Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College held its annual Spring Reception on March 23 at the Hospitality and Resort Management Center in Biloxi in honor of the 2017 L. N. Dantzler Difference Maker Award recipients. Each year since 2003, four employees have been recognized with this award for demonstrating an exceptional work ethic, a deep sense of college and community involvement, and a tremendous commitment to students.

This year’s Difference Makers are Gloria Young, Jackson County Campus; Billy Lancon, Jefferson Davis Campus; Shellye Smith, Perkinston Campus; and Aldridge Free, District Office.

Jackson County Campus

Gloria Young

Gloria Young has been a custodian at the college’s Jackson County Campus for 24 years. A native of Gautier, her family is tightknit and have remained in the area. Her three children are all college alumni. Her two daughters work at the Jackson County Campus: Sarah is the administrative assistant in the Maintenance Department, and Amy works at the campus childcare center. Her son works for the Jackson County road department.

Jefferson Davis Campus

Billy Lancon

Billy Lancon, the superintendent of the Physical Plant at the Jefferson Davis Campus, has worked at the college for 20 years.  A native of Biloxi, Billy said one of the most traumatic events of his career and in his personal life was when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.  He worked at the college as assistant superintendent during that time, and he said there was serious damage done to the college campus, which is only a few hundred feet from water.

Perkinston Campus

Shelley Smith

Shelley Smith is the VA Certifying Official/Support Services coordinator for the Perkinston Campus. While she has only worked at the college for two years, she said she feels like a lifelong member of the family. She attended the Perkinston Campus, where she was a cheerleader, and is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. She was previously a teacher and librarian in the Stone County Schools.

District Office

Aldridge Free

Aldridge Free, the director of District Printing since 2014, has worked at the college for 18 years but has been on campus most of his life. He grew up in Perkinston, just south of the railroad tracks and right by the Band of Gold practice field. During the year that he has worked at the college, he has held almost every position in the print shop. He and his wife, Kim, have two daughters, LeAnna and Haley.