Meridian Community College
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Meridian Community College is a two-year public community college in Meridian, Mississippi.
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[edit] History
Founded in 1937 as the "13th and 14th grades" at Meridian High School, Meridian Community College is the only one of Mississippi’s 15 public community colleges to originate through the initiative of the local school system. MCC began as the vision of Dr. H.M. Ivy (1884-1977), superintendent of the Meridian Separate School District in the 1930s. The college, then known as Meridian Junior College, operated at Meridian High School until 1964 when the College moved to its present location.
In 1970, the College merged with the historically black T.J. Harris Junior College as a result of a federal court order to the Meridian Municipal Separate School System. More than 400 students joined the MJC campus from Harris that year.
Meridian Junior College made its final break with Meridian Public schools by establishing its own district and Board of Trustees in 1980.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the College changed its name to Meridian Community College to more accurately reflect the diversity of opportunities it provides for a growing community area.
[edit] Campus facts
The college is located on a seventy-two acre (29 hectare) campus located a short distance from downtown Meridian and is next to the campus of Mississippi State University's Meridian Campus. Other facilities not located at the main campus include the college's Truck Driving School and Magnolia Hall which is widely used by the community.
Recent data shows enrollment at almost 4,000 students.[citation needed] Meridian Community College offers students a wide variety of activities in which to participate. There are more than 20 student organizations on campus representing a wide range of academic and vocational interest. Many of the student organizations have won acclaim from local to international levels. In fact, in 2006, the college's Nu Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for the Two Year College was recognized as one of the Society's top chapters in the world.
[edit] Athletics
MCC's athletic teams go by the nickname "Eagles."
"Victor the Eagle" is the official mascot and can be seen at various athletic events.
In its strong athletic history, MCC has won five NJCAA National Championships. [1]
Current NBA star, Ronald Murray (Detroit Pistons) attended MCC and played basketball for the Eagles. Several MLB players have started their careers with MCC. 15 MCC golfers have signed scholarships with various four-year schools in the past decade, including Ole Miss, Mississippi State University, Troy University, Middle Tennessee State University, Southern Miss, and the University of New Orleans. Former MCC golf coach, Lou Hart will be inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame July 27, 2007.
[edit] Notes
- ^ njcaa.org
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