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Hidden like a diamond off Highway 49 near Simpson County Lake, the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Simpson County Center has shone brightly for two decades, transforming the educational landscape of our county.
From its modest beginnings with just a few classrooms, the Simpson Center has grown into a state-of-the-art college campus serving over 300 students of all ages. Its history began with construction on Sixteenth Section Land between Magee and Mendenhall, officially opening its doors in 2005. The Simpson County Board of Supervisors played a pivotal role in bringing the vision of the Co-Lin Simpson Branch to life.
The 20th-year celebration was held in the R. S. Parker Building, named for Sidney (R.S.) Parker, a strong advocate for Co-Lin and a driving force behind the development of the campus.
Dr. Billy Stewart served as the first Dean of the Simpson Branch. Among the original staff, two dedicated employees—Toby Graves and Missy Orders—still work at the Simpson Center today. Additionally, Dr. Dwyane Middleton and Bryon Conville, also part of the original team, continue to serve the college through their roles at the Wesson campus.
Today, the Simpson Center is under the leadership of Dr. Anika Floyd, who has elevated the branch to new levels of academic and community achievement.
As the campus celebrates this milestone, one truth shines through: Co-Lin Simpson Center is more than a college. It is a community cornerstone that continues to change lives and open doors of opportunity for generations to come.
Take time to visit the Co-Lin Simpson Center—it’s a trip worth making.
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
