ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ

Published October 10, 2024

ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Rankin Campus building dedication to honor alumnus

By: Cathy Hayden

PEARL – The Administration Building at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Rankin Campus will become the Irl Dean Rhodes Building during a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Oct. 28.

A Rankin County native, Rhodes is a ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ alumnus. He was named Mr. ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ in 1956 and worked in the college’s public relations office while he was still a student.

He first served as the executive manager of the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce and was then elected to serve in the Mississippi Legislature in 1960 at the age of 22. In 1964 he was elected Rankin County Chancery Clerk, a position he held for 24 years.

He was a driving force, along with others, in navigating the political landscape in Rankin County to help establish what was then the Rankin branch of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. He is one of the charter members of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Foundation and continues to contribute annually.

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With six campuses in central Mississippi, ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.

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

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

Our Values: ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit or call 1.800.ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñCC.