Podcasts about alums

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how student feedback shapes leadership on campus. Ford reflects on a key lesson he has learned from listening to students and how their input plays a part in guiding tough decisions. He points out that colleges must adjust their expectations as each new group of students arrives with different needs and priorities. Their conversation includes Ford's take on the familiar phrase “Back when I was in college,” and why educators cannot rely on what worked years ago. He explains that meeting today's students where they are means building programs and services that fit a new generation's outlook. A major topic in the episode is technology and its role in modern education. Ford highlights Northeast's progress in this area and notes that other institutions often look to the college as they work to strengthen their own technology efforts. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery discuss how the college helps students get ready for life beyond campus. Ford explains that preparation begins well before graduation and continues as students step away from the City of Hospitality and into the wider world. Their discussion covers how Northeast supports students heading into the workforce, transferring to a four-year college or university or joining the United States military. Ford also points out that the college aims to give students the skills to manage college pressures while building habits that carry into everyday life. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

This Day in Legal History: Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990On November 12, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 into law, enacting one of the most ambitious environmental regulatory packages in U.S. history. The amendments addressed a broad range of air quality concerns, including acid rain, smog in urban areas, and emissions of hazardous air pollutants. At the time, the legislation was notable for its bipartisan support and its embrace of both traditional regulation and market-based solutions. Among its most innovative features was the introduction of a cap-and-trade program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, the primary cause of acid rain. This program placed a national cap on emissions and allowed utilities to buy and sell allowances, incentivizing the adoption of cleaner technologies and practices.The legislation also directed the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate 189 toxic air pollutants, a massive expansion from the original eight. It required cleaner gasoline in high-pollution areas and set deadlines for phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals. States were mandated to submit detailed plans for meeting federal air quality standards, significantly increasing local accountability. The law established a new operating permit system for major sources of air pollution, centralizing compliance efforts. It also increased civil and criminal penalties for violators and expanded the public's right to sue polluters and the government for non-enforcement.The amendments reflected growing public concern about environmental degradation and represented a turning point in how the federal government approached pollution control. By pairing stricter standards with economic incentives, the 1990 law helped redefine regulatory strategy in environmental law.The U.S. Supreme Court extended a temporary pause on a lower court order that would have required the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. The administration is currently withholding approximately $4 billion from the program, which supports 42 million low-income Americans. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who initially granted the pause, stated she would have denied the request to extend it further. The pause is now set to expire Thursday, though an end to the shutdown could render the legal fight moot. Meanwhile, the Senate has approved a bipartisan bill to end the shutdown, which has become the longest in U.S. history. The lapse in SNAP funding marks the first such disruption in the program's six-decade existence, prompting recipients to rely on food pantries and cut back on essential expenses like medications.US Supreme Court extends pause on order requiring Trump to fully fund food aid | ReutersThree former senior enforcement officials from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have launched a new legal initiative aimed at holding corporations accountable in the absence of federal action. The project, backed by the advocacy group Protect Borrowers, will focus on bringing strategic lawsuits against companies accused of exploiting consumers, workers, and small businesses. The team—Eric Halperin, Cara Petersen, and Tara Mikkilineni—previously held top roles at the CFPB before it was effectively sidelined by the Trump administration.The CFPB's enforcement and supervision functions were largely dismantled this year, leaving a vacuum in consumer protection at the federal level. In response, consumer advocates and state officials have begun stepping in to fill the enforcement gap. Halperin emphasized that rising corporate profits alongside deepening financial stress for ordinary Americans is no coincidence, pointing to a lack of oversight that enables corporate misconduct to go unchecked.Former top enforcers at US watchdog join project to bring pro-consumer lawsuits | ReutersThe NCAA has agreed to a $303 million settlement to resolve claims from over 7,700 current and former Division I coaches who say they were illegally denied pay under a now-repealed policy that barred compensation for so-called “volunteer” coaches in all sports except baseball. Filed in federal court in Sacramento, the proposed class action settlement still requires approval from U.S. District Judge William Shubb. If approved, no coach will receive less than $5,000, with average payouts expected to be around $39,260 before fees, and some six-figure awards anticipated.The plaintiffs argued the NCAA and its member schools violated antitrust laws by maintaining the compensation ban, a rule repealed in 2023. The NCAA denies wrongdoing but said the deal provides “certainty and clarity.” The lawyers representing the coaches plan to seek up to 30% of the settlement—around $90.9 million—in legal fees. This case follows a $49 million NCAA settlement with baseball coaches over similar claims and comes amid broader legal pressure on the NCAA, including a pending $2.8 billion settlement allowing schools to pay student-athletes directly.NCAA agrees to $303 million settlement with unpaid college coaches | ReutersMy column for Bloomberg this week looks at Mexico's latest attempt to crack down on value-added tax (VAT) invoice fraud—and why it misses the mark. The new measure shifts enforcement burdens onto digital platforms like Amazon and eBay, criminalizing them for fraud they are neither equipped nor authorized to detect. Instead of building a real-time fiscal invoicing system that validates transactions as they occur, the government is digitizing enforcement without changing the underlying system that enables fraud in the first place.False VAT invoice fraud in Mexico typically involves shell companies, or factureras, issuing legally compliant but entirely fictitious receipts that allow taxpayers to inflate deductions or claim improper refunds. The fraud takes root not in shady ads or informal platforms, but in a tax infrastructure that fails to verify the legitimacy of transactions in real time. Despite having a digital identity framework and certified validators in place, more than 8,000 shell entities have used these tools to issue fake invoices that are indistinguishable from valid ones.The government's move to deputize digital platforms sidesteps the real problem: the lack of a transactional choke point where the buyer, seller, and tax authority all converge—namely, the point of sale. Countries like Brazil and Italy have shown that embedding validation at checkout prevents fraud from scaling. Until Mexico adopts this kind of infrastructure, enforcement efforts will continue to target the periphery while the core system remains vulnerable.Mexico Effort to Curtail VAT Fraud Needs Real-Time Verification This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

