MCC recognizes Hurst for contributions to Elevate QEP
Jaterra Hurst, left, is presented with a certificate of recognition from Kimberly Rush.
"We're a college and we’re always striving to do better."
That's what Kimberly Rush, associate dean of advising, retention, and student success at Meridian Community College, said to MCC Eagle athletes during a first-of-the-year gathering. She explained that one way the College looks to improve is with Elevate QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan).
Rush said the program's first phase focused on enhancing the academic experience for MCC athletes. "There is a coach here who has been very, very instrumental in our Phase I of Elevate QEP," Rush said to the athletes and College personnel audience.
Jaterra Hurst, Lady Eagles assistant basketball coach, was that coach.
Rush presented Hurst with a certificate of appreciation for extraordinary service, dedication, and excellence at Meridian Community College and Elevate QEP.
Hurst was instrumental in ensuring her players were on track with their degree plans and academic goals. "After meeting with Jaterra regularly and her genuine interest in her student athletes' coursework, progress, and academic goals, we found it necessary to recognize her willingness to go above and beyond and set the stage for the collaboration and relationship we strive for with our coaches, advisors, and student-athletes," Rush added.
Hurst was surprised and excited to receive the award. Being an advocate for students is essential to her.
"I think it was a lot of direct communication, engagement, and involvement, as well as time spent when we started doing this – going through the different mediums and everything. I would go and seek out Kimberly Rush – whenever – morning, noon, before she would leave her office and make sure everything was good with degree plans and schedules with anything pertaining to my kids so they're best prepared," Hurst said.
She added, "I think the QEP did help, primarily the degree plan that we worked on and talked about," she said.
"It gave them a kind of direction," Hurst noted.
Hurst, who holds a bachelor's degree from Belmont Abbey and a master's degree from Georgia State University, has worked at MCC since the summer of 2023.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/qep.