Podcast appearances and mentions of will kollmeyer

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford sits down with Marketing and Public Relations Associate Alli Scott as she fills in for Liz Calvery to discuss what has endured the TigerTalk podcast to so many listeners over 300 episodes. Northeast's TigerTalk podcast celebrates 300 episodes since its humble launch in October 2017. Ford discusses the early years of the TigerTalk podcast and talks about his vision for the podcast after taking over for Will Kollmeyer following Kollmeyer's retirement from the airwaves. Ford talks about where the podcast may go in the future and gives credit to those behind the scenes, who have dedicated their time to making sure that the podcast goes out each week. Ford also talks about the recent award the podcast received as it was named the second-best community college podcast in the nation by FeedSpot. To wrap up, Ford gives listeners the Northeast News and discusses athletics, academics, workforce, student activities, and human resources, along with many more important things happening at one of the nation's top 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, Northeast president Ricky G. Ford takes over the lead role on TigerTalk. The podcast wishes a happy retirement to host Will Kollmeyer and wishes him many years of success in his future endeavors. However, as they say...the show must go on. Ford carries listeners through all things Northeast in this new rendition of Mississippi's longest-running community college podcast. This week's episode includes two major grant awards, a major award for Northeast -- where the college is the only community college in the state to be bestowed the honor and an update on not only plans for educating incarcerated inmates at the Alcorn County Regional Correctional Complex in Corinth but on the outdoor classrooms, Seth Pounds renovations and the closure of Veterans Drive for new sidewalks and crosswalks. 

In this week's episode, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Dr. Ricky G. Ford to the podcast to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. This week, Ford talks about the ending of the Fall 2021 semester and the college preparing for the Spring 2022 semester. In addition to talking about enrollment for the spring, Ford discusses the ongoing talks to establish a free health clinic for the students at Northeast with an MOU between Dr. Dennis' office here in Booneville and Baptist Memorial Hospital. This is a great addition to the college and will help to ease parental worries about sending their students off to college. Ford highlights the Apple Spotlight that Dr. Michelle Baragona, Dr. Carlena Benjamin and he did last week focusing on making the campus more student-centered and discusses a trio of gifts to the college that have totaled over $65,000 in recent weeks including a $30,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Mississippi that will aid in buying protective gear for the Northeast Mississippi Community College Police Department, a $25,000 endowed scholarship by Cook Coggin Engineering, Inc., and almost $10,000 from BancorpSouth to help our Adult Education program. Ford also talks about an articulation agreement with the University of Tennessee at Martin that the college is pursuing and the purchase of a facility to house not only all of our career and technical education classes but our workforce and adult education in the near future. Ford emphasis the Prison Education program that will utilize the Ready for Pell program to help those incarcerated at the Alcorn County Regional Correctional Facility in Corinth and gives an update on the renovations happening at the Seth Pounds Auditorium, the outdoor classrooms around the campus and the Mississippi Department of Transportation construction projects.

In this week's episode, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Dr. Ricky G. Ford back to the podcast to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford handed off the role of TigerTalk guest last week to Northeast executive vice-president Dr. Craig-Ellis Sasser and ended a streak of 74 straight weeks on the longest-running community college podcast in Mississippi but the education veteran returns this week to start another streak. Ford talks about the upcoming holidays and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holidays as the college heads into its annual Christmas Break at the latter portion of next week but also gives some great news that the college has purchased the old Corinthian plant on Chambers Drive (MS 4) to house not only its career and technical education but the building's almost 400,000 square feet will allow Northeast to house its career tech, workforce, and adult education all under one roof in the future. Ford continues with the good news by announcing the winners of the Jeffrey Powell Reach for the Stars award (tune in to see who won this year) and talks about plans for a free health clinic for the college's students. If you have not registered for the spring semester and are thinking about making the New Year's resolution to further your education or get a better job, registration is now open at Northeast for the Spring 2022 semester...what better way to give the gift that lasts a lifetime than to give the gift of education. Speaking of education, Ford discusses the Prison education program at the Alcorn County Regional Justice Center in Corinth and how it will help those incarcerated to receive an education and reduce the recidivism rate in Mississippi in the process. 

In this week's episode, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Dr. Craig-Ellis Sasser, Northeast's executive Vice President, to the podcast to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. This week marks the first time in 74 episodes that the podcast has had a guest other than president Dr. Ricky G. Ford on the mic. Sasser's focuses on recruiting...not just the young but also those looking to change their lives for the better and how Northeast can help a person earn a high-paying job in as little as eight weeks. Sasser talks about the ongoing projects happening on campus, the upcoming athletic events, and about one of the hidden gems of the college -- its business and engineering programs including iOS app development, cyber defense, and many others that may be of interest to those listening. 

It's the beginning of the holiday season for Northeast Mississippi Community College - tune in this week as host Will Kollmeyer and president Dr. Ricky G. Ford discuss all things Northeast including Ford announcing a gift to the employees of the college. 