🙏 Sermon Summary: Walking in Step with the Spirit This week, Jonathan Dunning challenged us to move beyond simply being a "nominally charismatic" church—one that sings the songs and waves the flags but "denies its power". Drawing from Galatians 5:25, "Since we're living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives", the message urged us to shift from mere information to impartation and to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. The Call to Power and Purpose Jonathan highlighted that being filled with the Holy Spirit isn't an "optional extra" but God's command and grace gift. Citing John Stott, he emphasized that what the church needs is not more eloquence or organization, but "more power from the Holy Spirit". This power enables us to be witnesses and missionaries, moving us beyond a "spirit of timidity" and into a spirit of "power and of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). He asked challenging questions for personal reflection: When were you last filled with the Holy Spirit? When did you last stir up the spiritual gift in you? How to Walk in Step with the Spirit The core of the sermon focused on practical ways to "walk in step" with God's Spirit, using the metaphor of a journey: Put God First and Deny Self-Will: This involves living a good and righteous life, obeying God's ways, and acknowledging Him so He can direct our path (Proverbs 3:6). Listen and Obey the Nudge: Like sheep recognizing the shepherd's voice (John 10), we need to be attuned to the Spirit's inner voice, the prompt, the stirring, or the nudge. This inner voice is the same one that convicts us of wrongdoing. Keep Pace and Time: We must avoid rushing ahead and lagging behind. Timing is key. Like the vision in Habakkuk, a clear vision is "for an appointed time" and requires patient waiting. We need to keep in step to catch the Kairos moment, the divinely appointed time where heaven touches earth. The Spirit's Guidance in Jonathan's Life and MCF Jonathan shared powerful personal examples of how the Spirit has led him through his life and ministry: Inner Voice: Sensing a clear call to pastoral ministry at age 17 and later feeling the distinct nudge to step down from a role, even with no clear path ahead. Impartation: Receiving an "anointing for ministry" through the laying on of hands and prayer from others. Prophetic Words: Receiving a word in his twenties calling him to prison ministry, which unfolded years later with a job as the UK's first free minister paid by the home office to serve as a prison chaplain. Scripture: Using Ecclesiastes 3 ("a time to uproot and a time to plant") to process a difficult transition in ministry. Closed Doors: Learning to "trust the closed door" when his "dream job" didn't materialize, which ultimately led him to stumble into ministry at MCF in Sheffield. He concluded by stressing that walking in the Spirit is also for the church collectively. MCF's journey—from moving to the estate to receiving prophetic words about enlarging the place of the tent (Isaiah 54) and the river of God flowing (Ezekiel 47)—has been a result of people listening and obeying the Spirit's nudges, not simply "man's design". The final challenge: "You cannot walk with God without moving." The time to move from theory to practice is now, by seeking to be filled with the Spirit. Would you like me to find a relevant Bible verse, such as Galatians 5:25, to post with this summary? Transcript Thanks, Nick. Morning, everyone. I've been given the title, Walking in Step with the Spirit, and a passage from Galatians 5, verse 25, which says, "Since we're living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Now, today, I don't intend to spend a lot of time going into what this verse means. I want to talk about my experience of the Holy Spirit, the church's experience of the Holy Spirit, and how that is really, really important today. So I'm going to be a bit of an agent provocateur, a bit of a stirrer this morning. It was a week ago I was chatting to Graham Reid, and we reflected how the church we were born into in the 1970s and 1980s, he was in Sussex House in North Yorkshire, the charismatic movement which we were birthed into, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, being filled with the Holy Spirit, was front and centre of what was happening. Each service, there was opportunity for people to come forward to be filled with the Spirit, as well as for other things. Ministry was very important. And actually, it was very much part of the warp and the web of the church. So what's changed? Because I think as I look at the church in the UK today, and I travel around quite a few of them, we have become nominally charismatic, i.e., in name only. We sing the songs, we wave the flags, we stick our hands in the air, but that's often as far as it goes. And actually, to sort of like misquote Paul in his letter to Timothy, we have a form of charismatic worship, but deny its power. Thanks, we've had a few amens for that, that's good. I think it's really important that we don't just play lip service to this aspect of ministry in the Holy Spirit, but actually we're engaging in a topic over a long period of weeks, which should actually transform us as human beings and as followers of Jesus. Jesus told his disciples, his followers, to be filled with the Spirit, to give them the power to be the missionaries and the witnesses that he required them to do in this world. He'd already taught them in Luke 11, verse 3, that God is this great good Father, much better than a human father, who longs to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Interesting. The need to ask. Not automatic. Paul was keen that Christians understood that they needed to be constantly filled with God's Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5, verse 18. "Be being filled" is the actual literal translation of that, as we know. And he contrasted that with being drunk, being intoxicated. Now, you know, if you've ever known what it is to be drunk, you basically, your tongue gets loose, you start to say things, you talk in a way that you wouldn't normally be guarded. You're basically a much more kind of like, they used to call it Dutch courage, aren't you? You're much more brave about confronting things and taking things on. You know, it's Dutch courage. Hey, hey. You know, I'm going to get in there. And the contrast was, don't be intoxicated by a worldly spirit, but God's Spirit gives you the power to speak and to go beyond your fears. In fact, you know, Paul talked to Timothy and said, you had to stir up the gift that had been given to him when he'd had hands laid upon him. Stir it up. Fan it into flame. Timothy had to do something with what God had invested in his life when hands were laid on him. And he said, that's because God hasn't given you a spirit of timidity where you hold back, where you haven't got Dutch courage, where you're afraid to say anything, afraid to do anything. But he's given you a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1 verse 7. This is important stuff. Barry Manson on Facebook recently had this quote from John Stott. Now, John Stott was not a charismatic or Pentecostal Christian. He was an evangelical. But it's very interesting what John Stott wrote. And all evangelicals should prick up their ears to this. "What we need is not more learning, not more eloquence, not more persuasion, not more organization, but more power from the Holy Spirit." Amen. So we need to go from information about this to impartation. From knowing about the Holy Spirit to asking God, our Heavenly Father, to fill us with His Spirit constantly. Otherwise, we're just on a paper exercise. We're just paying lip service to this. So I ask some questions of myself and I ask them of you today. When were you last filled with the Holy Spirit? When did you last ask your Heavenly Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit? When did you last stir up the spiritual gift in you? Because being filled with the Holy Spirit is not an optional extra or an add-on in our life. It's God's command and will and grace gift to you as His sons and daughters. So what does it mean to walk in step with God's Spirit? Which is the title today. I mean, the idea of walking with God is a metaphor for how life should be lived in Jewish thought. You see it at the very beginning, Adam and Eve walking with God. You know, this place of harmony, this place of perfection. In a perfect world, humanity is walking hand in hand with Father God and enjoying life in the goodness and the grace of God. Our lives were to be lived as a journey with God. This is Jewish thought, this, who leads and guides us. Now, you see that in the Old Testament played out in the wilderness wanderings where God takes them through the wilderness. Even in the patriarch's journey, Abraham, you know, journeying on to find that place of promise in God. This is a metaphor that's played out in Genesis and actually was a thought that the Jews held strongly. We kind of lost it a bit. Walking suggests we're on the move, that we're active, that we're going somewhere. Walking with the Spirit suggests that it's God that's taking us on this journey, that actually it's a walk of faith. I know sometimes it feels like a walk in the dark. It does to me. It will do to anyone who takes this seriously. We don't always know where we're going to end up. And walking in step with the Spirit suggests that we have to keep pace and time with God. We go at His pace and in His time. So how do we do this? Well, I mean, it's not easy, isn't it? It's easy to say it. It's another thing to do it. And there's some simple things that we all have to do, like put God first in our lives. Following Jesus says, we deny our own self-will, our selfishness. We take up a cross to say, that's dead to me. And we obey God's ways and will in our life. We live a good, righteous life before Him. We don't need a prophetic word or a tingle down the back of our spine to live well. We just need to follow what God's asked us to do. And in all your ways, Proverbs 3, verse 6, if we acknowledge Him, He will direct our path. So if we're living a good life, if we're living a righteous life, we are open to the possibility and should be able to walk in the paths that God has laid out for us. Secondly, we do it by listening to Him and then obeying what He tells us to do. I think it's very interesting, 1 Samuel 3, where this young child Samuel is in this place, this sanctuary, Shiloh, and he's taught by an old priest to say to God as a three-year-old or four-year-old, a very young child, speak. "Your servant is listening." What are we listening to? Who are you listening to? Are you listening to the voice of the Spirit? Because if you want to walk in the Spirit, we have to be attuned to what He is saying. Now, Jesus said in a passage in John 10 that His sheep, He's a good shepherd and we're His sheep in that sense, hear His voice. Now, I've worked on a farm. Shepherds don't know exactly what the shepherd's saying. They can't speak English. They don't understand English. They don't understand every word you're saying. But when the shepherd calls, Oi, oi, oi. Don't even use English, most of them. You know, Come by. That's the sheep dog, by the way. But, All you do, you stand by a gate and just make a noise like that. I know, I've done it. And the sheep prick up their ears and they come to the shepherd because they know the shepherd's either going to feed them or take them somewhere or look after them. They respond to a voice. We don't always clearly hear what God's saying to us, but we should be able to hear that, Oi! Over here. Oi! Like a dog, of course. We should be able to respond to his master's voice. Isaiah 30 verse 21 says these words. "When you turn to the right or to the left," and we do that at times, I get very distracted in life. Probably you do. "You're going to hear a voice behind you saying, this way. Walk in it." Now, I've never heard God speak to me audibly. But it's that inner voice. It's that prompt. It's that stirring. It's that nudge. It's that idea that's suddenly coming to your head from nowhere that you've not even thought of before. It's the same inner voice that convicts us at times that we're doing wrong because we all feel that that also is communicating with us, prompting us and nudging us into other areas. And sometimes, you know, we hear the voice of conviction and we think, oh yeah, we know that's wrong. We recognize that as maybe God's speaking to us. Why can't we recognize God communicating with us when he's nudging us to do something else? Somehow, we struggle much more with that. We walk in step with the Spirit by putting God first in our life, denying our own way, following him, by listening to him and then being obedient to that nudge of the Spirit and by keeping in step with the Spirit. Timing is key for us as Christians. Some of us hear something and we rush on ahead. We're going to make it happen. It's there and then. It's going to happen tomorrow. It's what God wants us to do there and then. And I think Habakkuk, if you read the book of Habakkuk, it gives us a really good pointer on this. He says, look, you've heard God. You've got a clear vision, but it's for an appointed time. It's not for now. Hold on to it. Wait patiently. It will happen, but not yet. The other thing we don't keep in step with the Spirit is we lag behind. And I don't think this is a judgment on any of us. But I think the truth is sometimes we might miss that moment that God has opened up for us. The Kairos moment. The moment where heaven, Kairos means a divine appointed time where heaven touches earth. There is a time, said Ecclesiastes, for every purpose under heaven. And actually, if we're too far behind, sometimes we might miss it. If we're too far ahead, we might have gone beyond God, keeping in step with the Spirit. I'm loving this camera because I'm having such fun this morning with me. Keeping in step, I should walk this way. Keeping in step with the Spirit is keeping pace with what God is asking us to do. But it transforms your life. Eric was talking about transformation last week. It changes your life's direction. It nudges you in certain things that perhaps you hadn't thought of doing. It takes you on a journey that perhaps you hadn't thought you were going to do. We need to keep and walk in step with the Spirit. I rarely talk about my experiences because it's not because they aren't that brilliant, any greater than anyone else's in this room. But I do think I want to talk to you tonight about how this has worked today, about how this has worked out in my life. Because there's various ways, the nudges, the prompts, the words, that God has taken me to the time where I stand before you now, you know, in this new chapter in my life. Whether it's that inner voice of the Spirit, whether it's impartation through the laying on of hands that Paul was talking to Timothy about, whether it's prophetic words, whether it's Scripture, whether it's closed doors, and I want to give you an example of each one of them. One of them. But they have helped nudge me. And God will speak to you and do things in your life in different ways, but you've just got to keep listening and you've just got to keep obeying. They've helped to nudge me to the place I am today, the inner voice. At my baptism at the age of 17 in a river in North Yorkshire, I sensed a clear call of God to pastoral ministry. Now I have this opinion that new Christians can hear God better. I think the older you get, bluntly, as a Christian, the more crusty you get. Frankly, you have too many filters, too many questions, too many cautions, oh that can't be God, too many negative experiences of when it's gone wrong that you basically are much harder to hear when God is asking you to do something. So I shared with an American evangelist who was over from Philadelphia, sat on a riverbank that I was called to ministry at the age of 17. I told him that him and I were going to be working together in the future. He was living in America. 