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Virginia College News

When Jeff Massien assumed the role of Campus President at Virginia College's Jackson, Mississippi, location, he was searching for a way to make an impact and introduce himself to the school's students in a memorable way. When Dean of Academics Beverly Jeffries scheduled an outdoor student appreciation event, Massien saw his chance and came up with a "hairy" plan, but one that created quite a "buzz" around the school.

The event was designed to show students how much they were appreciated and to reward them for their hard work and continuing toward their dreams of new careers. Some students do not like to go to school during the summer, unaware that by doing so, they are working in their new career fields months sooner than those who routinely drop out during then. There were hot dogs, chips and drinks and other activities.

"I suggested and volunteered to have my head shaved," Massien said. "I figured that would be a warm, human and memorable way to let the students and staff know who I was, that I was approachable if they needed to talk with me. And that I had a weird sense of humor."

Of course, the stunt also called attention to the school's new and very successful Barber Stylist program. Members from the class performed the "hair-ectomy" on their new campus leader. It also gave Massien an opportunity to speak to the students--as they gathered to watch him lose his locks for the cause.

"I wanted to emphasize to the students the importance of class attendance and how it figures into their futures, how it impacts their grades and future employers' evaluations of their employment potential," Massien reports. "So while they were gathered there to watch the nut get his head shaved, I hope I gave them the encouragement they needed. We emphasize work ethic at Virginia College. Class attendance and not dropping out of school are a big part of that."

Students and staff alike seemed to enjoy Massien's unique way of introducing himself. One student noted, "I've been to other schools and never saw the campus president. This is cool."

"Hopefully, I made some impact," he says. "And I'm certainly a lot more comfortable now in the August heat in Jackson. Or I will be when the sunburn on my noggin heals up!"