In episode 175 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 72 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on the end of the Fall 2021 semester and the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester. Northeast only has less than a month of classes left before final exams so be watching for the Fall 2021 Exam Schedule on social media to know when and what day final exams are and registration for the Spring 2022 semester will start with Priority Registration Day on Friday, November 12. Open registration is set for Monday, November 29 for those not currently enrolled at the college. Ford touches on a variety of topics including the Prison Education Program at the Alcorn County Regional Justice Center in Corinth, an articulation agreement with the University of Tennessee at Martin, and a $1.5 Millon donation to the college's commercial truck driving program from Accelerate Mississippi. Ford spotlights the diagnostic medical stenography part of the radiology program at Northeast that will help students become the best ultrasound technician they can be and make a good salary in and around Mississippi. In recent and upcoming events, Ford and Kollmeyer discuss the Parade of Beauties pageant, basketball games, and the Lady Tigers' recent win over No. 9 Arkansas State University Mid-South. 

In episode 174 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 71 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on a busy Northeast campus. Northeast has wrapped up a run between September 28 and October 28 that held many events including the final home football game on Thursday, October 28. Not only was that Sophomore night for the Tiger football team, that ended in a win, but it was also Pink Out, Legislative Appreciation Night, and the Tent-or-Treat along with the community-wide tailgate. While the weather wasn't to everyone's liking, the Tigers came out on top just like Northeast does with many of its events as everything pre-game was moved inside and the Tigers took the victory over the Holmes Bulldogs on a sloppy Tiger Stadium playing surface. Northeast continues with its busy schedule with the Workforce Summit in the Claude Wright Room of the Haney Union on Wednesday, November 3 with some high-ranking state dignitaries attending the one-day affair. More events are planned for the rest of the semester including Brenda Mayes' Lady Tigers hosting Itawamba Community College on Thursday, November 4, a Christmas Social and many more events throughout the remaining month or so of the fall semester. 

In episode 173 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 70 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on communication and how to effectively communicate on campus. From the Strategic Doing committees focusing on different forms of communication to using SignalVine to send out short text message reminders about events happening every night on campus. Northeast is working on communicating better. In his talk, the president communicates about the final home football game and the final one for the 2021 season and talks about all the events that surround the football game from the pep rally at 12:10 p.m. to sophomore night and everything in between. Thursday will be a big day for Northeast as not only is it sophomore night but it is also Legislative Appreciation night where area legislators are invited to campus to learn about the college's and the state's goals for the upcoming session. In addition, Northeast will hold its Tiger Tailgate from 5-6 p.m. and the night will also honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While all the events around the football game are happening, the Public Relations Committee will hold a Tiger Tent or Treat event for area youngsters in conjunction with the Tiger Tailgate from 5-6 p.m. where over 20 different clubs, divisions, offices, and organizations are scheduled to participate.

In episode 172 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 69 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on how busy the college has been during the month of October and how busy it will be as the 2021 fall semester comes to a close. It's been a busy three weeks at Northeast with the Northeast Regional Marching Band Championships and a softball tournament on the same day along with three straight Fridays of Northeast NOWs. But not much can top last week where the Northeast family celebrated Homecoming 2021, the students turned out in force for a Lunch on the Lawn, life-sized lawn games, and a Tour de Tiger by the Burgess Fitness Center but that wasn't the only thing going on as the Student Government Association and Student Activities kept students entertained with a Movie Night and a BINGO night leading into Homecoming 2021. Northeast celebrated Homecoming 2021 with the crowning of queen Ally Melton of Ripley but not before inducting four members into the NEMCC Sports Hall of Fame and two into the college's Alumni Hall of Fame. Northeast basketball also got in on the homecoming act with Late Night Madness that kicked off the 2021-2022 basketball season and packed the Bonner Arnold Coliseum. If last week wasn't enough, the activities continue throughout the rest of the 2021 Fall semester with the Tiger Football team heading to Clarksdale to take on the Coahoma Tigers, basketball season kicking off with scrimmages, exhibitions, and the season on November 1 and the Student Government Association and Student Activities returns next week with pizza in the dorm. Northeast's business and engineering technology students will meet in the Claude Wright Room of the Haney Union on Thursday for Tiger Apprenticeship Interview Day and the college has a variety of events planned for the final home football game on Thursday, October 28. Not only does the Tiger football team take on Holmes Community College that night, but the Northeast Development Foundation and Alumni Association will celebrate even more of its scholarship recipients and donors, it's Pink Out and Sophomore Night at Tiger Stadium and on the quad around the fountain and the Ramsey Student Services Building, Northeast will hold its community-wide tailgate, a Legislative Appreciation night and a Tent-or-Treat that is open to the public. Heading into November, Northeast will welcome state representatives from the workforce division for a Workforce Summit on November 3 and Ford makes sure to thank all the faculty and employees for the impact that they have on the lives of students.

In episode 171 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 68 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on Homecoming 2021 and all the events that surround it. Northeast's Student Government Association and Student Activities have a variety of events planned throughout the week and with the official introduction of the 2021 Homecoming Court at a pep rally on Thursday at 12:10 p.m., homecoming will be in full force. It's a great day to be a Tiger! Tune in and hear all the great things happening at Northeast.

