Derrick Fields, assistant to the vice president for student services.
“The creation of this Task Force greatly expands our capacity to respond to the changing COVID-19 situation. We want to incorporate the latest information and best practices in MDCC’s planning so that every member of our college community is able to live, work, and learn in a safe and healthy environment,” said Dr. Kate Failing.
The collective expertise of the Task Force will help in developing recommendations on further protocols and best practices for the college in the COVID-19 environment, including advising on reopening protocols, return to campus offices, resuming in-person classes and more.
“Our committee members come from a broad range of backgrounds and fields,” said Mr. Derrick Fields. “I look forward to beginning our work to support faculty, staff, students and the extended community members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The COVID-19 Task Force members are:
- Dr. Kate Failing, Director of Institutional Research (Committee Co-Chair)
- Derrick Fields, Asst. to VP of Student Services (Committee Co-Chair)
- Traci Beckham, Asst. Director of Nursing / ADN Division Chair
- Melaney Emerson, Director of Digital Content & Marketing
- Maegan Applewhite, Health Sciences Office Manager
- Jane Burton, Workforce Development Coordinator
- Linda Clark, Dean of GHEC Operations
- Na’Keisha Fipps, Counseling Operations Coordinator
- Jay Gary, Registrar & Academic Dual Enrollment Coordinator
- Katie Jones, Counselor (Greenwood Center)
- Debra Martin, Financial Aid Director
- Dan Rives, Head Baseball Coach / Sports Information Assistant
- Lisa Williams, IT Director
- Veronica Wilson, Custodial Supervisor
- Kristy Bariola, Library Services Director
- Anita Horn, College Prep & English Instructor
- LaShandar Johnson, Student Success Initiative Director
- Don Lee, Director of Facilities Management
- Oliver Manuel, Cafeteria Manager
- Staci Miller, Director of Accounting
- Bubba Pilgrim, Drafting & Design Instructor
- Emily-Kathryn Simmons, Administrative Support to the VP of Student Services
- Melinda Andrus, Career-Tech Recruiter / Cheerleader Coach
- Parcel Moore, Moorhead City Manager
- Josh Warren, Campus Minister (MDCC Baptist Student Union)
To stay informed on updates and announcements from the college related to COVID-19, please visit the MDCC COVID-19 page.