Mississippi Delta Community College Introduces New Career-Technical Education Instructors, Expands Workforce Training in Greenville
Mississippi Delta Community College is expanding workforce training opportunities in Washington County with the addition of three new career-technical education programs at the Greenville Higher Education Center. The college has welcomed Leander Williams Sr. as the new Industrial Electricity Technology instructor, Cheryl Harris as the new Cybersecurity Technology instructor and LaQwariyea Williams as the new Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) instructor, marking a significant investment in the future workforce of the Mississippi Delta.
Enrollment is now open for these programs, with classes beginning Aug. 17. Community members are invited to celebrate the expansion during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Tuesday, July 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Greenville Higher Education Center. Guests will have an opportunity to tour the new instructional shops, meet the instructors, learn about program requirements and explore career opportunities available through Mississippi Delta Community College.
The new programs prepare students for careers in three of the region’s most in-demand technical fields while helping local employers address a shortage of skilled workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of HVAC technicians also is projected to grow faster than the average, while industrial maintenance and electrical technicians remain among the nation’s most sought-after skilled trades. Across Mississippi, workforce development leaders identify skilled trades and technology occupations as critical to economic growth, offering competitive wages and opportunities for career advancement.
The new programs strengthen the Greenville Higher Education Center’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality workforce training that leads directly to employment while helping businesses throughout the Mississippi Delta meet growing workforce needs.
“This expansion represents much more than adding three new academic programs,” said Dr. Temika Michael Simmons, director of the Greenville Higher Education Center. “It reflects our commitment to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening the workforce throughout Washington County. We are incredibly proud to deepen the career-technical education offerings available in our community, allowing students to prepare for high-demand careers without leaving home. These programs will help develop the skilled professionals our local industries need while creating life-changing opportunities for individuals and families across the Mississippi Delta.”
“Our faculty have always been the foundation of our students’ success, and the addition of these outstanding instructors continues our long tradition of excellence in teaching,” said MDCC President Dr. Steven Jones. “As we expand our offerings in Cybersecurity Technology, HVAC, and Industrial Electricity Technology at our Greenville location, we are investing in experienced professionals who bring both industry expertise and a passion for student success. Their knowledge and commitment will ensure our students receive the high-quality, hands-on instruction they need to excel in today’s workforce while helping meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across our region.”
Allison Folk, dean of career-technical education, expressed enthusiasm about the new faculty and the future of the programs.
“We are excited to welcome LaQwariyea Williams, Cheryl Harris and Leander Williams as the instructors for our new HVAC, Cybersecurity Technology and Industrial Electricity Technology programs in Greenville,” Folk said. “They have done an outstanding job preparing their shops and building strong foundations for these programs. Their leadership will be key as we expand career-technical education opportunities for students in Washington County and connect more residents to high-demand career pathways.”
Leander Williams Sr., a native of Beulah, Mississippi, brings more than two decades of electrical industry experience to the classroom. He is the owner and master electrician of Williams Electric Services, a licensed and bonded electrical contracting company specializing in residential and commercial electrical services. In addition to his professional experience, Williams has served as pastor of Rock of Ages Church in Rosedale for the past 19 years.
Joining him is Cheryl Harris, a cybersecurity and IT professional with banking and education experience. Harris holds CompTIA Security+ and Community Bank Technology Officer certifications. Her prior roles included information technology officer, information security officer and PC administrator, where she managed networks and security, supported users and maintained critical systems. She currently serves as a computer technician in education, providing technical support and reliable technology resources for students and faculty. Harris is committed to creating an engaging learning environment that prepares students with the technical and professional skills needed for cybersecurity careers.
Rounding out the new faculty is LaQwariyea Williams, an accomplished HVAC professional and graduate of Mississippi Delta Community College. With six years of experience in residential HVAC and commercial refrigeration, Williams holds EPA Section 608 and OSHA 10 certifications. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on instruction, workplace safety and real-world applications that prepare students for immediate employment.
Enrollment for the three programs is underway. Prospective students interested in beginning careers in these high-demand technical fields are encouraged to apply now in preparation for the Aug. 17 start of fall classes.
