Johnna Agent named MCCer of the Month for May
Helping students become physical therapist assistants is more than a job for Johnna
Agent.
It is an opportunity to walk with them as they grow into their profession — and, often, to keep cheering for them long after they leave Meridian Community College.
Agent, director of clinical education for MCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program, has been named MCCer of the Month for May. The award is sponsored by the MCC Foundation and honors employees who go above and beyond their regular duties. Honorees are nominated by their peers and receive a plaque and $250.
“I am passionate about helping students achieve their dream of becoming physical therapist assistants and enjoy watching them develop into confident, skilled professionals,” Agent said. “The close-knit nature of our program and the time we spend together allows each cohort to truly feel like a family.”
Agent, a Philadelphia native, has worked at MCC for five years. She earned an associate of arts degree from East Central Community College, an associate of applied science degree in physical therapist assistant from MCC and a bachelor of applied science degree from Mississippi State University. Her educational journey continues as she is pursuing a degree in higher education from Arkansas State University and expects to graduate in December.
Colleagues described her as an ambassador for the College as one who encourages students and faculty.
“She promotes, encourages, and inspires students and other program faculty to take part in social calendar events and recruiting opportunities to strengthen the sense of community and belonging,” one nominator said. “Her energy and dedication go far beyond the scope of her role, reflecting a genuine passion for enhancing the college experience.”
The chance to make a positive impact drives Agent.
“I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives and in a small way assist in shaping their futures,” she said.
Becky Higginbotham, Health Education division chair and Health Information Technology Program director and instructor, noted Agent’s passion for the physical therapy field is evident. “The work she does at MCC truly matters as the impact she makes is far reaching to those who receive care from our graduates,” Higginbotham said.
Agent said one of the best things about MCC is the way the College makes people feel.
“MCC fosters an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and important,” she said. “There is something truly unique about an environment like that.”
Outside of work, Agent and her husband, Kevin, will celebrate 27 years of marriage next month. They have two children, Pepper, 21, and Mary Morgan, 24. Mary Morgan and her husband, Robert Ellis, are expecting their first child, Delta Mae, in August.
That means Agent is preparing for a new title.
“I am getting a promotion to a grandmother,” she said.
Agent and her husband also have shared a love for endurance races. To celebrate each of their 40th birthdays, they completed back-to-back marathons, running one race on a Saturday before traveling to another city to run a second race on Sunday.
Her favorite quote, attributed to Margaret Tyson, reflects the approach she brings to her work with students: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
For her colleagues, that care is what makes Agent stand out.
“Johnna represents the best of what MCC stands for,” a nominator said.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth.