RAYMOND – For Clinton native Michael Hughes, the first day of classes at Hinds Community College was more than just the start of the fall semester. Monday marked the beginning of his journey into the nursing profession at the college’s new state-of-the-art Health Sciences Complex (HSC) on the Rankin Campus.
Health Science nursing student Michael Hughes of Clinton walking into his first day of classes at Hinds Community College’s new state-of-the-art Health Sciences Complex on the Rankin Campus, Aug. 10, 2026.
“I’m just ready to get straight into it and start learning about nursing,” Hughes said while standing in the building’s soaring, four-story glass atrium on Monday. “I’ve been working at Baptist for a little over six to seven months now, and I find it all exciting.”
The new 160,000-square-foot HSC on the Rankin Campus consolidates the college’s Nursing and Allied Health programs – formerly spread across multiple campuses – into a single flagship hub equipped with high-fidelity simulation labs, mock hospital rooms and modern clinical instructional spaces.
College administrators anticipate the new facility will serve as a major driver for regional health education and institutional growth. Compared to fall of 2025, Hinds enrollment on the Rankin Campus is up 5%, from 1,286 to 1,354 students. The expansion of health sciences training capacity will allow the school to welcome an additional 480 students over the next three years to further support the region’s healthcare workforce needs. Some of those students will likely live in a residence hall currently under construction on the Pearl campus, The Commons, slated to open next fall.
Andrew Gunn, Dean of Student Services on the Rankin Campus in the the new Health Sciences Complex on Aug. 10, 2026, the first day of school.
“We’re really excited about what this building has brought to this campus, how it’s growing this campus,” Andrew Gunn, Dean of Student Services on the Rankin Campus, said about the HSC. “We’re really excited about what this is going to do for our enrollment in the future. This is creating a lot of buzz.”
For several weeks, the college moved faculty, staff, furniture, hospital beds, and equipment into the modern 160,000-square-foot building across from the Muse Center. Local, state, and federal resources funded the $64 million project.
With the move complete, the longtime Nursing and Allied Health Center in Jackson is now closed.
Hinds CC-Raymond Campus sophomores, from left, Breona Brown, 20, of Brandon, Kamron Winfield, 20, of Byram, Laniyah Lee, 20, of Hazlehurst, and Darian Sims, 18, of Jackson, reunited after a summer apart on the first day of classes, Aug. 10, 2026.
The health professions students were among thousands venturing to Hinds CC campuses across the Jackson region on Monday.
On the Raymond Campus, Reanna Plump, 20, of Jackson, ran into several people she knew while walking down the steps into the courtyard in front of McClendon Library.
“It’s good to be here. I see my friends,” the sophomore dressed in black and red spider web tights and fluffy black boots said.
Hinds Community College – Raymond Campus freshman Lexi Prestridge, 18, of Wesson, between classes on the first day of school, Aug. 10, 2026.. She chose to attend Hinds for its respiratory therapy pathway.
Freshman Lexi Prestridge, 18, of Wesson, said she chose Hinds over Copiah-Lincoln Community College in her hometown because of Hinds’ respiratory therapy offerings.
“I’ve been pretty sold on Hinds for a year,” said Prestridge, who eventually hopes to travel from Raymond to the Rankin Campus for classes. “It’s really a great fit.”
Back on the Rankin Campus, students dressed in various colored scrubs were greeted with a complimentary opening-day breakfast before heading to inaugural lectures and laboratory sessions.
Health Science student Quaysia Roberts, 25, of Flowood enjoying a complimentary breakfast at the new HSC before heading to her practical nursing classroom.
Among those gearing up for the semester was Quaysia Roberts, 25, of Flowood, who enjoyed fresh muffins before heading to her practical nursing class.
“I am hoping to have a great school year, pass every test if I can, and just succeed in becoming a nurse,” Roberts said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the HSC is set for Oct. 7.
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With five 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.