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Hinds Community College

Raymond, MS

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Quick Facts

1917
Founded
Public community college
Type
6,533
Total Students
$4K
Tuition (In-State)
$7K
Tuition (Out-State)
$3K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Stephen Vacik

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Hinds Community College

Hinds Community College: Evolving education across Mississippi, building futures from a storied past.

Hinds Community College stands as a pillar of accessible education across Mississippi, offering a dynamic range of academic, technical, and career programs. What began as a small agricultural high school and a historically Black institute has blossomed into a multi-campus institution, renowned for its commitment to student success and community development. From traditional college courses to specialized vocational training and vital healthcare programs, Hinds provides diverse pathways for learners to achieve their professional and personal goals.

The college's history is marked by significant milestones, including the founding of the Utica campus (formerly Utica Normal and Industrial Institute) in 1903, which later merged with Hinds Junior College in 1982 under federal court order. This merger unified two distinct legacies into a stronger, more inclusive educational entity. Throughout the decades, Hinds consistently expanded its reach, establishing branches in Jackson, Vicksburg, and Pearl, evolving to meet the changing educational and workforce needs of its diverse communities.

Academically, Hinds offers a robust curriculum, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1926. It has been a pioneer in integrating vocational, technical, nursing, and allied health education, adapting to serve critical industries. Furthermore, Hinds embraced technological innovation early on, connecting with other two-year colleges via the Community College Network in 1994 and forming the Mississippi Virtual Community College in 1999, ensuring students have flexible access to quality education, whether in a classroom or online. For prospective students and families, Hinds offers not just an education, but a supportive community and a springboard to a successful future.

Key Highlights

  • Over a century of educational heritage, with roots tracing back to the Utica Normal and Industrial Institute founded in 1903.
  • Historic merger in 1982 with Utica Junior College, a historically Black institution, expanding its legacy and diversity.
  • Multiple campuses across Mississippi, including Jackson, Vicksburg, Pearl, Raymond, and Utica, providing widespread access.
  • Comprehensive academic offerings spanning college-level courses, vocational education, technical degrees, and nursing/allied health programs.
  • A leader in distance learning, participating in the Community College Network (1994) and founding the Mississippi Virtual Community College (1999).
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1926, ensuring high standards of education.

Timeline

1903
Utica Normal and Industrial Institute (now Utica Campus) founded
1917
Began as a small agricultural high school with 117 students
1922
Started offering college-level academic courses
1926
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
1970
Opened branch locations in Jackson and Vicksburg
1982
Utica Junior College merged with Hinds Junior College under federal court order
1983
Pearl-Rankin Vocational/Career Center opened (later Rankin Campus)
1984
Nursing Allied Health Center opened in Jackson
1987
Hinds Junior College changed its name to Hinds Community College
1994
Linked up with other two-year colleges via the Community College Network (CCN)
1999
Formed the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MVCC) to offer internet courses
2002
Vicksburg branch became the Vicksburg Campus, offering college-level programs
🏛️
109 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Stephen Vacik
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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