18 months later he was living in North Yorkshire. We were living in a house together and we were working around the area. And I guess that I felt after 10 years of working at Hollybush, part time, well not 10 years, sorry, got this wrong. Let me go back. I was part of the youth work at Hollybush. I was going out preaching, leading worship as a teenager. But I felt disobedience because I needed to go to Bible college. Didn't have a word to go to Bible college. Never had a flashing light. Just felt it was part of the process of what I needed to do and of course that was where I met Karen. So in a sense the first word had led to me being obedient and walking through life into the second. After 10 years, after 10 years of working at Hollybush I was in a prayer meeting one night and I just knew it was time for me to let go and step down. There was no reason for that to happen. Things were going very well there in lots of ways. But I told the pastor there that I was leaving I was going to work my notice out. We were married we had a mortgage we had a baby son and I had nothing ahead of me. Didn't have a job to go to didn't know what was going to happen next. But I followed the prompt and the nudge of God. And guess what? I ended up here eventually. But it was only it was about two and a half years well more I don't know how long or two and a half three years ago that I again felt that nudge when I was here that this was the time for me to step down from here. No word no Bible no prophetic word just the inner guiding of God's spirit. Listen to the inner voice. Impartation. Again, 17, 18, stood at the front coming forward for ministry always hungry for the things of the spirit always hungry for God to meet with me. I was stood there an American who didn't know who I was never met him before had no contact with my church stood in front of me and said Jonathan that's a great name means gift of God so today tonight you're going to receive an anointing for ministry that's the last thing I remember as I lay flat on the floor but I knew with a conviction that God had called me to something else. There are many times when I've received prayer and help and ministry from other people that is really important. Don't shy away when there's an opportunity for prayer. Please do not shy away from receiving prayer ministry from others. The prophetic. These both took real time in my life. Again, early twenties, somebody at Hollybush said, "Jonathan, I believe God is calling you to prison ministry". The only prison I'd ever seen was Porridge, the TV program. I had no idea how that would happen. It was a few years later that a prisoner, sorry, somebody wrote to me about a friend of theirs who was in prison for murder. Asked me to go and visit him, a guy called Paul. He just died last year. He was in for life. He gave his life to Jesus. I ended up visiting him. Then ended up getting friends with the prison chaplain at Wakefield, who became the prison general for the whole Britain. He invited me onto the team at Wakefield. I then was the first free minister in the UK paid by the home office as a prison chaplain in full, certain maximum security prison. I took teams before I came to Sheffield into five different prisons every month. And God actually opened the door for me. But it took time. I didn't write to the home office for a job. God opened the door. I remember a couple called the Alums, who were a prophetic couple, who prayed over me maybe 25 years ago as this group connections meeting that we were at. I think Roland was there. And they prayed that I would have a ministry to work with small churches. That I would be moving around supporting them, advising them, imparting, encouraging and developing them. 25 years ago. I'm doing it now. Scripture. It was this summer trying to come to terms with the change of seasons that God is taking me through that I was at a quiet service down down the south coast in Sussex the end of August where somebody was reading asked us to reflect on Ecclesiastes chapter 3. "There is a time and a purpose for everything." And said, "I want you to go and think about this." And we got to verse 2 and was read out, "a time to uproot and a time to plant." And I just knew that God had uprooted me. And I wrote a reflection I've still got on my phone about how it is difficult for a plant that's been established for 30 years in a place to be uprooted taken out of its network of relationships and actually at the moment still in a bucket waiting for what comes next. But that's basically where I am. So God spoke to me through scripture helpfully through the prophetic through people praying for me and laying hands on me through that inner voice of the spirit. And finally through the closed door. Because the only reason I came to Sheffield was that the dream job I wanted which had been offered to me didn't turn up in time. So at that point the evangelical alliance was led by a guy called Clive Calver who wanted me to become the northern regional development officer for the whole of EA. That's 30 something years ago. I felt this was what God wanted me to do. I said I would go for this. He said Joel Edwards who eventually to go for him he was the church minister he would get back in touch with me and then would sort out what was going to happen next. Joel Edwards didn't get in touch with me but Jeff Williams did. And I had no word to come here no scripture no audible voice no prophetic word nobody laid hands on me and said go to Sheffield. I stumbled over the doorway into this church. Right. Just being obedient to God faithful to God and I ended up here. And three weeks after I arrived the EA offered me the job. But I felt it was lacking in integrity to walk away from a church to do that. And the rest as they say is history. But I remember at Bible College R.T. Kendall who was a very famous preacher. He spoke on the Macedonian call of Paul which was about closed doors and open doors. And the word that came to him was that he spoke on was "learn to trust the closed door". We don't always understand why God has done something. I hope I see now when I look behind me the grace and the goodness of God in all this. But at the time I didn't. Perhaps walking in the spirit is not always easy. It's not always clear. There are times when you don't always understand what's happening but it's true that we still listen and we still obey and we still go for those nudges. But walking in the spirit is not just for individuals. It's also for a church. Because MCF is not where it is today by accident or by man's design. This has been God's purpose and plan and who is behind it all and before it all. We're here today doing what we're doing because we've been walking with the Holy Spirit. It was never a good idea, it was God's idea. It's worth remembering I think it's not just the leadership team who have revelation and inspiration. They're not only the ones who listen to God. We should all be listening to God. And good leaders will always release the spirit of God and the genius of the gifts of the spirit in a church and listen to what's been happening. Most of the mission stuff that you see around you or certainly a lot of it didn't come from the leadership team but came from individuals who felt God was prompting them nudging them calling them to do things and the leadership got behind it at that time. Scripture says that we we collectively have the mind of Christ, 1 Corinthians 2 verse 16. And the biggest decisions the early church had was the council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 where they had to decide what criteria Gentiles or non-Jews could join the church. Would they have to keep all the law? Would they have to do everything that good Jews had done for many many years? And they came with these big decisions at the end of Acts 15. But the phrase they used, the church, I love it. Because a whole group of them were gathered together to come to this decision. They said, "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us." Togetherness collaboration as a group of people with the Holy Spirit to discover what God was doing. Of course, the first missionary journey which eventually took us into the church into Europe with Paul and Barnabas. They were released to serve as missionaries by a group of people who had been fasting and praying but who heard the Holy Spirit together telling them to release Paul and Barnabas to get on with what they had to do. How has walking in the Spirit worked out at MCF? And all these things I'm going to tell you have come from different people as far as I remember different words and different prompts. They've not come just from me or one other person or somebody else. Firstly, before I was even thought of coming to this estate in the first place, from Millhouses, leafy suburb of Millhouses to Batemoor Jordan Thorpe. That was a big nudge and it was a sacrificial nudge that this church made. But they made it on the prompt of the Holy Spirit on the basis of people being converted off this estate. That was a huge change from a middle class church to coming on to, I hate to use that phrase, but coming on to this area. It was a big big change and some people didn't like it I guess. A bit later on before we even had any buildings at all it was a friend of mine in the church who's not in the church anymore he's went up Scotland for a period of time who had a word from Isaiah 54 which we've often said which was about enlarging the place of your tent strengthening the states lengthening the cords do not hold back. You may feel like a barren woman who's not doing a great deal but suddenly your house is going to be filled. You've gone to two services here and basically before we even had a place we had this sense of God telling us to be established in this area and to almost sing over it. And it's a word that actually helped us to think about even stretching out to get that pub. Because one other thing was spare no expense if you read the New Living Translation. I always thought it was a fantastic thought because the expense is going up isn't it everyone? When we came to this building another one of the leaders who's no longer with us serving as another church he had a vision he kept talking about the piazza out there but the precinct where he saw the image of Ezekiel the river of God flowing from this place out onto the precinct. It's Ezekiel 47 of course. That river of God Jesus says is the Holy Spirit. "Out of your innermost beings will flow." So the flow of the Holy Spirit going out onto this estate that was seen very early on when we first moved here. Read John 7 verse 37 onwards if you want to get the idea of what Jesus is saying about this. But actually you see it's not the building isn't it? Because the Holy Spirit will only flow out of unit three if it's flowing out of the church which is us in unit three. It's flowing out the people who are being filled with the Holy Spirit who are being constantly filled with the Holy Spirit whose overflow is reaching out and lapping up and causing fruitfulness out there on our estate. Andy was the one who brought the artesian well saying he got a vision of somebody working hard on a pump. You know we were working hard doing stuff. And honestly there's still a danger in any church and I would say in this church because of the efforts we all put in that we rely on our own efforts of trying to pump the water so much. But I'm referring back to a word that Andy brought. This was about something springing up a well of living water springing up the Isaiah 43 thing. Again it's the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit coming forth. It's the Holy Spirit springing forth. This is why it's so important that we're filled with the Holy Spirit. That if we don't see it as an add-on. That we don't see it as something "well that happened to me 20 years I went to an Alpha course and I had a tingle or I felt a warm feeling." I mean God help us if that's all we think this is about. This is about the work of God. This is about the purpose of God. This is about the plan of God. Don't settle for anything less. No well worn passes. But I think it was me that had this vision of skiing off piste. You know because we were thinking how do we mission on this estate? How do we reach out on this estate? And it was about not just taking pre pre ordered ideas and just you know using that "oh that's worked over there" or "that's worked over there". But actually discovering is listening again to that voice what is God asking us to do that we're not being asked to go down a course. You know skiing down the course but actually off the courses and discover what God was asking us to do not just relying on those well known methods. And the fourth thing was the values which we worked through: encountering God, getting involved, living generously, transforming community. I want to say to you the journey for MCF has been bumpy, when I was leading it anyway. Still probably is. But it has a walk keeping in step with where God's spirit is wanting to lead us. So I'm going to finish with coming back to the values. Encountering God. That wasn't just about about a once and for all salvation experience but about us as the believers in Christ seeking after him longing for him discovering him in our lives. And as an old man at my previous church in North York she used to say, "if you're seeking God and he's seeking you then you're bound to bump into each other sooner or later". I conclude we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It's not an option extra. Don't deny God's grace in this and don't pay lip service to this. "Since we're living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives," Galatians 5 verse 25 says. Secondly, you have to trust and have faith that God does speak to you and he will guide you. And we all get it wrong at times. Be humble and admit it when we do. That's a good learning curve for us all, isn't it? It it's always good to what you really want you often think that's what God must want too. And it can be very confusing. You convince yourself it must be God's will. But walking in step with the Spirit is taking steps of faith. As John Wimber said, "faith spelled R-I-S-K." Don't expect God to speak to you with a megaphone because he won't. He normally has this still small voice that Elijah experienced in 1 Kings 19. More likely the internal nudge, the prompt, the reminder, the sense of peace or the sense of unease or conviction or a passion rising within you. And God will speak to you by the means like scripture, through sermons, perhaps through songs, through prophetic words. And we should take note of those things also. Finally, we're not going anywhere unless we move. And I just feel really sad when I go to certain churches and I have been to certain churches and churches I used to preach at many years ago they're on the verge of closing. Because I would say to you as the people of God, churches stagnate and become stale when they stop moving. They stop walking with God. Now this series has been a bit like learning the highway code, maybe doing your driving theory. It's time to hit the road with what you've learned. There was a Scottish preacher trying to explain the Holy Spirit said, "it's better felt than tell". And you know there's something about that. I could talk as much as I like about this but actually this is your invitation opportunity to be involved yourself. The sat nav might show you the route, scripture, but you don't arrive without setting off and following the instructions. You cannot walk with God without moving. We talk about wanting a move of God. Well that starts when God starts to move us. Move us, move us. As I hand back over to Nick now, just want to encourage you. Please take every opportunity during this series that is offered to you to be filled with the spirit. Amen. God bless you.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery discuss an activity-filled 2025 Fall Semester. Ford highlights several moments that stood out to him and explains how the steady rhythm of campus life helps build the college's momentum. Their discussion focuses on how the day-to-day events, large gatherings and community partnerships help strengthen the bond between students, employees and the region the college serves. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

