Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals starts with giving students the environment and resources they need to succeed. At East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), that meant transforming the Hawkins Building in Scooba into a modern learning space designed to meet the demands of today’s healthcare workforce.
With support from AccelerateMS, EMCC renovated and modernized classrooms, upgraded computer labs, and improved technology infrastructure to strengthen its nursing and allied health programs. Approved in 2023, the project began construction in early 2024 and was substantially completed by fall 2025, creating an educational environment that better reflects the realities of modern healthcare.
Before the renovations, EMCC faced a growing challenge. Outdated facilities and limited instructional space restricted enrollment and made it difficult to keep pace with current industry expectations and accreditation standards. At the same time, Mississippi’s ongoing shortage of nurses and allied health professionals—particularly in rural communities—continued to increase demand for well-prepared graduates.
The improvements have positioned EMCC to better meet that need. The renovated Hawkins Building now serves more than 100 nursing and allied health students each year while increasing overall program capacity by approximately 25 percent. Updated classrooms and computer labs provide students with improved access to technology and learning environments that support stronger engagement, skill development, and preparation for clinical experiences.
The impact extends beyond campus. As more students complete high-quality healthcare training, regional hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities benefit from a stronger pipeline of qualified professionals ready to enter the workforce and serve their communities.
“This project has completely transformed our ability to train the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Alsobrooks, president of East Mississippi Community College. “The new facilities reflect the quality of instruction we strive to provide and the level of excellence our students deserve.”
Looking ahead, EMCC plans to continue expanding its allied health training capacity while strengthening partnerships with regional healthcare providers. Building on the success of the Hawkins Building renovation, the college is exploring additional workforce development opportunities across both its Scooba and Golden Triangle campuses.