Warrior Magazine June 2020

WARRIOR THE The Official Publication of the East Central Community College Alumni Association Volume XXVIII, No. 2 • June 2020

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For 8 years of service to East Central Community College. Thank You Dr. Stewart

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In This Issue...

CAMPUS NEWS

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Dr. Brent Gregory named 9th ECCC president Riley, McDonald selected Mr., Miss ECCC Student Hall of Fame members recognized Langley named Director of Bands Board names residence hall for President Stewart

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ATHLETICS

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MLB batting champ Anderson headlines fundraiser Lockhart named head men’s basketball coach Former Warrior Gibson selected in NFL draft

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ALUMNI NEWS

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Beloved instructor Ovid Vickers passes away Alumni Updates

On the cover: Dr. Billy W. Stewart is retiring after eight years as president of East Central Community College. The Warrior magazine’s Maria McLeod recently interviewed the college’s eighth president about what he will remember most about his time at ECCC. The feature story begins on page 12.

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ACCREDITATION East Central Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of East Central Community College. N ONDISCRIMINATION East Central Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or qualified disability in its educational programs and activities, employment practices, or admissions processes. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non discrimination policies of East Central Community College: Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI, ADEA, and Title IX are coordinated by Dr. Teresa Mackey, Vice President for Instruction, Walter Arno Vincent Administration Building, Room 171, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6202, Fax: 601-635-4011, tmackey@eccc.edu. Inquiries regarding compliance with Section 504 and ADA are coordinated by Dr. Randall Lee, Vice President for Student Services, Eddie M. Smith Student Union, Room 201, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6375, Fax: 601-635-3247, rlee@eccc.edu.

The Warrior is printed two times annually and is distributed to alumni of East Central Community College and other friends of the college. Editorial staff members include Office of Public Information personnel: Bill Wagnon, Maria McLeod, Karen Robertson, Amy Thompson Contributing writer includes: Kendall Simoneau

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Find us on LinkedIn at East Central Community College.

www.facebook.com/EastCentralCC www.facebook.com/ECCCAlumni

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Alumnus Dr. Brent Gregory named ECCC’s 9th president

The Board of Trustees named college alumnus Dr. Brent Gregory as the ninth president of the of East Central Community College on March 10. Gregory, who currently serves as vice president for student affairs at Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit, was introduced to the campus community following interviews of finalists by the college’s Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meeting on campus. A native of Nanih Waiya, Gregory is a 1996 graduate of ECCC. He will assume his duties as president on July 1. Gregory will replace Dr. Billy Stewart, the college’s eighth president who announced his retirement in November 2019 effective on June 30, 2020. “We are excited to welcome home Dr. Brent Gregory as the ninth president of East Central Community College,” said ECCC Board Chairman Dr. Jimmy Hollingsworth. “When we started this search our goal was to find the best person possible to lead this institution at this point in time, and we believe we have done just that. Dr. Gregory has been preparing to be a college president throughout his career, and we are excited about the future of East Central

Community College under his leadership.” Gregory has been vice president for student services at Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC) since 2017, where he is Title IX coordinator and supervises the offices of counseling and recruiting, financial aid, campus housing, campus police, college publications, disability services, and student activities, as well as all judicial affairs of the institution. He is a member of the college’s Administrative Council and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Committee for SMCC Reaccreditation. He also served seven years as associate vice president for enrollment management at Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead, where he was the college registrar and supervised the offices of admissions, counseling and recruiting, financial aid, distance learning and online education, dual enrollment, disability services, and work based learning, as well as the Career Center, Center of Learning and Tutoring Services, and library. He also oversaw Predominately Black Institution program grants in excess of $7 million. Gregory has also served as an economics instructor,

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Dr. Gregory with wife Christi, and daughters Mary Lee, left, and McKinley, right.

Riley, McDonald selected Mr., Miss ECCC Matthew Riley of Brandon and Jasmine McDonald of Union were selected Mr. and Miss East Central Community College for the 2019-20 school year by a vote of the student body. Riley served as president of the ECCC Student Body, Men of Dignity, and the President’s Council. He is a member of Warrior Corps and was as a student assistant for Men’s Basketball. He plans to continue his education at the University of Mississippi to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration. McDonald served as head drum major for the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band, and was a member of the Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges. She plans to continue her education at the University of Southern Mississippi to complete her bachelor’s degree in music education.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) coordinator, and director of student life at ECCC, and as an instructor and coach for the Louisville Municipal School District. After receiving his associate degree from ECCC, Gregory earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s degree in workforce training and development from the University of Southern Mississippi and his doctorate in community college leadership from Mississippi State University. He is also a graduate of the Education Policy Fellowship Program, Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy, Mississippi Community College Fellowship program, and holds Mississippi Virtual Community College certification. Gregory is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges, Proposals Task Force Learning Management System for the Mississippi Virtual Community College, Mississippi Association of Community and Junior College’s Legislative Appreciation Planning Committee, and has participated on SACSCOC off-site review teams. He and his wife, the former Christi Lee, live in Summit with their two daughters, McKinley and Mary Lee. Christi Gregory, a native of Philadelphia, is a 1995 ECCC graduate. Board of Trustees President Dr. Jimmy Hollingsworth introduces Dr. Brent Gregory as ECCC’s ninth president.

