MCCer of the Month Dr. Tommy Winston: Leading others to find their way
Joining in congratulating Dr. Tommy Winston, fifth from left, are Jenny Bryan, academic
coordinator for clinical education; Kristi Williamson, circulation/catalog librarian
and co-PTK advisor; Dr. Lara Collum, associate vice president for nursing and healthcare
education; Joseph Knight, vice president for Workforce solutions; Leia Hill, vice
president for institutional advancement and executive director for the MCC Foundation;
Amanda Bratu, administrative assistant for the MCC Foundation and Marmion Francis,
Lifetime Quest co-coordinator.
On the first day starting his new position as program coordinator and instructor for Meridian Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Dr. Tommy Winston was overwhelmed.
“I was lost and ended up parking near Physical Plant. I remember walking the entire campus looking for the Health Education building feeling out of place,” he said.
But he also recalls once he found his way, he received warm wishes and welcomes to campus.
“After that first day, I felt like this was home,” he said.
Dr. Winston, who has worked at the College for six years, is MCCer of the Month for August.
The MCC Foundation sponsors this monthly award to exemplify the College’s hardworking employees who go above and beyond their job duties. Honorees receive a commemorative plaque and a $250 cash award.
As a teacher, Dr. Winston notes the best part of his job is helping to break down complex systems and ideas and making them understandable, and he relishes the “light-bulb moment.” But it’s more than just conveying concepts; it’s working with students and getting to know them that drives him. “It is rewarding to see them accomplish the ultimate goal of graduating, passing their licensure exam and ultimately landing their dream job.”
Plus, he said, “I enjoy engaging students who may not have found exactly where they fit and helping them discover potential career paths.”
In addition to teaching, Dr. Winston is a co-advisor for the MCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international academic honor society for community and junior colleges.
The Canton native said his first job was working with his dad. “He is an auto body repairman, and I would spend summers working with him in a tin shop with one fan! He taught me work ethic, the value of a dollar, and the value of customer service,” he said.
“The pay was terrible, but the lessons are still applicable to this day,” Dr. Winston said.
A recent master of arts in teaching graduate from Mississippi State University, Dr.
Winston received his bachelor of science in kinesiology from the University of Southern
Mississippi and his doctorate of physical therapy from East Tennessee State University.
He and his wife Angela, who is originally from Jackson, have two children, Kennedy,
a nine-year-old in the fourth grade, and Thomas Edward, a three-year-old who goes
to day care. “They are my constant inspiration,” he said. When the Winstons have free
time, they enjoy live music events – preferring ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s bands. “I love
instruments,” he said.
Dr. Winston’s parents are Tommie and Viola Winston.
He’s guided by the Colossians 3:23 passage, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if to the Lord and not men.” And he also shares with his students, “Early is on-time, on-time is late, and late is unacceptable!”
When asked what’s the best thing he likes about MCC, Dr. Winston admits it’s the people.
“There are so many I enjoy conversing with daily. From administration to faculty to
staff, I love being around people who understand the value MCC brings to our student
body.”