March 23, 2026
East Central Community College (ECCC) officially marked the completion of its new nursing facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on campus, celebrating an important investment in healthcare education and workforce development in east central Mississippi.
The $2 million, nearly 3,500-square-foot facility, located on the Decatur campus, was constructed using funds made available through AccelerateMS. The building is designed to support the college’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program with a modern classroom, labs, faculty offices, and a faculty support room.
“This is a significant moment for East Central and the students we serve,” said ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory. “This facility strengthens our ability to provide high-quality healthcare education and ensures that we are continuing to meet workforce needs across our district and the surrounding area. We are grateful for the investment that made this possible and excited about the opportunities it creates for our students and communities.”
The new building will allow ECCC to increase enrollment in its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program, with the next cohort set to accommodate 10 additional students beginning this fall. In addition, the relocation of LPN classes has created more space in the existing Dr. Phil A. Sutphin Nursing Building, providing increased flexibility for Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) courses and supporting the college’s Weekend Warrior program for working students.
The project reflects the strong partnership between ECCC and AccelerateMS, whose support was instrumental in bringing the facility to life. Through this collaboration, the college is better positioned to respond to workforce demands and expand access to training in high-need healthcare fields.
“This investment goes beyond a new facility—it expands opportunity and strengthens Mississippi’s healthcare workforce by increasing LPN capacity, enabling East Central to train more nurses efficiently,” said AccelerateMS Executive Director Dr. Courtney Taylor. “The updated facility layout—including a large classroom, a lab, and office space—creates a dedicated PN program area that will improve instructional quality and accelerate workforce impact in the years ahead.”
“We could not have completed this project without the support of AccelerateMS,” said Gregory. “Their commitment to workforce development across Mississippi is making a real difference, and this facility is a direct result of that shared vision.”
With the building now fully operational, ECCC continues to expand its role in preparing the next generation of nurses and strengthening the healthcare workforce in east central Mississippi.
