July 14, 2023

A commencement exercise for graduates of East Mississippi Community College’s Cosmetology and Barbering/Stylist programs took place the evening of July 13 in the Lyceum Auditorium on the college’s Golden Triangle campus.

Thirty-six of the 47 graduates completed the college’s two Cosmetology classes, with the remaining 11 graduates coming from the Barbering/Stylist program. EMCC Vice President of Operations Dr. Paul Miller welcomed the graduates and members of the audience.

“We know these students have spent a year or longer together, getting to know one another and the faculty and really digging deep into their discipline and getting their skills ready to take their licensure exams and go out there and make a career out of what they have been learning,” Miller said. “It excites us to see that happen and see our workforce develop across the area.”

Student remarks were provided by graduates Tranene Person, Courtney Burton and Jada Williams. Person began her educational journey as an elementary education major before her studies were sidelined by asthma. She had enjoyed doing other people’s hair in her youth and later returned to school, enrolling in EMCC’s Barbering program.

“My thing was not to let people tell you that you can’t do something,” Person said. “It doesn’t matter if you are sick or don’t have enough, with the right support system and God by your side, anything can happen.”

Cosmetology instructors David Long and Teresa Rogers provided instructors’ remarks, as did Barbering instructor Erica Turner.

”Today, in spite of the hard tasks, long hours, sadness and grief you may have encountered in the Cosmetology program, at the end of it all you have completed this part of your journey with great achievement and beautiful memories,” Long said.

EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks awarded the students’ certificates, with assistance by EMCC Vice President of Instruction Dr. James Rush. Dean of Instruction Dr. Michael Busby provided the closing remarks.

“Believe in yourself and you will do great and wonderful things in life,” Busby said.

Graduates of the Barbering/Stylist program are: Antrinique Brandon of Macon; Jamea Corder of Columbus; Corey Davis of Columbus; Charles Fears, Sr., of Tupelo (Phi Theta Kappa); Jordan Roberson Hayes of Columbus; Ashanti Larry of Starkville; Destinee McCoy of Columbus; Roshanda Moore of West Point; Tranene Person of Columbus; Jadalvin Spencer of Columbus; and Wa’dreona Williams of Starkville.

Cosmetology program graduates are: Camryn Baddley of Starkville; Nautica Barry of Columbus; Makayla Bland of Macon; Molly Brown of Starkville; Courtney Burton of Mantee; Linda Crawford of Starkville; Anna Cummins of Starkville; Morgan Drummond of Starkville; Carmilla Foster of Columbus; MaCalla Gammill of Ackerman; Meredith Gill of Starkville; Alexis Greenlee of Kosciusko; Ceilie Grimsley of Mathison; Brittany Harris of Macon; Destiny Hill of Columbus; Anna Howell of Louisville; Sherrace Lacy of Columbus; Tori Lafhameyer of Brandon; Alyssa Long of Eupora; Molly Love of Grenada; Takia McCollum of Columbus; Audrey McReynolds of Starkville (Phi Theta Kappa); Destinee Richardson of Macon; Desirae Robinson of Starkville; Jade Robinson of Carthage; Halle Elizabeth Roberston of Louisville; Paige Shelton of West Point; Lanasia Smith of Starkville; Mikayia Smith of Columbus; Sadie Steed of Starkville; Jada Serton of Meridian; Kenisha Steward of Grenada; April Taylor of Columbus; Morgan Trosper of Nanih Waiya; Catilyn Turner of Hernando; and Jada Williams of Starkville.