College celebrates its own with end-of-year event
Leia Hill with Joy Smith and MCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner
Meridian Community College faculty and staffers were applauded for service and were
spotlighted for achievements when the MCC Foundation and the MCC Faculty Staff Association
combined efforts for an end-of-academic-year luncheon.
“We are so lucky to have a strong foundation with a great history of individuals believing that the faculty and staff are the heart of our institution. The MCC Foundation is proud to honor you,” said Leia Hill, vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the MCC Foundation, when she addressed the 300-plus audience.
The Holladay Family Professional Development Awards were given to Brandi Pickett, wellness coordinator and instructor, and Gloria Adams, program coordinator and instructor for the Medical Assisting Program. The awards come with a $2,500 stipend. The Holladay family, believing that professional development is essential to student success, provides professional development opportunities for College faculty and staff.
Three MCCers, Michael Allen, custodial director, Dr. Tommy Winston, Physical Therapist Assistant Program coordinator and instructor, and Dawn Wright, psychology instructor, received the MCC Enrichment through Travel Awards. They each were awarded $2,500 to enrich their lives and further MCC’s mission through travel.
The T.J. Harris Award, which spotlights an MCC employee who has made outstanding contributions beyond their regular job description to the community and MCC, was awarded to Susie Gibson, social science instructor.
Deanna Smith, dean of student services, Joy Smith, college communications coordinator, and Adam Foreman, director of physical plant, were selected as recipients of the John A. Johnson Award. Honorees demonstrate enthusiasm for the community college mission, college spirit, commitment to service and job, and interest and participation in community and campus activities. Each received a $500 cash award.
Three instructors, Jamila Brown Coleman, adult educator mentor and lead instructor,
Kim Coward, sociology instructor, and Otis
Gowdy, Commercial Truck Driving Program coordinator and instructor, were spotlighted as the winners
of the Dr. Clarence W. Roberts Outstanding Teacher of the Year award. They were selected on the basis of excellence in teaching, innovative techniques and service
to the College and community. A $500 honorarium was given to each.
Recent and current retirees were spotlighted. Retirees include Keith Englen, 2019; Theresa Boykin, Susie Horne, Rhonda Moore, Richard Barlow, Dr. James Dauphine, Christopher Edwards, Barbara Jones, William Pierce, Suzanne Grafton, Rhonda Thompson, Cathy Parker, Clara Munn, Willie Mae Kirkland, David Fontenot, Rita McClure and Soraya Welden, 2020; and Stephanie Brown, Charlotte Rasco, Pam Baranello, Wanda Jackson, Delia Harwell, Betty Hennington, Kathy McKay, Barbara Burnside, Otis Gowdy, Charlie Price and Dr. Ray Denton.