For Jane Lauderdale Flowers, attending Hinds Community College was one of the greatest decisions that she’s ever made.

“To me, Hinds was a gift in my life,” said Flowers. “I’ve never taken my education for granted.”

Flowers, longtime coordinator of the Work-Based Learning program at Hinds Community College and named in March to head up the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, continued to praise her alma mater in front of the Vicksburg Kiwanis on Tuesday. She was adamant about the value of education.

“Everyone who knows anyone should inspire them to get their education because it is really important if you want to be successful,” Flowers said.

Flowers said that Hinds CC is a great place for high school graduates and adults to pursue in demand technical fields that would benefit them in the corporate world.

“We need skilled workers. Many employers call us looking for skilled workers. We as adults need to encourage these kids to enter these skilled workers program so that they prosper.”

Flowers informed the audience about how the school tests incoming students in math and English and to see if they are college ready.

“We take those students who lack skills such as composition or math and put them in developmental classes to help bring up their comprehension of the subject that holds them back.”

Flowers mentioned how Hinds CC has so much to offer such as the search tool Career Coach, a luxury that Flowers said that every student should take advantage of.

“This program is for children who are preparing to attend college, but are not sure about what field they want to work in. The students can use this tool to see what job opportunities are available. You can also find assessments there to help you find what job fits your personality.

Another program that Flowers spoke about was the Plus 50 program that gives older people an opportunity to earn their degree.

“A lot of middle aged people can come and either get their degrees or finish a degree program that they started years ago. It can give you another credential that can be very useful.”

Flowers succeeded Christi Kilroy at the Chamber, who left Jan. 1 for a job at the Mississippi Economic Council.