VICKSBURG – It was the Vicksburg-Warren Campus’ turn to shine in Hinds Community College’s yearlong Centennial celebration.

A reception and campus tour April 6 highlighted resolutions of support for the college from local government and included the campus’ contribution to a list of 100 people through the decades passionate about Hinds. The college will announce the full list at a separate reception in August.

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Hinds President Dr. Clyde Muse and Warren County Board of Supervisors President Richard George

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Hinds President Dr. Clyde Muse and Warren County Board of Supervisors President Richard George

“Let me just say publicly, Dr. Muse, I don’t know of any other institution but Hinds that has made as much impact on my life,” Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs said during the program, addressing Hinds President Dr. Clyde Muse. “The time I had to come to this college couldn’t have come at a better time in my life.”

Warren County Board of Supervisors President Richard George lauded the 39-year college president for his vision and having details in line when it came to requesting funding for the new career-tech facility.

“The man came with a plan and a request,” George said. “We honored the request, and he delivered the plan. It’s a most gratifying and opportune moment for us to fund this organization and work with Dr. Muse.”

Muse credited the Warren County Board of Supervisors’ support, in particular their agreement to allocate more money to an existing property tax millage for Hinds. The funds will finance construction of a two-story, 40,000-square-foot Academic & Career-Technical Building in the front of campus. Two parking lots and a bus drop-off are also proposed as part of the project, plus a new access road to connect the new parking area to existing parking spaces.

“We have enjoyed working with all of you in Vicksburg and Warren County,” said Hinds President Dr. Clyde Muse, noting the presence of Vicksburg-area legislators present for the ceremony, state Sen. Briggs Hopson and state Rep. Oscar Denton. “Since I came here in 1978, it’s been a treasure. You’ve always been represented by outstanding people in the state legislature, on the board of trustees of Hinds, on our Foundation board and the list goes on and on.

“This would not have been possible without (Board President) Richard George and the other members of the Board of Supervisors for providing the funding so that it will be open and available 24/7 for economic development, training, academic classrooms and classrooms for River City Early College.”