This section provides an overview of Meridian Community College (MCC). In addition to a brief history of the establishment of the college, is the college mission statement, the accreditation status of the College and a description of the MCC Foundation.
1.1 Creation of Meridian Community College
Meridian Community College began in 1937 as the 13th and 14th grades at Meridian High School and operated as Meridian Junior College until 1965 when the College moved to its present location. In 1980, Meridian Junior College established its own district and Board of Trustees. The legal establishment of the College and its district is outlined below. Policies relating to the Board of Trustees can be found in Section 2 - Governance.
1.1.1 Legal Basis for Governance of MCC
The Meridian Community College District was created by Senate Bill 2821, Laws of State of Mississippi 1980, effective upon April 30, 1980. This legislation established the legal basis for governance of Meridian Community College. Additionally, SB 2821 repealed Section 37-29-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, which was MCC’s legal authorization prior to April 30, 1980.
1.1.2 Creation of District
There is hereby created a community college district comprised of the territory lying within the Meridian Municipal Separate School District and having boundaries coinciding with the external boundaries thereof. The name of the said college district shall be the Meridian Junior College District and the said district shall be the same is hereby constituted a legal political governmental subdivision and a body corporate. (Section 1, Senate Bill 2821, 1980)
The Board of Trustees of the Meridian Junior College District unanimously concurred on July 23, 1987, at its regular meeting to change the name of Meridian Junior College to Meridian Community College. The State Board for Community and Junior Colleges approved the name change on August 20, 1987. The name change took effect October 1, 1987. The district was then renamed the Meridian Community College District.
1.1.3 Transfer of Property
All of the property owned by Meridian Municipal Separate School District utilized by Meridian Community College as of September 1, 1979, shall be and the same is hereby transferred to and vested in the Board of Trustees of the Meridian Community College District and its successors in office (Section 2, Senate Bill 2821, 1980).
1.2 Mission Statement
Meridian Community College recognizes the importance of establishing a mission statement that drives the operation of the college and serves as a guiding compass. The mission statement is periodically reviewed by the Standing Committee for Institutional Purpose as a precursor to the Board of Trustees’ periodic evaluation. Upon completion of its review, the standing committee may make recommendations to the President on modifications to the mission statement or validate its currency. Any revisions approved by the president are presented to the Board for consideration. The current mission statement is published on the college website, College Catalog, and in various other institutional publications.
1.2.1 Mission Statement
Meridian Community College is dedicated to improving the quality of life of our local and global communities by serving their diverse intellectual, cultural, and occupational needs through higher education. We offer campus-based and distance learning experiences leading to certificates, associate degrees, and university transfer, as well as adult education, workforce training, and personal and cultural enrichment that foster an appreciation for lifelong learning. (Revised 09/12/2023)
1.2.2 Vision Statement
At Meridian Community College, we want to grow as a college while engaging the community, reach every student as we adapt to their individual needs, support them where they are, and prepare them for whatever is next in their lives. (Approved 04/18/2023; Revised 09/12/2023)
1.2.3 Values Statement
At Meridian Community College, we value access, connection, engagement, excellence, integrity, opportunity, and respect. (Approved 05/14/2024)
1.3 Accreditation Status
Meridian Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate in Arts and the Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Meridian Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
1.4 The MCC Foundation
The MCC Foundation, acting as the legal recipient of gifts and bequests to the College and manager of such monies, was established as a non-profit organization by the Education Committee of the Greater Meridian Chamber of Commerce in 1970. A tax-exemption determination letter was issued by the Internal Revenue Service dated April 21, 1971.
An overview of The Foundation’s activities today emphasizes its support of Tuition Guarantee, Merit scholarships, art/literacy awards, development awards to faculty, and Life Time Quest Learning in Retirement Program.
Since 1980, the MCC Foundation has solicited individual contributions for the College on an annual basis. Faculty, staff, alumni, businesses, foundations, and friends of the College areinvited to join the Foundation. Contributions are deductible under state and federal revenue laws. Payroll deduction is an option for faculty and staff making gifts to the Foundation.
Meridian Community College Foundation will abide by all state and federal regulations pertaining to tax-exempt educational foundations.
The MCC Foundation is a separate tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation governed by its own Board of Directors. An annual audit is conducted by an independent accounting firm in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
The MCC Foundation is a clearinghouse for private funds to Meridian Community College and is responsible for coordinating all fund-raising endeavors and solicitation efforts through personal and written contact.
Contributions to The MCC Foundation can be made in the form of cash, securities, insurance, real estate per approval of the Board of Directors, and gifts in kind, as well as gift annuities, bequests, and trusts. Gifts are tax deductible as provided by state and federal revenue laws. Gifts to The MCC Foundation can be classified as unrestricted or restricted.
A contribution for a scholarship can be given on a current basis, referred to as an “in/out scholarship,” or it can be used to fund an endowed scholarship. The MCC Foundation guidelines call for annual endowment spending to be limited to four percent of the endowment, so that endowments can continue to grow.
At the time a donation is received, an acknowledgment letter to the donor is mailed. A special letter to each donor, noting the total contributions for the calendar year, is also sent in January or February each year. Expenditures are made through a purchase order/withdrawal form system, and checks are issued with two authorizing signatures. Deposits are made daily, and all monies are placed in interest-bearing accounts.
MCC Foundation investments are directed by its Finance Committee. The majority of funds are invested in The Common Fund, a non-profit investment firm for colleges and universities.
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