MCC’s Joshua May answers the call to serve and protect
Service is a way of life for Joshua May.
As the chief of Meridian Community College’s Campus Police, May brings to the badge a wealth of experience and a mission. “I want to have a positive impact on the lives of people, especially in times of need,” he said.
May was named MCC Chief of Campus Police earlier this summer after serving as assistant chief of the department under previous leader Casey McElhenney, who retired from the position on May 31.
MCC’s Campus Police Department, located on the first floor of Ivy-Scaggs Hall, is a full-service police agency operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department has 11 full-time sworn police officers who have jurisdiction and legal authority over all college-owned property. Campus Police work very closely and share jurisdiction with the Meridian Police Department, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.
A member of law enforcement for 16 years, May has been a patrolman for Meridian Police Department; a school resource and D.A.R.E. officer for Meridian Public School District; a narcotics division lieutenant and crisis and hostage negotiator for Wayne County Sheriff Department; and a patrol sergeant for Lauderdale County Sheriff Office. He’s also served the College as a campus officer before returning to MCC in 2023 to the assistant position.
“I started at MCC as a campus police officer,” May said, explaining, “So I wanted to return and have a positive effect on the officers and staff.”
It’s a characteristic that is demonstrated daily. “If you’ve had any interaction with Josh, you know he is an outstanding officer, a man of great integrity, does a fantastic job communicating with our faculty, staff, and students, enjoys his work and the people he sees every day, and brings with him a wealth of experience,” said MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner.
May graduated from the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy and has trained at institutions including the FBI, New Mexico Tech university, National Association for School Resource Officers, and the University of Mississippi in different areas of law enforcement. A graduate of Quitman High School, May studied at Mississippi Valley State University.
“The best thing about my job is that I have the pleasure of working with so many different people from all walks of life,” he added.
When he’s not on call, May enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family including his wife, two sons, and daughter.
Joining May as assistant chief is Joseph Mathis, an MCC alumnus and a Mississippi State University-Meridian graduate who has also previously served with the Lauderdale County S.O.
For more information, visit our MCC Campus Police page.