East Central Community College, located in Decatur, Mississippi, is a community college that thrives on academic excellence. During the Fall semester of 2004, the college set a new record enrollment of 2,739 students. Serving its five-county district consisting of Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Scott, and Winston counties, East Central offers a variety of programs at a minimum cost.

Vision

East Central Community College is committed to providing educational opportunities and services to assist individuals in meeting their goals for life and work.

Mission Statement

1. To develop and sustain partnerships with community, business, and industry in order to promote economic development of the community and to facilitate the educational and career goals of the student.
   
2. To provide quality instructional programs that prepare students to continue their education, enter the workforce, or update skills.
   
3. To enhance and nurture diverse student populations by providing cultural, educational, and recreational experiences for students and communities.
   
4. To improve community life by offering programs and activities for personal and professions development.
   
5. To provide accessible instruction through a variety of instructional methods including distance learning and the traditional classroom.
   
6. To promote accountability for establishing standards for students, instructors, staff, and administration.
   
7. To provide a diverse academic experience by offering instruction that meets the needs of all levels of learners.
   
8. To provide and maintain a clean, safe, functional environment for working and learning.
   
9. To provide guidance, counseling, and other student services to aid students in the attainment of personal, educational, and occupational goals.

In 1928 the Legislature of the State of Mississippi adopted the first basic laws for the organization and operation of Mississippi public junior colleges. East Central Community College opened its doors to a freshman class of twenty students for the first regular session in September of 1928.

The college occupied buildings that were a part of the Newton County Agricultural High School, which had been organized in 1914. The Agricultural High School was located on property belonging to the Decatur Municipal School District, which had been created in 1912. The upper high school grades which comprised the Newton County Agricultural High School were a part of the college until 1958 when they joined the Decatur Attendance Center.

In March of 1939, East Central Junior College was accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It has been reaffirmed each decade since. The college holds membership in the Mississippi Association of Colleges, the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges. Originally the institution was supported by three counties Newton, Neshoba and Scott. Later they were joined by Leake and Winston.

From the two members of the original faculty of East Central Community College, Mrs. W.W. Newsome and Mr. Robert Marshall, the number of administrators, faculty, and professional staff employed by the college has increased to 128 for the current year. Since its founding, six presidents have served the institution.

For more information about East Central, call or write.

East Central Community
College P.O. Box 129
Decatur, MS 39327

Phone: 601. 635.2111
Toll Free: 1.877.GO.2.ECCC (462.3222)

College President- Dr. Phil A. Sutphin

E-mail us -- Joe Killens, Vice President of Student Services