Local leaders recently joined Northwest Mississippi Community College officials for the grand opening of a 42,000 square-foot academic center that will host the DeSoto campus’ new registered nursing program.
The Ranger Center represents a historic milestone for DeSoto County as the first home of an RN program in the area. Previously, nursing students would have to travel outside the county for training. With the new facility, NWCC will be able to fully launch its RN program in spring 2026.
“This facility is a dream realized, not only for our college but for the entire community,” NWCC President Dr. Michael Heindl said. “The Ranger Center offers flexibility, innovation, and access. It’s a modern educational hub where students will gain the skills they need to succeed – and it’s happening right here in DeSoto County.”
In addition to the RN program that will “expand access to high-demand healthcare education where it’s needed most,” the Ranger Center will support workforce training, career educational, professional testing, and community engagement programs.
Facility features include a regional testing and assessment center with 31 stations, three flexible classrooms with 96 seats apiece, an education lab, simulation labs, a skills lab, two dozen faculty offices, conference rooms, community meeting spaces, and two catering-level kitchens.
The project was made possible through a combination of federal, state, local, and institutional funding, including a $7 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and a $1 million direct investment from the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors.
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Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite, who was at the facility’s groundbreaking two years ago, said the Ranger Center is both a win for students and the community at large.
“This changes everything,” Musselwhite said. “Creating opportunities for our youth is just priceless. You can’t put a dollar amount on that. Not just getting a degree but having a specialized skill launched right here in Southaven.”
Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of nearby Baptist DeSoto Hospital, echoed Musselwhite’s sentiments and added that the RN program will be vital to the area’s fight to hire qualified medical workers. Northwest already offers an associate degree in nursing.
“We’re facing a critical nursing shortage in Mississippi, and Northwest is one of our most values partners,” Hogan added. “We hire more nurses from Northwest than from any other program, and with this facility, we’ll hire even more.”
A new gateway to campus was also unveiled alongside the Ranger Center during the June 24 grand opening ceremony.
