Communiversity’s 1st exec director

East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) announced Oct. 29 it had hired Courtney Taylor as its first executive director for the $42M Communiversity. Communiversity is a collaboration among EMCC, Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Development Authority focusing on the advance manufacturing skills required by local industries. Taylor “brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position," EMCC President Scott Alsobrooks said. "She understands the integral role community colleges play as intermediaries between local communities, economic developers and area industries." Taylor has served in higher education for the past 13 years, most recently as the regional director of workforce and economic development for the Alabama Community College System. Prior to that, she served as the director of the Workforce Solutions department at Calhoun Community College where she managed open-enrollment programs and customized training for local industry. She is a past assistant director at Troy University's Center for International Business and Economic Development. The Magnolia Springs, Ala., native holds a bachelors degree from the University of West Alabama, a master’s degree from Troy University and has an earned Ph.D in Human Capital Development at University of Southern Mississippi. In her current role, Taylor works with Alabama's 24 community colleges to develop and align workforce programs to ensure they are current, relevant and meet industry needs. The Magnolia Springs, Ala., native holds a bachelors degree from the University of West Alabama, a master’s degree from Troy University and earned her Ph.D in Human Capital Development at University of Southern Mississippi. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 10/30/19) https://cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=76985