2023 MCC Hall of Fame Honoree: Randy Carroll
When Randy Carroll graduated from high school, he was eager to get to work to make his way in life.
"For whatever reason, I didn't want to continue school and found a job at East Mississippi Electric Power Association," he remembered.
But after a few years, he realized he needed a college education to advance within the electric utility company and contribute more. His option for a brighter future: Work at EMEPA during the day and go to school at night.
Carroll would continue on that path and earn his associate of arts degree in University Transfer from Meridian Community College and a bachelor of science in business and industry from Mississippi State University Meridian. He later would earn a Management Internship Certificate and Advanced Management Certificate through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Executive Training Center in Lincoln, Neb.
Today, Carroll serves as chief executive officer of the East Mississippi Electric Power Association and CEO of East Mississippi Connect. At EMEPA, he is responsible for managing daily operations, including staffing, budgeting, and strategic planning, as well as forecasting sales growth, capital plant budgets, expense budgets, and impacts to the Association due to financial, economic, and legislative actions. At EMC, his duties include managing a fiber-to-the-home broadband expansion spanning 4,000 miles of backbone fiber, the addition of over 12,500 broadband customers, and 2,500 internet-based phone customers.
Carroll is one of three MCCers who will be added to the College's Hall of Fame roster on Wednesday, March 8, during a ceremony spotlighting the honorees' achievements. Hosted by the MCC Foundation, the induction ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the McCain Theater. The ceremony will be live-streamed via mcceagles.live.
Hall of Fame honorees are alumni or former employees who have excelled in their careers and missions in life. They have elevated MCC's esteem through their achievements, service, and association with the higher educational institution.
Pamela Speights Harrison and Debroah Bourrage Stokes are joining Carroll in this year's class.
Carroll defines success as making communities better. "Each of us has a position to play. Each position requires training. Personal success involves finding where your talents fit with the training available to ensure the team reaches its goal of building community," he said.
Acknowledging his alma maters for helping him with his life’s work, Carroll said, “Without the knowledge gained through MCC and MSU Meridian, I could not have supported the EMEPA team fully. I’m please that I am considered a contributor to the success we enjoy in our communities.” he said.
Going back to school as a non-traditional student takes effort. "For some five years, many more working adults and I attended classes two to three times a week," Carroll said. They formed study groups, helping one another learn to study again and supporting each other as they gained new accounting, finance, economics, writing, public speaking, and other skills. "Many friendships were formed and last to this day," he added.
Carroll also represents EMEPA in Wholesale Purchase Power negotiations with the Tennessee Valley Authority, Southeastern Federal Power Administration, and Mississippi Power Co. for power delivery to more than 37,500 homes and businesses in East Mississippi. He serves as EMEPA's director on the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi board and member representative of the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association.
He counts previous Hall of Fame honorees as those associated with the College for whom he admires. They include Videt Carmichael, Billy Sollie, C.D. Smith, Hoot Gipson, Von Burt, Gary Wilkinson, Dr. Leigh White, Robert Sanford, Debbie Mathis, Hon. Kenny Griffis, Dr. Reginald Sykes, and Neil Henry. "My respect for these and many more revolves around the fact that they haven't stopped learning, growing, and serving," Carroll said.
Carroll and his wife, Melanie, live in Meridian. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.