East Mississippi Community College

Opportunity Happens Here

Long before East Mississippi Community College was famous to millions as the centerpiece of the first two seasons of “Last Chance U”, EMCC made national headlines in a 1984 Sports Illustrated cover story on football. It featured Coach Bob “Bull” “Cyclone” Sullivan, dubbed “The Toughest Coach There Ever Was”. That article is, still to date, the longest feature article in the history of Sports Illustrated.

East Mississippi Community College was established in Scooba, MS in 1927, following its beginnings as Kemper County Agricultural High School. The school later expanded to serve Kemper, Lauderdale, Noxubee, Lowndes, Clay and Oktibbeha counties as East Mississippi Junior College, and in 1988, became a community college. 

EMCC offers more than 50 career-technical programs and dozens of academic and university transfer programs for certificate or degree-seeking students of two years or less. EMCC also offers adult education for those who didn’t complete high school and would like to get that diploma. Other students can return to college or enhance their workforce skills. EMCC also offers classes at Naval Air Station, Meridian. The college offers workforce education, which is noncredit, to train those seeking a job or those that have a job and want to advance. Today there are six remote locations across six counties. They have thousands of students a year on the noncredit side.

“EMCC is a special place for so many people who grew up and attended Scooba as a young person, living on campus. It is dear to their hearts. If they played sports here, participated in the band or attended classes of any kind; they have many great memories. When we expanded and built the vo-tech center in the Golden Triangle, it was to prepare people for work. Different locations allow many more people to attend community college and become skilled in workforce or some kind of technical training,” says Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, President of EMCC.  

The college just opened a $12 million dollar residence hall. They are remodeling and updating other buildings on campus. EMCC is a member of the chamber because they feel the importance of being involved with organizations that offer communication and networking between the member businesses. Dr. Alsobrooks believes it’s a good opportunity for any business to belong to the chamber. 

In addition to a growing list of professional athletes, notable alumni include guitarist and songwriter George Cummings, of Dr. Hook fame, former Lt. Governor Eddie Briggs and noted author/filmmaker, Dr. Donald Simmons. Many people say they would not be where they are today without EMCC. Whether getting a good job or continuing school to get their four-year degree, they needed those two years at community college. 

The friends you make at community colleges become lifelong friends. If you want to enjoy the full college experience, East Mississippi Community College is definitely the right place for you. 

East Mississippi Community College
1512 Kemper St, Scooba, MS