PEARL – Joseph Collins had been driving an 18-wheeler for about 25 years when he decided it was time for a career change. He attended Hinds Community College as a young man, playing football in 1993 and 1994 under former Coach Gene Murphy, but he didn’t complete his education.
On May 13, the now 52-year-old Ridgeland man walked across the Muse Center stage after returning to Hinds for three semesters to earn an HVAC Technology credential. The 6 feet, 5-inch-tall father of 10 said it’s never too late for new accomplishments.
“I decided to get into HVAC so I could fix our air conditioning and stay cool,” Collins said. “That has led to taking on a new profession. I am now looking for a position. Hopefully, someone will pick me up and I can go from there.”
Twins Keaton Cole, left, and Logan Cole of Clinton with mom Keri Cole, Hinds Vice President of Planning, Effectiveness and Technology, at the 2 p.m. graduation ceremony on May 13, 2026.
Collins was among more than 1,100 Hinds Community College graduates donning caps and gowns for May’s spring commencement exercises. Hinds awarded more than 1,500 degrees and certificates during five graduation ceremonies.
Among the graduates, 615 graduated with honors; 239 students graduated cum laude, a 3.2-3.59 grade point average out of 4.0; 177 graduated magna cum laude, a 3.6-3.99 GPA, and 199 graduated summa cum laude, a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Hinds CC President Dr. Stephen Vacik addresses the crowd during graduation ceremonies on May 13, 2026.
In his remarks, Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik told graduates what will matter most in their careers is loving the work. Every day won’t be wonderful, and the week won’t always end on Friday at 5 p.m., but finding “the red threads in your tapestry of life,” will bring genuine satisfaction, Vacik said, referring to moments of deep fulfillment.
“When the proposal you made is accepted by a client, when a patient who should have died lives because of your efforts, when your weld is the final one on a new hotel in town – whatever it may be – let those moments carry you through the mundane tasks that confront us all,” he said.
Offering the invocation and benediction for the May 13, 2 p.m. ceremony – made up of students with last names starting from A-G, was Katelyn Lewis of Pearl. A Rankin Campus student, she studied early childhood education, was president of the Student Government Association and a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Her next step is completing her bachelor’s degree at Mississippi State University.
Hinds Graduate Kennith Crowley of Clinton was selected by classmates as their speaker for the May 13, 2 p.m. ceremony. . Crowley, a Raymond Campus student, was active in band and Hinds Connection. He also served fellow students as an orientation leader and as a note taker for those who needed help. Crowley is transferring to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to pursue a degree in Air Traffic Management.
Graduate Kennith Crowley of Clinton was selected by classmates as the speaker. Crowley, a Raymond Campus student, was active in band and Hinds Connection. He also served fellow students as an orientation leader and as a note taker for those who needed help. Crowley is transferring to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a degree in Air Traffic Management.
Crowley encouraged fellow graduates to think about all those they know who did not cross the stage to receive a diploma.
“Reflect on what it took to get here. The sleepless nights, daily study sessions, countless cups of coffee, and the prayers you and your support system said,” Crowley said. “Next, remember to count every one of your blessings, because just like scholarships, they are stackable.”
Above: Graduate Jakaya Brown of Utica shows off her cap, decorated in pink and white flowers, butterflies and the sentiment “tears, prayers and grace.”
Right: Hinds CC graduate Jakayla Brown of Utica said she had a difficult fall semester but still managed to graduate magna cum laude. She will be attending Alcorn State University to become a nurse.
He shared a quote from Booker T. Washington as a reminder that accomplishments often are hard won.
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life but by the obstacles which they have overcome.”
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With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.
Graduate Tammy Barnes, 56, of Columbia decided to earn an associate’s degree in early childhood education after working as a teaching assistant for the MS Action for Progress, which provides Head Start programs. She will lead a classroom of children ages 3 and 4 for the program beginning in July. Barnes said she’s always loved caring for children. ”You’d be amazed at the things they say,” she laughed.