(3:00) Matt Rhule re-up's at Nebraska with "innovative" contract. Will other follow suit?(14:30) Does FSU have a money problem or a coaching problem?(23:00) The Athletic reveals what we all know -- high school recruiting has been poor under Norvell(33:00) Alums as coaches(40:00) Clamoring for Sperry?(47:00) Over/undersMusic: Dr. Dre - Murder Inkvitaminenergy.com | PROMO: warchantbogo | buy one, get one free! In Crawfordville, your Home Convenience Store is ACE Home Center & NAPA Auto Parts located at 2709 Crawfordville Hwy  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(3:00) Matt Rhule re-up's at Nebraska with "innovative" contract. Will other follow suit?(14:30) Does FSU have a money problem or a coaching problem?(23:00) The Athletic reveals what we all know -- high school recruiting has been poor under Norvell(33:00) Alums as coaches(40:00) Clamoring for Sperry?(47:00) Over/undersMusic: Dr. Dre - Murder Inkvitaminenergy.com | PROMO: warchantbogo | buy one, get one free! In Crawfordville, your Home Convenience Store is ACE Home Center & NAPA Auto Parts located at 2709 Crawfordville Hwy  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Trudeau thinks Katy Perry is the perfect woman in latest fluff piece reminding us that they are a thing. Also SNL Alums Ego Nwodim and Heidi Garner talk about what it is like trying to succeed at SNL and Celebs talking in the World Series.Also Harry and Meghan getting Booed at the big game.Kendall's feet story, Elijah Wood Crashes Lord of the Rings Wedding and some NFL/Pop Culture stories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of TigerTalk, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how Northeast continues to live up to the “community” in its name. The duo highlights the upcoming TigerTown Tent or Treat, a family-friendly Halloween event that brings students, faculty, and local residents together for an evening of fun and fellowship on the last home football game or a date close to it. Ford also talks about the importance of connecting the college with the community it serves through major events such as the Showband from Tigerland's Band Contest in early October, the Night of Exceptional Baseball at the Plex in the Spring, and many other outreach efforts that showcase Tiger Pride in action. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this episode of TigerTalk, Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery share how the college helps every student — from high school dual-enrollment participants to returning adult learners — discover their purpose and achieve success. Ford highlights the vital role of the Student Success Center, where personalized guidance and support have transformed countless student journeys. He also celebrates the achievements of the college's award-winning Adult Education Department, which continues to help individuals earn their HiSET diplomas and take the next step toward their goals. Whether a student is fresh out of high school, navigating their way through their first or second year of college, or coming back after time away, Northeast is committed to helping everyone succeed. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

