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Magnolia Gold program expands to Ridgeland Campus
The Holmes Community College Magnolia GOLD program is proud to announce that it will be expanding to the Ridgeland Campus in the spring of 2016. Magnolia GOLD, in conjunction with the Mississippi Army National Guard to offer a new military science program called Magnolia GOLD. The "GOLD" stands for Guard Officer Leadership Development.
During the spring of 2015, students will have the opportunity to take a different course; Foundations of Leadership. This is a three-hour course. Additional courses will be added in the fall of 2016, giving students the chance to complete a total of four Magnolia GOLD classes.
Courses are open to all students, with no prerequisites necessary. Two elective credit hours will be awarded for the first two courses, and three credit hours for each of the second two. The Foundations of Officership course introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Students will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, mental/physical resiliency, and stress management relate to leadership, Officership, and the Army profession.
"I am so pleased that we will be offering the Magnolia Gold classes on the Ridgeland Campus this spring," said SFC Timothy Harper, instructor for the Magnolia GOLD courses at Holmes. "If the Ridgeland students demonstrate the same attitude and commitment that the Goodman students have demonstrated, then I expect we will all learn together and grow as leaders. I cannot overstate how impressed I have been by the support of the students and the staff of Holmes Community College."
This program lends itself to students interested in becoming National Guard officers, whether they choose Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) or Officer Candidate School (OCS). Although there are additional opportunities for those already in the National Guard, there is absolutely no military obligation required to take Magnolia GOLD courses, and it doesn't mean that you will be required to join the Guard.
SFC Harper, a native of Rankin County, who has worked with the Marines and the National Guard for 20 years, brings of wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.
"I have been extremely impressed with how motivated and dedicated this first cohort of students has been since day one," SFC Harper said. "They are a great group of students, and I look forward to seeing their progress over the course of the semester."
For more information about the Magnolia GOLD program, contact SFC Harper at tiharper@holmescc.edu.
IN THE PHOTO: Pictured are (left to right) Holmes Community College Magnolia GOLD students Jasmine Gibson and Cleveland Whiteside with instructor SFC Timothy Harper manning the Magnolia GOLD booth during a football games on Oct. 8. The Magnolia GOLD program is a new military science program offered in conjunction with the Mississippi National Guard. The program began on the Goodman Campus in August, and will expand to the Holmes Ridgeland Campus in January 2016.
