June 29, 2026

By Reese Allen

Construction is underway on a nearly $2.5 million student housing project at East Mississippi Community College’s Scooba campus, where two new apartment buildings are being built.

The project will add 24 beds to campus housing. The first apartment building will include 16 beds, consisting of eight beds each on the lower and upper floors. The second building will include eight beds with four on each level. Each room will house two students, and each unit will include a shared kitchen and common living area. A new parking area will be added north of the apartments.

EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks said the new apartment-style residence halls reflect EMCC's continued commitment to enhancing the student experience.

“These modern residential facilities will enhance the student experience by offering safe, comfortable, and contemporary accommodations while fostering a strong sense of community and engagement on our Scooba campus,” Alsobrooks said. “This investment demonstrates our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our students and ensuring that EMCC remains well-positioned to serve future generations."

The new apartments are being developed to provide students with an additional housing option that offers a more independent living experience while still allowing them to remain engaged in campus life, college officials said.

"These new apartments are more than just additional housing; they are an investment in student success,” said Associate Dean of Students and Housing Director LaPari Morant. “They will provide students with greater housing options, foster a stronger sense of community, and enhance the overall campus experience.”

The apartments are intended to help meet the growing housing needs of students while providing a comfortable, modern living environment that supports student success.

“By continuing to grow and improve our residential offerings, we are creating an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom,” Morant said.

EMCC’s District Director of Facilities Planning and Management Kyle Younger said the new apartments will help take pressure off existing housing like the cottages and Gilbert Anderson Hall.

“Renovations to Gilbert Anderson Hall are set to begin in the new calendar year, so having these additional beds available will be key to creating space to get that project underway,” Younger said.

At this time, a final decision has not been made regarding specific eligibility requirements for students who wish to live in the new apartments. Additional information regarding eligibility requirements and resident expectations will be shared once those decisions have been finalized.

The tentative completion date is the end of December 2026.