We're celebrating our 20-year partnership with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and hearing how the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award has empowered young musicians with financial need. We'll meet two past recipients: a violinist/arts leader who has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for young artists of diverse backgrounds and a lauded concert flutist who is also passionate about education and access.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford for another episode of TigerTalk, the official podcast of Northeast Mississippi Community College. In this episode, Dr. Ford recaps the major events that have shaped the first half of the semester and gives listeners an inside look at what's ahead for the remainder of the year. Dr. Ford also highlights one of the region's biggest annual traditions — the Northeast Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships, now recognized as the largest marching band festival in the state, drawing more than 20,000 visitors to the Booneville campus each October. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this episode of TigerTalk, Northeast Mississippi Community College's Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how the Fall 2025 semester is shaping up at Northeast. Dr. Ford shares his thoughts on the behavior and spirit of Northeast students, the exciting lineup of end-of-semester events and provides important updates on ongoing and upcoming construction and campus improvement projects. The conversation also highlights the success of the Northeast Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships, which has grown into the largest marching band festival in the state, drawing over 20,000 visitors to campus and the city of Booneville each October. Tune in for the latest on academics, athletics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges — Northeast Mississippi Community College.

Welcome to Episode 112 of the Movement Logic Podcast! In this special episode, Laurel and Sarah talk to four women who recently completed Lift for Longevity about their experiences. Whether it's overcoming fear of injury, finally finding a program that sticks, breaking free from perfectionism, or realizing barbells belong in their hands, each woman brings a unique and inspiring story.In this episode, you'll hear from:Karen Klubertanz, an interior designer and yoga therapist who came to us after chronic back pain and years of yoga and kettlebells. Her story is about overcoming fear, learning to train with RPE, and discovering she could get stronger safely and sustainably.Anna Grojec, a freelance writer and editor in New Jersey who found us through the podcast and has now completed the course twice, entirely asynchronously without ever taking a live class. Her story is about making strength training stick for the first time in her life through structure and community support.Terry Littlefield, a longtime yoga teacher and old friend of Sarah's who came in skeptical, took our free class, and realized she had to join. Her story is about shifting from perfectionism to consistency and finding confidence under the barbell.Janai Leeb, a personal trainer in northern Los Angeles County who first got the impression in her PT cert that barbells weren't for her. She joined to build her own barbell skills and now teaches them to her clients. Her story is about finding her lane with the barbell and showing others that anyone can lift, at any age.If you've ever wondered if you're too old, too inexperienced, or too "not a gym person" to lift barbells and get stronger, these conversations will change your mind.SIGN UP for our FREE CLASS for Bone Density Course on October 17th WITH REPLAYFOLLOW @MovementLogicTutorials on Instagram

