Russell Pennington appointed to NWCC Board of Trustees
SENATOBIA, Miss. (Sept. 17, 2025) — The Marshall County Board of Supervisors has appointed Russell Pennington of Byhalia to the Northwest Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees.
Pennington, a Northwest alumnus and longtime community leader, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity.
“It is an honor to be a part of the work that Northwest is doing,” Pennington said. “And I am looking forward to being a part of the team.”
A native of Byhalia, Pennington was active in student government, FFA, BETA Club, FCA, and Marshall Youth Leadership during his school years. He also played baseball, ran cross country, and was selected in 1997 as Byhalia’s ambassador to Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership.
Pennington earned his associate of arts degree in business management from Northwest Mississippi Community College and later completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Mississippi, graduating with a 4.0 GPA from both institutions.
He began his career at Northcentral Electric Power Association in 2004 as a lineman apprentice and transitioned to the engineering department in 2006 as a staking technician.
In 2003, Pennington married Amanda Dyess, also a Northwest graduate. The couple has four children: James, Silas, Jonah and Emma.
Pennington has remained active in civic life, serving at his church, volunteering at local food banks, and leading the Byhalia Chamber of Commerce as both board member and president.
Northwest President Dr. Michael J. Heindl welcomed Pennington’s appointment.
“We are happy to welcome Russell to the board and look forward to his service helping Northwest Mississippi Community College provide opportunities for the citizens of North Mississippi,” Heindl said. “His leadership will be a welcome addition to the college.”