In episode 170 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 67 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on all the events happening at Northeast during October and recaps some that happened in late September as well. Ford discusses the North Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships at Tiger Stadium on October 2 along with a 12-team softball tournament at The Plex that helped to bring 15,000 to 18,000 people to not only Northeast but to Booneville on Saturday, October 2, and expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in all events from the Mississippi Department of Transporation for providing traffic signage, to the City of Booneville, the Booneville Police Department, the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office - all for crowd control and the countless volunteers who dedicated time on their 'off' days to help Northeast present itself as one of the top community colleges in the nation. In addition to the band championships, Ford talks about the Tigers' dramatic win over the Indians of Itawamba last Thursday night where Northeast scored 14 points in the last 17 seconds of the game to beat ICC for the third straight year.  Ford gives an update on two big events coming up next week with Homecoming and Midnight Madness -- a late-night event that helps to kick off our basketball season. Ford also gives insight into the Accelerate Mississippi Workforce Summit that will be coming to campus in November where countless employers, high school counselors, career coaches and those who work in the workforce and pathways come together to address issues with the workforce and how to get more people into the Mississippi workforce. Ford thanks Morgan Van Lines for its donation of two 18-wheelers to the college for use in the Diesel Mechanics program and also the Continuing Education Commercial Truck Driving Course. 

In episode 169 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 66 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on all the events happening at Northeast and it's going to be a busy latter part of September through October. Northeast kicks off the busy season by hosting rival Itawamba Community College in football on Thursday, September 30 at Tiger Stadium while the community-wide tailgate happens from 5-6 p.m. before kickoff at 6:30 p.m. that night. In addition to the annual rivalry game against ICC, Northeast continues to be a busy place as the second of three Northeast NOW recruitment events take place at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 1 and the annual Northeast Mississippi Marching Band Championships take the field at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, October 2 for a full bevy of activities this week. Northeast softball program is also hosting its largest travel ball tournament of the season that will see The Plex and four fields at Plumrose Park (formerly Westside City Park) hosting over 40 different teams on Saturday, October 2. Continuing with the trend of events, Northeast's Iota Zeta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society will host its fall induction on Monday, October 4 at 5 p.m. in the Claude Wright Room, however, due to COVID-19 concerns, no guests will be allowed in the venue. The induction ceremony will be live streamed on NEMCCTV.com. Northeast continues a busy October with its Homecoming game against Mississippi Delta on Thursday, October 14 along with the Alumni and Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and the last game of the regular season has picked up steam as well. Along with the community-wide tailgate, Northeast will host legislators from its five-county service area -- Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo and Union, along with a Tent-or-Treat event for the young Tiger fans on the grassy area in front of the Ramsey Student Services Building before kickoff at 6:30 p.m. that night. 

In episode 168 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 65 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is about welcoming people to campus from the community-wide tailgate before each home football game to Homecoming and the Alumni and Sports Hall of Fame dinner on October 14 to the upcoming three Northeast NOW recruitment events (Friday, September 24; Friday, October 1 and Friday, October 8) and including the annual marching band festival that brings in bands throughout the southeastern United States on Saturday, October 2 and the legislative appreciation night at the final home football game on Thursday, October 28. It's all about making our guests feel welcome and encouraging them to send everyone they know to Northeast for a top-quality education at one of the nation's premier educational institutions.

In episode 167 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 64 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is on the COVID-19 pandemic and how the college has handled it. Ford gives credit to the students and employees at the college for understanding that a pandemic and health crisis is happening and credits them for keeping positive cases low, which in turn keeps the numbers of students in quarantine down. In great news, the Northeast Tiger DEN food pantry has received its second donation from the CREATE Foundation through the CARES Act and the college is starting of an eSports program under Austin Beasley, Natasha Lewis and Dr. Carlena Benhamin.  Ford also talks about upcoming athletic events such as the home football game against Hinds on Thursday, September 16 at Tiger Stadium and the community-wide cookout from 5-6 p.m. that night in the area around the fountain on campus. Ford focuses on the Game, Set, Match campaign that the Northeast Development Foundation has launched in order to provide the college with a state-of-the-art eight-court tennis complex in the area around the football field. 

In episode 166 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 63 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week is about returning to a new normal with the home football schedule opening up on Thursday, September 9 as the Tigers play host to the Bulldogs of Mississippi Gulf Coast. In addition to the football game, the Northeast family will enjoy a pep rally on the lawn surrounding the fountain at 12:10 p.m., a community-wide tailgate at 5 p.m. on the lawn around the fountain and then the Northeast Development Foundation will welcome some of its scholarship donors to the tailgate and the game. With the return of the pep rally and tailgate, special guests will be recognized prior to the football game at 6:15 p.m. and at halftime where the men's basketball team will receive their rings for winning the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) state championship in the spring. Ford also discusses the COVID numbers for the college and how the college's approach has led to the number of quarantined students being lower than expected. In a focus on the Ripley center, Ford talks about the benefits of having a campus in all five of the college's five-county service area - Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo and Union and how the newest campus to the Northeast family will not only benefit the citizens of Tippah County but it will benefit those in the surrounding counties as well. 

