Meridian Community College inducts four into Hall of Fame

Published 9:01 am Thursday, March 5, 2026

Meridian Community College administrators and community leaders celebrated accomplished alumni Wednesday as they inducted four new members into the MCC Hall of Fame.

William “Skip” Scaggs, right, accepts an award from MCC President Tom Huebner on Wednesday as Scaggs was one of four alumni inducted into the MCC Hall of Fame. Photo by Thomas Howard

This year’s inductees include Louisiana Tech baseball coach Lane Burroughs, Marion Mayor Larry Gill, North Mississippi economic development leader William “Skip” Scaggs and famed actress Sela Ward.

“These individuals have made a lasting impact on their communities, and their contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said MCC Chief of Staff and Executive Director of the MCC Foundation Leia Hill.

Burroughs, a graduate of West Lauderdale, came to MCC on a scholarship and helped the Eagles reach their first regional championship in 1992 and an appearance in the Junior College World Series in 1993. He then went on to Mississippi State University earning both a bachelor’s and master’s before starting his coaching career.

“He defines success not simply as winning games but as making a positive difference in people’s lives,” said MCC President Tom Huebner. “That is exactly why Lane Burroughs belongs in the Meridian Community College Hall of Fame.”

Burroughs, who was unable to attend Wednesday’s ceremony, said in a video message it is an honor to be selected for the Hall of Fame. The decision to attend MCC, he said, was the greatest decision he ever made.

“Just can’t thank you enough, everybody that’s involved in this. Thank you so much for this honor,” he said.

Gill, who made history as the youngest mayor in the state when he was elected by Marion voters in 2021, found his confidence at MCC, Huebner said, and has continued on to touch the lives of thousands of East Mississippi residents. In addition to his mayoral duties, Gill is heavily involved in youth baseball and is the inaugural general manager for the new Meridian Blues professional baseball team set to begin play later this year.

“What makes this recognition so meaningful is not just what Larry has accomplished, it’s how he has accomplished it with humility, with gratitude and with a servant’s heart,” he said.

Being inducted into the MCC Hall of Fame is an honor, Gill said, but it is not an achievement accomplished alone. None of it would be possible without God, he said, as well as those who helped shape and influence his life. From the man who gave him a job in construction in high school to Meridian Mayor Percy Bland mentoring him in the insurance business, along with MCC faculty and staff, many people have taught, guided and supported his journey.

“And above all, it belongs to my family. Rose, Legend and Regal, there is no title that is more important to me than husband, father, son and friend,” he said. “My family has time, endured late nights and stood beside me through every session. They have prayed for me, encouraged me and corrected me when I needed to be corrected of who I am. If you see anything good in me, you are really seeing the strength of people who stood beside me.”

Scaggs, who has led an accomplished career in economic development spanning more than 30 years, now serves as executive director for the North Mississippi Industrial Development Association, where he heads up economic development projects throughout 30 counties, Huebner said. The son of MCC’s first president Bill Scaggs, William Scaggs grew up around MCC, attended the college and met his wife on campus.

“As someone who literally grew up around this institution, I can attest that it is deeply a part of who I am and what I am about as a person,” he said. “In fact, MCC and I share many things in common: our belief in opportunity, achievement and shared growth.”

A career in economic development has provided opportunities to travel the world, Scaggs said, and that was only possible because of his wife, Brenda, who balanced her career with caring for their children while he was away.

Wednesday’s final inductee, Sela Ward, is an accomplished actress having appeared in numerous movies, television shows and other productions, and it was at MCC where she found her love of the arts, Huebner said. Ward is also responsible for founding Hope Village for Children in Meridian, which takes in abused and neglected children from all areas of the state.

“Today we celebrate a distinguished career, but even more we celebrate a hometown leader whose journey reminds us of exactly what this institution strives to do: provide opportunity, inspire purpose and help students take that first confident step into the future,” he said.

Joseph Knight, Vice President for workforce solutions at MCC, left, recognizes Business and Marketing instructor Sandy Clark, who was inducted into the MCC Talon Club on Wednesday for 30 years of service to the college. Photo by Thomas Howard

Ward, who also addressed the gathering via video message, said East Mississippi is fortunate to have Meridian Community College to provide those opportunities for area students. To current students, she said enjoy the time at MCC and believe in what can be accomplished.

“You’re in a place that believes in your potential. Lean in to your curiosity, work hard and never, ever underestimate what someone from Meridian, Mississippi, can do,” she said.

Also recognized Wednesday was MCC Business and Marketing Instructor Sandy Clark, who was inducted into the college’s Talon Club recognizing 30 years of service. Joseph Knight, Vice President for workforce solutions at MCC, said technology has revolutionized education over the past three decades with the introduction of smartphones, the internet, online classes, social media and now artificial intelligence. Despite the ever-changing field, Clark adapted to make sure her students were prepared for the world ahead, he said.

“For Sandy, teaching has never been only about homework, assignments or presentations. It has been about helping students improve themselves, to become leaders in the community, positive contributors to the workforce and simply better human beings,” he said.

Clark said it’s hard to believe 30 years have passed, but she has been blessed to be at MCC. Looking at the crowd Wednesday, she said she saw many people who either taught with her or taught her, and many have become good friends.

“Sometimes you meet your best friends at work, so I’m so thankful and honored to be a member of the Talon Club and work at such a great place. It’s a blessing,” she said.