MCC orientation gives students – and parents – a strong start to Fall Semester 2025
Meridian Community College’s orientation sessions offer incoming freshmen a head start on the Fall Semester 2025.
“It’s an opportunity for our students who will matriculate here in the fall, to be able to come to campus, meet each other, get their schedules, tour the campus, hear from our faculty and staff, and get a real sense of what life is going to be like when they get here in the fall,” said Dr. Tom Huebner, MCC president about orientation.
It’s not just for students – parents are also encouraged to attend and learn more about the college experience alongside their students.
One parent, Dr. Chad Graham, sat in the stands with his 18-year-old son Evan Graham. Dr. Graham is dean of University Transfer and a longtime MCC employee of 23 years, had a unique perspective as both a parent and staff member.
When Dr. Graham and his son were looking to schedule an orientation, Dr. Graham said Evan asked if he was going to go with him.
“I kind of paused for a second, and I looked at him and asked, ‘Do you want me to go with you?’ And he said, ‘I do.’ If that’s the case, I will be there,” Dr. Graham said.
Before Evan graduated from West Lauderdale High School in May, Dr. Graham and his son talked about the advantages and disadvantages of going directly to a university or coming to a community college.
“He actually decided coming to MCC would be best choice for him because he wanted the opportunity to grow a little bit and get his feet under him,” Dr. Graham said, adding, “I think it helps that I work here.”
MCC is familiar grounds to Evan; he remembers coming to campus often. “I grew up here – I visited a lot,” he said, and coming to MCC was a natural choice. “Being somewhere where it’s more familiar – I know most of the teachers, too. I just thought that would be a nice first opportunity.”
He added, “I’m very grateful.”
Evan plans to pursue a career in computer science; he’s looking to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi after earning his associate in arts degree from MCC. He knows the computer science field is wide open and ever-changing, ranging from cybersecurity to programming to AI and he’s eager to get started.
When addressing the orientation audience of students and parents, Dr. Huebner noted the session was a great opportunity for all to begin a new transition. “This is an exciting time for us and it’s an exciting time for you.”
MCC will host additional orientation sessions on July 17, Aug. 6, and Aug. 15, in the McCain Theater in Ivy-Scaggs Hall. For more information, contact Chandler Hamrick, recruiting coordinator, at 601.481.1340, or visit meridiancc.edu.