In episode 165 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 62 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week recaps talks about the new normal as it concerns the COVID-19 virus and the Delta variant and everything that Northeast is doing to continue classes throughout the global pandemic. Ford also talks about the Strategic Doing Plan which is a variant from the Strategic Planning Council. Ford wants to focus on the students and a new model for evaluating the employees at Northeast based on everything they are doing to ensure student success at the college. In talking about athletics, Ford discusses the opening of the 2021 football season at Jones College on Thursday, September 2 and then the first home football game on Thursday, September 9, and the tailgate around the fountain area from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. before each home football game. 

In episode 164 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 61 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus this week recaps the first week of in-person classes at the college and announces an enrollment increase over the number of students that Northeast saw during the 2020 Fall semester. Ford talks about the Delta variant of the COVID virus and how Northeast has mitigated the cases and those in quarantine to a very low number over the first week of classes through the use of masks and social distancing. Ford encourages everyone to be proactive against the COVID virus and not only protect themselves but protect those around them as well. In a look at athletics, the president talks about the beginning of fall sports with football, baseball, softball, golf, and tennis all having games or matches throughout the fall semester and discusses the Go, Set, Match fund-raiser for a new tennis complex as the college looks to create a state-of-the-art athletic complex around the baseball/softball fields and the football field. In a discussion about the college's QEP, Ford talks about Fridays and the success of professional development and importance of Friday learning opportunities for employees. 

In episode 163 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 60 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's focus is on the enrollment numbers for the fall 2021 semester and the COVID-19 virus as it concerns the Delta variant and the educational process. Ford mentions the upcoming vaccination clinic on Monday, August 23, and Tuesday, August 24 in the Claude Wright Room of the second floor of the Haney Union and the kickoff of the Game, Set, Match Capital giving campaign for the new tennis complex. Ford encourages everyone to take advantage of the numerous Student Activities that are available on campus in the coming months including the ever-popular football tailgate before each football game from 5-6 p.m. on the quad around the fountain. Ford does give an update on the Prentiss County Supervisors cutting their donations to the Tuition Guarantee to just $250 per semester instead of the full tuition but encourages all companies and private entities to step up and make up the difference. In an update to the enrollment, Ford announces that Northeast has eclipsed last year's total but there is work to be done to match the 2019 Fall enrollment numbers. 

In episode 162 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 59 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford's topic for this week is, "What is Best for Our Students," and he talks about the COVID-19, advising, InService, the first day of school, the return of students, and how everyone has pitched in around campus. Ford discusses the ongoing COVID crisis with daily cases above 4,000 and the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester at Northeast. Ford talks about the Safe to Return Guide, which details the return to traditional classes and other important information concerning the coronavirus. Ford emphasizes the point that ALL employees and students need to fill out the screening form each morning to help Northeast stay safe and in class, all semester and the veteran educator talks about the temporary mask mandate that was put in earlier this week that addresses the need for masks in all indoor spaces on the college's campus in each of its five-counties -- Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union. Ford talks about students returning to campus such as the football team, cheerleaders, and the Showband from Tigerland, and how each group is doing its part in making the upcoming fall semester a success. Ford talks about capacity limits at the football stadium and other places around campus and how that will be communicated to employees, students, and community members. Taking from his InService speech, Ford discusses the college's Quality Enhancement Program - Advising and how everyone has stepped up to make Northeast one of the top community colleges in the country. 

In episode 161 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 58 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford discusses the beginning of school on Monday, August 16 and the start of online classes on Monday, August 23 and the work that has gone into the residence halls on campus to make Northeast one of the top institutions in the country. Ford also address the upcoming employee InService on Wednesday, August 11 and the opportunities for professional development amongst the college employees throughout the year. In a serious note, Ford talks about COVID-19 and the Delta variant and how it has impacted the college and the discussions taking place on whether masks will be mandated for the upcoming school year along with the ongoing health crisis. Ford states that a decision on the masks and other safety protocols will be made early next week. Ford gives an update on special projects that the college has announced in the recent weeks to help make getting an education or reskill employees including The Northeast Promise for the college's career and technical students along with the recent announcement about the online workforce college. 

In episode 160 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 57 straight weeks for Ford as the president steps to the forefront to talk about everything Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ford discusses the recently announced NEMCC Workforce eLearning platform and how it will provide the area with an advanced skilled workforce and the economic impact that it will not only have on the college but the community as well. In his weekly discussion about the COVID-19 virus, Ford talks about the Delta variant and the increases in cases in the 18-30-year-old population. Ford does reveal information from a study of Northeast employees and students that shows 62-percent of the employees and 41-percent of the students, who responded, have been vaccinated and that is above the state average. Ford talks about the recommendation of employees and students to wear masks but not mandate them at this point. Ford reminds everyone that with cases fluctuating that it is a fluid situation but Northeast will make an announcement the week before school begins on the college's choice for employees and students. The college president gives an update on various events happening on campus including Fall 2021 iPad distribution starting on Thursday, August 12, and the AppleCores initiative that will be a student-led coalition to help faculty and students with their technology needs and will be housed in the Eula Dees Memorial Library. Ford reminds all employees that inService will be on Wednesday, August 11 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Claude Wright Room of the Haney Union and gives an update on the Fall 2021 enrollment numbers. 

