�²�� grads ready for the next step

PEARL – Linda Taylor, 64, of Jackson is retired and already had a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University.

But she decided to use her military benefits and come back to �²�� for an associate degree in child development technology. She graduated from �²�� on May 13. “It’s something I always wanted to do,” she said.

Linda Taylor, 64, of Jackson, lines up before the ceremony.

The Honors program at �²��’ Raymond Campus was a perfect fit for Thomas Dylan Ware of Byram.

“It was great,” he said of his experience at �²��. “It was enjoyable. What made it enjoyable was the Honors program. I got to know people,” he said.

Ware’s next step is nursing school at Mississippi College.

Ware graduated from �²�� on May 13.

They were among Nearly 1,000 students who participated in one of the four ceremonies, including students eligible to participate in previous ceremonies cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, �²�� graduated 1,761 students.

�²�� held three graduation ceremonies on Thursday, May 13 at the Rankin Campus and a fourth ceremony on Saturday, May 15 at the Utica Campus. All four ceremonies were for graduates only. Family and friends were able to view the ceremonies via livestreaming.

Thomas Dylan Ware of Byram graduated from �²�� on May 13. He is with his parents, dad Bobby, left, and mom Leigh.
Daiqwan Littles of Hazlehurst plans to major in engineering at Mississippi State University after graduating from �²�� on May 13.
Bayleigh Morgan of Florence, left, April Skaggs of Brandon, Bethany Martin of Brandon and Ashlyn Martin of Brandon were classmates on the Rankin Campus of �²��. They graduated from �²�� on May 13.
Meriah Parker of Byram decorated her mortar board with “Next stop nursing school” in honor of her May 13 graduation from �²��. She will attend �²�� nursing school.
Jaylen Patrick of Canton studied psychology at �²�� He graduated from �²�� on May 13. His next step is a psychology major with a criminal justice minor at the University of Southern Mississippi, with the ultimate goal of becoming an FBI profiler.
Jeanine Pippins of Jackson, right, got a little help from Latosha Travis of Jackson getting ready for graduation. Both graduated from �²�� on May 13. Pippins received a degree in medical data technology; Travis, medical billing.
Ashton Reynolds of Byram is headed to Tougaloo College for a major in pre-med biology after graduating from �²�� on May 13. He is with mom Arnetter Reynolds.
Michael Soldevila of Clarksdale received three credentials in diesel technology at graduation from �²�� on May 13.
Oliver Spann of Jackson is ready to look for a broadcasting technology job after graduating from �²�� on May 13.
�²�� employee Aletha Massey helps Shreya Surti of Vicksburg get ready for graduation. Surti graduated magna cum laude from on May 13. She plans to major in marketing at the University of Mississippi.
Kathryn Cole, left, dean of Enrollment Services, congratulates Jonathan Washington of Clinton, who graduated from �²�� on May 13. His next step is Mississippi State University for a communications major.
Caleb Wilson of Vicksburg, center, graduated from �²�� on May 13. He is with family, from left, Tracy Wilson, Arrina Patton, Candace Wilson and Arthur Wilson.