Two MCCers make Top 20 Under 40 List

Meridian Community College instructors JaWanda Huggins and Dr. Melanie Jones were selected as two of Top Twenty Under 40 presented by Mississippi Power and The Meridian Star’s Meridian Home and Style magazine.

JaWanda Huggins

The two, also MCC alumnae, were selected from nominations and were applauded for their dedication to serving others and making the community better for present and future generations.

Huggins, 37, is a biology instructor who holds a bachelor of science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master of science degree in biology from Mississippi College. She is also an ordained minister and church administrator of First Apostolic Church.

Dr. Melanie Jones

Dr. Jones, 38, is an Associate Degree Nursing Program instructor teaching in the evening/weekend program and serves as a staff nurse for Anderson Regional Health System.

She earned her practical nursing certificate and associate degree nursing program from East Central Community College, a bachelor of science in nursing from Mississippi University for Women, a master of science, and doctor of philosophy in nursing and education and administration from William Carey University.

MCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner said the College community applauds the nominees. “Meridian Community College has incredible instructors who invest their lives in their students and this community. I was so pleased to learn that we have two individuals in this year's class. JaWanda and Melanie are outstanding teachers but, more importantly, they're wonderful people who care deeply about the success of their students. I'm proud they are receiving this recognition for their hard work and commitment to impacting our community,” he said.