March 6, 2007 | RSS 

President’s Message

Dear Colleagues,

Remembering that “we make a positive difference in people’s lives every day” makes a huge impact on how we do business, especially in the past year and a half. Our mission gives you, the employee, something to strive for each day you come to work…and even when you’re not at work. That’s what makes the 2007 Instructors of the Year and Difference Maker award winners so special -- they live the college mission in the classroom, in the office, at home, at church, at the grocery store…everywhere they go, their role as Gulf Coast recruiters never ends.

Quality instruction is the hallmark of community colleges, where world-class educational opportunities abound for students. Since 1971, the hallmark of teaching excellence has earned many instructors the title of Instructor of the Year. The 2007 honorees are carrying on the tradition, exemplifying each and every day to their students that hallmark of teaching excellence for which our college, and all community colleges, are known. This year’s honorees are Steve Manis, science instructor at the Jackson County Campus who has been with the college for five of his 10 years of teaching; Karla Smith, social studies instructor/department chairperson at the Jefferson Davis Campus who has worked a total of 12 years at the college and is also an alumnae of the college; and Lisa Courtney, Business and Office Technology instructor/department chairperson at the Perkinston Campus who has worked 23 years at the college and is also a Perk alumnae.

Since 2003, the college has also recognized employees outside the classroom. The L. N. Dantzler Difference Maker Award winners are selected from among the college’s eight locations. Each day they put the college mission into action by providing the best in customer service and by making a positive difference in the lives of those they touch. They know first hand the importance of meeting the needs of our students and community – they are all alumni of the college.

Congratulations to our Difference Makers: Glynn Broussard, lead computer technician with Central Office who has been a college employee for 13 years; Sheri Stanford, academic counselor at the Jackson County Campus who has worked at the college for eight and a half years; Tiffany Alford, activities coordinator at the Jefferson Davis Campus who has worked for the college for nine years; and Glenda Redmond, librarian at the Perkinston Campus for 26 years.

Any Gulf Coast employee, except members of the Executive Council, is eligible for the Difference Maker Award, which is designated for individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, college and community involvement, and a sincere commitment and caring attitude toward students.

On March 29, the Alumni and Foundation Office will hold its annual Spring Reception, where we will honor the Instructors of the Year and the Difference Makers. I personally invite you to join us at 6 p.m. at the Jackson County Campus Cafeteria for this special event. You can e-mail the Alumni and Foundation Office for more information, or call Brenda Donahoe, the college’s alumni officer, at 601-928-6288. Please join us as we show our appreciation for these men and women of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

"Making a positive difference" is more than just a saying to all of these honorees; it’s a lifestyle. And thank you for continuing to make a positive difference in many lives every day. I hope to see you at the Alumni/Foundation Spring Reception on March 29.

In the meantime, step into the lives and careers of our Instructors of the Year and Difference Makers by reading their stories. You’ll see more clearly what these awards mean to them…and why they received the honors.

Sincerely,

Willis H. Lott