E.L.C. Class of 2026 celebrates completion, reflects on year
Pressure washing sidewalks, changing light fixtures and cleaning up campus may sound like a simple to-do list.
For the Meridian Community College Eagles Leadership Convocation (E.L.C) Class of 2026, it became something more: a way to serve the place they call their “second home.”
The newly-graduated E.L.C. class recently completed the yearlong leadership development program, closing the experience with developing a group project, “My College Cares, Campus Edition.” The project focuses on service, campus pride and beautification at MCC.
The Class of 2026 included Veronica Fox, assistant director of student accounts; JaWanda Huggins, biological science instructor; Eric Jones, Welding Program coordinator and instructor; Chris King, director of bands; Parker Manley, workforce project manager; James Runnels, director of IT and systems analyst; Rhonda Smith, college and career navigator; Crystal Sterling, mathematics instructor; and Dr. Tommy Winston, Physical Therapist Assistant Program coordinator and instructor.
The E.L.C. is a nine-month professional development program sponsored by the MCC Foundation. The program is designed to strengthen leadership skills, build relationships across campus and help employees better understand the College.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner and Dr. Leia Hill, chief of staff and vice president for institutional advancement and operations and executive director of the MCC Foundation, serve as program facilitators. Courtney Pitts, executive assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement and MCC Foundation office coordinator, served as program assistant for this class
Dr. Hill said each E.L.C. group brings its own personality to the program, but the Class of 2026 stood out.
“Every group is different. They have their own vibe, personalities and quirks, but this group has been truly special.”
She told the graduates during their celebration ceremony that their leadership journey reaches far.
“Through your leadership and commitment, you have encouraged and influenced those around you,” Hill said. “As you move forward, I hope you continue to embrace all these new opportunities, pursue every growth opportunity and door that opens for you, and lead by example.”
The class’ final project – which was presented to the College’s president and vice presidents during the E.L.C. last session, grew out of the group’s earlier work with My College Cares. My College Cares is a service effort where the administration, faculty, staff, and students canvas the community to volunteer in a myriad of activities for a day-long effort in October.
It was after the E.L.C. group participated in that off-campus event that members began talking about what it would look like to bring that same spirit of service back to MCC’s campus during the spring.
“As much as we reach out to the community, it’s also doing for ourselves,” King said.
The group began looking at campus needs such as pressure washing, lighting, fixtures, cleanup and other beautification efforts. They also asked vice presidents and department leaders what campus areas might need attention.
Manley said the project came from a desire to take pride in the place where MCC employees spend so much of their time.
“When you think about the hours that you spend at work versus the hours that you spend at home, you want the place that you spend all that time in, and you’re putting your energy and your effort into, to look nice,” Manley said. “We host a lot of community events as well. When the community comes, we want it to be a good presence.”
Smith said the idea was simple: give back to the place that gives so much to students, employees and the community.
“This is our second home,” Smith said.
Huggins said the group received helpful feedback from College leaders. Some of it was positive, and some of it helped them see challenges they had not considered, including timing and how busy April can be for students and employees. “We did get rave reviews as far as our presentation, our unity, the idea and the concept,” Huggins said.
For many members, the final project was only one part of the experience. The year also gave them a chance to build friendships with employees from different areas of campus.
Dr. Winston said the group worked well together because members listened to one another and stayed focused on a shared goal. “Everyone’s opinions mattered,” Dr. Winston said. “No one was domineering. No one was self-serving. Everyone came together for a general cause.”
Smith said the relationships built through E.L.C. will last beyond the program. “I think I’ve gained some friendships,” she said. “I feel comfortable calling on any one of these individuals.”
The class also praised the access they had to MCC leadership throughout the year, especially Dr. Huebner.
“To have that kind of access, to ask questions and to get answers, it really truly shows how wonderful a leader he really is,” King said. “He wants you to know the whys.”
As the Class of 2026 moves from participants to graduates, members said they are leaving with stronger relationships, a deeper understanding of MCC, and a renewed commitment to service.
Smith summed up the project, and the year, in three words: “Teamwork, service, collaboration.”
E.L.C. will continue with the 2026-27 class, which includes Heather Ammon, Practical Nursing Program instructor; Marquita James, Workforce office coordinator; Mark Brentnall, director of visual media; Will Nathan, associate vice president of technology; Erica Stokes, communications instructor; Tracy Stockton, Eagles Nest Bookstore assistant manager; Janet Parrett, assistant to the registrar; Anthony D’Angelo, Information Systems Technology Program coordinator and instructor; Mya Adams, accounts receivable specialist; and Brandi Pickett, Wellness coordinator and instructor.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/elc.