UTICA—At the May 10 graduation ceremony on the Utica Campus, basketball player and student graduation speaker Tra’Shayla Wilson said coming to was the right choice for her and her classmates

“Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Fortunately for me and my classmates, we made the perfect one: ,” said Wilson, 19. “ is our home away from home, and we are always encouraged to be ourselves and never to dim our light. 

“Even on your worst day, there is always someone who wants to encourage you to be your best. Because here at , we are family, and that is what family is all about. True, we are not related, but I’ve always been told that family may take many shapes. Our experience at this college has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Wilson, who earned an associate degree and is transferring to Belhaven University, where she will continue academic studies and her basketball career.

awarded 1,270 credentials to 972 graduates in four ceremonies held over three days, which means many graduates earned more than one credential. Among the graduates, 448 graduated with honors, including 260 cum laude, 3.2–3.59 GPA out of 4.0; 152 magna cum laude, 3.60–3.99 GPA; and 36 summa cum laude, with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The speakers for each ceremony were students receiving degrees who have shown leadership and excellence in their fields of study and were selected by their instructors and peers.

Nyelah Dobbey, 20, of Jacksonville, Fla., said the invocation and benediction. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management Technology and plans to transfer to Mississippi College to pursue her MBA.

The Golden Class featuring Utica graduates from 1974 were honored as part of the graduation ceremony held in the Boyd Gym on the Utica Campus.

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offers affordable, comprehensive educational opportunities across six campus locations and has nearly 500 academic classes guaranteed to transfer to a university, over 65 career and technical program options and an extensive array of online courses. Applications for general admissions are currently being accepted. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore enrollment steps at hindscc.edu/enroll.

Our Mission: is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession. 

Our Vision:  will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi. 

Our Values:  aspires to the following IDEALSIntegrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.

To learn more, visit  or call 1.800.CC.