Erin Richardson: MCCer of the Month for November
At the MCCer of the Month announcement are Dr. Kelley Gonzales, left, Dr. Leia Hill,
Erin Richardson, Holley Purvis, Dr. Tom Huebner, and Michael Thompson.
Erin Richardson, instructional design specialist at Meridian Community College, knows her calling is working at a community college.
Richardson joined MCC in 2021, bringing with her a passion for community colleges that began in 2003 during her first job after earning an undergraduate degree in art from the University of North Florida. She quickly discovered the vital role community colleges play in serving their communities.
"It felt like where I was meant to be," Richardson said. "I developed a deep passion for the mission of community colleges and cherished my time there."
Because of her commitment and efforts, she has been recognized as MCCer of the Month for November. 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.
She hasn't always worked at a community college, though; when her family relocated from Florida to Maryland, Richardson held various positions and pursued contract work over the next 12 years but longed to return to community colleges full-time.
The opportunity came in 2021 after her husband retired from the U.S. Navy while they were stationed at NAS Meridian. When MCC posted its first-ever instructional design position, Richardson saw it as a full-circle moment.
"I felt like I was coming home," she said. "It was a God-directed moment that reaffirmed my connection to the mission of community colleges."
Originally from Herndon, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida, Richardson grew up equally in both areas. She earned a graduate degree in adult education in 2008, also from the University of North Florida, and has focused much of her career on helping others succeed.
At MCC, Richardson's approach is grounded in her favorite philosophy: "Perspective is everything." Her favorite quotes—from Alphonse Karr, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Philippians 2:3-4—underscore her belief in understanding and valuing diverse perspectives.
Outside of work, Richardson enjoys reading, fitness, and lifelong learning.
What truly makes MCC unique, she says, is the people.
"I love the people I work with, and it makes MCC one of the best places I have ever worked," she said.
Richardson's colleagues describe her as a dedicated team player whose passion for education shines in her work. "We are so excited that Erin has been chosen as MCCer of the Month," said Michael Thompson, vice president for academic affairs. "She is so deserving of this honor. Erin is a hard worker and has positively impacted the quality of our online courses," he added.
Another colleague noted that Richardson has "moved MCC curricula light years beyond what it was just three years ago and continues to be innovative in the use of technology and software."
The nominator added, "Erin exemplifies the spirit of MCC by being a self-starter and performing her job duties with excellent detail."
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth.