ECCC Family Mourns Following Former President Smith’s Death

Dr. Eddie Smith

NEWTON, Miss. (Press Release) — The East Central Community College family is in mourning following the passing of former president Dr. Eddie M. Smith.

Dr. Smith, 71, died today at his home in Decatur, following a lengthy illness.

He led the institution from 1985 to 2000 and served his alma mater as its sixth president.

During Dr. Smith’s tenure, the college experienced unprecedented growth in numerous areas, especially in enrollment, program offerings, campus facilities and workforce education. An increased emphasis was placed on recruiting students of all ages. As a result of a closely followed recruitment and retention plan, enrollment increased each of his 15 years at the helm.

Upon his retirement in 2000, the college’s Board of Trustees named the newly constructed Student Union in his honor, in recognition of his dedication to serving students of all ages.

Milling Funeral Home in Union is in charge of arrangements.