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Achieving The Dream

East Mississippi Community College has joined the 2021 cohort of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a network of more than  300 colleges in 45 states and the District of Columbia dedicated to improving student success. 
As a network institution, EMCC will work to improve equitable outcomes for students, bolster student retention and completion, and expand holistic supports to meet students’ evolving needs. EMCC is one of five community colleges joining thecohort in fall 2021.

“We are excited about this opportunity to join the Achieving the Dream network,” EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks said. “We are committed to ensuring all of our students are equipped with the tools they need to excel in college and achieve academic success. We are looking forward to working with Achieving the Dream to identify and dismantle educational barriers and to address any institutional inequities that may contribute to individual student achievement gaps.”
The colleges are joining ATD after the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the nation’s health and economic inequalities and the resulting economic fallout disproportionally hit working class families and racially minoritized communities, according to an agency press release. “Colleges that partner with ATD must be both aspirational in how they engage change and be willing to take a hard look at where theyare falling short,” ATD President and CEO Dr. Karen A. Stout said. “For ATD, that begins with centering equity within our institutions, understanding our students and their lived experiences, and tearing down structures and policies that are barriers, especially for racially marginalized students.”
EMCC and the other four institutions will partner with ATD over the next three years to expand the use of best practices for student success and equity, receive guidance in transforming to a student-centered institution and build a culture of data to identify barriers to student success, using qualitative and quantitative evidence to drive changes in policies and practices across the institution, the ADT press release states.

Initiative Co-Leaders: 
Dr. James Rush, Vice President of Instruction
jrush@eastms.edu

Mrs. Susan Baird, Dean of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, Grants, and Sponsored Programs
sbaird@eastms.edu

 

Student Success Vision Statement

EMCC commits to fostering an equitable learning environment that equips students with knowledge for personal and career success by promoting self-advocacy to overcome personal barriers.

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Aspen Helms

2024 - 2025 Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Homecoming Maid, Phi Theta Kappa member, Business Administration, 2025 Graduate

"East Mississippi Community College truly feels like home. The community here is very close, creating an environment where everyone supports one another. East Mississippi is not only a place to build meaningful connections, but also a place to build a strong foundation for your future."

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Ciarria King

Ambassador, Band, PTK, PTK Officer, SGA President, Color Guard, Miss EMCC

"I chose EMCC because I wanted a college that offered not just an education but also a community. The school's reputation for academic excellence, leadership development and student engagement made it an easy choice. From Phi Theta Kappa to Student Government, band, and choir EMCC provided countless ways to get involved. The welcoming atmosphere and dedicated faculty made me feel at home from the very start. I knew this was a place where I could challenge myself, grow, and make lasing connections. EMCC wasn't just a step in my journey; it became a defining chapter in my life."

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Anna Borst

2024 Ambassador President GT, Homecoming Queen, PTK VP for Fellowship, SGA VP, NSLS Member, Graduate of Class of 2025

"East Mississippi Community College has provided an exceptional foundation for my academic and personal growth. The professors' dedication has fostered my development into a stronger student. EMCC offered numerous opportunities for me to excel, both in academics and extracurricular activities. Here, I've built incredible friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. The knowledge I gained and the memories I made at EMCC will forever be a part of me when I embark on my journey to a four-year college."

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Shakyra Mullen

First Generation College Student, Ambassador President, Orientation Leader, Homecoming Queen GT Campus, SGA President GT Campus, Class of 2026

"Being a First Generation student was quite difficult to get used to. After a while it became a light breeze due to my advisor being supportive and helping as I went through the process. Additionally, being a first generation student at EMCC hasn't been the easiest, but my load feels lighter due to the most supportive advising team and staff here on the Mayhew Campus"

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Madison McCarter

2024 Graduate - SGA President GT Campus, PTK Regional VP of Mississippi and Louisiana, VP Ambassadors GT Campus

"EMCC isn't just a place to learn, it's home. Passionate instructors around every corner offered an opportunity to grow. Remember - there's a whole community invested in your success."

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Ashley Perrigin

EMCC Ambassador Class of 2024

"I love East Mississippi Community College for many different reasons. There are ample ways to get involved with the school, which is a great way to make new friends."

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Madelynne Goodson

Graduate 2024 - Ambassador President, SGA Treasurer, Phi Theta Kappa VP of PR

"East Mississippi Community College has been an incredible launching pad for my future! I'm so grateful for the knowledge and experiences I've gained here!"