MCCer of the Month: Jim Price
Jim Price spent years earning a fifth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a level that takes discipline, patience, and steady effort.
Those qualities show up daily in his work at Meridian Community College, where he helps keep the campus running and works with others to finish projects the right way.
Price, director of facilities management, was named MCCer of the Month for March. 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.
Most days, his work happens out of sight. When a building is too hot, a pipe breaks, or a project needs to be finished on a tight timeline, Price is often the one making sure it gets done. Coworkers say he works closely with teams across campus to solve problems and keep things moving.
“He may not seek the spotlight, but Jim takes a lot of pride in MCC and clearly cares about keeping our campus safe, functional, and welcoming for students and employees. His dependability and service-first attitude allow the rest of us to do our jobs effectively, and his behind-the-scenes work plays a big role in supporting campus life and the overall mission of the college," said one colleague.
“Jim is always just a phone call away,” the colleague added.
That dependability has made him a key part of daily life at MCC. He often stays late, comes in on weekends and works during holidays to handle issues that cannot wait.
Price said he enjoys the challenge. “Solving problems and completing the task to the best of my ability is my motivation,” he said.
Joseph Knight, vice president of workforce solutions and Price’s supervisor, said he was excited for Price to be recognized. “Jim’s work ethic is truly exceptional, beyond what most people fully realize. I often tell others that one of the toughest roles at MCC is that of facilities manager. Everyone has requests or concerns, and prioritizing resources, personnel, and projects inevitably means that some requests must wait, which is never easy in today’s culture,” Knight added.
Price completed trade school in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and later earned licenses in both California and Mississippi, along with a Mississippi master mechanical license.
He has now spent nearly a decade at the college.
Coworkers say his job is one of the toughest on campus. Every department has needs, and not all requests can be handled at once. Still, they say Price stays calm and focused while managing people, time and resources.
Price graduated from the College’s Eagles Leadership Convocation (E.L.C.) program in 2025, and coworkers agree that this shows his interest in learning and improving, even after years on the job.
Outside of work, Price values his family. He and his wife, Nancy, have built a blended family that includes children and grandchildren.
Asked what is a philosophy he follows, Price said: “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of, not the circumstances.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth.