Retiree Honorees 2022

Charles "chuck" adams (21 years)

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?
Time with no thoughts of getting a call after hours or on weekends that something is not working. In other words, not being on 24/7 call.

What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Northwest?
The people I worked with every day in our department. The ones in the trenches that were always able to find solutions to problems. 

What is your favorite Northwest event to attend?
All of the fine arts events. I especially remember the Jazz band concerts. Another great memory is attending Scrooge many years ago. I remember Mathew Domas (Dr. Domas) had a large role in that play. Also a musical with one of our own (Rob Smith) as the star of the musical....he sings really well.
Many other great memories,  too numerous to list. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DENNIS COBB (22 years)

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?
Working around the house and taking care of my oldest sister who is ill.

What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Northwest?
The first crew that I worked with at Northwest. I had lots of fun with that crew. 

What is your favorite Northwest event to attend?
Homecoming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

patsy Gardner (18 years)

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?
I am looking most forward to spending more time with my family and all of my retired friends.

What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Northwest? 
In general, my fondest moments at Northwest have been the satisfaction of helping people, both when I worked in Financial Aid and now as the CTE & Disability Support Services Coordinator.  The jobs I have had here have changed students’ lives for the better, and in turn has changed my life for the better.  One specific fond memory is that I was able to complete my associate’s degree at Northwest and walk across that stage in 2000 at the age of 40 while working full time in Financial Aid.

What is your favorite Northwest event to attend?
I have two favorite events I have enjoyed attending, one being the seven or eight PTK Induction Ceremonies I have been a part of as an advisor.  It’s a joy to see our brightest students recognized for their accomplishments.  The second event I love is the annual Spooktacular put on by the Desoto Center.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for the families in our neighborhood and for Northwest faculty and staff to come out to a safe and fun trick-or-treat experience.

Darlene Greenlee (30 years)

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?
Getting to spend more time with my grands! I have 2 that are in Nashville, TN and another on the way in Jackson, MS. 

What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Northwest?
1) With 30 years, it is difficult to name just one – I have so many but one that stands out is soon after I started at the Oxford campus, they surprised me with a birthday celebration – they had contacted my mother for old pictures of me which my mother was happy to hand over the most embarrassing pictures. They plastered those pictures all over the building for all to see! Several of my co-workers dressed in black and had nametags with those pictures on it as well. My office was decorated with black streamers and birthday paraphernalia. It was a fun day seeing so many participate and go the extra mile to make me feel special. I knew then, this was a great place to work for. 
2) I can’t count the fun memories we have had during registration – one that stands out is Kat doing impressions and being caught by Dr. Butts!  
3) The round table lunch discussions with Brenda Holmes, Michael Butts, Heidi Riley, Cheryl Elkins, Larry Shaffer and more were very informative, interesting and most of all full of laughter. I’m going to miss that!         

What is your favorite Northwest event to attend?
Graduation – it is such a rewarding experience to see students that you have assisted through the years walk across that stage. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

phyllis Johnson (24 years)

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?
I have been looking forward to camping and seeing the beauty that surrounds us in the United States and other countries by traveling. I also plan to spend time following my Grandchildren watching them play sports and enjoying their successes.

What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Northwest?
I have a couple of memories that I want to mention. When I started with online learning, in spring of 2005 we built and named the eLearning department. I had a fantastic staff and instructors that worked hard over the last 15 years to help us achieve national recognition for Best Online Colleges in 2015,2016,2017,2020,and 2021. Involvement with Best Practices in Quality Matters has paid off - we made big strides in increasing our best practices online. We received 3 state honors for Online Instructors of the year.

The second memory is when working with Career Tech as a Career Counselor and being part of an adventurous group called “NWCC Career Tech Team” as we vowed when going down the monotonous drive to Jackson we would veer off the beaten path and visit other towns and historical sites in Mississippi. We saw French Camp’s Choctaw Indian Council house, the statue of Laura Kelly in Kosciusko along with LV Hull’s house with unusually painted landscapes. We saw the cemetery plot of the Witch of Yazoo City claiming that after she died she burned down the city on May 25,1904. We saw Willie Morris’ grave along with his dog Skip, went to the Petrified Forrest and the Catfish Crown Café in Indianola, MS.  We even ventured down the Natchez trace just to keep our drive interesting. We played hard and worked hard during my time here at Northwest.

What is your favorite Northwest event to attend? 
I really enjoyed these past few years helping to decorate the tents for the football game, tailgating and winning. Go Rangers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrick "PAt" Nelson (24 yeArs)

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?
Traveling and diving. Finding out if it is cheaper living in Mexico!

What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Northwest?
All 3 of my children attended NWCC; I enjoyed the lunches and impromptu visits from each one.

What is your favorite Northwest event to attend? 
Ranger home football games!

 

 

HENRY PIPKIN (Groundskeeper 34 years)

MEG ROSS (24 years)
What are you looking forward to most in retirement?
I am most looking forward to having more time to devote to the Homeless Animals Relief Project which is a spay/neuter program for feral cats and cats living with low income people.  I am also on the board of the Friends of the Senatobia Tate Co Animals.  This program provides spay/neuter surgery and medical treatment for the dogs and cats that are at the Senatobia Tate Co. Animal Shelter.  Animal welfare is my passion.  I intend on spending more time volunteering at the shelter, as well.

What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Northwest?
One of my fondest memories is from the spring semester of 2012.  Our department provides counseling and disability services.  That year we large number of students to graduate.  3 of those students were hearing impaired.  The sign language interpreters hosted a party for all of our students.  They invited their family members.  Each of these students were provided support from all of us in the office in one form or another.  We grew to know and love each of them.  Mike Dottorey was the Disability Coordinator at that time.  He showed all students “tough love”.  I am constantly reminded of what people can accomplish regardless of their disability.  Needless to say, watching each of these students walk across the stage and receive their diplomas was an emotional and inspiring moment.   

What is your favorite Northwest event to attend?
My favorite Northwest event to attend is the Reading Roundtable sponsored by the Northwest Library.  Each month a book is chosen to read and discuss by a NWCC librarian, faculty, staff or special guest.  On some occasions, the author of the book is present for the discussion.  You can always count on a colorful and interesting discussion at the roundtable.  Members of the community attend, as well.