November 18, 2025
East Central Community College celebrated a milestone in academic innovation on Monday, November 17, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Randy J. Cleveland Innovation Lab, a completely redesigned instructional wing located on the second floor of Newton Hall.
Funded through a transformative gift from Randy J. Cleveland, class of 1981, and his wife, Nina, the new space represents a major investment in collaborative, technology-driven learning environments and supports the college’s Deeply Rooted, Future Focused capital campaign.
The renovation includes two modern, open-concept classrooms intentionally designed to promote collaboration, discussion, project-based learning, and team-centered problem-solving. Each room features flexible seating, interactive work areas, integrated presentation technology, and multiple digital screens that allow students to cast content wirelessly from personal devices, creating a shared digital workspace that mirrors modern industry and engineering environments.
“This innovation lab embodies the future of how students learn, communicate, and prepare for success,” said ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory. “Our students deserve learning spaces that reflect real-world expectations—spaces that encourage creativity, teamwork, and the ability to think beyond a traditional classroom. We are grateful to Randy and Nina Cleveland for believing in the mission and future of East Central Community College.”
Cleveland, a distinguished engineer and retired senior executive of ExxonMobil, reflected during the ceremony on how his experience at East Central shaped his career path.
“When Nina and I heard about the college’s first capital campaign, it immediately felt right to be part of it,” Cleveland said. “It was 45 years ago that I was sitting in this very building – probably taking a differential equations exam in my pre-engineering courses during my two wonderful years at East Central. My time here really set the foundation for Nina and me to spend 35 years at ExxonMobil, and we want to encourage students to find their passion and pursue that passion...I hope this innovation lab creates a space and environment where students and faculty can establish relationships, have face-to-face discussions, and learn how to deal with conflict. We want this facility to enhance communication and collaboration and ultimately bring better solutions.”
The innovation lab represents one of the major facility milestones tied to the Deeply Rooted, Future Focused campaign, focused on enhancing instructional spaces, expanding workforce opportunities, and modernizing campus learning environments.
Following remarks, East Central leadership, guests, students, and alumni participated in a ribbon-cutting and self-guided tours of the renovated space.
About Randy J. Cleveland
Randy J. Cleveland is a 1981 graduate of East Central Community College and earned his degree in petroleum engineering from Mississippi State University. He joined Exxon in 1984 and built a distinguished 35-year career in global energy leadership, operations, and organizational management, serving in multiple technical and executive roles across the U.S. and Europe. Cleveland held senior leadership positions in New Orleans, Houston, Aberdeen, and London, including oversight of large-scale production operations and strategic planning initiatives. Following the merger of Exxon and Mobil, he continued to expand his leadership impact and later played an integral role in the integration of XTO Energy into ExxonMobil. Cleveland retired in 2019 after serving as Vice President Americas for ExxonMobil Production Company. He and his wife, Nina, remain strong advocates and supporters of higher education and student opportunity.