In episode 159 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. This week's episode marks 56 straight weeks for Ford and ties him on the Joe DiMaggio hit streak. Ford discusses the upcoming fall semester and the college's stance, as of now, on whether masks or other protocols will be in place for the fall semester as well as the close of one of the largest summer school enrollments in school history. Ford talks about all that is going on around the college to make the college look great for the employees, students and community members and gives a tip of the cap to the hard work that the employees of the college's facilities and maintenance department has put into making Northeast one of the top institutions in the entire country. Ford gives an update on renovation and construction projects such as the Claude Wright Room and the hallways on the second floor of the Union, the new outdoor classrooms coming to the Booneville campus and the ongoing MDOT Phase II project that is set to make safety improvements to the north side of campus. In Athletic news, Ford talks about the revitalization of the Northeast tennis program and a campaign through the Northeast Development Foundation to build a state-of-the-art tennis complex while renovating the current tennis courts in the process. Ford talks about the addition of archery in the fall and spring and the possibility of adding volleyball in Fall 2022. Ford address the fountain in the center of campus and the availability of parts for it and hints at a large announcement in the coming weeks between the college's Division of Workforce and Economic Development and online education. 

In episode 158 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford discusses summer school and the over 370 classes and 4,700 students that attended the college during the summer months along with more information about The Northeast Promise and plans to expand the promise to other areas such as Health Science students and ultimately, the entire student population at Northeast. Ford talks about the ongoing Phase II Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) grants and how it will impact the college with new lighted crosswalks and safety measures as well as the paving overlay projects address some of the parking lots on campus. Northeast's Campus Police Department just received new digital radios that will aid in communication with local police and county departments in the surrounding area. Ford also discusses the COVID-19 Delta variant and its need to make all coming on campus for proctored exams next week to wear masks.

In episode 157 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford discusses The Northeast Promise scholarship that aids career and technical education students in helping to achieve their educational and occupational dreams, the continuing legislative agenda for Mississippi's community colleges as well as the great work that the Northeast family has done in welcoming over 4,000 students to summer school and hopes that the students have enjoyed their stay and will continue with us in the fall. 

In episode 156 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford praises all the faculty and staff members that made the iPad handout dates for the summer 2021 term a successful event. He also goes over a busy week on campus that includes band, baseball and softball summer youth camps. Ford previews potential tuition relief plans for Northeast students during the upcoming fall semester as well.

In episode 155 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford goes over the record setting enrollment for the 2021 summer term and looks ahead to an important fall semester. He also looks ahead to important upcoming activities including orientation for the 2021-22 academic year plus the Mobile Learning Conference. Ford also provides updates on the Northeast Development Foundation offices, the Ripley campus and Northeast's new website which is set to debut in July.

In episode 154 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford announces new COVID-19 health policies on campus based upon the latest CDC guidance that includes the elimination of mask wearing for individuals that are fully vaccinated. He also previews a number of upcoming events on campus such as orientation sessions, summer camps in the athletic and fine arts departments plus the Mobile Learning Conference. Ford sends his congratulations once more to the graduating class of 2021 as well.

In episode 153 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford recaps a special week at Northeast that included five graduation ceremonies, the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ripley campus plus the announcement that tennis would return to Northeast's athletic department. He also reminds all Northeast employees to still be diligent in regards to COVID-19 protocols as we prepare for summer classes and the 2021-22 academic year.

In episode 152 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford sends a special thank you all employees involved in helping Northeast achieve a record breaking enrollment for summer school this year, including those in the admissions office. He breaks down the plans for graduation ceremonies over the next week for career tech, health sciences, Associate of Arts and adult education programs. Ford also goes over several additional topics, including the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ripley campus next week, updates on construction projects and Northeast's new website plus a reminder about the upcoming Mobile Learning Conference.

In episode 151 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford sends his well wishes to the golf and softball teams, who will be in postseason action over the next couple of weeks. He also provides a key update on the attendance policy for graduation, which will now be open to all family and friends of our graduates instead of a ticketed system as was originally planned. Ford provides another reminder of the Ripley campus ribbon cutting ceremony on May 19 and gives an update on enrollment for summer school and the 2021 fall semester.

In episode 150 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford starts by sending his well wishes to all Northeast students taking final exams for the spring 2021 semester over the next two weeks. He updates enrollment numbers and re-emphasizes his goal of growing Northeast's enrollment to record highs. Ford also gives an update on the diversity committee and its findings in regards to equalization across campus.

In episode 149 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford sends congratulations on behalf of the entire college to the Northeast golf team on their state championship victory and to the 2021 Hall of Fame members including Zac Castro, Jackson Clinton, Alli Seago and Presley Tice. He also goes over a number of upcoming activities including the virtual honors day recognition, Campus Country's final concert of the academic year, the annual Retirement Reception plus in-person graduation.

In episode 148 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford provides dates and times for upcoming graduation and orientation sessions. He also goes over a list of upcoming construction projects that will take place over the next several months around the Booneville campus and gives an update on a pay raise for Northeast employees. Ford sends his congratulations to Northeast's Iota Zeta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society as well for another award-winning academic year.

In episode 147 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford starts by sending congratulations to the Northeast fine arts department for a successful student art show plus the Northeast men's basketball team on advancing to the Region 23 Tournament semifinals. Ford also recaps the 2021 Mississippi legislative session as it pertains to Northeast and the free tuition announcement for summer 2021 classes at Northeast. He also provides full plans for in-person graduation ceremonies at the conclusion of the spring 2021 semester.