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ECCC recognizes newest student Hall of Fame members

Recipients of Hall of Fame and other honors were recognized by East Central Community College in May during a Virtual Awards Ceremony shared on the college’s social media sites, in lieu of the annual ceremony held on campus each spring, which was cancelled due to the Coronavirus and social distancing guidelines. Selection to the Hall of Fame is considered the highest honor a student can receive at the college. Hall of Fame inductees for 2020 and their respective high schools include Gavin Bailey of Newton County, Alley Bernard of Southeast Lauderdale, Caleb Collins of Clinton, Asa Jimmie of Choctaw Central, Garet Jones of Forest, and Maggie Woodridge of West Lauderdale. Their photos will hang in the Hall of Fame Collection in the lobby of Huff Auditorium. Bailey is a secondary education major

BSU Council member and Bible study leader, member of Students for Life, SADD, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, Phi Beta Lambda, and participated in College Worship. She was the recipient of the Dr. Beverly (Henry) Oliphant-Martin and John E. Martin Scholarship both her freshman and sophomore years. Collins is an engineering major from

Wall O’ Sound Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. He also participated in intramural sports and attended College Worship. He received the Ann Burkes Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship his sophomore year. Jones is a business administration

major from Lawrence. A President’s and Dean’s List scholar, he served as Phi Theta Kappa president, vice president for DECA, Men of Dignity, and President’s engineering major from Collinsville. A President’s List scholar, she served as BSU missions and publicity leader, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, SADD, Students for Life, College Republicans, President’s Council, served

Clinton. A President’s and Dean’s

List scholar, he served as BSU co-president, and was a member of Students for Life, Phi Theta Kappa, Warrior Corps, President’s Council, Alpha

Jones

Collins

Council. He participated in intramural sports and attended College Worship. He was also a HEADWAE nominee. Wooldridge is a liberal arts/civil

Alpha Epsilon, and participated in College Worship and intramural sports. He was named a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar, and received the Pleas Clayton and Amanda Breazeale Blount Memorial Scholarship his freshman year, and the Landon Bryan Burt Memorial Scholarship his sophomore year. He was also elected class favorite his freshman and sophomore years. Jimmie is a liberal arts/

from Decatur. A Dean’s List scholar, he served as sophomore class treasurer, Phi Theta Kappa vice president of membership, resident assistant, captain of the Warrior Baseball team, a member of Men of Dignity, and participated in College Worship. Bernard is a pre-nursing major from Meridian. A President’s List scholar, she

Bailey

engineering major from Choctaw. A President’s List scholar, he served as co president of Warrior Corps, president of the Native American Club, vice president of leadership for

Wooldridge

as a student assistant to the Athletic Department, was elected a Freshman and Sophomore class favorite and participated in intramural sports. She received the J. Andy Miller Freshman Engineering Award, Sylvia A Haywood Memorial Scholarship, General William Patrick Wilson Academic Award and Memorial Scholarship.

Jimmie

served as Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa, was a member of the Environmental Club, Phi Beta Lambda, Students for Life, President’s Council,

vice president of outreach, was a

Bernard

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ADAMS SELECTED MOST BEAUTIFUL Freshman pre-dental major Olivia Adams (center) of Philadelphia was crowned East Central Community College’s Most Beautiful 2020 at the annual beauty pageant held in Huff Auditorium in March. Adams is a graduate of Neshoba Central High School. Also named beauties were (from left) Elisah Jimmie, a sophomore culinary arts major from Choctaw and Choctaw Central; Ansley Rigby, a freshman pre dental major from Union and Union High School; Maurin Dooley, a freshman business administration major from Meridian and West Lauderdale High School; and Lydia Bishop, a sophomore communications major from Sebastopol and Sebastopol High School.

