MCC student Josie Reid named New Century Workforce Scholar
Josie Reid did not expect the message she saw on her phone while at work would change
her college journey.
“I was shocked,” Reid said. “I had just finished a few chest X-rays and checked my phone. I didn’t think I would get anything.”
Reid, a 21-year-old Meridian Community College Radiologic Technology student from Collinsville, has been named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar. The honor includes a $1,500 scholarship and recognizes one student from each state for academic success, leadership, and commitment to career goals.
The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 colleges were nominated nationwide.
Reid’s path to the award began close to home. She chose MCC in part because of family ties, including her mother, who graduated from the same Radiologic Technology program in 2008.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do at first,” Reid said. “I got my associate of arts degree in 2024 and then moved into the Rad Tech program. My mom loved what she did, so I wanted to try it.”
That decision paid off. Reid said she enjoys learning how the body works and seeing it in real time through imaging.
“Every part of the body connects and works together,” she said. “I really love what I do. I enjoy going to work every day.”
Reid works in X-ray at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center while balancing a full academic load. Her schedule includes clinicals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and work in between.
“It was a struggle at first,” she said. “I cried the first few weeks because I didn’t know how I would handle everything. But I figured it out.”
Reid credits her success to structure and routine.“From the moment I wake up, I’m on a routine,” she said. “That helps me stay on track.”
Her efforts have led to strong academic results. Reid earned all A’s while completing her associate degree and was named to the President’s List.
Outside the classroom, she participates in community events through the Radiologic Technology program, including MCC’s Candy Cruise, local events, and breast cancer walks.
When she finds time, Reid enjoys baking cookies for classmates and coworkers. At Baptist Anderson, she is known as “the baker girl.”
Reid plans to graduate on May 8 and continue working in radiologic technology. She said she may stay in Meridian or move to another part of the state. She is also considering specializing in mammography.
“We congratulate Josie for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s president and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”
New Century Workforce Scholars were recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention,
PTK Catalyst, earlier in Baltimore, Maryland.
About the Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since 1984, the foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support community initiatives worldwide.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for students at associate degree-granting colleges. The organization has more than 4.4 million members across nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.