Need Assistance?
The Northeast Help Desk is here for you.
Help Desk Hours of Operation
Location: Frank Haney Student UnionMonday - Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Phone: 662.720.7585
SMS/Text: 662.212.5948
Help Desk
Contact Information
Charlotte Tennison
Administrative Assistant
Associate Vice-President of Student Services
Email: cwtennison@nemcc.edu
Phone: 662.720.7772
Carlena Benjamin
Instructional Technology
Email: cmbenjamin@nemcc.edu
Phone: 662.720.7221
Innovation begins with a commitment to continuous growth in teaching and learning. The Apple Learning Academy was created to support instructors in diving deeper into purposeful technology integration and exploring new ways iPad can support creativity, collaboration, and student engagement. Through this year-long professional learning program, faculty participate in hands-on exploration of Apple’s Everyone Can Create learning guides while designing meaningful classroom activities that align with course learning goals. More than technology training, the Academy empowers instructors to grow as innovative educators who design impactful learning experiences for students.
Apple Learning Academy
Meet Our Apple Leaders
Apple Distinguished Educators. Apple Learning Coaches.
At the forefront of innovation are the Northeast Apple Distinguished Educators and Apple Learning Coaches. These educators actively support teachers and students by sharing best practices, coaching effective technology integration, and fostering a collaborative culture of growth. Committed to continuous learning, they stay current with evolving Apple technologies, ensuring classrooms remain dynamic, creative, and future-focused. Through their leadership, they inspire others to embrace new possibilities and elevate student learning experiences.
Apple Distinguished Educators
Dr. Carlena Benjamin is the Instructional Technology Specialist at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where she supports faculty and students in using technology to create engaging, personalized learning experiences. She leads the Northeast Apple Learning Academy, helping instructors integrate iPad into teaching and learning.
As an Apple Teacher, Apple Distinguished Educator, and Apple Learning Coach, Carlena is passionate about advancing education through innovation and collaboration. She works closely with educators to model technology integration, empowering teachers to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences.
Dr. Heather Kirk is an Associate Degree Nursing Instructor at Northeast who is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences through innovative teaching practices and technology integration. In 2026, she was recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator for her commitment to empowering students through creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning with Apple technology. Dr. Kirk utilizes Apple technology to enhance reflection and spiritual well-being among her students. Through her work in healthcare education, Dr. Kirk continues to explore ways technology can enhance instruction, deepen student understanding, and prepare future healthcare professionals for success.
Apple Learning Coaches
Psychology Instructor, Dr. Emily Pollard, has a passion for making learning engaging, accessible, and relevant to real life. She specializes in child & adolescent development and social psychology, and strives to create meaningful educational experiences that connect theory to everyday application. Emily serves as the Tiger D.E.N. Food Pantry Director, where she works to support students and strengthen a sense of community on campus.
Emily is an Apple Teacher and Apple Learning Coach, integrating innovative technology into teaching to enhance student learning and creativity. A key part of the Apple Learning Coach program was learning how to help others feel comfortable taking risks, while using goal-setting and reflection to build confidence and encourage ongoing development.
Kalah Rogers, Ph.D., is an evening librarian at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where she has served students and faculty since 2014. With a doctorate in Educational Technology and Leadership and a Master of Library & Information Science, she brings both expertise and heart to her work. Kalah is a lifelong learner who loves inspiring others to embrace technology in creative ways, like using the makerspaces, helping students with assignments, or encouraging fellow instructors to try something new.
As an Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher, Kalah is dedicated to empowering educators and students to use Apple technology in meaningful, student-centered ways. The Apple Learning Coach program equipped Kalah with the skills to guide fellow educators in integrating iPad and Mac tools into their classrooms, fostering creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning.
In Memoriam
Jeffrey D. Powell (1976-2020) was Northeast Mississippi Community College’s first Instructional Technology Specialist and was the primary catalyst in bringing technology to the college. During his tenure at Northeast, Jeffrey served in various roles that included the college’s Webmaster, Technology Specialist, Help Desk Coordinator, Apple Distinguished Educator, and the Northeast Career Development Academy director.
One of Jeffrey’s proudest accomplishments at Northeast was being the founder of the Mobile Learning Conference - one of the southeast’s largest conferences that focus on technology in the classroom for not only K-12 but also for higher education. Jeffrey was named the first recipient of the Olan E. Ray Award at the Creating Futures Through Technology Conference for his contributions to technology in the classroom throughout the state of Mississippi.
Jeffrey will be forever missed at Northeast. The college is committed to keeping his legacy alive by pushing the boundaries with technology and always moving forward to increase the opportunities for the students of northeast Mississippi and worldwide.