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford for another inspiring episode of TigerTalk, the official podcast of Northeast Mississippi Community College. This week, Dr. Ford discusses how Northeast goes beyond the classroom -- preparing students not just for academic success, but for life. Hear how freshmen who arrive uncertain of their path leave Northeast with confidence, purpose, and the power to change the world. Plus, stay up to date with the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford as they dive into what truly sets Northeast Mississippi Community College apart from other colleges and universities -- including four-year institutions. Ford shares how Northeast creates a close-knit, “family” atmosphere where everyone knows a person's name, values their story, and supports their success. From the low faculty-to-student ratio and engaging student events that make college life memorable, to the value of paying less than one-third the cost of a four-year institution while receiving the same -- or even better -- education, students and parents discover every day why Northeast is one of the nation's premier community colleges. Plus, stay up to date on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and campus life in each episode of TigerTalk.

In this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to explore how Northeast is putting the word “community” back into community college. From Booneville to the five-county service district of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties, Northeast continues to strengthen its role as a vital part of the region. Dr. Ford highlights the college's outreach efforts, its role in fostering workforce development through an educated labor force, and how that growth attracts new industries to northeast Mississippi. He also shares how Northeast supports families' hopes for a brighter future by equipping students with the education and skills they need to secure better-paying jobs. With its roots in community support and its ongoing mission to serve, Northeast remains committed to finding new ways to be a cornerstone in every community it touches. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

The justice-tech startup, LegalEase, is working to transform the expungement process. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with LegalEase founders and Howard University alumni, Lawrence Blackmon and Roger Roman, about the inspiration behind the AI-powered web-based portal. They also share their ongoing efforts to expand the platform to Georgia and other states throughout the country. Plus, Ludacris, Future, Mary J. Blige, and The Roots are among some of the artists slated to take center stage at this year’s ONE Musicfest. In 2010, Jason "J" Carter launched the annual two-day festival that he says centers Black joy, culture, creativity, and music. Ahead of this year’s festival on October 25-26 at Piedmont Park, Carter joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the backstory of the festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery teams up with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how Northeast prepares its students for more than just graduation. The Booneville-based college ensures that students leave not only with a degree, but also with the real-world skills needed to thrive in the classroom, on the job, and in their personal lives. It's about more than academics—it's about shaping well-rounded individuals who are ready to succeed no matter what life throws their way. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

On the latest episode of Syracuse Sports, Brent Axe chats with former Syracuse running back Damien Rhodes and Mike Mutnansky of the 'Locked on UConn" podcast.  Rhodes and Axe discuss the good and bad of Syracuse football's opening loss to Tennessee, what a former Orange running back thinks of SU's current running back room and how football alums are slowly but surely re-engaging with the program despite some "scar tissue" built up from previous coaching staffs.  Then Axe and Mutnansky discuss the Syracuse-UConn football matchup at the JMA Dome and some recent interesting developments around UConn basketball.  Music provided by Silverset Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silversetband/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Silverset_band/featured Would like your original music or know of a great band we should feature on Syracuse Sports? Drop Brent an email at baxe@syracuse.com Brent also reacted to opinions and questions from Syracuse Sports Insiders.  The conversation on Syracuse Sports and the Syracuse football postgame show is always shaped by terrific insight from Syracuse Sports Insiders.  Become a Syracuse Sports Insider today! Sign up here to get your voice heard on the SU football postgame show and have direct text message access to Brent Axe anytime. https://joinsubtext.com/syracusesports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery joins Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to highlight the many ways Northeast employees ensure student success—both inside the classroom and beyond. From Career and Technical faculty who build lifelong friendships and mentor students in their chosen fields, to instructors who keep their doors open during office hours for a quick question or even just a friendly “hey,” Northeast's commitment to personal connection shines through. The conversation also explores the vital role of the Student Success Center and Counseling Center, offering guidance and resources as students navigate academics and life's major transitions. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

There were a handful of Illini alum that were cut from NFL rosters yesterday. We'll update you on where Tommy DeVito and others landed. Plus, Tristan Thomas of WCIA3 joins us to talk about some of the big high school football games this Friday night.  And Evan has 4 bold predictions for this Friday night's Illini game. It's The Drive!

On this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss the power of recruitment events like NORTHEAST NOW and personalized campus visits. Discover how these experiences give high school students a firsthand look at college life and play a vital role in boosting enrollment—with over 88% of campus visitors ultimately choosing to become Tigers. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Today's disagreement is about US Selective Public High Schools. These schools, also known as “Exam Schools”, are elite publicly funded high schools that have historically relied on a single entrance exam to determine admission.  You've likely heard of many of them:In Boston, you have Boston Latin, the oldest public high school in the country. Alums include Ben Franklin and Sam Adams. In New York: You've got Stuyvesant, whose alums include U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, and, of coruse, Timothy Chalamet. New York also has The Bronx High School of Science, whose alums have more Nobel prizes (9) than any other high school in the world. In Northern Virginia, there's Thomas Jefferson (or TJ), established in 1985 and one of the newest selective high schools. It has spent many years rated the #1 High School in the Country by U.S. News and World Report.In the episode, we ask a number of questions: What is the purpose of these schools? Should they exist? Are standardized entrance exams the best path to meritocratic admissions? How concerned should we be about diversity and equity and whether student bodies are representative of their surrounding communities?Ian Rowe is the CEO and cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a virtues-based International Baccalaureate high school in the Bronx. He is also a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His most recent books is “Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for ALL Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power”Stefan Redding Lollinger is the Executive Director of Next100, a multi-issue, progressive policy think tank. He's a Scholar in Residence at American University and the first Director of a Century Foundation initiative to advance diversity and integration in schools and neighborhoods. Questions or comments about this episode? Email us at podcast@thedisagreement.com or find us on X and Instagram @thedisagreementhq. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thedisagreement.substack.com/

