HCC branch in Vicksburg gets name change, increased funding. (Regional: Delta & River Cities).(Hinds Community College expansion)

VICKSBURG -- The elevation of the Vicksburg-Warren County branch of Hinds Community College (HCC) to campus status is good news for local business, industry and government leaders who believe the improved funding that comes with the designation will enhance general education and workforce training opportunities.

The new name of the college located on Highway 27 just east of Vicksburg will be the Warren-Vicksburg Campus. HCC President Dr. Clyde Muse said that a positive outcome of the name change is that the college will now receive 95% of full-time student funding from the state, whereas in the past Hinds was reimbursed at only 55%.

"What this means is that for every full-time student enrolled at Vicksburg, we were only receiving part-time funding for that student," Muse said. "The name change approval has definitely brought us to a much improved funding level."

After the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges approved the change to campus status, the Legislature passed new funding as part of the community college 2002 appropriation bill. The increased funding could bring about $150,000 in additional support to the campus.

The campus designation will permit Hinds to hire more full-time instructors, which will allow more academic classes to be offered during the day. "Previously as a branch we were employing many part-time teachers, and it's hard to find adjunct instructors who can teach during the day," Muse said.

Efforts to change the status of the HCC in Vicksburg began several years ago. HCC, the school's advisory board and the Warren County Board of Supervisor teamed to make a formal request for the change in the spring.

Richard George, president, Warren County Board of Supervisors, said the board has always been very supportive of the HCC branch.