MCCer of the Month: Jeanette Howell
At the MCCer of the Month announcement are Courtney Pitts, Dr. Leia Hill, Jeanette Howell, Kim
Rush and Brandy Hill.
She's been described as one who has a servant's heart. She describes herself as being blessed.
"I genuinely enjoy helping people, especially toward future goals," said Jeanette Howell, director of advising at Meridian Community College. "It's rewarding to see how individual support can positively impact the future of the community as a whole."
Howell is also MCCer of the Month for July. 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.
A first-generation college student, Howell came to MCC after graduating from Clarkdale High School and found her MCC experience life-changing. "MCC made a huge difference in my academic journey and in building my self-esteem," she said, explaining she had earlier faced challenges in her teens that impacted her self-worth.
"When I arrived at MCC, I had a new start and was given opportunities to stand out. I was involved in the choir with Tammy Miles and Twyla Hurst, the guitar ensemble with Mitch Brantley, and the Baptist Student Union with Justin Busby," she said. The BSU's mission trips to Las Vegas, in which she participated, also impacted her. "Those summers changed how I viewed people, especially those who were not like me," Howell added.
Also, during her MCC years, Howell was a student worker for Brenda Fortson, who served as the College's support services coordinator. "She really embodied what MCC represents to me. She invested in me and guided me towards the resources I needed as a first-generation college student," Howell remembered.
After leaving the community college, Howell transferred to Mississippi State University and earned a bachelor of science in special education. She also holds a master of education in special education from Grand Canyon University and is pursuing her doctorate in professional studies, focusing on higher education.
The delivery of education doesn't always look the same, and Howell got to experience that firsthand when, after graduating from MSU, she accepted a position in the Disney College Program, working merchandise at the Emporium in Disney World's Magic Kingdom for some eight months and later became a professional intern for Guests with Disabilities.
"That was a dream job," she said, explaining that she learned about safety protocols and accessibility outside of education while hanging out in the parks. After her internship, she worked full-time with Disney Cruise Line, carrying out similar responsibilities with accessibility and medical needs.
While she loved working at Disney, she missed education. "And this girl was not made for the city life. I returned to Mississippi and started teaching in 2015," Howell said.
Before coming to MCC in June 2022 to serve as the accessibility coordinator, she also served in that area, working at a local high school. "I recently had two students register for accommodation services within the last year, which I also taught in high school. One graduated last May, and another finally received his high school equivalency and registered for college courses this fall. It was an awesome, full-circle moment. I'm so proud of them. I feel like they're my own kids sometimes," she said.
Her desire to help resonates with others. A nominator wrote of Howell: "Jeanette is a true believer in making the world a better place for all. She works tirelessly to make the campus accessible to all. She's a true joy to know."
Dr. Cedric S. Gathings, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, noted Howell's passion for helping everyone is evident. "Jeannette is a person who has a servant's heart. She has a special interest in working with students who have a form of invisible or visible disabilities. I think it comes quite naturally for her to work with people."
Howell admits the best thing about MCC is the feeling of belonging. "I am proud to be a small part of a larger group working towards bettering the community."
Howell and her husband, JC Howell, have been married for seven years. "We've known each other since we were teenagers, but we didn't end up together until 2017," she said. They have three daughters, Laklee, 17, Ana, 15, and Sonnie, 4. "They keep me busy," she added.
To learn more about the MCCer of the Month, visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth.