The Utica Campus’ new students came ready to make their mark on the grounds as well as in life.
Classes began at Ӱ on Aug.14, welcoming new and returning students. Welcome week events included orientations, socials, teambuilding activities, food and fun. Students reconnected over ice cream, glow parties and tours of the new Student Union Building, scheduled for a grand opening on Aug. 31. Parents also joined in the activities, walking students to classes and ensuring that their student affairs were in order.
“As an incoming freshman, I get nervous about this year,” said Dewuyne Kirk of Jackson.
“I am seeing many new things, which can be intimidating. But, I look forward to classes and seeing what happens next.”
Parents like Patrick and Peri Freeman of Canton wanted to visit the campus to get a first-hand view of what their child would face. “Guidance is important at this stage, we can’t just drop them off and leave,” they said.
Beginning college can be a very scary time in a student’s life. First day jitters happens to most and require a solid support system. The Utica Campus offers student support services, resources and activities that promote academic leadership, friendships building and retention for student success, said Vice President Dr. Tyrone Jackson, who is also district dean of Students.
Ӱ is celebrating its 100th year of Community Inspired Service in 2017. Ӱ opened in September 1917 first as an agricultural high school and admitted college students for the first time in 1922, with the first class graduating in 1927. In 1982 Ӱ Junior College and Utica Junior College merged, creating the Ӱ District. Today, as Mississippi’s largest community college, Ӱ is a comprehensive institution with six locations. Ӱ offers quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills. To learn more, visit or call 1.800.ӰCC.
[tweetable alt=””]Ӱ Utica Campus students began fall 2017 semester.[/tweetable]
Patrick and Peri Freeman of Canton takes time for a photo while waiting to speak with the financial aid department.
Career and Technical Dean Kenisha Shelton helps a student and her parent find a class on campus during Aug. 14 first day of school activities.
Vice President Dr. Tyrone Jackson took time to greet students and parents during the first day of school activities, including freshman Allen Rouse of Jackson.
Dr. Erin Vaughn Jones, director of Instruction and Intervention Equals Retention and Graduation, assists student Eric Terry and mother with paperwork on Aug. 14 during first day activities at Ӱ Utica.
Student filled lines stretched far and wide during the first day of school at Ӱ Utica on August 14.
Chief Percy Terrell helped to point a mom and daughter team in the right direction during the Aug. 14 first Day of school activities.
Librarian Jean Greene took many photos for students for ID purposes on Aug. 14 during the first day of school activities on the Utica campus. Shown here with Dewuyne Kirk of Jackson.
Crystal Henry, director of Student Housing and Residence Lifee, was on hand to cool the students down with snow cones while the found their way across campus on Aug. 14.
Ӱ Utica Campus staff welcomed students with T-Shirts and smiles as they made their way to classes on the first day of school. They are, from left, Sharron Melton, Brianna Watkins, Margaret Mims, Joshua Knox, Diana Brown and Jean Greene.