Gathings to lead state student affairs association
Meridian Community College Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Cedric Gathings has been named president of the Mississippi Community College Student Affairs Association. This organization is under the auspices of the Mississippi Community College Board.
“Dr. Gathings’ willingness to serve and lead is a testament to his commitment to the student affairs profession and the success of our association,” said Dr. Tonyalle Rush, vice president for student services and enrollment management at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Rush is also a past president of the association.
The Mississippi Community College Student Affairs Association represents student affairs professionals from Mississippi’s 15 community colleges. It is dedicated to enhancing the student experience beyond the classroom through professional development, collaboration, and advocacy.
As president, Dr. Gathings will work with colleagues throughout Mississippi to support student affairs professionals and the students they serve.
“Dr. Gathings is a dedicated and compassionate leader who genuinely cares about students and their success,” said MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner. “His commitment to helping students achieve their goals is reflected in everything he does, and we are proud to see him assume this leadership role at the state level. I am confident he will bring that same passion, energy, and student-centered approach to serving community colleges and students across Mississippi,” he added.
A native of Okolona and a first-generation college student, Dr. Gathings started working at MCC in the summer of 2021. He 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. He earned his doctorate in higher education from Concordia University Chicago.
“I often say I get the opportunity to serve students each day, and that is a privilege,” Dr. Gathings said. “At MCC, I work alongside dedicated faculty and staff who understand that student success is a shared responsibility. I am honored by the trust my colleagues across Mississippi have placed in me, and I look forward to working together to support the professionals who help students succeed.”
Dr. Gathings is also the recipient of the 2023 Mississippi Community College Student Affairs Association Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to student success within Mississippi’s community college system.
When he’s not working on campus, Dr. Gathings enjoys spending time with his wife, Kimberly, who is also an educator, and their three children. The family loves traveling, celebrating one another, and attending sporting events.
Visit meridiancc.edu for more information.