21 August ICC's Perry selected state MAACE Administrator of Year August 21, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Audra L. Perry of Pontotoc, director of Adult Education at Itawamba Community College, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Mississippi Association of Adult and Community Education Eloise Richardson Administrator of the Year award. Perry joined ICC’s Adult Education department as director in August 2022. She began her professional career in 2011 at Mississippi Delta Community College, serving as lead counselor, interim Dean of Career-Technical and Adult Education and director of Advising. She was selected to participate in the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy and Mississippi Community College Policy Fellows Program. One of Perry’s nominators for the award said, “In a brief time, Mrs. Perry has found a way to bring change. She stepped into a role, and I know it has not always been easy for her, especially at a time when multiple positions had to be filled. She had the task of hiring new employees and bringing the team together as well as learning new responsibilities. She has successfully accomplished all those things. Often, when a person steps into a role where you combine old with new, there is an adjustment period. She is effectively managing to bring the new team together.” Another nominator said, “She came into her new position, making a strong impact. She is willing to listen to each student and employee, and I have seen multiple individuals come in and out of her office even when she was busy and had deadlines to meet. She has never made me feel like my opinion didn’t matter. Among her other attributes include willingness to embrace change when and where it’s needed, good heart and spirit, a calmness that even in difficult situations allows her to respond in a poised manner and always willing to go the extra mile to help a student achieve his or her goals. She has also taken money out of her own purse to purchase things for students who may be in need.” Perry attributed her success and the award to ICC’s Adult Education team. “I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award,” she said, “but the praise truly belongs to the team of professionals I work alongside each day. They are extremely hard workers who genuinely care about the success of their students. They believe they have a higher calling to serve individuals living across Itawamba Community College’s five-county district who need their support and expertise to reach their educational goals. As a department, we continually strive to improve our services and grow in knowledge, allowing us to help our students more effectively. “It is a blessing to highlight the positive impact our team is having on countless lives across Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties,” Perry continued. My hope is that this award places a spotlight on the Adult Education program at Itawamba Community College and encourages individuals to reach out to us for assistance with earning a high school equivalency diploma.” Perry also expressed her appreciation to ICC President Dr. Jay Allen and Vice President of Career and Workforce Education Barry Emison for their unfailing support of the adult education program. “Directors such as Audra Perry are what makes ICC such a special place,” Allen said. “She takes a personal interest in both our adult education faculty and students because she knows their stories. Ms. Perry understands how best to provide the students’ keys to success in their journey not only to attain a high school equivalency credential but also for their next step in life. This award demonstrates that she is changing lives and futures of our students, many of whom have had difficult beginnings.” “I’m excited to congratulate Ms. Perry on receiving the Administrator of the Year award,” Emison said. “Her exceptional leadership has not only inspired her team, but also significantly advanced ICC’s adult education program. Her dedication, innovative thinking and unwavering commitment to student success makes her truly deserving of this special recognition.” The award was presented during the 2024 annual adult education conference, July 16-18, at the Sheraton Refuge and Conference Center Flowood. The conference theme was The Greatest Show: Celebrating 90 Years of Adult Literacy in Mississippi.” Related Articles ICC's Patterson selected state MAACE Administrator of Year Linzy Patterson of Amory, director of adult education at Itawamba Community College, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021-22 Mississippi Association of Adult and Community Education Administrator of the Year award. In January 2018, Patterson joined ICC’s Adult Education department as an instructor at the Amory WIN Center, and in 2019-20, he was transferred to the Belden Center to serve as lead instructor. During this time, he was a member of the state SmartStart professional development committee as well as the TABE Frequently Asked Questions Manual committee. In August 2021, he was promoted to ICC’s director of adult education. Patterson began his professional career with the Amory School District in 2010, serving as a special education instructor along with assistant football, soccer and tennis coach. He was selected as Teacher of the Year for the 2014-15 school year. Patterson’s nominator for the award said, “Having come from a special education background, he is especially sensitive to the needs of those students. He has established connections with community groups, including the Regional ... ICC's Sumerel selected PTK Distinguished College Administrator Award recipient Dr. Michelle Sumerel of Mooreville, vice president of instructional services at Itawamba Community College, has been selected as a recipient of the Distinguished College Administrator award presented by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Sumerel is one of 28 college administrators who will be recognized during PTK