Alumni Highlight - Jim Caldwell

Jim Caldwell arrived at Big Sandy Community amp; Technical College in August 2000 eager to learn and full of curiosity. He knew he wanted to do something in radio or television. While at BSCTC, Jim received an Associates of Science and an Associates of Art degree. Jim often jokes that it only took him four years to get his two year degree. During his second semester at Big Sandy, Jim had the opportunity to interview for a position at a local news station. Shortly thereafter he became our favorite WYMT weatherman. Jim continued his education Mississippi State University where he received a Broadcast Meteorology Certificate in 2007.

Jims educational journey at BSCTC took him to classes in Criminal Justice with Mike Dixon where he nearly got an AAS degree because I simply loved going to class. He also took sociology classes with Dr. Phyllis Puffer in which he learned about sociology as well as good manners. Jim was also pretty sure that in psychology class, Dr. Bill Loftus had given him a complete psychological evaluation without him even knowing it. History professor Dr. Tom Matijasic was also quick to remind Jim when he got the forecast wrong. These faculty members and many others have provided Jim with many fond memories of his time at BSCTC.

Jim takes pride in his community as he enjoys visiting school children all throughout the region and teaching them about weather and safety. He has also participated in storm surveys, been a board member for Gods pantry and has assisted with the Lions Club annual radio-a-thon.

Jim believes that although education has a price, scholarships, financial aid, ready to work programs and other resources make is possible for anyone to receive an education.