Tiger Talk Podcast by Northeast Mississippi Community College · Michael H. Miller, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Liz Calvery

TigerTalk 393 04/01/2026

April 1, 2026·12 min·1 clip

Northeast's iPad program and open textbooks have saved students over $7 million, cutting textbook costs from $214 to $22.

The episode opens with President Dr. Ricky Ford and host Liz Calvary welcoming listeners to Tiger Talk. President Ford addresses how Northeast supports students uncertain about college, emphasizing approximately 90 programs of study including Associate of Arts and Applied Science degrees. He details the one-to-one iPad initiative ensuring technology access and the use of open educational resources, which reduced average textbook costs from $214 to $22, saving students over $7 million. The Student Success Center is described with three pillars: academic advising, success coaching, and counseling for mental health and career exploration. The Tiger Apprenticeship Program connects over 75 students with local industries. Campus news updates include a congressional arts show on April 2nd and the Winter Guard State Championship on April 4th. The Art Department reports two students won photography awards at a state competition. Northeast is named a 2026 Most Promising Place to Work in Community Colleges, recognized for inclusive workplace culture. The 2026 Student Hall of Fame class includes six students like Peyton Hodge and Riley Morrow. EMT students received hands-on training with Padford Medical Services. Six employees were honored as 2026 NAZI Excellence Award recipients. NASAD upgraded online student accounts for easier payment processes. Job postings include assistant athletic trainer and Corinth campus director. Retirees for 2026 are acknowledged, including A. Freda Shelley and Robbie Jones. Kayla Rogers defended her doctoral dissertation on generative learning in STEM. The library offers extended hours during finals week. Athletic updates cover golf, baseball, and softball results. Orientation sessions for high schools are ongoing. Technology for tap-based attendance tracking using digital IDs is being explored. Renovations for Seth Pounds Auditorium and tennis courts converted for pickleball are mentioned. Events include an employee luncheon and Phi Theta Kappa receiving national awards. The episode concludes with contact information for Northeast.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Tiger Talk Podcast by Northeast Mississippi Community College