WESSON — Two people are returning to Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege’s Wesson campus after being named to fill dean vacancies,said President Dr. Howell Garner.

After serving as Dean of Co-Lin’s Natchez campus since 1997, Dr.Ronnie Nettles is coming back to Wesson to be Dean of the College.Also, after two years as Dean of Academics at East MississippiCommunity College’s Golden Triangle campus, Dr. Jane Hulon isreturning back to Co-Lin as Academic Dean of Instruction.

Previously, Nettles had been Director of Community and EconomicDevelopment for three years on the Wesson campus. Hulon earlierserved in Wesson as Director of Planning and Research.

Garner touted Nettles’ leadership abilities, and said he islooking forward to working with him as the new dean.

“We are fortunate to have someone in the Co-Lin family that hasexcellent leadership qualities to play such as vital role in thecollege,” Garner said. “Dr. Nettles has done a great job in Natchezand has an excellent rapport with the faculty and staff on bothcampuses.”

Nettles said he was honored to be named dean of the college andgrateful for the confidence in him shown by Garner and the board oftrustees.

“This is an important time in the history of our college, and itis my hope that I can have a positive impact on our future,” saidNettles, who held various administrative positions at theUniversity of Southern Mississippi for 10 years before coming toCo-Lin.

Nettles replaces Dr. Paul Johnson, who resigned June 18.

Garner said he could not discuss Johnson’s resignation. Johnsonhad been with Co-Lin 17 years, with the last seven as dean of thecollege.

Nettles is married to the former Rosie Jones of Natchez. Theyhave a daughter, Jordan, and a son, Brandon.

Hulon replaces Dr. Kay Owen, who recently retired after 24 yearswith the school.

Garner said he was pleased to have Hulon, who has also worked atMississippi State University, the state Department of Education andJones Junior College, back at Co-Lin. He said she has a lot ofability and experience to bring to her new position.

“She will be a very valuable asset to the college,” Garnersaid.

Hulon and her husband Jim are the parents of two sons, Will andDrew.

With Nettles returning to Wesson, Garner said Director ofAdmissions Gwen McCalip has agreed to serve as acting dean of theNatchez campus. Garner said McCalip will do an excellent job ofleading the faculty and staff during the coming year.

Garner said a position opening announcement for the Natchez deanwill be made in the spring of 2005. He said he hopes to have theposition filled by July 2005.

With the leadership positions filled, Garner was optimisticabout the new school year. The first day of classes for the fallsemester is Aug. 16.

“We’re looking for a good year,” Garner said.