Senator Roger Wicker Stops at MGCCC

Next year, the U.S. Senate will take a look at ways to rework the higher education policy. Senator Roger Wicker wants to hear from our state colleges before he gets involved in the decision making. That’s why he made a stop in Perkinston today.
News 25’s Kristen Durand was there as Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College officials updated him on school needs and capital improvements.
Student loans, grant programs, and higher education opportunities are all things that affect community colleges. These are also issues discussed in the U.S. Senate. That’s why Senator Roger Wicker dropped by MGCCC’s Perkinston campus to hear from college officials before returning to D.C. MGCCC President Dr. Mary Graham said, “There’s always the challenge of funding. That’s always a grave concern for our community colleges, not only in Mississippi, but nationally and so we were just talking with them about the higher-ed reauthorization opportunities to lessen some of the burden on community colleges in terms of compliance with regulations.”
According to college leaders, one major burden is a provision that leaves community colleges on the hook if students can’t or don’t pay back their student loans. Another concern is Pell grants. Senator Roger Wicker said, “How can we cut down on red tape and paperwork for colleges and universities? How can we make the Pell Grant Program work better? I think Dr. Graham had a good suggestion about a pay as you go plan that would encourage students to stay in school.”
While college leaders are expecting Senator Wicker to voice their concerns in the nation’s capital, the senator praised the college’s partnership and recent program expansions back here at home. “We have so many outcomes in Mississippi that are challenging, like heart disease, diabetes, and so with the partnership with this community college and Cleveland Clinic out at the Tradition campus. It’s going to be an opportunity for this institution to be involved in some healthcare research and also just in terms of creating jobs,” said Senator Wicker.