MGCCC Celebrates Graduates Across Three Ceremonies

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College celebrated students who participated in the Spring 2026 Commencement Week with three ceremonies May 12–13.

The week began on May 12 with the Adult Education Graduation Ceremony, where 171 graduates participated in the ceremony to receive their high school equivalency diplomas. Among them was Joseph Sentell of Vancleave, who has already completed his first semester in Drafting and Design at MGCCC.

After becoming paralyzed in 2019, Sentell said he made the decision to pursue his education rather than remain at home. “I figured I would do something with my time instead of just sitting at home,” he said. “I would say go for it. You never know how it could change your lifestyle or your life, period.”

Also recognized during the ceremony was Addison Buckner of Gulfport, who plans to continue her college education after graduation. Buckner said earning her diploma was an important personal milestone after being homeschooled through middle and high school.

“I wanted to finish getting my high school education,” she said. Encouraging others to do the same, she said: “Go for further education for your future self, even if you’re not 100 percent sure what you want to do with your life yet.”

On the morning of May 13, the School of Nursing & Health Professions held its Pinning & Recognition Ceremony, where 245 students participated from programs including Associate Degree Nursing, Emergency Medical Sciences, Massage Therapy, and others, marking their transition into healthcare professions during a candle-lighting ceremony and by taking professional oaths.

Daniel Stewart of Vancleave said the program has helped him build a strong foundation for his future career in nursing. Following graduation, Stewart plans to begin working at a hospital while pursuing RN licensure.

“Practical nursing allows me to gain exposure in the healthcare environment while I pursue my RN licensure,” Stewart said. “Starting out as a nurse tech, I am able to climb the ladder and gain familiarity with each position.” He encouraged future students to “surround yourself with dedicated classmates and ask as many questions as possible.”

Another graduate, Kyler Webb, a Navy veteran originally from Texas now living in Gulfport, said MGCCC helped put him on a path toward a brighter future. Webb plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and hopes to eventually enter cardiovascular perfusion training.

“Getting a degree at Gulf Coast has pointed my life in a positive direction, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead,” Webb said.

Culminating the week’s celebrations was the college’s main Commencement Ceremony on the afternoon of May 13 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. More than 3,175 degrees and credentials were awarded to 2,111 graduates, with 874 graduates earning Honors Distinction. Nearly 1,000 students participated in the ceremony.

Among the graduates recognized were several MGCCC employees. Many college employees take advantage of one of the college’s outstanding benefits: tuition-free classes for employees and their dependents.

Kimberly Parker, of Pass Christian, shipping & receiving, surplus & salvage, and inventory specialist at the college’s Harrison County Campus, has been part of the MGCCC family for seven years and earned a degree this May in Business Management Technology.

“I love my job,” Parker said. “I value the connection to the campus community and the opportunity to contribute to an environment where students can succeed. I believe my degree will help me do an even better job of serving them.”

She said returning to college initially felt intimidating, but encouragement from campus mentors and her husband helped her achieve her goal.

“I wanted to better myself and I had the wonderful support of so many at the college and my family that I knew I could succeed.”

Another graduate recognized during commencement was Ariel Faulkner of Lucedale, an Elementary Education major from the George County Center who plans to transfer to William Carey University to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

During her time at MGCCC, Faulkner served as vice president of the Student Government Association, participated on the Reflections Team, and was a student worker.

“One of my favorite aspects of MGCCC is the sense of community,” Faulkner said. “Not only have I built strong friendships with fellow students, but I have also formed meaningful connections with faculty and staff.”

Faulkner said balancing academics with everyday life was challenging at times, but the support she received from the George County Center made a lasting impact.

“I am forever grateful for the staff and the genuine love and encouragement they have shown me along the way,” she said.

She encouraged future students to make the most of their college experience. “Get involved and have fun,” Faulkner said. “Time goes by quickly, and college is not just about academics. It’s about the experience and making your own impact.”