College takes top spot in state with 98 percent graduation rate for athletes

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College President Dr. Mary S. Graham, center, holds the Halbrook Award that was presented to MGCCC for producing a student-athlete graduation rate of 98 percent during 2012-2013 school year. Standing with Graham, from left, are Dr. Jay Allen, vice president of the Perkinston Campus, and Ladd Taylor, college dean of Athletics.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was named the winner of the annualHalbrook Award for having the highest graduation rate among all of Mississippi’s community college athletic programs. The college was presented the award on Oct. 22 during the Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities Conference (MAC) at Hinds Community College’s Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond.

MGCCC, which has more than 200 student-athletes, produced a graduation rate of 98 percent for the 2012-2013 school year.

Two MGCCC athletes were also recognized for having the highest averages for athletics at MGCCC during the 2012-2013 school year.  Softball player Julie Butler and baseball player Michael Gilbert were recognized along with 28 other community college students.  Students from public and independent colleges and universities were also recognized.

The Halbrook Award was established in 1984 by the state Legislature and was set up to recognize colleges that achieve high academic standards and to encourage high graduation rates.   For the past two years, MGCCC has maintained a 98 percent graduation rate for student athletes and has held the top ranking for the state’s 15 two-year colleges both years.

“This award is a real tribute to our student-athletes and what they are able to accomplish on and off the field,” said MGCCC President Dr. Mary S. Graham. “It is a reflection of the commitment our coaches and assistant coaches have to education as well as the dedication of our faculty members who strive to provide these athletes the opportunity for success in the classroom.”