Hinds CC Class Pays Off for Entrepreneur

Shinita Payton took one more step in her carefully laid plans when she walked across the stage to receive an associate degree from Hinds Community College on May 14.

Payton, 38, of Brandon is a licensed cosmetologist with a plan to open a full-service salon. Dr. Brock Haas, Director of Eagle Ridge Conference Center, also teaches an online class in entrepreneurship that Payton participated in.

As part of the class, she had to create a business plan. Dr. Haas encouraged students to write an authentic plan. "Now I can use that for myself," she said.

Payton started college originally after high school but didn't finish. "I thought I'd finish what I started and gain some more skills," she said.

She plans to finish a bachelor's degree online through the University of Southern Mississippi.

Payton was among graduates receiving more than 1,500 degrees and certificates during one of five graduation ceremonies May 13-15.

Among the graduates, 615 graduated with honors; 239 students graduated cum laude, which is a 3.2-3.59 grade point average out of 4.0; 177 graduated magna cum laude, 3.6-3.99 GPA and 199 graduated summa cum laude, which is a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Graduating students offered the invocation, benediction and speak on behalf of classmates at all five ceremonies.

Giving the invocation and benediction on May 14 was Samniya Henry of Atlanta. A Raymond Campus student, she has been active as Student Government Association Vice President. She is transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Giving the speech on behalf of classmates was Campbell McCoy of Vicksburg. A Raymond Campus student, she plans to pursue a Radiologic Sciences degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. At Hinds, she has been a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Honors program and was a member of Hinds Connection.

McCoy recalled how she and her classmates began with "a mix of excitement and uncertainty. ... We were stepping into something completely new."

"Somewhere between that first day and today we learned we didn't have to do it alone. Our professors challenged us, guided us and believed in us. Our families and friends here today supporting us and motivating us from that first day to today," McCoy said. "As we leave today, we carry these experiences: The lessons, the friendships, even the challenges, they've all prepared us for the road ahead whatever that road may be."