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Dorothy Jones, of Vicksburg, already works from home in graphic design but wants to build her skills to grow her business.

“I did an online degree previously, but it was in psychology and not at ��«Ӱҵ,” said Jones, 42. “I wanted to come back to school so I can expand my skills doing design.”

Dorothy Jones, right, finds out about needed books and materials during her first day of class Aug. 16.

Classes at ��«Ӱҵ began Aug. 16 for face-to-face instruction. Online classes begin Aug. 23. Sessions on campus are operating under the college’s plan for safety protocols in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Those involve wearing masks or face coverings, distancing procedures and regular cleaning and sanitizing facilities.

Students on campus for the first time – many fresh out of high school – found help from ��«Ӱҵ staff locating buildings where their classes met.

“I’m undecided exactly what I want to do, but I know I want to have my own business after college,” said Candise Walker, among the many new residents to Raymond thanks to residence life at ��«Ӱҵ.

Kendall Simpson, left, and Mary Thompson, both of Brandon.

Entrepreneurship down the road in life was also on the minds of barbering students Kendall Simpson and Mary Thompson, both of Brandon.

“I’d like to have my own hairdressing shop – but maybe in 10 years,” Thompson said as they perused school supplies in the campus bookstore.