August MCCer of the Month: Jimmyia Smith
Family shapes many of Jimmyia Smith’s most meaningful moments, from graduating college beside her father to building a future for her 3-year-old son.
Now, Smith’s MCC family is celebrating her.
Smith, an advisor for Pre-Nursing, Health Care Assistant, and EMS at Meridian Community College, has been named MCCer of the Month for August. The MCCer of the Month Award, sponsored by the MCC Foundation, honors employees who go above and beyond their regular duties. Honorees are nominated by their peers and receive a plaque and $250.
“My son, Kai, motivates me,” Smith said. “I know I have to keep going to make sure he has what he needs, is happy, and I am building a good future for him. I also want to set a good example for him and show him that hard work pays off.”
That work ethic is something her coworkers see every day.
“Jimmyia is one of those people who simply gets it done,” said Jeanette Howell, director of advising, and Smith’s supervisor. “She works incredibly hard, and she does it while balancing more than most people realize. She works two jobs and still shows up every day, ready to give her best to her students and to our team,” Howell said.
Howell added, “And her students absolutely love her. That says so much about the kind of advisor she is. She doesn't just complete the work. She builds relationships, makes students feel supported, and genuinely cares about their success. Jimmyia is strong, dependable, hardworking, and someone I know I can count on. I'm very proud to see her recognized with this award because she truly deserves it.”
Another colleague added Smith is a go-getter whose work ethic and drive are “second to none.” The colleague praised Smith for motivating students, building their confidence, and bringing enthusiasm to her team each day.
For Smith, helping MCC students reach their goals is the most enjoyable part of her job.
A Meridian native, Smith has strong ties to MCC. She earned an associate degree from MCC and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University-Meridian. She graduated from MCC alongside her father, Jimmie Smith Jr., and later graduated from MSU with her younger sister, Jayla.
Her MCC connections continue throughout her family. Her mother, Rhonda Smith, works in Adult Education at MCC. Her younger brother, Jimmie Smith III, graduated from MCC’s Precision Machining program in May.
Smith joined MCC in August 2023 after previously working in accounting for Multi-County Community Service Agency.
She said one of her favorite things about MCC is the sense of family she has found on campus.
“I love the family environment we have,” Smith said. “Everyone is friendly, and it’s truly genuine.”
That spirit also carries into her service to the community. Smith said she enjoys taking part in My College Cares each year. Her favorite project was helping Wesley House fill food bags for people in need.
The experience gave her a new perspective.
“It helped keep me humble, grateful and gave me a more open perspective, because you never know who is in need,” she said.
Smith carries that same approach into her work with students and follows a favorite quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth.