Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: A Century of Educational Evolution
The journey of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) is a testament to the growing demand for accessible education in Mississippi. From its humble beginnings as a specialized agricultural school to its current status as a comprehensive community college system, the institution has evolved alongside the communities it serves.
The Early Years: From Agriculture to Junior College
The institution first opened its doors on September 17, 1911, as the Harrison County Agricultural High School. Its early focus was rooted in the practical needs of the region's farming community. As the local geography shifted, so did the school's support system; when north Harrison County became Stone County four years later, both counties continued to provide essential backing.
A significant milestone occurred on September 14, 1925, when the addition of Jackson County's support allowed the school to expand its curriculum. Now known as the Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High School and Junior College, the institution began offering its first year of junior college work—post-secondary education typically spanning two years.
By 1942, George County joined the partnership, leading to a rebranding of the institution as Perkinston Junior College.
Expansion and the Transition to a Community College
The 1960s marked a period of rapid structural growth. In 1962, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District was established. Three years later, the college expanded its physical footprint by adding the Jackson County and Jefferson Davis campuses.
The growth continued steadily over the next two decades, with four new centers opening between 1965 and 1985. To reflect its broader mission of serving the entire community through diverse vocational and academic programs, the institution officially changed its name to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on October 1, 1987.
Innovation continued into the late 1990s. In 1996, the college introduced the Community Campus, described as a "campus without walls," serving as a fourth major campus location.
Modern Milestones and Institutional Changes
MGCCC has frequently found itself at the center of national and regional attention. In 2006, the college made history when President George W. Bush became the first sitting U.S. President to deliver a speech at a community college graduation.
The college also continues to invest in specialized healthcare training. In June 2018, the Bryant Center School of Nursing & Simulation Lab was opened in the Tradition Community of Harrison County to provide advanced medical training.
Reflecting changing social values and a commitment to inclusivity, the Board of Trustees took action on July 22, 2020. In response to national and state calls to remove symbols honoring the Confederate States of America, the board voted to rename the Jefferson Davis Campus to the Harrison County Campus.
Key Facts
- Founded: September 17, 1911, as Harrison County Agricultural High School.
- First Junior College Work: Introduced on September 14, 1925.
- Name Change: Officially became Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on October 1, 1987.
- Presidential Visit: George W. Bush was the first sitting president to speak at an MGCCC graduation (2006).
- Nursing Expansion: The Bryant Center School of Nursing opened in June 2018.
- Campus Renaming: The Jefferson Davis Campus became the Harrison County Campus in July 2020.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Institutional Name at Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1911 | Foundation of the school | Harrison County Agricultural High School |
| 1925 | First year of Junior College work | Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High School and Junior College |
| 1942 | George County adds support | Perkinston Junior College |
| 1987 | Official name change to Community College | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
| 2020 | Jefferson Davis Campus renamed | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College founded?
The institution was founded on September 17, 1911, originally operating as the Harrison County Agricultural High School.
What was the college called before it became MGCCC?
The college went through several names, including Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High School and Junior College and Perkinston Junior College, before adopting its current name on October 1, 1987.
What is the "campus without walls"?
The "campus without walls" refers to the Community Campus, which was added to the college's network of campuses in 1996.
Why was the Jefferson Davis Campus renamed?
On July 22, 2020, the Board of Trustees renamed the campus to the Harrison County Campus following calls in Mississippi and across the U.S. to remove names and symbols that honor the Confederate States of America.
What recent facility has been added for healthcare students?
In June 2018, the college opened the Bryant Center School of Nursing & Simulation Lab in the Tradition Community of Harrison County.