MCCer of the Month: Kimberly Rush
At the celebration are, from left, C.D. Smith, Dr. Leia Hill, Dr. Cedric Gathings, Kimberly Rush, and Dr. Tom Huebner.
If you ask Kimberly Rush what she likes best about her job at Meridian Community College, she'll tell you it's the students.
"I enjoy coming to work and helping students figure out what they want to do. Meeting with students and their families and talking to them about college is great," Rush said.
As associate dean of advising, retention, and student success, Rush spends many hours helping students find their wings.
She's also been named MCCer of the Month for December. The announcement of the honor was made when she was assisting with graduation ceremonies. The MCC Foundation sponsors this monthly award to exemplify the College's hardworking employees who go above and beyond their day-to-day duties. Honorees are peer-nominated. In addition to a commemorative plaque, recipients are gifted $250.
Rush, who has worked at MCC for four years, holds a bachelor of science and a master of science degrees from the University of West Alabama and is a licensed professional counselor in Alabama and Mississippi.
"Kimberly is passionate and demonstrates this by communicating kindness with every person she encounters, said a nominator. "She intentionally seeks ways to connect with students and is relentless in emailing or calling them." The nominator added that Rush is energetic and does a good job of making students feel welcome.
Dr. Cedric Gathings, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, noted that in recent months, Rush has taken on a role in examining the College's retention efforts, approaching her work with thoughtfulness and a deep commitment to students' success. "Her dedication to creating strategies that enhance the support we provide reflects her care and passion for ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their goals," Dr. Gathings said.
When she's away from campus, Rush likes spending time with her family and watching crime mysteries. "I am really enjoying reading The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace," she said.
Rush noted about her work: "It's awesome to see the 'light' come on when I explain things to a student, and they get it. It's a joy helping students find their wings.'"
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth.