Valerie Creel: MCCer of the Month for June
Celebrating with Valerie Creel are, back from left, Deanna Smith, dean for student
services; Anna Hall, health education advisor; MCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner; Annette
Cook, interim vice president for student success; and Amanda Bratu, administrative assistant for the MCC Foundation. Front from left are Leia Hill,
vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the MCC Foundation; Creel; and Kimberly Rush, director of advising and retention. Creel is MCCer of the Month for June.
Meridianite Valerie Creel always wanted to work in a college setting.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in school counseling, Creel worked as a teacher and school counselor in years past. But it was when she came to MCC in July 2017, working as an academic counselor, she began her career desire.
“I have been the advisor for students in business and emergency programs and just recently started advising students in the associate degree nursing program,” Creel said.
She has also been named MCCer of the Month for June. The MCC Foundation bestows this honor, and it spotlights outstanding faculty and staff members for the work they do for the College. The award comes with a $250 stipend.
In her position, Creel assists students as they move on their academic journey. “We make a degree plan from start to finish to set students up for success. I answer questions, create class schedules and help students during their time at MCC,” she said. And in her work, what motivates her is the opportunity to make a difference. “Every day, I get to help students as they achieve their degrees. This not only improves the student’s life, but it also improves the quality of life in our community,” Creel said.
“My children will grow up in Meridian, and I want to know I am doing the best I can to make this town a better place,” she said.
What’s especially gratifying is when Creel sees students graduate. She added, “especially those that had so much working against them but overcame challenges and successfully completed their degree.”
She also finds the diversity and meeting students from around the world a job benefit. “I might start my morning helping a culinary student from California and later meet an athlete from the UK. I meet students from all over Mississippi that want a spot in our nursing program. I love meeting people and hearing why they chose MCC.”
Creel and her husband, Cody, are the parents of a three-year-old daughter, Ivey, and a three-month-old son, Case. “We enjoy road trips and spending time outdoors,” she said. Though most of her free time is spent with family, Creel also volunteers with the Junior Auxiliary of Meridian, serving as JA Mentors Chair, guiding and spending time with youth at Hope Village.