MCC’s Dr. Cedric Gathings completes policy fellows program
Meridian Community College’s Dr. Cedric Gathings recently completed the Mississippi Community College Policy Fellows Program (CPFP), joining other leaders working to improve community and junior colleges across the state.
Dr. Gathings, who joined the College in 2021, is vice president of student affairs and dean of students. A native of Okolona and a first-generation student, Dr. Gathings holds an associate of arts degree from Northeast Mississippi Community College, a bachelor of science degree in social science from Delta State University, and a master of education degree in sociology. His doctorate is in higher education from Concordia University Chicago.
Throughout the yearlong fellowship program, Dr. Gathings and the other CPFP participants delved into networking, policy, and advocacy initiatives, and the program culminated in a capstone experience in Washington, D.C., where the cohort met with the state’s congressional delegation, staff, and higher education policy leaders.
“As a first-generation college student, participating in the Mississippi Community College Fellows Program was deeply meaningful to me. It reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive environments where every student feels they belong. This experience strengthened my servant-leader philosophy and reminded me that effective policy isn’t just about rules – it’s about opening doors and changing lives,” said Dr. Gathings.
The Mississippi Community College Board and AdvocacyBuild, a Washington, D.C.-based public policy firm, partner to host CPFP. There are more than 120 alumni in this program, which was founded in 2012. Fellows are nominated by the college’s president and selected to represent one of the 15 Mississippi community and junior colleges.
Dr. Gathings and his wife, Kimberly, who is also an educator, are the parents of three children.
For more information about MCC, visit meridiancc.edu.