In episode 146 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford starts by sending congratulations to the Northeast color guard on their silver medal Mississippi indoor championships, the Northeast men's basketball team on their state and division championships and to All-Mississippi Academic students Joshua Montgomery and Joshua Haley. Ford also unveils plans to offer free tuition to all Northeast students during the summer 2021 term and updates fees for dual enrollment classes for high school students beginning in the fall semester of 2021.

In episode 145 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford gives an update on the Mississippi legislature, emergency relief funding, deadlines for upcoming applications for health sciences programs, potential spring 2021 graduation plans and an overview of the athletics department.

In episode 144 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford gives an update on the Mississippi legislature, discusses upcoming projects around campus, goes into brief details about fall 2021 class registration, upcoming presenters from Northeast at the NISAD conference and an update on graduation plans for the spring 2020 semester.

In episode 143 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford discusses the recent release of the mask mandates and opening businesses to 100-percent capacity by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and gives what Northeast will be doing in response to Executive Order 1549. Ford, who has spent a substantial amount of time in Jackson, gives an update on the Mississippi legislature and a couple of contentious bills that are going through the legislature at this point. In positive news, Ford talks about the recent designation of Northeast being named a "Voter Friendly Campus." Ford praises Will Bowlin for his work on getting that designation and talks about Bryan Mitchell's Humanities Teacher of the Year presentation on Monday, March 1 in the Hines Hall auditorium. The NEMCC president also gives an update on athletics and insight into in-person graduation and how the college will do it to help keep everyone safe. 

In episode 142 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford discusses the recent weather and the impact it had on the college. With the recent ice and snow, some water pipes burst on campus including some at the new $8.4 million Baseball/Softball facility, so the college has been busy remedying the problems caused by the ice and snow. Ford gives credit to the facilities and maintenance staff, law enforcement, Sodexo, and everyone who came to campus in the ice and snow to make sure the students were safe and were able to continue their educational experience. Ford credited Northeast's faculty with being able to go online so quickly due to the weather thanks to their use of technology. In other news, Ford talks about the increased efforts on Recruitment and Orientation while discussing Spring Break and an in-person Graduation. In legislative news, Ford talks about the enrollment numbers for the state with community colleges seeing 2-21% decreases in enrollment throughout the state and what that means for appropriated funds from the state. 

In episode 141 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss a variety of topics that are happening at the college. Ford, who recorded his segment from the state's capital, talks about the effect that COVID-19 still is having on the college and society but points out that the COVID-19 numbers are going down as the vaccine rollout has ramped up. Ford talks about the college's collaboration with Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville to try to make vaccines available to NEMCC employees but encourages those in categories who can get the vaccine quicker, to go ahead and get vaccinated if they should so choose to do so. Recruiting is going to be big going into the 2021-22 school year and Ford wants all employees to focus on bolstering the ranks of the Northeast student rank and file with consorted effort to help boost enrollment for years to come. Ford talks about the upcoming Orientation -- one in the spring and one in the summer. Dual enrolled/Dual credit students will get a chance to go through Orientation in April while Orientation sessions will return to face-to-face in the summer as graduated high school seniors come to Northeast to make out their schedules for the fall. Ford, who is in Jackson, talks about the legislative needs of not only Northeast but the other 14 community colleges around the state discusses the need for more appropriations to the community colleges to help them keep the high-quality of education to the students. Ford gives an update on two construction projects - the Northeast at Ripley center and Northeast's Corinth campus becoming one of the largest COVID-19 vaccination sites in northeast Mississippi. Northeast at Corinth's partnership with Magnolia Regional Health Center sees the center open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. and even open during the upcoming Spring Break. Ford talks about two awards -- from the Mississippi Historical Society and the Mississippi Forestry Commission as well as discusses changes to the Mobile Learning Conference for the summer during this week's episode. 

In episode 140 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. Ford talks about the legislative agenda for the college and not just Northeast but the 15 community college's around the state. In addition to addressing the legislative needs of the community college system, the college president talks about the changes to the dual enrolled/dual credit system that is slowly making its way through the Mississippi legislature. Ford also focuses on the student process at the college from recruiting to enrollment and retention of students once they reach Northeast whether it is the Booneville, Corinth, New Albany, soon-to-be-open Ripley, hybrid, or virtually. Ford wants all the Northeast family to focus on recruiting and retaining students once they become part of the Northeast family. Ford also talks about a pair of awards the college has received in the last few weeks. One from Tree City USA and another from the Mississippi Historical Society. Ford also talks about workforce and economic development and addresses the idea of Ashley Furniture, Inc., bringing a plant to Booneville. 

