Empowering Education Through Collaboration: The Success of the Mississippi Virtual Community College

Hello and welcome to the second part of our series showcasing this year’s WOW Award winners! Last week, we featured the incredible work of the SUNY COIL+OSCQR Standards team. Today, we’re excited to spotlight the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MSVCC) and hear from Christa Wilhite and Krista LeBrun from the Mississippi Community College Board.

MSVCC’s innovations, including their custom-built enrollment tool, have transformed the student experience by streamlining processes for both learners and faculty. Their efforts have not only expanded educational opportunities but have also strengthened connections within the community and delivered significant cost savings.

Congratulations to the entire MSVCC team on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for joining us today on Frontiers!

Enjoy the read and enjoy your day,

Lindsey Downs, WCET

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The Mississippi Virtual Community College (MSVCC) is a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions collaborate to transform education. Through a partnership between Mississippi’s 15 community colleges and the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB), the MSVCC has evolved over the last two decades by:

• expanding access to online learning and digitally enhancing instruction,
• improving affordability, and,
• fostering innovation in teaching.

As we reflect on our journey, we are proud to share key strategies that have led to our success and are honored to be recognized for our contributions to distance education.

20 Years of Progress: The Origins of MSVCC

Formed during the technology boom of the 1990s, the MSVCC emerged as a response to state leaders’ vision of expanding access to education through virtual learning. The consortium model united community colleges across Mississippi, pooling resources to offer instructional support, training, and cutting-edge technologies.

Over time, as digital learning transformed, so did the MSVCC. Today’s students, having grown up immersed in technology, expect flexible, digitally enhanced courses. The MSVCC has stayed ahead of this curve, providing students with innovative and accessible education, grounded in the original mission of equity and opportunity for all.

Key Innovations Driving Success

1. The Enrollment Tool (ET): A standout innovation, the custom-built Enrollment Tool simplifies course registration across all 15 colleges. Seamlessly integrated with the learning management system, it allows students to access a wide range of courses through a single login, personalizing their learning experience.
2. MSVCC Academy for Faculty Development: Excellence in distance education relies on well-prepared faculty. The MSVCC Academy provides no-cost, high-quality training for educators across the state, focusing on best practices in online teaching, technology integration, and student engagement. This ongoing professional development ensures that instructors are equipped to meet the evolving needs of digital learners, not only in fully online settings but also in hybrid and digitally enhanced face-to-face courses.
3. Cost Savings through Resource Sharing: By pooling resources, the MSVCC has significantly reduced technology costs for its members, allowing funds to be reinvested in student support and faculty development. The MCCB manages these contracts, ensuring that every institution benefits from equitable access and optimal pricing.
4. Continuous Improvement through Collaboration:  The MSVCC is a model of collaboration. In addition to adopting a shared academic calendar, course evaluation standards, and a unified Policies & Procedures Manual, the Mississippi eLearning Association (MeLA), which includes Deans and Directors from each of the community colleges along with members of the MCCB, meets regularly to share best practices, address challenges, and drive innovation. This ongoing partnership fosters a culture of collaboration that has kept MSVCC at the forefront of digital education in Mississippi.

Lessons for Other Consortia

• Collaboration is Key: The MSVCC’s success comes from pooling resources and expertise. This collective approach has expanded access, reduced costs, and continuously improved the quality of education across the state.
• Adapt to Change: The online education landscape is always evolving. The MSVCC’s ability to remain flexible and adopt new technologies and modalities has been essential to its success and will continue to drive its future growth.
• Invest in Faculty: Comprehensive professional development ensures that educators are always equipped to meet the demands of digitally enhanced instruction, which is crucial for student success.
• Equity Matters: The MSVCC’s standardized systems and support services are designed to provide equitable student access. Closing the equity gap remains a top priority.

This award is a testament to the remarkable dedication and collaborative spirit between Mississippi’s community colleges and the MCCB. It is through our shared commitment to innovation and student success that the MSVCC has accomplished so much over the past two decades. We are deeply honored to accept this recognition on their behalf, as it truly reflects the collective efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to transform education in Mississippi.

As we look to the future, the Mississippi Virtual Community College remains more committed than ever to enhancing learner success and equity. Our focus will continue to be on developing technology-driven solutions that remove barriers to education while fostering a sense of community among students and educators.

Post Authored by Christa Wilhite and Krista LeBrun

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