Northwest President's Customer Service Awards go to Two Dedicated Employees

by Sarah Smith

Senatobia, MS (08/15/2024) — Northwest Mississippi Community College announced the 2024 President's Customer Service Award recipients during the college-wide Convocation on Aug. 12 at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. These awards are given to one faculty member and one staff member who have gone above and beyond in their service to those on and off campus.

"Upon being nominated by their colleagues for this well-deserved recognition, each of these employees have, and continue to make, significant contributions to Northwest by providing the best service," said Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl. "They live out the values of our institution on a daily basis, and for that I am very thankful."

The President's Customer Service Award for Staff went to IT Service Delivery Coordinator, Brian Hale of Senatobia, who has selflessly served the college and provided support all over campus. Known as the "go-to-guy" for fixing things, he's made himself readily available and has embodied the college's values in his service for over 10 years.

"During the break at the Convocation I told someone as I look around, I don't know every single face, but I feel confident I've spoken to every single person in the room at some point," Hale said. "My job is not a big one among a few people but a small one among all people, and that's what I love-it's what keeps me going. I deal with everyone from all over the college in all responsibilities from big to small, students from young to old, and getting to know a little about every person and sharing that interaction is what I love about it so much. I appreciate each and every person's contribution to what makes our college successful, and for that appreciation to be paid back to me with this award means the world to me."

Hale received his bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in sociology and political science, and a post-graduate certificate in Emergency Management. Before working at Northwest, Hale served in a variety of roles including intel coordination specialist and as an alderman for the city of Senatobia.

The President's Customer Service Award for Faculty went to math instructor Melissa Cannon of Batesville. With over 20 years of experience in the teaching profession, Cannon works tirelessly to help students achieve their goals and find what equation fits in their life. A loyal Ranger, she embodies the mission of the college with positivity.

"I am honored to receive the President's Customer Service Award," Cannon said. "Northwest is a wonderful place to work, and I am blessed with amazing and talented colleagues who make such a difference in the lives of our students. To be chosen as a representative of this group of fantastic people is an honor that I will always treasure."

Cannon received her undergrad education in science at Mississippi State University, and her Master of Science in mathematics from the University of Mississippi. She has worked as a math instructor since 2002. She also serves as the Early College coordinator for Mathematics at Northwest.

If you'd like to learn more about Northwest, please visit, northwestms.edu

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