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

TigerTalk 394 04/07/2026

April 7, 2026·12 min·1 clip

President Dr. Ricky Ford reveals the hidden decisions that shape every student's day at Northeast Mississippi Community College.

The episode begins with an introduction to Tiger Talk, the official podcast of Northeast Mississippi Community College, hosted by President Dr. Ricky Ford and Liz Calvary. Calvary asks Ford about decisions he makes as president that students may never see but that impact their experience daily. Ford explains that many decisions are invisible to students and employees but significantly affect their lives. He lists several key areas: resource allocation for technology and mental health services, faculty hiring practices to ensure quality teaching, policy development for academic integrity and safety, long-term strategic planning for curriculum updates, community partnerships for internships, support programs for underrepresented students, crisis management like the COVID response, and cultural initiatives for diversity. Ford notes that while many decisions are handled behind the scenes, important ones are communicated to be inclusive. The conversation then shifts to a news update, where Ford details upcoming events and announcements. This includes a program review for the IT department and other areas, a Tiger Band Showcase on April 7th, a Student Art Awards program on April 9th, and various tryouts and sports events. New hires are announced, such as Dr. Paige Pennington as director of the Dental Hygiene Technology Program and Dr. Emily Pollard as division head for Behavioral and Social Science. Retirements of eight employees are noted, including Alfredo Shelley and Robbie Jones. Additional updates cover a blood drive, softball and baseball schedules, a zero-cost CNC machining class in partnership with America's Cutting Edge sponsored by the Department of Defense, summer camps for students, lifeguard hiring, and athletic achievements like Mania Kirksey's All-America honor. The episode concludes with thanks to employees and a promotional call to action for listeners to contact the college.

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