MDCC announces new leadership appointments
Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) recently announced the appointment of Dr. Valarie Morgan as vice president of instruction. Morgan returns to MDCC after serving as associate provost at Delta State University, bringing a wealth of experience in higher education leadership.
Morgan is no stranger to MDCC, having served in multiple key roles that college leaders say showcased her dedication to student success and institutional development. From 2017 to 2019, she was a full-time instructor in the College Prep English and Teacher Education Division, where she not only taught English courses but also led efforts to develop and expand teacher education programs. Her contributions included curriculum enhancements and the addition of a teacher education preparation component. She also played an instrumental role in the college’s strategic initiatives, serving on both the Strategic Planning Committee and the SACSCOC Implementation Committee for the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
Prior to that, Morgan served as the online student academic advisor and support coach for the Student Success Initiative Grant. In this role, she monitored student achievement in online courses, facilitated timely interventions and collaborated with the Office of E-Learning to align policies with student needs. She was also a key contributor to the QEP, developing assessment strategies and integrating the plan into MDCC’s broader strategic framework.
“I am deeply honored and excited to return home to Mississippi Delta Community College as vice president of instruction. Serving this remarkable institution in this capacity is a true privilege,” said Morgan. “MDCC holds a special place in my heart, and I am continually inspired by the unwavering dedication of its faculty, staff and leadership. The team at MDCC exemplifies excellence, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with them to advance the mission of this exceptional institution.”
“I am profoundly grateful to President Jones for entrusting me with this opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of MDCC,” continued Morgan. “Together, we will build upon the college’s strong foundation of excellence, ensuring our students and community flourish. The future of MDCC is incredibly bright, and I am thrilled to have a front-row seat as we continue to achieve great things!”
“It’s my honor to welcome Dr. Morgan to the executive leadership team at MDCC,” said MDCC President Dr. Steven Jones. “Dr. Morgan is a proven leader in the field of higher education, and she possesses a tremendous appreciation for the community college system. She is also a graduate and a former faculty and staff member of MDCC. Thus, she is very familiar with the campus culture and will do an amazing job as our new vice president of instruction. Dr. Morgan and I share a common passion for teaching and learning. I have no doubt that she will propel our division of instruction to the next level.”
Morgan will replace Teresa Webster, who has served as vice president of instruction since 2016 and recently stepped in as interim president after President Tyrone Jackson retired in 2024. Webster retired at the end of January, closing her 34th year of service to MDCC.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Vice President Teresa Webster for her many years of service to MDCC,” said Jones. “The work she has done is remarkable and should be commended. We wish her the very best in her retirement years.”
In addition to Morgan’s appointment, MDCC has announced several other key leadership changes that will further strengthen the college’s dedication to academic and operational excellence.
Allison Brady, previously director of adult education, has been named dean of career-technical and adult education. In her new role, Brady will oversee programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s workforce while fostering growth and innovation within the division.
Kimberly Youngman, who served as college and career navigator, will assume the position of director of adult education. With her hands-on experience supporting students’ pathways to success, officials say Youngman is well-positioned to lead initiatives that provide opportunities for lifelong learning and career advancement.
“I am proud to announce the promotion of Allison Brady to dean of career-technical and adult education and Kimberly Youngman to director of adult education,” said Jones. “Both of these ladies are valuable assets to the college and have done extremely well in their previous roles. Ms. Brady and I have had a chance to sit and discuss our shared vision for career-technical and adult education, and I am extremely excited about the future. I could not have asked for a better candidate to fill this key position. Further, MDCC is leading the way in adult education, and I am confident our program will continue to grow and thrive under Ms. Youngman’s leadership.”
Felicia Applegate, currently the coordinator of accounts payable, transitioned to the role of dean of business services effective February 1. Applegate will be responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative functions of the college, ensuring efficiency and accountability in all business operations. She succeeds Christy Mangrum, who retired at the end of January after many years of service.
Grace Ballard, previously the student account coordinator, moved into the position of coordinator of accounts payable, also effective February 1. College representatives say Ballard brings a strong background in student financial services and a commitment to supporting the college’s fiscal health.
“I also want to congratulate Felicia Applegate, who was recently promoted to dean of business services, as well as Grace Ballard, who was promoted to coordinator of accounts payable,” added Jones. “These ladies are true professionals who go above and beyond to ensure business services, a very important function of the college, are provided. Oftentimes, business services employees work long hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, to ensure the college operates smoothly. I can’t thank them enough for their positive contributions, and I look forward to their continued success. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Christy Mangrum for her many years of service to the MDCC. We are forever grateful for her hard work and dedication.”
College leaders say the leadership transitions reflect MDCC’s commitment to investing in dedicated and experienced professionals who will advance the college’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to the Mississippi Delta region and highlight MDCC’s strategic vision to empower students, strengthen communities and achieve continued excellence.
