Page 242 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2023

FINAL SAY
DR. MARY S.
GRAHAM President, Mississippi Gulf
Coast Community College
As I reflect on the journey that Mississippi Gulf Coast Com- munity College (MGCCC) has embarked upon, I am immense- ly proud to share a remarkable achievement that affirms our commitment to driving shared prosperity and transforming lives. Our college’s recognition in the groundbreaking book, America’s Hidden Economic Engines: How Community Colleges Can Drive Shared Prosperity, is a testament to our goal of helping improve the eco- nomic landscape of South Mississippi and beyond.
Harvard University’s comprehensive study has cast a spotlight on five community colleges, including MGCCC, as catalysts for economic growth and champions of equality. This acknowl- edgement is not only an honor for us but an embodiment of our mission to offer world-class workforce training and partner closely with industries to ensure our programs align with the needs of employers.
As we stand among these distinguished institutions, I am hum- bled by the potential we possess to foster equitable economic advancement. Our collaborations with regional partners, both public and private, have driven us to new heights, resulting in initiatives that prioritize the economic mobility and success of our students. It is through these partnerships that we pave path- ways to rewarding careers and empower individuals to achieve their dreams.
The profound impact of MGCCC’s policies, practices, and leadership behaviors is illuminated through this book’s case studies. We have embraced the vision of becoming an essential player in our region’s economic development ecosystem. Our commitment to providing relevant, industry-tailored training and our unwavering dedication to partnering with employers and community stakeholders have been instrumental in propel- ling us and our communities forward.
The recognition from Harvard’s Project on Workforce under-
scores our significance in the broader landscape of U.S. work- force development. We are proud to be an exemplary institution, one that showcases the true potential of community colleges
in promoting economic growth and diminishing inequality.
Our graduates emerge not only with skills that are sought after by employers, but with a sense of empowerment that ripples through families and communities, elevating society as a whole.
This accomplishment is a collective victory, a realization of the aspirations we have tirelessly pursued. The pages of America’s Hidden Economic Engines resonate with our journey, reflecting the impact we make and the legacy we build. As MGCCC continues to lead the way in equipping individuals with tools for success, I am inspired by the profound difference we create – one student, one opportunity at a time.
242 | September 2023
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