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Oliphant-Martin Grants help ECCC Healthcare Programs enhance skills labs

The East Central Community College Foundation awarded Oliphant Martin Faculty Excellence Fund Grants to two different Healthcare Education programs which will enhance the college’s institutional commitments of Teaching & Learning and Student Success. The East Central Community College Faculty Excellence Fund, established in 1997, was renamed in 2010 to the Oliphant-Martin Faculty

realistic hospital room setting using simulation mannequins. Also receiving a $5,000 grant was the Practical Nursing program, which plans to purchase mannequins, replaceable incision parts, and replacement veins for intravenous arms to simulate providing patient/resident care. Selection criteria for the

Oliphant-Martin grants included items such as the number of students/

Excellence Fund to acknowledge the generous contributions of alumna Dr. Beverly Henry Oliphant-Martin (’58) and her husband, John Martin. The grant program was developed two years ago to assist the academic divisions, career & technical programs, and healthcare curriculums on campus in dealing with then state appropriation reductions. A $5,000 grant was awarded to the Associate Degree Nursing program which will be used to make improvements to the simulation lab, which provides students with a

CAMPUS NEWS staff positively affected, creativity, and the impact on the institutional commitments of Student Success and Teaching & Learning found in the college’s 2020 Vision strategic plan. The grants will be offered again in the fall of 2020. The Martins also support two Oliphant-Martin Foundation Scholarships, the Class of 57, 58, & 59 Foundation Scholarship, and various other Foundation scholarships annually in addition to the faculty excellence fund.

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Hickmon

Hurtt

Girling

Moore

Chunn

Mitchell

Six retire from ECCC during 2019-20 Six full-time employees retired from East Central Community College during the 2019-20 college year, including two in December. The group represents a combined 83 years total service. Spring 2020 retirees include Business and Office appreciation courses during his tenure and served on various college committees.

His honors include Star Teacher 1998 at Scott Central High School, ECCC Humanities Instructor of the Year in 2016, and Delta State University Music Alumnus of the Year in 2020. He is a past president of the Mississippi Junior and Community College Band Association. Girling received the Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance, and Master of Music Education degrees from Delta State University. Moore was employed in 1989 as a custodian at the Philadelphia/Neshoba County Career-Technical Center and has also served as a bus driver and chaperone for numerous student organizations at the center. He was previously employed at Neshoba General Hospital. He was selected PNCCTC Employee of the Year in 2016. Moore is a graduate of Philadelphia High School. Chunn began her employment as student services coordinator for the Philadelphia/Neshoba County Career and Technical Center in 2012 after previously serving in the same position at Neshoba Central High School. She earlier held positions as an instructor at Philadelphia and Choctaw Central high schools. She has served as SkillsUSA faculty sponsor, participated on various committees, and was selected Outstanding Faculty Member at PNCCTC in 2014. Chunn received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Mississippi State University. Hickmon served as a custodian in the college’s Physical Plant department since 2007. She was previously employed by Tri-C in Union. She is a graduate of Beulah Hubbard High School. Mitchell served as administrative assistant to the vice president for instruction since 2012. She was previously employed at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in general studies with a concentration in mathematics education.

Technology instructor Judith Hurtt, Director of Bands Ed Girling, and Custodian Michael Moore and Student Services Coordinator Suzette Chunn, both employees at the Philadelphia/Neshoba County Career-Technical Center, a division of ECCC. December 2019 retirees include Eva Hickmon, a custodian in the Physical Plant Department, and Donna Mitchell, administrative assistant to the vice president for instruction. Hurtt began her employment as a business and office technology instructor at East Central in 2004. She previously held positions with Naval Air Station Meridian, Draughn’s Business College, and Meridian Community College. She was named Outstanding Community College Business Educator in 2015, Who’s Who Among Community College Instructors, Lamplighter in 2003, Excellence in Teaching Award in 2002 and Outstanding Business Women in 2002. She has served as a faculty sponsor for Phi Beta Lambda and has also participated on the Technology Planning, Scholarship, and Homecoming committees. Hurtt received her Associate of Arts degree from East Central Community College and the Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. Girling joined the ECCC staff as assistant band director in 2010 and was named Director of Bands in 2015. He previously held band director positions at Forest, Scott Central, Stringer, Neshoba Central, Cleveland and Yazoo City high schools, and Manchester and North Sunflower academies. He has taught Marching, Concert and Jazz bands, applied percussion lessons, Percussion Ensemble and music

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Langley named Director of Bands

A familiar face will lead the East Central Community College Wall O’ Sound band program next year as Zach Langley takes over as director of bands for the retiring Ed Girling who has led the program for the past five years. Langley most recently served as the assistant band director at East Central and also taught music education courses. Prior to his appointment at ECCC, he served seven years at Northeast Jones High School, three years as assistant director of bands and the last four years as director of bands. He earlier served two years as band director at Nettleton High School. Langley is a graduate of Booneville High School and attended Northeast Mississippi Community College where he was a member of the NEMCC Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and the Concert Choir.

He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Mississippi and was a member of the University of

professor. Langley was nominated and served on the board of directors for the Southeast Mississippi Band Directors Association from 2016 to 2019. Under his direction, the Northeast Jones “Tiger Pride” Marching band represented the state of Mississippi by marching in the 2017 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. He is the recipient of the 2016-17 Northeast Jones High School Teacher of the Year award. He is a member of the National Band Association, Southeast Mississippi Band Directors Association, Trombone Association, and the Mississippi Bandmasters Association. He currently serves in the orchestra at First Baptist Church in Laurel. He and his wife, Lindsey, have three children, Abbey, Nate, and Olivia.

