Hill receives WHEMN Leadership Award
Dr. Leia Agnew Hill, Meridian Community College vice president for institutional advancement
and executive director of the MCC Foundation, received the Leadership Award from the
Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network (WHEMN) during the organization's conference
held in Oxford.
WHEMN serves to promote women's leadership in Mississippi higher education, facilitate networking, forge partnerships, increase the visibility of women administrators, support career development, mentor potential leaders, and acknowledge achievements through awards.
The WHEMN Leadership Award given to Dr. Hill signifies the recognition of her excellent leadership qualities, her ability to lead others, and her commitment to making a significant difference at Meridian Community College, according to Dr. Charlotte Pegues, 2024 WHEMN state coordinator. "This award not only highlights her professional achievements but may also inspire other faculty and staff members, encouraging them to strive for excellence," noted Dr. Pegues.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner echoed Dr. Pegues' comments. "It is such an honor for Dr. Hill to have been chosen from a distinguished group of community college and university nominees across the state. I'm not surprised she was chosen, though. The last year has been difficult for Dr. Hill and her family, but she persists when most would just quit. Her tenacity is a special attribute and makes her a great example for young leaders to follow," he added.
Dr. Hill was honored and humbled to learn that she was the recipient of the WHEMN award and that she credits colleagues and family for their support. "The ones who truly deserve recognition are the people surrounding me," she said.
In addressing other leaders at the conference, she offered this advice: "Invest time and effort into building your team. Find the right people for the right roles, nurture their growth, and trust their abilities. When you do, you'll find that leadership becomes a collective effort, and you'll have allies who stand beside you instead of behind you."
A graduate of MCC, Dr. Hill has worked at the College for more than 13 years in roles that include foundation program coordinator and associate vice president of communications. Dr. Hill, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi, earned a bachelor's degree in communication from Mississippi University for Women, a graduate certificate in social media marketing from the University of Florida, and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi.
Other accolades she has received include Mississippi's Top Leading Business Women, the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District Two Communicator of the Year Award, and the Distinguished College Administrator from the Phi Theta Kappa academic honor society.
Visit meridiancc.edu for more information.