In this episode of TigerTalk, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast president Dr. Ricky G. Ford for an inside look at the decision-making process that shapes the future of the college. Dr. Ford discusses the wide range of factors that must be weighed when making key choices—from balancing the needs of students, employees, and the institution to ensuring that every decision supports both today's learners and generations to come. He also shares how he leans on a trusted support system to gather information, perspectives, and insights that guide him toward sound, lasting outcomes. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

(00:00-25:40) Cardinal great Matt Holliday joins us. His son Jackson's walk-off winner last night. Feeling pretty good after his surgery. Staying locked into Orioles games. Teaching his son to deal with everything that comes with being a pro athlete. How much did he use scouting and analytics when he played? Does it hurt to snap a bat over your knee? Does he have go-to restaurants in Baltimore? Camden Yards. His thoughts on a possible work stoppage in MLB. Dodging the cutest teammate ever question.(25:48-34:48) Ron Kruszewski of Stifel stops by the studio. The Stifel name all over St. Louis sports. The Stifel Charity Classic coming up next month. The Pro-Ams before the tournament.(34:58-57:21) Victor Scott aka Argo dropped a new album. Which team has more pressure on them, Mets or Yankees? Should we do the show from Sydney? Mt. Rushmore of movies set in Oklahoma. Charlie Marlow dropfest. Brain eating amoebas in LOTO. Kevin Demoff: Professional Liar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week JIm and Richard have special guest Andrew Kincheloe to work though a bracket of movies starring past SNL players. Plus a review of a recent Black Crowes show, bourbon talk, and much more. Enjoy! 

In this episode of TigerTalk, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to share valuable advice for students just beginning their college journey. Drawing on decades of experience as an educator and leader, Ford highlights the importance of building friendships that last a lifetime, getting involved in clubs and organizations, joining intramural activities, and making the most of resources like the Eula Dees Memorial Library. Whether it's stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new people or finding ways to fully embrace campus life, Ford encourages students to enjoy every moment of their time at Northeast. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this episode of TigerTalk, Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford joins Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery to kick off the 77th academic season, starting August 13. Dr. Ford shares what he's most excited about as a new wave of students arrives on campus, highlights the variety of programs Northeast offers, and discusses the latest campus improvements — including major renovations at Wood Hall and ongoing drainage projects. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges. 

In this week's episode of TigerTalk, the award-winning podcast from Northeast Mississippi Community College, President Dr. Ricky G. Ford sits down with Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery to discuss major campus upgrades and construction projects designed to enhance the student experience. Ford shares updates on the transformation of Wood Hall, improvements to Tiger Stadium -- including a new playing surface and video boards -- and renovations at Bonner Arnold Coliseum. The Northeast president also highlights critical drainage projects aimed at improving campus infrastructure. In addition, Ford extends his appreciation to elected officials for helping secure federal funding for Northeast's Adult Education Program. He proudly announces that 302 individuals earned their HiSET diploma during the 2024-2025 program year, with over 30 of them now continuing their education as Northeast students. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

On this week's episode of the award-winning TigerTalk podcast, Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford joins Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery to shine a light on the hidden gems that keep the college running smoothly behind the scenes. From unsung departments to behind-the-curtain operations, Dr. Ford highlights the people and processes that often go unnoticed but are vital to Northeast's success.Discover how the Adult Education department is transforming lives daily, and hear how the Northeast family culture extends beyond campus walls — with faculty and staff supporting each other through both professional and personal challenges. Dr. Ford also praises the Student Success Center's impact on students' academic journeys and discusses how Northeast comes together to support students in every way — from financial aid to food assistance through the Tiger DEN Food Pantry.Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this week's episode of the award-winning Tiger Talk podcast, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as Ford discusses how the college balances tradition with innovation when making decisions that affect the college not only in the present but in the future as well. Ford discusses being open to technology while also giving faculty members the choice on how to teach in their classrooms — either fully technology-based, a hybrid approach combining technology and traditional methods, or adopting a full lecture method. Ford also discusses the ability to reach different generations of students, as previous students had varying learning methods and styles compared to those who are coming through today, and future students will likely have even more diverse methods when they reach Northeast. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

In this week's episode of the award-winning Tiger Talk podcast, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as Ford discusses some of the projects that the veteran educator is particularly proud of and how some projects stay with a person throughout the years. Ford talks about seeing students succeed not only at Northeast but going on to earn a four-year degree or through the college's career technical programs and becoming active and contributing members of the community. Ford praises the college's Student Success Center for the work that it has done and will do in making students successful and many other projects that brings pride to the president's face. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

In this week's episode of the award-winning Tiger Talk podcast, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as Ford discusses how recruiting has changed over the years. Ford talks about the changes in the students that the college recruits and how the college's recruiting department has to adapt throughout the year to recruit students. Ford talks about how the recruitment office and enrollment services meets not only students face-to-face, but online and out in the community as well. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

My newsletter: https://simonowens.substack.com/ Of all the media outlets to have launched in the last decade, Morning Brew has had one of the most impressive growth trajectories. Not only did it build its main newsletter to millions of subscribers, but it also spun off multiple B2B niche verticals and has had enormous success on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.   So it's not surprising that when three of its early employees left to launch their own media company, there were plenty of high profile creators eager to work with them. Under the banner of Smooth Media Creative Holdings, these alums have built out an influencer marketing agency and also their own niche outlets.   In a recent interview, co-founder Josh Kaplan delved deeper into Smooth Media's strategy, explained how it works with big YouTubers, and discussed why the company decided to acquire a 30-year-old B2B media brand.  

In this week's episode of the award-winning Tiger Talk podcast, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as Ford discusses the recent developments surrounding funding for Mississippi's community colleges. Ford outlines the $57 million cut made by the Mississippi Legislature and how institutions across the state are working to absorb and adapt to this significant budget shortfall. Ford also highlights the vital role that community colleges play -- not only in education but also in workforce development and economic impact across Mississippi. Ford emphasizes the value these institutions bring to local communities, the state economy, and to the thousands of students Northeast and the rest of the community colleges throughout the Magnolia State serve each year. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA Champs! And they have two First Round Picks in the NBA Draft. Could Kasparas Jakucionis or Will Riley be headed to OKC?  Ryen Rusillo LOVES KC and Will. Where does he think they'll land? Find out in Hour 1! Plus, who didn't get invited to Lon's big party on Friday?

