May 20, 2021
Spring 2021 retirees at East Central Community College include (top row, from left) Sharon Brooks, guidance counselor at the Philadelphia/Neshoba County Career-Technical Center; Thomas Fortenberry, information systems technology instructor; and Sharon LeJeune-Fisher, biology instructor; (second row, from left) Emilie Smith, administrative assistant for workforce development; Kenneth Thompson, men’s soccer coach; and Michael Tingle, diesel equipment technology instructor; and (bottom row, from left) Ronnie Westbrook, Small Business Development Center director; Shane Williams, criminal justice technology instructor; and Jeannie Vance, administrative assistant to the faculty.
Nine full-time employees retired from East Central Community College in Decatur during the 2020-21 college year, including one in December and one in March. The group represents a combined 164 years total service to the college. They were honored and presented resolutions from the college’s Board of Trustees during a private reception on the Decatur campus.
Spring 2021 retirees include Small Business Development Center Director Ronnie Westbrook, Information Systems Technology Instructor Thomas Fortenberry, Men’s Soccer Coach Kenneth Thompson, Biology Instructor Sharon LeJeune-Fisher, Philadelphia/Neshoba County Career & Technical Center Guidance Counselor Sharon Brooks, Criminal Justice Technology Instructor Shane Williams, and Diesel Equipment Technology Instructor Michael Tingle. Administrative Assistant for Workforce Development Emilie Smith retired in March 2021 and Administrative Assistant to the Faculty Jeannie Vance retired in December 2020.
Westbrook began his career at ECCC in 1994 after previously serving in banking industry. In addition to his duties with the Small Business Development Center, he also taught one year in the Career and Technical Division.
He has received numerous awards and honors including Mississippi Small Business Development Centers (MSBDC) Director/Trainer of the Year, MSBDC State Star, Education Policy Fellowship Program Fellow, and Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence Board Examiner.
Westbrook received an Associate of Arts degree from East Central Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from Mississippi State University.
Fortenberry began his employment at East Central in 1998, after previously serving as district technology coordinator for the Philadelphia Public School District. In addition to his teaching duties, he served as a sponsor for Phi Beta Lambda.
He was selected Career-Technical Advisor of the Year, Lamplighter, Phi Beta Lambda Advisor of the Year and received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award.
Fortenberry received an Associate in Arts degree from East Central Community College, an Associate in Arts degree from Meridian Community College, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Thompson started the ECCC men's soccer program in 1999. He took on the additional duties as head women's soccer coach when that program started in 2005. He coached both squads until a full-time head women's coach was hired in 2012. Prior to his employment at East Central, he served as head soccer coach and mathematics teacher at Newton County High School.
He has led the Warriors to numerous accolades during his long tenure including winning the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference North Division title in 2017 and a share of the title in 2012.
Thompson received an Associate of Arts degree from East Central Community College, and Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Mississippi State University.
LeJeune-Fisher began her employment as biology instructor at the college in 2002 after serving five years as a developmental chemist with Vanity Fair. She has also served stints as a science instructor at Kate Griffin Junior High School and Meridian High School.
She has received numerous honors and awards including Lamplighter, HEADWAE Instructor of the Year, and Academic Instructor of the Year. In addition, she has been a member of various professional organizations including National Science Teachers Association, Mississippi Science Teachers Association, American Biology Teachers Association, and Association of Southeastern Biologists.
LeJeune-Fisher received the Associate of Arts degree from East Mississippi Community College and the Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Educational Specialist degrees from Livingston University (University of West Alabama).
Brooks began her duties as guidance counselor in 2002. Prior to that she served in similar positions with the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility and Leake Academy.
Brooks received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s degree from Mississippi State University.
Williams began his career at East Central in 2018 after serving in various roles in the criminal justice field. In addition to his teaching duties, he was a faculty sponsor for SkillsUSA.
Williams received an Associate of Applied Science degree from Hinds Community College and Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Science degrees from Mississippi College.
Tingle joined the ECCC staff in 2019 after serving as transportation director with the Newton County School System. In addition to his classroom duties, Tingle also served as a faculty advisor for SkillsUSA. He received a certificate in Diesel Mechanics from East Mississippi Community College.
Smith began her career in 1996 after previously serving with the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. V and Mississippi Department of Human Services. She received the Associate of Applied Science degree from East Central Community College.
Vance served since 1996 as administrative assistant to the faculty. She received an Associate in Arts degree from East Central Community College.
