Investing in Students: Thompson-Dantone Hall Opens Doors to the Future

Moorhead, MS (July 14, 2025) – Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) marked a significant milestone in campus development on July 10, 2025, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and name unveiling of its newest men’s residence hall, Thompson-Dantone Hall.
 
Held at 3:00 p.m. on the Moorhead campus, the event celebrated not only the opening of the state-of-the-art residence facility but also the two distinguished individuals for whom the building is named: longtime MDCC Board of Trustees members Mickey Thompson and Frank Dantone.
 
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Vice President of Student Services Mr. DeAndre House, followed by an invocation from Reverend Calvin Collins, a member of the MDCC Board of Trustees. Remarks were delivered by Board Chair Dr. Tonya Short, honoree Mr. Frank Dantone and MDCC President Dr. Steven Jones. Together, Dr. Jones, Mr. Dantone, and the late Mickey Thompson’s wife and son, Jean and Jeffrey Thompson, ceremoniously cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new facility.
 
In his remarks, Mr. Dantone reflected on the history and legacy of his fellow trustee and friend, Mickey Thompson. “Mickey Thompson sat right next to me for thirty-some-odd years, and he was the life of the board,” said Dantone. “His counsel was unbelievable, and his life was dedicated to Mississippi Delta Community College. I wish he were here to celebrate with us.” Dantone also recalled his own time as a student living in South Hall, noting how far the college’s housing facilities have progressed.
 
President Dr. Steven Jones spoke to the magnitude of the moment. “What an exciting day for MDCC. Over 50 years in the making… Today, we celebrate not only the opening of a beautiful facility but also the promise it holds for generations of students to come,” Jones said. “This building is more than just brick and mortar. It is a space designed with the intention to foster learning, collaboration and growth. It reflects our commitment to providing students with the resources and the environment they need to succeed, not just in the classroom but in life.”
 
Dr. Jones expressed gratitude to MDCC staff, former MDCC President Dr. Tyrone Jackson, legislative partners, architects and all who helped bring the project to life. “To our MDCC students: This residence hall was built with you in mind,” he said. “May it be a place where ideas are forged, friendships are grown and futures are shaped. As we cut this ribbon today, let it symbolize a new chapter, one rooted in hope, opportunity and continued excellence. Because excellence is the standard here at Mississippi Delta Community College. Now, let’s cut the ribbon and open the door to possibilities.”
 
Following the ribbon-cutting, guests were invited inside Thompson-Dantone Hall for refreshments and guided tours of the facility.
 
Completed in 2025, Thompson-Dantone Hall features 76 rooms designed to house 152 students. The residence includes a first-floor lobby and computer lab, study rooms, and a second-floor recreation and kitchenette area. The hall is also equipped with modern laundry facilities and amenities to support student life and success. The building stands as a testament to MDCC’s long-standing commitment to student experience, academic achievement, and community investment.
 
The naming of Thompson-Dantone Hall honors two individuals whose decades of leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on the institution. The late Mickey Thompson served on the MDCC Board of Trustees for 33 years. Frank Dantone, a current board member, has served since 1991.
 
With the opening of Thompson-Dantone Hall, MDCC continues to invest in transformative spaces that elevate student life and strengthen the college’s mission to educate and empower the Mississippi Delta.