MCCer of the Month: Jimmy Rigdon
Celebrating MCCer of the Month announcement are Melissa McClure, Joseph Knight, Jimmy Rigdon and Lori
Smith.
Jimmy Rigdon is committed to his job. You could even say he is driven.
“Everyday presents an opportunity to make a difference, because you never know when something you do or say will make an impact,” Rigdon said about why he enjoys his job, which often entails working daily with stakeholders in the transportation industry and those who are geared toward getting their commercial truck driving license.
Rigdon, an 18-year MCC employee, is an instructor and program coordinator for the Commercial Truck Driving Program, and he serves as the chair of the Industrial Technology Division.
He has also been named MCCer of the Month for January.
The MCC Foundation sponsors this peer-nominated monthly award representing faculty and staff members who are difference-makers. To be selected, the recipient must be a current member of the MCC Foundation and have been employed by the College for at least two years. Recipients are given a $250 honorarium.
Lori Smith, dean of workforce education and Rigdon's immediate supervisor, said Rigdon deserves the recognition. "His wittiness and cheerfulness set a great example for others to follow. Above this, he brings knowledge, professionalism, and hard work to our college daily. Jimmy's dedication to his students and MCC is evident in all he does,” she said.
Others also note Rigdon's passion for his profession and his easygoing manner. A nominator credited him saying, "Jimmy has done an awesome job since becoming the division chair. I always look forward to seeing him as he is a comical and outgoing individual.”
A career in education seemed to be a part of Ridgon's destiny; his first job was that of a school bus driver, and still today, he journeys the path of helping others. “I enjoy seeing students reach their goals and have the potential to change their lives and their family's lives by entering a high-demand, lucrative career," he said.
A native of House, Rigdon has an associate of arts in business degree from the University of Phoenix and holds qualifications including Mississippi Department of Public Safety Third Party Tester Authority, Commercial Driving License endorsement, is a member of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving School and a participant in the Highway Watch Transportation Security Administration Program.
He and his wife, Katherine (an instructor in the MCC Associate Degree Nursing Program), are the parents of a son and a daughter. And when he's not helping students, Rigdon enjoys spending time at home and traveling with his family.
Working in the transportation industry has provided him with countless opportunities to meet others throughout the country. One of his most memorable life events came when he met and talked with one of his favorite actors, Morgan Freeman.
“I was unloading gasoline at a business in Greenville, and he stopped to talk to me," Rigdon said, adding, "the funny part is that I didn't realize who he was until he drove off."