In episode 139 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. Ford talks about the college trying to return to as much of a normal schedule as possible and that includes all facets of the college from academics to athletics to career and tech to many more things happening. Ford addresses the opening of athletics for the Spring 2021 semester and talks about the basketball games that have happened in the last week or so with the men's teams opening 2-0 while the women's teams started the season 1-1. Ford encourages everyone to go out and attend games at The Plex with baseball opening this weekend (Friday, January 29) against Itawamba and East Mississippi and the softball team starting on Saturday, February 6. Ford revisits the Legislative agenda for not just Northeast but the 15 community colleges around the state and gives the six top priorities that the community colleges are looking for from state legislators. In his second week on the show, Sodexo Operations Manager Don Knowles talks about the payment options available at the Tiger Grill including a perk for those living in the college's residence halls -- Tiger Bucks. 

In episode 138 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. Ford talks about a push in recruitment to help bolster the enrollment numbers at the college for the Fall 2021 campaign along with a discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine that will be available to employees in February. Ford gives insight on athletics picking back up in the spring with basketball taking on Holmes Community College on Thursday, January 21, baseball kicking off on Saturday, January 30, softball just a week later on February 6 and golf on February 22. While talking about COVID-19, Ford reveals that there is some more CARES Act money coming to the college and that the college has already put up shields and dividers in most of the labs on campus to help prevent the spread of the virus. For the first time since March 3, 2020, a second guest joins the show as Sodexo Operations Manager Don Knowles visits to talk about the Tiger Grill and its offering including a SubConnection where fresh baked bread is featured each day and the addition of the Tiger Grill which serves not only a Tiger burger but chicken strips and chick wings. Tiger Grill is located in the Haney Union and is open Monday-Thursday. 

In episode 137 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. Northeast is coming off its holiday break that saw the students spend nearly two months away from the campus and employees were off for the Christmas break before returning on Monday, January 4. Ford and Kollmeyer talk about a variety of topics in the first podcast of the semester including enrollment numbers and how to drive enrollment to Northeast. In addition to enrollment, Kollmeyer and Ford discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the steps the college has taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Ford also talks about the ongoing construction projects the college has including finishing the HVAC work in Seth Pounds Auditorium and ongoing renovations there, the remodeling of the Magnolia Room on the second floor of the Haney Union, and reaching the completion of the Northeast at Ripley center in Tippah County. If you or someone you know want to further your/their education, Northeast is the right place for you/them.  Ranked as one of the top community colleges in the nation, Northeast has a variety of options to fit anyone's schedule from face-to-face classes to hybrid to Zoom to TigerCast and fully online courses to help everyone achieve their educational dreams. 

In episode 136 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. In this week's update, Dr. Ford welcomes all listeners and talks about a variety of different topics including a recap of the Fall 2020 semester and a preview of the Spring 2021 semester as the college puts a focus back on face-to-face classes. However, the college will still offer online, ZOOM, and hybrid classes for students, who are not ready to come back to face-to-face classes just yet. Ford announces some big news of the college in two parts of the podcast including shifting the date that the college will close for the 2020 holiday season -- shifting from Thursday, December 17 back to Friday, December 11 and a major milestone as the Northeast story has climbed up the corporate ladder at Apple, Inc., and is headed for CEO Tim Cook. Northeast will reopen the 2021 Spring Semester on Monday, January 4, and will look forward to opening its Northeast at Ripley center as well. As the students head home for the holidays at the Thanksgiving break, Ford and the college will turn their attention to the 2021 Mississippi Legislative calendar and will band with other presidents in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC) to present six legislative priorities for the 2021 budget. Those priorities include 1) restoration of the 2021 reduced appropriation, 2) a 5% funding formula increase, 3) a 3% salary increase for all community college employees, 4) a focus on career-technical education by adding new programs and enhancing the ones already in the system, 5) examining a dual credit scholarship program for high schoolers enrolled in those classes and 6) $35 million capital improvement bonds for the upcoming year. Ford also brings to light the Mississippi Online Workforce College, which is very similar to the Mississippi Virtual Community College system, that will allow working professionals to receive additional training and certificates at their job place in hopes that this will help to accelerate their career paths. Ford gives an update on the Mississippi Department of Transportation Project's second round of funding that will see new sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks put into campus around Cunningham Boulevard and north to George E. Allen Drive/Veterans Boulevard and then back along Church Street to make sure that all of our students are safe. This will also include new crosswalks for those making the trek across Church Street from Hines Hall to the Baptist Student Union, Mississippi Hall, or the Band Practice Field down SMU Drive. In addition to the second round of the MDOT funding, Ford talks about the college's application for GEARS grants through the Mississippi governor's office and how they will benefit the college. In a look at athletics, Ford discusses the 2020 football season and how the team had been successful on the field (5-1 with a season-ending win over Itawamba Community College in Fulton) and off as well thanks to the athletic training staff that made sure that the team did not go under quarantine during the season. 

