More than 1,300 receive credentials at fall graduation ceremonies

PEARL – Herbert Strickland spent more than 23 years in law enforcement, much of it working with K-9 units as they protect and serve.

An unfinished academic resume’, however, plus responsibilities on the horizon with a daughter entering high school soon had him wanting a fresh start.

“Electrical Technology is something I’d been interested in just a little bit before coming to ��,” said Strickland, 49, of Utica, who had attended Mississippi State University for just one year after high school before starting a career that includes experience with the �� and Rankin sheriff’s departments and Madison police.

A friendship begun at church with �� Vicksburg-Warren Campus Vice President Marvin Moak, himself a former instructor in the college’s electrical program, has culminated in Strickland’s graduation among more than 1,300 others in ceremonies held Dec. 18 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus.

From left, Electronic Technology Instructor Craig Davis, �� President Dr. Clyde Muse, Herbert Strickland, Vicksburg-Warren Campus Vice President Marvin Moak. (��/April Garon)

Strickland earned his Associate of Applied Science from �� and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in the field through a new partnership with MSU that allows for students enrolled in technical education programs to have all credits transfer seamlessly.

“If it weren’t for Marvin’s advice, there’s no telling what I would have taken and how I would have done,” Strickland said, adding he plans to one day return to �� and teach future students.

�� is awarding a total of 1,316 credentials to 958 graduates during the three ceremonies, with some graduates receiving more than one credential.

Of the fall graduates, 158 achieved cum laude, 3.2 to 3.59 grade point average; 95 achieved magna cum laude, 3.6 to 3.99 GPA and 124 achieved summa cum laude, 4.0 grade point average.

Also among them were siblings De’Harvey and Ke’Harvey Gary, of Vicksburg. Each earned a career certificate and plan to return to build upon their education.

From left, De’Harvey Gary and Ke’Harvey Gary (��/April Garon)

“We just hope to get started going into the Welding Technology program soon,” Ke’Harvey said

The speaker for all three graduations was Phil Cockrell, Raymond Campus Engineering and Drafting Design Technology instructor who was selected as ��’s HEADWAE honoree for 2020.

In his remarks, Cockrell told graduates to consider “why” they are on the path they have chosen. Quoting noted pastor and author Charles Swindoll, Cockrell noted that 10 percent of life is what happens and the other 90 percent is how you react to it.

“Challenges present an awesome opportunity to choose who you want to be by how you react to those challenges,” Cockrell said.

Grand marshal and mace bearer for all three ceremonies was Dr. Libby Mahaffey, district dean of health services and of and Nursing and Allied Health programs, who retired in 2019 after 37 years.

Charles Bryant, of Vicksburg, was among more than 1,300 students who earned credentials from �� during fall graduation Dec. 18, 2019. He earned a technical certificate in the Industrial Maintenance program and is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in the program next semester. (��/April Garon)
Christian Gatling, left, and Jacqueline Ellis, both of Jackson, take a moment before fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. (��/April Garon)
Coley Petermann, center, of Brandon, wearing glasses, awaits fall graduation ceremonies at �� Dec. 18, 2019. (��/April Garon)
Daniel Collier, left, and his wife, Victoria, of Byram, were among more than 1,300 students who earned credentials from �� during graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. Both earned Associate in Applied Science degrees -- Daniel's is in Electrical Technology, Victoria's is in Medical Data Technology. (��/April Garon)
From left, Dr. Libby Mahaffey, �� President Dr. Clyde Muse and Phil Cockrell (��/April Garon)
Elizabeth Tucker, of Vicksburg, was among more than 1,300 students who received credentials from �� during fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. Tucker earned career and technical certificates in Business Management. (��/April Garon)
Jamal Wilkins, left, of Scooba, and Alec Poole, right, of Flowood, were among more than 1,300 students who received credentials from �� during fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. With them is their instructor, Randy Kwan, who leads the Radio & Television Production & Broadcasting program on the Rankin Campus. (��/April Garon)
La'tiah Johnson, left, of McLain, takes a selfie with Donny Epting, a recruiter for �� Utica Campus, during district graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. (��/April Garon)
Mekhi Ross, center, of Canton, earned an Associate in Arts degree from �� during fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. With him are Rachel and Bracken Carroll. (��/April Garon)
Milton Smith, right, of Carthage, and Patricia Grantham, Child Development Technology instructor, take a moment before fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. (��/April Garon)
Robert Cade, left, of Port Gibson, was among more than 1,300 students who earned credentials from �� during graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. With him is friend Keiamber McCay, right.
Sterling Tyler, of Monticello, shares a moment with his mother, Paula Loper, after fall graduation ceremonies at �� Dec. 18, 2019. Tyler earned a Technical Certificate in Automotive Technology. (��/April Garon)
Timeria Jones, right, of Jackson, was among more than 1,300 students who earned credentials from �� during graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. With her is her friend, Terri Carter, of Vicksburg. (��/April Garon)
Vanessa Scott, right, of Richland, earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from �� in Business Management during fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. With her is Laura Barrett, Assessment Center Lab Assistant at the Rankin Campus. (��/April Garon)
Laura Duncan, of Florence, walks across the stage during fall graduation ceremonies Dec. 18, 2019. (��/April Garon)
Dr. Libby Mahaffey carries the mace to lead fall graduation ceremonies at �� Dec. 18, 2019. Mahaffey retired from the college last year after 37 years instructing and leading the Associate Degree Nursing program. (��/April Garon)