Catalyst 2022, the society’s annual convention in Denver, Colo., Apr. 7-9. Sumerel has been vice president of Instructional Services at Itawamba Community College since Jan. 4, 2016, but a member of the ICC family since 2006. She has served as lead online instructor for sociology and criminal justice, director for the Law Enforcement Technology program, eLearning coordinator and dean of eLearning Instruction. Her educational background includes the bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and the master’s and doctorate degrees from Mississippi State University. Sumerel is a member of several professional and civic organizations and is the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions. She is the author of two publications and presenter of numerous papers at conferences and meetings across the state, region and south. She is the mother of one son, Tyler. ... ICC's Logan selected as Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship semifinalist Itawamba Community College sophomore Emma Logan of Fulton has been selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Logan is majoring in psychology. Her activities and honors include member of the ICC soccer team, Honors College, Sigma Kappa Delta, Phi Theta Kappa officer, Supplemental Instructor for English, President’s List, Communications Division award recipient and Creative Writing Competition Literary Essay category award winner. Logan has also been recognized by PTK as a member of the Distinguished Officer Team. She attends The Orchard in Tupelo. She will transfer to the University of Mississippi with plans to earn a master’s degree in psychology and later apply to the FBI Academy. Her parents are Greg and Kelly Deakle. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly-selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at for-year colleges or universities. Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising and the opportunity to connect with the thriving community of fellow Scholars. This year’s 459 ... ICC's Baggett, Evans selected as finalists for prestigious transfer scholarship Itawamba Community College sophomores TayaRenea Leigh Baggett of Hamilton and Chloe Evans of Plantersville have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Baggett is majoring in music education with emphasis on trumpet. Her activities and honors include Phi Theta Kappa, choir, chamber choir, brass ensemble, band, Honors College, President’s List, recipient of the Dean’s and Linda Kay Gilreath Endowed Scholarships and former member of CenterStage. She is a member of St. James Catholic Church where she is in the choir. Baggett’s parents are Christie and Joseph Hesse. Evans’ activities and honors at ICC include Band/Indianette, Indian Delegation president, Lead Orientation Leader, Student Government Association At-Large representative, Phi Theta Kappa vice president of leadership, Sigma Kappa Delta president, Honors College, Chieftain staff writer, Fashion Tribe graphic designer, Baptist Student Union and Wesley Foundation. She is also the recipient of the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship. Her parents are Brad and Melissa Evans. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly-selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at for-year ... ICC's Jessi Stevenson selected as 2025 William Winter Scholar Jessi Stevenson of Fulton, fine arts instructor, has been selected as Itawamba Community College’s William Winter Scholar for 2025. She will be among statewide recipients honored during opening and closing ceremonies at the 36th Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, March 27-29. Stevenson currently teaches public speaking and theatre at ICC, where she has been a faculty member since 2006. Known for her creative approach to teaching in the communication classroom, Stevenson strives to incorporate weekly hands-on learning opportunities, such as pop-up speech assignments, board game days designed to enhance interpersonal engagement and yoga days focused on stress-relief and delivery techniques, all aimed at improving students’ overall podium performance. Stevenson has earned numerous recognitions, including the Lamplighter Award, NISOD Excellence Award, two-time Meritorious Achievement Award recipient, Humanities Teacher Award, Mississippi Communication Association Top Presenter Award, QEP Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award and multiple recognitions as an athletics faculty awardee for volleyball and basketball. She has served as president of the Mississippi Faculty and Staff Association as well as local (ICC) president and vice president. For five years. Stevenson directed ICC’s ... ICC's Stevenson begins two-year term as MFSACC president Jessi Stevenson of Fulton, Fine Arts instructor at Itawamba Community College, has been elected as president of the Mississippi Faculty and Staff Association of Community Colleges. The Bruce native, who has been employed with ICC since 2006, teaches public speaking and theatre courses and serves as the sponsor of Communication Chiefs and the college’s Study Abroad program, The Global Experience. During her 17 years at ICC, Stevenson has received an extensive list of honors, including the NISOD award, Lamplighter, Humanities Teacher of the Year, multiple QEP Outstanding Faculty Mentor awards and the College’s highest honor, the Meritorious Achievement Award, twice. Stevenson has served as both president and vice president of the Fulton Campus Faculty and Staff Association multiple times. She earned the associate’s degree from ICC and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication studies, public relations and community college leadership from Mississippi State University and has graduate work from the University of Alabama in theatre arts. Previously, she taught public speaking and communication courses at Bevill State Community College in Alabama. She and her husband, Chris, are the parents ... Comments are closed.