In episode 135 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. In this week's update, Dr. Ford welcomes all listeners and talks about the end of the Fall 2020 semester and his concerns for the rising COVID cases not just in Mississippi but around the nation as well however, Ford does let listeners in on conversations that will affect Northeast employees at the college is debating releasing for the holiday break on Thursday, December 11 instead of December 18. No decision has been made but the president wanted all employees to be aware that the change may happen. Ford also discusses the Ellucian Digital Transformation Impact Award and what a big honor it is for the NEMCC. Northeast was the only school -- community college, 4-year college or university or any other school that applied -- in the nation to earn the Digital Transformation Award. The only other school honored was the University of Greenwich in London, United Kingdom. Ford places special emphasis on the beginning of an eSports team at Northeast and encourages everyone to sign up for it and speaking of Athletics, Northeast's football team takes on Itawamba Community College on Thursday, November 12 in Fulton. Northeast (4-1) is looking to complete its regular season and still has a chance to make the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) State Championship game for the 2020 football season. For those who cannot make it to Fulton, the game will be streamed live on the NEMCCTV.com "Black Channel." Ford lets listeners in on a variety of construction/remodeling efforts that will be happening at the college over the next few weeks including the Magnolia Room on the second floor of the Haney Union and renovating the Mississippi Department of Safety's Driver's License Bureau at the Northeast at Corinth campus to give them more room to operate. In a rundown of events for this week, Ford touches on the Campus Country concert that's slated for Thursday, November 12 on the front steps of the Ramsey Student Services Building, a possible change to the college's Board of Trustees' meeting in December, the fall semester's Practical Nursing Education graduation on Thursday, November 19 along with a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of West Alabama that will allow a seamless transition between Northeast students transferring to the Livingston, Alabama-based college. 

In episode 134 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. In this week's update, Dr. Ford welcomes all listeners and talks about a return to normal face-to-face classes in the spring 2021 semester for both faculty and students. Ford states that while the college still has options available for online learning such as Zoom classes, hybrid and fully virtual through the MSVCC and Northeast, that face-to-face classes will be the primary form of instruction at the college during the Spring 2021 semester. Ford talks about the postponement of the annual rivalry football game against Itawamba Community College, the Perkins audit and many other topics of interest. Remember if you have not signed up for classes for the Spring 2021 semester and are currently a student at Northeast, priority registration day was Friday, October 30 so get your courses selected and if you want to join one of the best community colleges in the nation, open registration begins on November 9. 

In episode 133 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. In this week's update, Dr. Ford welcomes all listeners and talks about Priority Registration Day coming up on Friday, October 30 and how important it is for students to get their schedules in early. Sophomores can begin registering at 8 a.m. while freshman can put their schedules in at 9 a.m. Ford also addresses classes for the 2021 Spring Semester and announces a new class format as the college returns to more face-to-face classes. Northeast, in addition to traditional face-to-face classes, hybrid and online classes will now offer a Zoom option for faculty and students to take part in a real-time, virtual course where the student can interact with the instructor instantaneously. Ford gives an update on the Perkins Audit that happened at Northeast and says the college passed with flying colors. In addition to giving an update about upcoming events such as the Sodexo Halloween Costume Contest on Thursday, October 29, Ford talks about how the college has handled the COVID-19 pandemic and what Northeast employees, students and community members can do to help reduce the spread of coronavirus - 1) Wear a mask, 2) Social distance and 3) wash hands regularly. In his Athletics' update, Ford talks about the Tiger Golf team and the success it has had during the fall portion of its schedule and about baseball and softball's successful fall schedules. 

In episode 132 of the TigerTalk podcast presented by Northeast Mississippi Community College, host Will Kollmeyer welcomes Northeast president, Dr. Ricky G. Ford, to the podcast as Kollmeyer and Ford sit down to discuss what is happening at the college. In this week's update, Dr. Ford welcomes all listeners and talks about the college's recent virtual visit with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges where Northeast only received three recommendations. Ford also addresses the need to stay vigilant with COVID 19 guidelines between students, employees, and community members. Ford says that people still need to socially distance themselves and wear a mask to help us reduce the number of COVID 19 cases and to help Northeast, Booneville/Prentiss County, Mississippi and the United States overcome this pandemic. Ford takes the time to thank the employees of the Facilities and Maintenance department along with Building and Grounds for the job that they are doing, did during Homecoming, and for everything they will do in the future to make Northeast one of the best campuses in the nation. Ford gives an update on the Northeast at Ripley center and says that the college will take over the center from the construction firm in November and have the campus ready to open in January with an open house to show off the new facility during the early part of the Spring semester. In order to aid our students when transferring after their first two years at Northeast, Ford points out agreements that Northeast has with surrounding universities that aid in the transfer process. Ford talks about the agreement with the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama, a memorandum of understanding with Mississippi State University that focuses on our career and technology students transferring there to receive a Bachelors of Applied Science and an upcoming transfer agreement with the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama that will make the process of Northeast students transferring there less hectic. Northeast and the University of West Alabama's transfer agreement will allow for Northeast students to receive scholarships based on grade point average along with other factors such as on- or off-campus housing at UWA. Ford reminds all students -- current, returning, or prospective students -- that Northeast will return to its regular schedule of classes in the Spring and will offer more face-to-face classes to those that want them. In helping students interact more with faculty or ask timely questions, Northeast will also be rolling out synchronous Zoom classes to allow students to ask timely questions but also have the online class feeling. Don't forget that if you want to sign up for classes in the spring, sign-ups are just around the corner. Priority Registration will open for sophomores and freshmen on Friday, October 30. Sophomores will get a chance at classes at 8 a.m. while freshman will start scheduling at 9 a.m. Students must meet with their advisors to discuss their DegreeWorks academic plan before registering for classes in the spring.