Mississippi Wind Ensemble and the “Pride of the South” Marching Band. While at Ole Miss, he was a member of the Mississippians Jazz Band. Langley received a Master’s in Music Education from William Carey University, where he served as the adjunct trombone

Tadlock, Skipper recognized as 2020 HEADWAE honorees •

Sophomore Emilee Tadlock of Forest and biology instructor Curt Skipper of Decatur, who also serves as Chair of the Science Division, represented East Central Community College at the 33rd annual Higher Education Appreciation Day: Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) program held in March at the State Capitol in Jackson. The annual HEADWAE

well as Valedictorian and ACT scholarships. Skipper has served as a full time instructor at the college since 2006. Prior to that, he was an adjunct instructor at East Mississippi Community College and a graduate assistant at the University of West Alabama in Livingston. He received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education at Mississippi State University and his master of arts in teaching from the University of West Alabama. He has completed additional coursework at the University of Southern Mississippi.

observance was established by the Mississippi Legislature to honor academically talented students and faculty members from each of the 36 public and private member institutions of the Mississippi Association of Colleges. A pre-nursing major, Tadlock is a President’s List Scholar and an honor graduate of East Rankin Academy. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, and EC Students for Life. She was the recipient of the Dr. Edwin Miller Medical Services Award during and also received an ECCC Foundation Scholarship, as Tadlock

Skipper

He was selected a Lamplighter in 2008, competed the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy in 2009, was previously selected HEADWAE Instructor of the Year in 2010, and was selected a graduate member of Golden Key International Honor Society at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2014.

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ECCC Board names residence hall after retiring president Stewart, bestows emeritus status

The New Women’s Residence Hall at ECCC will now be known as Billy W. Stewart Hall following action taken by the college’s Board of Trustees at its May meeting. The ECCC Board of Trustees also bestowed President Emeritus status on the college’s eighth president who announced his retirement in November effective July 1, 2020. “Dr. Stewart has provided exceptional and dynamic leadership to East Central Community College during his eight-year tenure as our president,” said ECCC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Jimmy Hollingsworth. “His leadership has resulted in national, state, and local recognition for the college; many campus infrastructure improvements; and educational program expansion

and opportunities for the citizens of our five-county district; among many other initiatives and enhancements. It is only fitting that this tremendous addition to our campus that was constructed during his tenure bear the name Billy W. Stewart Hall.” Opened in August 2017, Billy W. Stewart Hall is located adjacent to the Erma Lee Barber Women’s Residence Hall on the South Campus. The $6.6 million facility was funded using bond revenue and with financial support from each of the five counties in the college’s district. The modern, three story suite-style living facility includes 56 rooms, a study area and a kitchen on each floor for student use, and a coin-operated laundry room. Stewart began his service as East Central Community College’s eighth

president on July 1, 2012. At East Central, he initiated a

strategic planning process to shape and guide the future of the institution. As a result, 2020 Vision was adopted in February 2013 and included a long term desire to be nationally recognized and locally preferred while meeting the educational and training needs of all residents of the college district. In April 2019, he received the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Shirley who have shown strong support of student success on their campuses by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high achieving students. The award is Phi Theta Kappa’s most prestigious award for community college presidents. B. Gordon Award of Distinction presented to college presidents

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ECCC students named to All-Mississippi Academic Team

ECCC sophomores

Alley Bernard of Meridian and Gavin Bailey of Decatur were named to the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa Community College All Mississippi Academic Team. The All-Mississippi Community College Academic Team recognizes scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in the Vice President of Outreach, is a BSU Council member and Bible study leader, member of Students for Life, Students Again Destructive Decisions, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, Phi Beta Lambda, and participates in College Worship. Bailey, a Dean’s List scholar, serves as sophomore class treasurer, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President of

Hodges selected as Humanities Instructor of the Year

Bernard

East Central art instructor Jeffrey Hodges was named the college’s 2019 Humanities Instructor of the Year and presented a special program titled “Forms and Narratives in Art” during a recognition ceremony in February. During his presentation, Hodges presented a lecture highlighting works of art from his research trips to Paris, France, as well as Boston and Chicago. His lecture included an array of significant pieces

state’s two-year colleges. Bernard was named to the First Team and Bailey was a Second Team honoree. A President’s List scholar, Bernard serves as Phi Theta Kappa

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of work from the cities and focused on the narratives, concepts, and processes behind the selected works from premier museums each location has to offer. Hodges has served as the art instructor at East Central since 2015. He previously taught painting at the University of South Carolina. He graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art from Memphis College of Art in 2011 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art from the University of South Carolina in 2014. During his graduate studies, he received a scholarship to the International Centre for the Arts at Monte Castello di Vibio in Italy. Hodges has had six solo exhibitions since 2013 and 24 group exhibitions since 2007. He has also been featured as a guest lecturer at numerous colleges, including Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson and Hinds Community College in Jackson. In the fall of 2019, he held an exhibition with Hinds art instructor LeeReyna Lopez Leyva at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Bailey

Membership, resident assistant, captain of the Warrior Baseball team, a member of Men of Dignity, and participates in College Worship. Both honorees received medallions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives. The All-Mississippi Academic Team program is coordinated by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges and the Mississippi Community College Board.

