Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College recognized the 2014 Instructors of the Year and Difference Makers during the annual Spring Reception held at the college’s Hospitality and Resort Management Center (HRM) in Biloxi on March 18.  Three instructors and four staff members are selected each year for the awards from the college’s campuses and centers.

“We are pleased to honor these seven outstanding MGCCC employees that exemplify the mission of our college: to make a positive difference for the students, employees and visitors at our campuses and centers and for the residents of the communities within our district,” Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president, said. “Our college is a great place, offering excellent educational and training opportunities, thanks to the many exceptional employees, like these seven, that work at MGCCC. It is a privilege to recognize their efforts.”

Since 1971, instructors have been selected from the college’s campuses based on their academic excellence, dedication and professionalism both inside and outside the classroom.  The 2014 Instructors of the Year are Marc Poole, art instructor at the Jackson County Campus; Dr. Kelly Rouse, science instructor at the Jefferson Davis Campus; and Robin Lyons, Language Arts instructor at the Perkinston Campus.

Four college employees have been selected each year since 2003 to receive the L. N. Dantzler Difference Maker Award based on their demonstrated willingness to make a positive difference as they interact with other employees, students and visitors. The 2014 recipients are David Newbill, driver and mechanic in the Transportation Department at District Office; Betty Stringfellow; custodian at the Jackson County Campus; June Bounds, secretary to the dean of instruction at the Jefferson Davis Campus; and Trey Robertson, residence hall supervisor at the Perkinston Campus.