In this week's episode of the award-winning Tiger Talk podcast, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as Dr. Ford discusses how Northeast stays connected to the communities it serves—and why those connections are essential to the college's mission.Dr. Ford explores the role of “community” in community college and shares the various ways Northeast engages with its five-county service district: Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties—and beyond. He talks about the presence of satellite campuses in several counties and the importance of maintaining contact and offering classes in all five. The college not only provides academic education to the citizens of each county but also strives to be a strong economic partner with local businesses, leaders, and industries.Dr. Ford also highlights how Northeast helps strengthen the region's economy by producing a well-educated workforce ready to meet the needs of incoming and existing businesses. He praises the award-winning Adult Education program for its dual role in helping individuals earn their High School Equivalency (HiSET) diplomas and equipping them with the skills needed to become highly skilled members of the workforce.Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges.Missed an episode? All Northeast Tiger Talk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

In this week's episode of the award-winning Tiger Talk podcast, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as Ford gives listeners a look into the behind-the-scenes world of Northeast and some of the things that people may not know about one of the nation's top community colleges. Ford discusses some of the hidden gems and begins the podcast by giving credit to the facilities and maintenance staff for the way they present the campus every day. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

Kamal Hassan, Managing Partner at Loyal VC, spoke with Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about backing INSEAD and Founder Institute alums (mainly) worldwide with a unique approach.Here is what they covered: Kamal, can you briefly introduce yourself?Can you describe Loyal VC - what does it do? Where are you based?Are you global? How much money have you facilitated since inception, and for how many growth companies? How many investors?What kind of growth companies have you invested in? What's your onboarding approach? E.g., minimum size of the stakeWhat are your best tips for aspiring founders to grow their companies?How do you find investment opportunities and investors? What are your selection criteria?Can you share success stories of the growth companies you invested in?What's your favorite business book (or another learning source)?Wrap up: What's the best way to reach out? Check out www.loyal.vc

In this week's episode of Tiger Talk, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as Ford updates listeners about the ongoing upgrades and improvements across the NEMCC campus. From facility renovations to infrastructure enhancements, Dr. Ford walks listeners through the transformative projects aimed at improving the student experience and preparing the college for future growth. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

In this episode, we unpack the many layers of confidence - how it's built, lost, and regained.  We're joined by Art Director Anastasia Simone and creative entrepreneur and illustrator Joy Richu, both proud See It Be It alums from the Cannes Lions Festival. Anastasia and Joy take us on a journey through their creative paths - spanning places like Hong Kong and Nairobi - as they reflect on how their early environments sparked their passions, how they've cultivated confidence, and how they continue showing up fully in their creative careers.  It is a reminder that confidence isn't just an inside job. It's deeply influenced by our community, environment, and the courage to keep going. This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed by Kevin Edwards. Thank you to Carl Robinson, Jr. for his contribution. You can follow Founders International Network on LinkedIn and BBP on Instagram.

In this week's episode of Tiger Talk, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as they delve into how each academic division and department is going over and beyond what many collegiate departments are doing to be innovative and impactful to the students. Ford talks about how each division and department, in its own way, is helping to impact student lives. From Career and Technical Education to the Vice President of Instruction's Office to the friendships and technology used in the Division of Fine Arts and beyond, Ford spotlights some of the emerging technological usages by the Northeast faculty and staff and how it helps to make the college one of the top community colleges in the nation. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

In this week's episode of Tiger Talk, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as they delve into what initiatives that the college is currently doing and how they are progressing and also how the veteran educator sees each initiative playing out over the next few years. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

In this week's episode of Tiger Talk, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as they delve into everything students, families, and the community need to know about Northeast Mississippi Community College's 2025 Commencement Ceremonies, from ceremony times and parking tips, to special honors, and the atmosphere of celebration that fills campus this time of year. Join Calvery and Ford as they talk about what makes graduation unique, how the college is honoring its graduates, and the many ways Northeast is bringing the community together to recognize student achievement. Plus, stay updated on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and more at one of the nation's premier community colleges. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

In this episode, Laura  hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums from the Early Career and Mid-Career Programs (Alexys Anderson, Shelby Norman, and SherAaron Hurt) to discuss our season's theme of Driving the Narrative of Your Career. Emphasizing the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work along the career growth journey, they  explore the significance of mentorship, the challenges of navigating identity, and the importance of community support.  The discussion highlights how embracing intersectionality and self-affirmation can empower Black women to take charge of their career narratives and pursue their professional visions with confidence. In this conversation, our program alums discuss the importance of intentionality in actions, the power of dreaming big, navigating fear and doubt, and the significance of self-advocacy. They also share their personal experiences and insights gained from the Black Woman Leading programs.  The discussion also highlights transformative moments in their leadership journeys, encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and give themselves grace in their career paths   Guest Bios: ::Alexys Anderson Alexys Anderson is a Higher Education professional with a passion for supporting students on their journeys to and through graduation. Her professional roles have encompassed student success strategies, leadership development, and student retention.She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Salisbury University and Master's degree in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University.  Connect with Alexys LinkedIn.   ::SherAaron Hurt SherAaron Hurt is a visionary leader in data science education and inclusive community building. As the Director of Workshops and Training for The Carpentries, she oversees global workshop strategy and leads instructor and trainer development, certification, and community engagement. With a background in Business Administration, Marketing, and Hospitality Management, SherAaron brings a service-first approach to advancing equitable, high-impact learning experiences around the world. She supports thousands of instructors and trainers across the globe, creating sustainable engagement and championing inclusive education through thoughtful programming and strategic leadership. She shares her insights on inclusive pedagogy, equitable access, and community-led learning at national and international conferences. Known for her warmth, intentionality, and authenticity, she builds lasting relationships and inspires teams to thrive. Outside of her professional pursuits, SherAaron is a luxury travel enthusiast, fur-mom to her Shih Tzu  Oreo, and a certified fitness instructor affectionately known in gym circles as HypeChicSher. She teaches high-energy Cardio Kickboxing and proudly serves as a Brand Ambassador for Orangetheory Fitness.  Her experience in the Black Women Leading (BWL) community helped spark her pursuit of a deeper calling—combining her passions for faith, flying, and fitness. Through her work and her workouts, SherAaron hopes to inspire others to elevate—one learner, one leader, and one lunge at a time. Connect with SherAaron on LinkedIn and Instagram @sherfitlife   ::Shelby Norman Shelby Norman (she/her/hers) serves as the Associate Director of Professional Development & Outreach for the Office of Academic Excellence and Opportunity. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she has always been immersed in diverse expressions of southern culture and community. Shelby is an alumna of The University of Alabama, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory, and Master of Arts degree in Women's Studies with a research concentration in Critical Gender and Race Theories. As the Associate Director of Professional Development and Outreach, Shelby leads the strategic development and implementation of new professional development opportunities and initiatives for faculty and staff. Shelby also develops and enhances collaborative partnerships across university departments and promotes her office as a consultative resource to support all Tulanians reach their full potential. Shelby's diverse experiences in higher education span across student and academic affairs in small and large state institutions, as well as private. Shelby has a strong history with mentorship and leadership initiatives, especially those rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Shelby is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tri Iota Honors Society ,Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society and The XXXI Women's Honor Society. Connect with Shelby on LinkedIn and Instagram   Resources: Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today!   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

In this week's episode of Tiger Talk, join Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery as they turn the best part of the week into a full-length update on all things Northeast. Ford shares important updates on the final week of seated classes, upcoming final exams, and special events like Take A Break Tuesday and Food with the First Lady. Plus, hear the latest on athletics and a roundup of everything happening on and around campus. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.