WESSON – While most of Brookhaven was focusing on the Christmasparade, board of trustee members at Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege were making academic program updates during Thursday’sboard meeting.

The board reported on a $369,080 Challenge Grant for a CommercialTruck Driving Program at the Simpson County Center.

The program, which is in high demand on the Wesson campus, wouldallow students to become a certified truck driver within a fewmonths.

“It’s a very popular program,” said Natalie Davis, director ofpublic information. “Our truck driving program sometimes has awaiting list.”

Officials said the program is very popular due to the short timeframe it takes to become certified, which leads to quick entranceinto the work force. They also mentioned the program usuallyreceives more older students for the program.

“It’s a very diverse group,” said Davis.

The board also authorized the administration to request bids forone diesel tractor truck. The grant has estimated $129,000 for thetruck.

Medical programs at the Natchez campus will also see anupdate.

The board also approved the lowest and best bid for one PulmonaryFunction Testing Unit with Body Box for the Howell C. GarnerInstructional Center.

The board was happy with a bid of $73,700 for the medical tool fromCareFusion 211 Inc.

“It’s exactly what we expected,” said Dr. Ronnie Nettles,president.

Officials are excited about getting the new instrument, which willbe a one of a kind in the state.

“That piece of equipment is state of the art,” said Teresa Busby,Natchez campus vice president. “We’ll be the only one in the stateto have that right now.”

Busby also thinks the tool will allow for the school to provide abetter quality of education to their students.

“It’s instrumental in teaching our students about respiratorycare,” said Busby. “They are going to be practicing the exactskills they’re going to use when they walk in to work.”

In addition to educational tools, board members were also excitedabout the school’s first December graduation ceremony.

“We are trying to offer all our students an opportunity tograduate,” said Davis.

Graduation will be Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. in Rea Auditorium on theWesson campus. Receiving their diplomas during the ceremony will be65 students, accumulated from each campus. Nettles will be thekeynote speaker.

“We try to put the emphasis on the students, so we try to use thestudents throughout the program,” said Dr. Jane Hulon, vicepresident of instructional services.