MCCer of the Month: Dr. Tom Huebner
Now in his seventh year as president of Meridian Community College, Dr. Tom Huebner
continues to make a difference in the lives of students, faculty, and the community.
His drive, dedication, commitment, and service to others are evident throughout the campus and beyond, and now he's earned another recognition: MCCer of the Month for September. 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.
"I enjoy the opportunities to see the impact of our work on people's lives, whether that be students, faculty, staff, or members of the community," he said.
Dr. Huebner continued, "The decision to go to college can be transformational in ways some people tend to take for granted. I love it when a person comes to the realization that taking a course and then taking another course, and then persisting to graduation is exactly what they need to achieve their goals and dreams."
"Working with faculty and staff members who embrace that mission and getting to see it in the lives of our graduates as they impact our community is very meaningful," he added.
Born in Rogers, Arkansas, Dr. Huebner grew up in Kansas City, Missouri (his family also later moved to St. Louis) and brings a wealth of experience to MCC. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Baptist University, a master's degree from the University of Georgia, and a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi – all in communication. But before entering higher education, Dr. Huebner worked at the Russell Stover candy store in downtown North Kansas City, cleaning and restocking displays after the store closed for the evening. "They told me I could eat the candy I was discarding if I wanted but that I would probably grow tired quickly and would want to throw it away. That never happened," he said.
Over the years, Dr. Huebner has weathered significant events, from the EF4 tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 2011 to the uncertainties of the pandemic.
Over 50 people were lost during the violent storm in Alabama, and many of Dr. Huebner's college faculty, staff, and students lost everything. "The days and weeks following, though, were incredible as people came together just to care for each other," he remembered.
"Those kinds of tragedies and how people respond to them create an imprint on your soul and change you forever," he said.
He'll also always remember the early days of COVID-19 and how MCCers came together to make decisions without knowing what the future held.
"I hadn't been out of recovery from quadruple bypass surgery for long when we were presented with the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, and levels of uncertainty were extremely high. I will be eternally grateful to my team and my college for how we came together and tackled the challenges facing us," he added.
In an MCCer of the Month nomination, one colleague wrote, "Dr. Huebner's commitment to service extends beyond his job duties as president; he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure MCC fulfills its mission of providing excellence in education and community engagement."
"Under his guidance, MCC has flourished, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from his expertise and leadership," the nominator added.
When asked what motivates him, Dr. Huebner said it's a challenge no one thinks can solve. "And, let me be clear, sometimes I can't solve the challenge either."
He also shared his admiration for his MCC colleagues and their spirit of kindness and caring, especially in times of need.
Outside of work, Dr. Huebner enjoys spending time with his family. His wife, Mindy (who grew up in Wayne County), works at MSU-Riley Center. The eldest son, Trey, lives in Tuscaloosa, while the eldest daughter, Taylor, lives in Hoover, Alabama. Daughter Emily lives in Hattiesburg with her husband Tucker, and son Eli is a junior at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/mccerofthemonth.