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Retiring President Stewart says ‘I Never Want This to Be About Me’

D r. Billy Stewart knew from an early age he wanted to be an educator. He’s experienced much success in his chosen profession in the more than three decades he’s served. And now he will retire as President Emeritus at East Cen tral Community College at the end of June after successfully leading the institution for eight years. He was also honored during the May ECCC Board of Trustees meeting with the naming of Billy W. Stewart Hall, the newest women’s resi dence hall on campus, in his honor. After nearly a decade at the college what kind of legacy does Dr. Stewart hope to leave? “I never started this job with a desire to be remembered. I don’t want it to ever be about me. So, as I conclude my time at East Central, I want to remember, not be remembered. I suppose the best way to explain it is this way. For the last eight years, my life objective has been displayed on the back of a beam in my office. It reads, ‘To glorify God through humble service and continual prayer making His name, not mine, great among the nations so that one day I may hear Him say ‘well done good and faithful servant.’ I’d rather

Room 309 of Elam Arms Dormitory in August of 1986 when I met Christ in a real and personal way and was saved. So, a career in education then made all the sense in the world to me. I’m able to make a difference in the lives of others by telling them about Him and I’m very grateful for that.” Although, being a community college president was not his original goal, after obtaining his doctorate degree, he said his career path took a turn. He said his goal was to simply go where he was supposed to go and he relied on a higher power to reveal that to him. “Christ has led me and my family every step of the way. Although not my original goal when I entered the field of ed ucation, I am so grateful for the time I’ve been able to serve as a community college president. It has been an incredible honor, a great privilege, and a tremendous responsibility,” Stewart said. Stewart also believes in the saying, “Anything worth do ing is rarely easy.” He said being president of East Central has been the toughest professional position he’s had in his career, but it has also been a wonderful experience. “This job is not easy, but God put me in positions along my journey where I’ve learned knowledge and skills that I’ve been able to apply as president of East Central. For example, as a teacher and coach, I learned about motivating people

and wining with teamwork. As an assistant principal for discipline, I learned to deal with difficult situations in a thoughtful manner. As dean of community services, I learned to interact with and listen to members of the community. I’ve also had leadership roles in workforce development, administration, and finance in the state’s community college system. I’ve been able to apply all of my professional experiences in education and the lessons learned from them to this position. And, it’s not always

be remembered for making much of the name of Christ and making His name great,” Stewart said. Stewart said he has always desired to make the name of Christ great, to be a Godly father and husband, and a good leader of his home. He said when thinking about his career or life, he is reminded of the Casting Crowns song “I Don’t Want to Leave A Legacy.” “The chorus says, ‘I don’t want to leave a legacy, I don’t care if they remember me, only Jesus.’ And that’s really

been easy, but it has certainly been fun.” Stewart has accomplished a lot during his long career in education. But he says he hopes it will be the relationships he’s formed with people along the way that others will re member as his greatest impact. “As an educator, I hope I had as big an impact on oth ers as they have had on me. It’s not buildings and policies, or accolades or applause, it’s people, and I hope that I will be defined by the impact I have had on other people. That would be my greatest accomplishment.” An integral part of Stewart’s leadership at ECCC has been the establishment and implementation of 2020 Vision , the college’s strategic plan for the past eight years. 2020 Vision is based on the core values of Wisdom, Excellence, Account

what I got into this business for, and ever since the first day of my freshman year as a student at the University of South ern Mississippi, that’s what I’ve hoped to be remembered for—making much of the name of Christ, not my own.” Stewart said he knew in high school that he wanted a ca reer in education. He thought he would work his way up the ranks from K-12 teacher to superintendent and then retire. “I wasn’t really sure why I chose education, but I knew that was my career path at an early age,” he said. “I suppose I experienced the tremendous impact that so many teachers and coaches had on my life and I wanted to do the same in others’ lives. However, when I was a freshman at USM, my life - my life objective - changed. It changed because of the experience I had on the first day of my freshman year in

