Forrest Davis is getting in on the ground floor of an in-demand career thanks to «Ӱҵ.
“I chose the Logistics Technology program because I want to manage my own factory someday,” Davis said just before walking across the stage for fall commencement. “Every day, I see something on the news about the supply chain and shortages.”
Forrest Davis, of Jackson, earned an associate in applied science degree through the Logistics Technology program.
Davis, 22, of Jackson, was among students who participated in one of three ceremonies held Dec. 15 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. «Ӱҵ graduated 826 students, with 1,150 credentials issued overall as many students earned more than one credential.
In total, 148 graduated cum laude with a grade point average of 3.2 to 3.59; 94 graduated magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.6 to 3.99 and 117 graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 4.0.
“The power of education is that it drives our vision for a better life,” «Ӱҵ President Dr. Stephen Vacik said in remarks to graduates. “Our vision as an institution is that «Ӱҵ will serve as a catalyst to create a compelling culture – right here in Mississippi.”
Speaking before academic and career and technical graduates at the 11 a.m. ceremony was student Michael Griffith, of Magee, who earned an associate degree in Commercial Aviation. Griffith used some of the language of aviators to inspire fellow graduates to continue pursuing their career goals.
From left, Michael Griffith, «Ӱҵ President Dr. Stephen Vacik and Tito Campbell before ceremonies began. Griffith delivered the address to graduates. Campbell delivered the prayer to begin the 11 a.m. ceremony.
“You will make mistakes, but by trusting your instruments and having the discipline and resiliency to give it your all, you can hold your head high,” Griffith said.
Several career and technical graduates found work as they continued studying for their degree.
“I’m already working at a car dealership as I went through the Automotive Technology program,” said Kaleb Troy Britt, of Vicksburg, also among the college’s magna cum laude graduates.
Kaleb Troy Britt, of Vicksburg, was among more than 800 graduates during fall ceremonies at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. He earned a Technical Certificate in Automotive Technology.
Porcha Kimble, of Clinton, has a job with a company that does medical billing, but now her credential in the field will help build a career.
Porcha Kimble, of Clinton, shares a moment with her husband, Michael, after fall graduation ceremonies at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus.
“This will help me advance with them now,” Kimble said, holding her diploma in Health Information Technology with her mother, Ivory Gardner, and husband, Michael Kimble.
Veronica Howard, of Madison, returned to school recently and by next summer, when she earns a second «Ӱҵ degree, in Nursing, she will have turned 61.
Veronica Howard, of Madison, holds her diploma with her mother, Shirley, during fall graduation ceremonies at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus.
“My mother is a nurse and she has been an inspiration for me,” Howard said.
Destiny Cox and her boyfriend, Luke Freeman, both of Raymond, embrace after the 11 a.m. ceremony.
Erianna Gibbs, of Vicksburg, also Miss «Ӱҵ 2022, holds a bouquet of flowers following the 11 a.m. ceremony.
From left, Alphonso Johnson, of Jackson, Brandon King, of Ruleville, Rikia Jackson, of Canton, Hunter Jenkins, of Meridian, Michael Judson, of Pearl, Amberli Jones, of Jackson and Devin Jackson, of Flowood.
Gary Fox, Academic Dean at the Rankin Campus, read names of graduates at the 11 a.m. ceremony.
Abby Echavarria, of Clinton, celebrates her degree surrounded by balloons.
Josh Bower, Dean of Agriculture and Transportation programs, was mace bearer for the 11 a.m. ceremony.
From left, Andrea Janoush, Sherry Bellmon, Randall Harris, Dr. Stephen Vacik, Dr. Vic Parker, Renee Cotton, Dr. Keri Cole, Marvin Moak
Amanda George, of Vicksburg, earned two associate degrees, including an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.
