Aug. 12, 2025 – Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) President Dr. Michael Heindl says the college is growing, expanding its programs, and deepening its role as an economic driver for the region. Speaking Tuesday to the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Luncheon, Heindl detailed new facilities, rising enrollment, and the school’s continued success in academics, athletics, and workforce training.

Serving 11 counties and 7,800 credit students last year, NWCC is the third-largest community college in Mississippi. The college is aiming to enroll at least 8,000 students this year — continuing a streak of 11 consecutive semesters of enrollment growth.

Scholarships and University Partnerships

NWCC offers scholarships starting at an ACT score of 20, with full tuition awarded for scores of 24 to 27 and full tuition plus room and board for 28 and above. The school maintains strong transfer partnerships with universities including Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Delta State, Jackson State, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

New Ranger Center in DeSoto County

One of the biggest developments is the new Ranger Center on Church Road in Southaven, home to the Registered Nursing program, Practical Nursing program, and a new Commercial Electrical program. The center also provides flexible workforce training space, a regional testing center, and a community meeting facility.

Academic and Career Programs

Popular academic programs include general college studies, business, and education, while career and technical tracks such as industrial electrical, precision manufacturing, and health sciences are seeing strong demand. NWCC awarded 2,226 degrees last year, with 84% of graduates staying in Mississippi to work or continue their education.

Economic Impact

A statewide study found Mississippi’s community colleges generate $2 billion in total economic impact. For every dollar invested by taxpayers, NWCC returns three dollars in income to the state economy.

Athletics and Student Achievement

NWCC competes in 14 intercollegiate sports and has seen national success in cheer, dance, women’s soccer, and rodeo. The women’s soccer team won its first-ever national championship last year, and the football team posted the highest GPA in the nation among community college football programs.

Heindl said NWCC’s mission remains focused on transforming students’ lives, enriching communities, and preparing a skilled workforce.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Northwest Ranger,” he told attendees. “We’re growing, innovating, and making a difference right here in our community.”

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Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert stopped by WDIO on Tuesday, August 12, to promote voters get out for the Minnesota Municipal Primary Election, which includes primaries in Duluth City Council races and the Duluth School Board.

“This is small ‘d’ democracy. You know, this is where we maybe restore faith and trust in the in the democratic form of government,” said Mayor Reinert. “I mean these are our friends and neighbors who are willing to step forward and serve in the City Council, serve on the school board—they are likely people you know or somebody you know does.”

Mayor Reinert voiced an admiration for everyone who got their names on the ballot for this election.

“I will just say this is a really tough time to serve. You know, we are seeing more really sharp critical personal kind of comments especially in the online world and, so you know, anyone who is willing to step forward and say I’m willing to try and help do this work I think should be applauded.”

Reinert continued that the city councilors, specifically, are going to be facing some tough challenges ahead, including playing their part in balancing the budget with a $7.2 million deficit. He also highlighted the critical housing shortage at all of our income levels and the continuing need to grow the tax base so that the city can be more less dependent on state and federal funds for its needs.

“People continue to have that conversation about those core city services that we’re all concerned about— the condition of our streets, the, you know, almost hundred-year average age of our water and sewer infrastructure, taxes, of course, [and] even with a 0% levy last year, property taxes still can continue to be something that’s a challenge for a lot of Duluth residents.”

The Mayor also said one of the big issues he’d personally like the Council to address, is the future of Lester Park Golf Course.

“We continue to have this big piece of property sit. We now had a working group that spent all last year coming up with some elements that need to be [put] in a path moving forward –green space golf, connecting trails ,some food and beverage options, and of course another great opportunity for housing.”

During his interview, Mayor Reinert also applauded the City Council’s recent selection of Deb DeLuca as an interim City Councilor for District 2.

“With Deb DeLuca, you have somebody who is an eminently qualified leader — a career of public service, most recently, of course ,leading the port and the port has been firing on all cylinders. You have somebody who understands public –who understands government –who understands budgets.”

RELATED: Deb DeLuca selected to fill District 2 Duluth City Council seat