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ability, Respect, Enthusiasm, Efficiency, and Creativity, which help define the college’s highest priorities and deep est held beliefs, and features five institutional commitments of Student Success, Teaching & Learning, Commu nity Partnerships, Resource Planning & Development, and Communication. He said it’s not something he accom plished on his own and that the input from students, staff and the commu nity is what made it such a success. “I didn’t come up with 2020 Vision . I developed the process by which we gathered the information, but there were several people, groups, and committees involved in creating 2020 Vision . And, I think it’s worked so well because of that. There’s a verse that says, ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish.’ I choose to take the reverse of that and say, ‘Where there is a vision, people thrive.’ I think that’s what happened with 2020 Vision . We went to every county and people had the opportunity to come in and say ‘this is what I want East Central to look like in the year 2020.’ “What a wonderful time that was to listen and respond and craft and develop and dream. And then people bought into the vision that they helped create. Individuals who were invested in East Central were able to come in on the front end and as a result, they had a sense of ownership of the vision. Once that was completed, I had the opportunity to preach the vision and that’s what I did. It became a part of the fabric of our college. So, I believe it’s worked so well because of the broad-based input we had at the begin ning. People invested in the college had an opportunity to develop a vision for

the future of the college. “And the other thing was, we actu ally followed the plan. I know of many colleges where there’s a pretty strategic plan, but no one knows what it is or what it says. From my perspective, I have a copy of 2020 Vision on my desk and used it as a filter for every deci sion we made as a college. If we wanted sidewalks and lighting, I wanted to know how that would help us become who we want to be and who we’re sup posed to be.” Now it’s 2020 and time to begin again. Stewart said after eight years, circumstances in the counties the col lege serves have changed. The demo graphics in the district have changed. The workforce needs have changed. He says now it’s time for a new vision for the college, and he hopes he has an opportunity to participate in the de velopment of the new vision, as both a private citizen and someone who loves East Central and wants to see it thrive. Strategic initiatives and goals ac complished over the past eight years have included great strides not only in instruction, but in the college’s physi cal plant. There are several updated and new buildings, a campus standard for graphics, décor, and furniture, new sidewalks and lighting. So what has been the most prevalent change and what would Stewart consider his great est accomplishment? “All the things you mentioned are really important and great accomplish ments for the college in and of them selves,” he said. “Standard colors, light poles, classroom desks, even the rest rooms all look the same. We needed to have everything tied together and the standards we have adopted have been a great thing. When I first arrived, I did notice the lack of lighting on campus at night. So, for me, that became an immediate priority. Sidewalks and easy access also became a priority especially

for those who are physically chal lenged. The things we’ve been able to do, even the little things like banners on light poles, overhead utilities being placed underground, when people see that you take pride in the physical envi ronment and infrastructure of campus, they then take pride too. It just builds upon itself, one thing upon another, upon another. “However, I’m leading the effort to build on top of the foundation people have built long before me. (Dr. Eddie) Smith, (Dr. Phil) Sutphin, (Ovid) Vick ers, (Lucille) Wood, (Dr. Brad) Tucker and so many others who came before me. There is a verse in Deuteronomy which says that we all drink from wells we did not dig. I’ve often quoted that verse, and that’s really what I feel here at East Central. The foundation built by so many who came before us is very firm. And, I’m hopeful that when I walk out on June 30 the foundation is firmer and the next president and current and future employees and students can build on the foundation we started in 2012.” The day he officially took the reins and met with the staff of East Central Community College, Dr. Stewart began to talk about and encourage everyone to do things the “EC Way: Excellence

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with Class.” While including the college’s EC initials, the meaning behind the motto actually stems from the lessons learned by one of the greatest influences in Stewart’s life: his father, Billy Stewart, Sr. “He was hard, tough on me and my sister growing up. The one thing he demanded is that if you do something, do it well. My dad only worked for one company his entire career. When I was a high school student, he got me a job one summer in the warehouse where he worked. The night before my first day on the job that summer, he came in my room and he said, ‘I’m taking you to work with me tomor row. I got you that job, son, and I want you to understand, I’ve worked at this company over 20 years, and I’ve worked hard to establish a good reputation at the company. You need to know and understand that what you do this summer not only reflects on you, but on me, your mother, and your

through their instructional pursuits. The second leg is the physical area, where students learn how to live a healthy lifestyle through opportunities like a tobacco-free campus, a wellness center, walking trail, and sand volleyball courts, among others. Stewart says while most colleges stop with these first two and think they’re complete, East Central allows opportunities for students to develop two more im portant areas. He said, “We want our students to also develop socially. If you come to East Central, at some point you will have to tell your story. We all have a story and we can share and learn from each other’s. That’s what life is about, relation ships and being able to share our story. When students are in a job interview, they have to tell people about themselves and if they don’t know how, they aren’t getting the job. It’s also important for us to help our students grow socially to

sister. You share my name, son, and I want you to wear it well.’ As a high school kid who sometimes resented a dad who was hard on me and demanded my very best all of the time, that made an impression on my life. I guess in many ways, I’ve been trying to do that ever since—wear his name well. “I once heard someone say that every job is a self-portrait of the one who does it, so auto graph your work with excellence. To me, the EC Way is just that.

