State and local officials joined administration from East Central Community College Friday at the old U.S. Motors building in Philadelphia to unveil the junior college’s new Diesel Equipment Technology program and facility.
ECCC president Billy Stewart was joined by John Rounsaville, state director of USDA Rural Development and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in leading the ribbon cutting event.
Rounsaville, whose office is based in Jackson, said being able to see East Central’s Diesel Technology program come together was a reward of its own. USDA Rural Development, he said, provides around $600 million each year for projects throughout the state, but often he never gets to see the completed projects.
“When you work in an office, you spend so much time pushing paper around you never really get to see things when they come to fruition,” he said. “So often, you never see the outcome.”
The Diesel Equipment Technology Program will not only provide an economic boost to the region, Rounsaville said, but it will also give local students a sought-after skill, giving them the tools they need to enter the workforce.
“Something like this is so worthwhile to me,” he said. “I was telling my staff we’re looking for things that help move the needle in communities.”
Sen. Hyde-Smith said the new program and facility, to her, are a reflection of her goal of bringing opportunity to the state during her time representing Mississippians in Washington D.C.
“I say opportunity doesn’t go away, it just goes to someone else,” she said. “You’re here today, you’re capturing that opportunity, and I want to thank each and every one of you for what you’re doing.”
The new Diesel Equipment Technology Program is a 45-hour technical certificate program that will allow graduates to find work in diesel mechanics fields, Stewart said. The one-year program would require students to take classes for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
“Those wishing to earn an associate of applied science can take their technical courses the next year on campus or online,” he said.
Renovations of the old U.S. Motors building was funded by a Challenge grant from the Mississippi Community College Board, Stewart said.
“I don’t know there is anyone here, anyone from the board, but I would like to say we’re very, very grateful for the more than $360,000 they provided,” he said.
While there is still a little bit of work left to do to fully complete the facility, such as move the equipment in, Stewart said the inaugural class of 11 students, and their instructors, were excited to start holding classes in the new location.
