MCCers Dean and Hardy recognized as Top 20 Under Forty
Two Meridian Community College full-time staffers, Ashlee Dean and Mallory Hardy, have been recognized as two of the Meridian area’s outstanding citizens as members of the Class of 2025 Top 20 Under Forty.
Each year, Meridian Magazine spotlights 20 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who are making a difference in Meridian and Lauderdale County. The individuals represent entrepreneurs, educators, public servants, innovators, and leaders who strive to make the area better.
Top 20 Under Forty recognition is sponsored by East Mississippi Electric Power Association.
Dean, who serves MCC as recruiting coordinator, finds that connecting with students and creating new community partnerships that make college more accessible as the most enjoyable aspect of her job. “Making sure every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to take the next step in their journey motivates me,” she said. “I want to be the reminder they didn’t know they needed.”
“As someone who has worked in education and now owns a business that supports children with disabilities, I’ve witnessed first hand how invested our community is in nurturing the next generation,” she said in her profile in the magazine.
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Mississippi, Dean began her professional career as a K-6 elementary education teacher with the Meridian Public School District. She’s parlayed her experience to develop the Wings of Opportunity program, which is designed to support students with learning or behavioral challenges who seek guidance and encouragement to jumpstart their interest in MCC.
Dean is married, and she and her husband have two children, a son, 6, and a daughter, 4. “I’m also a proud autism mom and passionate advocate for children with autism,” she said. “My family is my anchor and inspiration in all I do.”
Hardy is a workforce project manager and adjunct instructor at MCC and has been at the College for almost five years. An MCC alumna, Hardy holds a bachelor of science in kinesiology and a master of science in health education, both from the Mississippi University for Women.
“I graduated from MCC in 2009, and because of a scholarship I received there, I was able to attend university without the burden of tuition. More than that, MCC gave me confidence, direction, and lifelong friendships. Today, working at the very institution that helped launch my future, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s more than a job—it feels like home. The students, faculty, and staff here are like family, and every day I’m reminded of what’s possible when a community invests in its people,” Hardy said.
An MCC colleague said of Hardy: "She takes initiative and never has to be asked to do something when she sees something needs to be done. It doesn't matter if it doesn't fit her job description; you can bet she will be excited to help no matter the task.”
In the community, Hardy is a member of the Hope Village Guild, where she serves as co-chair for Run for Hope, Young Professionals of Meridian, Mississippi Diabetes Walk, and Women’s Alliance of Meridian. She’s also volunteered at Mt. Olive Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School.
She is married to her best friend, Kenneth Daryl Hardy, and the two enjoy traveling and exploring as well as spending time with family.
For more information about MCC, visit meridiancc.edu.