work with students of different faiths and backgrounds, to work together, to show empathy and respect to each other, to walk in someone else’s shoes, to function as a team together. And I think EC does that well. “The last leg of the chair in volves the spiritual development of a student. I acknowledge that we are a public institution that welcomes people of all faiths or no faith and I value and defend that fact. Everyone is welcome here. However, I also know what

“ ” I once heard someone say that every job is a self-portrait of the one who does it, so autograph your work with excellence. To me, the EC Way is just that. Do everything you do the right way. No short cuts. No jobs done halfway...Just do it well.

Do everything you do the right way. No short cuts. No jobs done halfway. Be excellent and produce excellent results. If anything is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Hopefully that not only reflects my professional life, but my personal life with my family as well. I’m not a perfect dad or husband, but I want to be an excellent one. I fall short so many times, but that’s what I want to be. So, it’s simply doing things well no matter what, whether someone is watching or not. Just do it well.” If one has heard Dr. Stewart speak, whether to students, staff, or community groups, they might have heard him speak about four legs of a chair. For him, the chair legs represent the four main areas of personal development East Central offers to students. The first leg is the academic area, where students are taught to prepare for their future

Christ did in my life as a college freshman and continues to do in my life each day. Students have a wonderful opportu nity here through things like the Baptist Student Union, Fel lowship of Christian Athletes, Wesley Foundation, Newman Club, and College Worship at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church, to grow spiritually. We don’t force anything on anyone, but we want students to simply have the opportunity to grow in that area of their lives. “Life will throw things onto a student’s chair that are difficult. Since being at East Central, I’ve had things put in my chair that were difficult including the death of my father and my nephew. The goal is that the four legs of the chair don’t collapse when difficult times come in the life of a current or former student. That the four legs of their life developed while a student here will sustain them through

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the good times and the difficult times. Because if the difficult times haven’t happened yet, they will. “We don’t force anything related to the four legs on our students. We don’t force them to go to the Success Center to develop their academic leg, but it’s available. We don’t force them to go to the Wellness Center to develop their physical leg, but it’s available. We don’t force them to tell their story, but there are opportunities for that. And, we don’t force them to participate in anything spiritual, like a Bible study, but it’s available. I’ve been a firsthand witness of students whose lives have been changed, whose legs of their chair have been strengthened, because of their time here at East Central. For me, it doesn’t get any better than that.” Stewart can be seen at everything from concerts to athletic events and the like. He also finds time for cur rent students, as well as prospective students and parents, who venture into his office in the Vincent Administration Building. So how does a man with such an enormous job and a family of his own find time to invest in so much real time with students. “It’s not only been important, but a privilege,” he said. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have relation ships with students who, when they come back to campus, stop by to see me. What a waste it would have been to be here eight years and not get to know students and their parents. I go to events not because I have to, but because I want to. And it’s important because students need to know the president cares about what they are do ing and wants to cheer for them. I want to cheer for them by name and know them and their parents. Believe me, I’m the blessed one to be able to get know them, hear their story, and share mine with them. It has been very important to me to get out of my office and inter act with others.” Anyone who has ever asked Stewart how his day was or how he was doing will have most likely heard the phrase “better than I deserve.” But what does that mean to him? “It is exactly that. I don’t deserve anything—not forgiveness or mercy or grace. But Jesus gives it to me. So, I am better than I deserve. I am blessed. And when I use that phrase, it is truly a reflection of my belief that I deserve nothing, but Christ has given me every

thing and I’m better, way better, than I deserve.” Stewart acknowledged the presiden cy of East Central is a 24-hour-a-day job. He’s often awake in the wee morn ing hours trying to make wise and dis cerning decisions. He admits it is both physically and emotionally demanding. But he says the benefits are wonder ful. What has he learned in eight years as president that he feels comfortable sharing with future leaders, including the new president? “I’ve learned the thing I dislike most about this job is weather and making a decision based on weather. I take that type of decision very seriously. Often times, there may be one county that gets worse weather than the other four. We make the decision to open campus and have classes. But then you take criticism from those in that one county who can’t come to campus. I’ve learned that just like in decisions related to weather, I can’t please everyone with every decision. I just pray for wisdom and make the decision that is best for the college and I would encourage fu ture leaders to do the same. I know Dr. (Brent) Gregory and I am confident he has been and will continue to do just that as he begins his tenure.” When asked what final piece of wisdom or thoughts he would give to students, staff and, alumni, he said, “I guess the most important thing I could share is this: ‘Don’t sacrifice your fam ily on the altar of personal ambition.’ Before I even applied for this position, I called another community college president who is a great friend of mine and I asked him about his personal experience with his family and his job. He said, ‘Billy, you’ll find yourself spending more time with your family than you do now as a vice president.’ I wasn’t sure I believed him or not. But he was right. My family has been able to go to activities, events, and ath letic contests with me on campus and through those experiences, we’ve been able to spend quality time together. But there are so many people who I’ve met along my journey that live with a lot of regret. They desired to be the presi dent, manager, leader, etc., and they sacrificed their family for it. I never wanted to do that. “Speaking of my family, I sure am proud of mine. My wife gets frustrated CAMPUS NEWS

