Taylor Stokes: MCCer of the Month
Joining in the MCCer of the Month announcement celebration are Dr. Tom Huebner, Dr. Kelley Gonzales, Michael
Thompson, Taylor Stokes, David Zheng, Dr. Leia Hill, and James Runnells.
Helping – even empowering - others, whether students or college colleagues – drives
Taylor Stokes, Meridian Community College's junior programmer and data analyst.
"When it comes to anything IT-related, the processes and systems we have to go through can be daunting at times," he noted. Guiding others through those steps or streamlining the process "brings me immense gratification."
Others have noticed his work ethic and willingness to help others; Stokes is MCCer of the Month for January. The MCC Foundation sponsors this monthly award to exemplify the College's hardworking employees who go above and beyond their daily duties. Honorees are peer-nominated. In addition to a commemorative plaque, recipients are given $250.
Come May, Stokes will mark the third year he has worked at the College, but the landscape is familiar to him. He attended MCC, earned his associate of arts degree, and transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received his bachelor's degree in information technology.
Still, he counts memorable events in his life when he graduated from MCC and moved from the Help Desk position, his first duty at MCC, to his current role.
"One of the most remarkable aspects about MCC is its impact on the community, serving as a critical stepping stone for so many people's education and career pursuits, but my absolute favorite thing about this institution is how it builds character," Stokes explained.
"For so many, MCC is their first 'real' step into the world, and while that step might be out of their comfort zones at times, the results are always worth it. Each student's journey goes beyond academics, molding them into empowered and adaptable individuals ready for life's challenges that extend far beyond textbooks," he added.
Stokes' supervisor, Dr. Kelley Gonzales, associate vice president for technology, credits Stokes for his top-notch work and teamwork attitude. "He treats everyone respectfully and is always willing to help resolve problems. Taylor is very deserving of this award."
There’s a quote by filmmaker Christopher Nolan from one of his "Batman" movies that resonates with Stokes. It reads, "A hero can be anyone, even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a young boy's shoulders to let him know that the world hadn't ended."
"This line always reminds me that we all have the capacity to make a positive impact on those who may be in need through even the smallest of gestures," he added.
Visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth to learn more about MCCer of the Month.