Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was named the winner of the annual Halbrook Award for having the highest graduation rate among all of Mississippi’s community college athletic programs. The college was presented the award on October 2 during the 79th annual Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities Conference (MAC) in Hattiesburg. MGCCC, which has more than 200 student-athletes, produced a graduation rate of 98 percent for the 2011-2012 school year.
Two MGCCC athletes were also recognized for having the highest averages for athletics at MGCCC during the 2011-2012 school year. Soccer player Jordan M. Papas and football player Steven M. Campbell 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.
“I’d like to congratulate our student-athletes and what they are able to accomplish on and off the field,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president. “It not only reflects the high academic standards of these students but also the commitment to education our coaches and assistant coaches demonstrate each day.”