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with me sometimes when I tell people I have great children in spite of their daddy, not because of him. I believe that to be true. I’m so proud of my children. They aren’t perfect, but neither are their dad or mom. Stephen, Will, Elizabeth, and Emily are wonderful young men and women who bless me, challenge me, encourage me, uplift me, make me laugh, make me cry, and make me appreciate life and the blessings of being their dad.” Stewart was quick to point out that one does not get to a position of leadership on their own and was adamant that he would not be where he is today without the love and en couragement of his family of which he speaks so kindly. “I’ve mentioned my dad and the impact he had on me and his commitment to doing things well. After getting married and having children, he became one of my best friends. My mother (Linda Thompson Stewart) also has had and con tinues to have a great influence on my life. She is a strong woman, quiet, one of the sweetest ladies in the whole world, who never says a negative thing about anyone. She always made our home a calm one. She supports me, encourages me, and prays for me daily. Many of the things I’ve been able to do in my life, she’s been a big part of them and I am so grateful for her. “My children, Stephen and his wife, Louise, Will, Elizabeth, and Emily, I’m grateful for all of my children and the impact they have on my life. I hope they all know how much I love them and care about them and how much they are a part of any success I’ve ever experienced. Every time the Lord moved us to a new job and a new community, their response was to simply follow where He was leading us. Their willing ness to go wherever God told us to go as a family has been a huge blessing to me. “And then there’s my wife, Stephanie. We met at Temple Baptist Church in 1990. I cannot imagine doing life without her. We have been together now for more than 30 years. She is my biggest cheerleader and my biggest supporter. She doesn’t want to be out front and be seen. She is comfortable being where she is and doing what she’s doing, and there is no way I could do what I have been blessed to do without her in my life. I love her with all my heart, and I am thankful every day that God blessed me with her. I love her more to day than I did when we first got married. She is a wonderful mother and wife and she is my best friend. I look forward to spending more time with her in retirement. I look forward to us being together, traveling together, visiting children and grandchildren (one day) together. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but we know Who holds the future and we trust Him. “I want my family to know how appreciative I am for all they have done and continue to do. Anything I have ever

done professionally, I have done it with their support and encouragement and I couldn’t be more thankful for them.” Many were surprised by Stewart’s retirement announce ment and would say he is leaving at the top of his game at a still young age. So how does one know when it’s time to retire? “I have no idea. In the summer of 2019, I knew without a doubt this would be my last year. I don’t know why. I’m not exactly sure. I still don’t know what my next assign ment will be, even now. I just believe that I have done what God wanted me to do here. Although I have worked for a 30-member board of trustees at East Central, I really work for an audience of One and I want Him to be pleased and want Him to know He is the most important thing in my life, not a job, not a position, title, money or salary, but Him. So as I wind down my time at East Central, I look back with fondness at all the memories I’ve made, all the wonderful people who I’ve had a chance to meet—students, parents, community members. In terms of the future, I don’t know. I’m open to do whatever God tells me to do. Immediately, we are staying here for a year for Emily to finish her senior year of high school at Newton County, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do that.” When asked what his favorite verse of Scripture is, Dr. Stewart was quick to respond with Acts 4:13: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized they were unschooled and ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note these men had been with Jesus.” “That is what I hope can be put on my tombstone one day,” he said. “Not that he was president of East Central, not that a building was named in his honor, but when they saw Billy Stewart and saw that he was a just an ordinary old fel low, they were astonished and took note that Billy had been with Jesus. That’s what I want more than anything. I want people to recognize by the fruits of my life and the things I do and say and the attitude with which I do and say them, that I’ve spent time with Jesus. Jesus changed my life, and He can change theirs too. “I never have and never will want this to be about me. That’s why I told Dr. Jimmy Hollingsworth (Board of Trust ees Chairman) when I walk out of my office on June 30, that’s really all I want to do. No fanfare. This institution is bigger than any one person and it’s going to move forward and flourish because of the great people who work here and the wonderful students who enroll here. I pray that East Central will continue to grow and make an impact in the lives of students, our community, and parents. I also pray that people would truly see that there is something going on here that cannot be explained other than God is at work.”

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