In this episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby is joined by Dr. Andrew Dale, Associate Vice President for Community Relations at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Dr. Dale discusses the exciting developments at the DeSoto Campus, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new 42,000-square-foot Ranger Center and the unveiling of the new entrance at 1210 Church Road. He details how the new facility enhances access to healthcare education through the first-ever Registered Nursing (RN) program in DeSoto County, while also providing flexible workforce training space, community event rooms, and expanded classrooms. Dr. Dale reflects on the significance of this investment for the DeSoto region, highlighting partnerships with Baptist DeSoto Hospital and the Mississippi Community College Board.

In the second half of the show, Darby speaks with Audrey McCann, instructor of Marketing Management Technology at the DeSoto Campus. McCann outlines the hands-on, career-focused program that prepares students for careers in marketing, entrepreneurship, advertising, digital media, and social media strategy. Starting this fall, the program will be available in fully online, in-person, and hybrid formats. She shares how students gain real-world experience through business plans, marketing campaigns, and advertising projects—some in collaboration with local businesses. McCann also discusses how AI is being integrated into coursework and the various transfer and career pathways available to graduates.

The episode also includes a recap of Northwest's performance at the College National Finals Rodeo, where Will Collier(steer wrestling) and Dakota Smith (bull riding) each secured Top 10 national finishes, showcasing the continued strength of the college’s rodeo program.

Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, Dr. Andrew Dale, Ranger Center ribbon cutting, DeSoto Campus, DeSoto County RN program, workforce development, 1210 Church Road, Audrey McCann, marketing management technology, digital media, social media marketing, entrepreneurship, associate degree programs, online business programs, College National Finals Rodeo, Will Collier, Dakota Smith, NWCC rodeo, NWCC news, northwestms.edu.