TigerTalk 408 07/14/2026

In this episode, Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery take a closer look at one of the most impactful - yet often unseen - investments Northeast makes in student success: faculty development and instructional innovation. While new buildings and visible upgrades often draw attention, Dr. Ford highlights the “quiet money” spent behind the scenes on professional development, course redesign, and instructional training. From more than 600 hours of professional development completed by Math and Science faculty in the past academic year to the creation of an Employee Development Center housed in the Eula Dees Memorial Library, Northeast continues to prioritize equipping its faculty with the tools needed to adapt to an ever-changing educational landscape. These efforts have already led to measurable results, with student success rates increasing from 72 percent to 80 percent following enhanced technology integration and instructional strategies. Ford also explores why these investments often go unnoticed by students and the community - and why that is by design. Small changes in teaching methods, curriculum delivery, and faculty support ultimately create a stronger learning environment, even if students only see the outcomes. Additionally, Ford discusses the role of the Student Success Center and Northeast’s commitment to doing everything possible to position students for success, while emphasizing the shared responsibility between the institution and its students. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at Northeast. 🎙️TigerTalk – where Northeast tells its story, one episode at a time. For those who may have missed an episode, all Northeast TigerTalk episodes are archived at https://nemcctigertalk.simplecast.com.--NEMCC--Information about Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeNortheast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.