Holmes Community College continues to expand its health science programs with the construction of a new Allied Health Facility, outstanding student achievements and faculty excellence.
A state-of-the-art Allied Health Facility will be built on the Ridgeland Campus to house the Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Surgical Technology programs.
“Madison County has grown 14.6 percent in the past 10 years, making this new facility a crucial step in expanding our allied health programs,” said Holmes Ridgeland Campus Vice President Dr. Bronwyn Martin. “Its location along I-55 will enhance our visibility, strengthening our presence in Madison County. Seeing this project come to life fills me with pride for Holmes and excitement for our future students and community partners.”
Thrash Commercial Contractors, JH&H Architects Planners Interiors, Benchmark Engineering & Surveying, LLC, and Smithers Engineers + Consultants will oversee the facility’s design and construction. In addition to classrooms and offices, the new building will feature a multipurpose space accommodating up to 530 attendees in a lecture-style setting or 350 with banquet seating, allowing Holmes to host larger community events. Construction is set to begin soon.
“The Career Technical Education department at Holmes is thrilled to see this vision for our growing Health Sciences division become a reality,” said Vice President of Career Technical Education Dr. Amy Whittington. “Years of planning and hard work have gone into this project, and the continued success of our Health Sciences programs demonstrates that this is a valuable investment for the college and the communities we serve.”
Student Success and Faculty Excellence
Holmes’ commitment to academic excellence is evident in the recent achievements of its Practical Nursing program on the Ridgeland Campus. The program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), a testament to the dedication of both students and faculty.
“We are incredibly proud that all of our practical nursing students passed their state licensure exam on the first attempt,” said PN instructor Dr. Lakesia Sutton. “Their success reflects their hard work, rigorous training, and the unwavering support of our faculty.”
Instructor Heather Roberts echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the milestone. “Passing the NCLEX on the first attempt is a benchmark of excellence, setting the tone for confidence and future success in their careers,” she said.
The 2024 Ridgeland PN graduating class included 13 students: Cortlyn Norris Bardwell, Alexandria Dominique Cyrus, Alicia Goldman, I’Leyah Janae Green, Anastasia Kelly Ingram, Shafreta “Shae” Kelly, Destiny Janae Malone, Kavondra McCauley, Megan Brittany Middleton, Jessica Quarles, Hannah Alexus Rigby, Nikeya Rogers and Sara Kathryn Self.
Holmes Associate Degree Nursing instructor Alicia Turner, MSN, RN, was recently recognized by Today’s Nurse as one of the Best in Healthcare, an honor given to individuals who exemplify integrity, experience and dedication in their fields. Turner, a Holmes alumna, has extensive experience in oncology and transplant nursing and will soon earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from UMMC. She has been with Holmes since 2017 and continues to inspire students through her commitment to nursing education.
Expanding Health Science Opportunities
With the addition of the new Allied Health Facility, Holmes is not only enhancing existing programs but also expanding opportunities for students in diverse healthcare fields. In addition to the programs housed in the new facility, Holmes offers training in Massage Therapy, Emergency Medical Science, Health Care Assistant and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) programs. EMS programs are available in Ridgeland and Grenada, while the Health Care Assistant and PTA programs are based on the Grenada Campus.
The growing Massage Therapy program, led by instructor Liz McLain, continues to make strides in the industry. Last fall, McLain was appointed to the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy (MSBMT), where she now plays a key role in regulating and overseeing the licensing and education standards for massage therapists statewide.
“As licensed health care professionals, massage therapists are held to high standards of professionalism and care,” said McLain. “After 20 years in the field and nearly as many teaching future therapists, I am honored to serve and help advance this profession. Seeing the growth of massage therapy at Holmes and across Mississippi is incredibly exciting.”
McLain has led the Holmes Massage Therapy program since its inception in 2021 and previously directed similar programs at Blue Cliff College and Virginia College. She holds an Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Health Sciences/Allied Health from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare Education
The new Allied Health Facility represents Holmes’ dedication to innovation, student success, and workforce development. By expanding health science offerings and maintaining high academic standards, Holmes continues to position itself as a leader in healthcare education in the region. As construction progresses, the college remains committed to providing top-tier training for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
For more information about Holmes’ health science programs, visit https://holmescc.edu/programs/career-technical-programs/.
