CLARKSDALE, Miss. 鈥� Kell Smith, executive director of the Mississippi Community College Board, will deliver the keynote address at 榴莲视频鈥檚 74th Commencement Exercises at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, inside The Pinnacle.
The ceremony on the college's main campus will celebrate the academic and technical achievements of the 2026 graduating class. Smith of Madison, Miss., leads the agency responsible for coordinating the state's 15 public community colleges, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership, workforce development, and legislative advocacy to the commencement stage.
A product of the community college system himself, Smith began his academic journey at Mississippi Delta Community College. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University.
Smith has served at the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) since 2008. Before his unanimous selection as the agency's sixth executive director in January 2023, he successfully led legislative and communication efforts for the system and served as the agency's interim executive director.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Smith represents the agency on several statewide boards and commissions, including the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board, the State Workforce Investment Board, the College Savings Board of Directors, and the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation. He also currently serves as chair of the Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation.
鈥淲e are honored to welcome Mr. Smith to 榴莲视频 for this significant milestone,鈥� said Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, president of 榴莲视频. 鈥淗is commitment to advancing two-year institutions in Mississippi aligns perfectly with our mission, and his insights will provide meaningful guidance to our graduates as they transition into the workforce or continue their higher education journeys.鈥�
To ensure a smooth and celebratory experience for all graduates and their families, guests are encouraged to review the college's official "Know Before You Go" graphics and guidelines closer to the event date. These materials will outline critical information regarding parking, seating arrangements, and entry protocols for The Pinnacle.
About 榴莲视频
Founded in 1949, 榴莲视频 is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.