<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Mississippi\u2019s Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) launched the statewide initiative, Complete 2 Compete (C2C), to encourage adult learners to return to college and complete degrees.<\/p>\n
The program focuses on adults who have accumulated hours towards a college diploma but have not finished a baccalaureate degree.<\/p>\n
Since the C2C launch, Dr. Karen Bell, Delta State University\u2019s C2C coach, has been working with 142 C2C leads (applicants). At Delta State’s commencement ceremonies on Saturday, 14 of the program participants reaped the benefits of graduation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are excited to have our first graduates in the new adult degree completion program, Complete 2 Compete,\u201d said Bell. \u201cThis program is a great opportunity for students who have been out of school at least two years and have completed 90 hours to reconnect and finish their degree.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving a college degree makes a real difference for many people, and we want to help adults earn their degree,\u201d said Dr. Charles McAdams, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Delta State.<\/p>\n
Through this initiative, Randa Hitchcock will receive the new bachelor\u2019s in general studies and finish what she started.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important for me to show my daughter, as well as others, that no matter what life may throw at you, you can accomplish anything you set out to do,\u201d said Hitchcock. \u201cIt is important not to give up on a dream, and completing my degree was a dream of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s graduating class includes:<\/p>\n
Ashley Bobo
\nKeir Davis
\nChelsey Dunn
\nDana Floyd
\nJudy Haney
\nRanda Hitchcock
\nMarilyn James
\nJon McKinney
\nPhillip Sarullo
\nPaul Scott
\nKeisha Thompson
\nJeremy Weaver
\nJoshua Williams
\nSandra Williams<\/p>\n
\u201cI plan on using the degree to build a better career,\u201d said Jones. \u201cI will be entering the Master of Arts Teaching program, and I could not do this without the BS degree.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI plan to use this degree to motivate me to finish what I started,\u201d said Bobo. \u201cI\u2019ve never been more grateful for this opportunity. This is just the first step in my educational journey, and I plan to get my masters as well.\u201d<\/p>\n