Carin Platt, Improvement of Study instructor at the Jackson County Campus, was selected as a Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty member for 2020.  Fifty-six faculty members were selected nationwide. Platt is the only instructor from Mississippi to receive the prestigious national award.

Named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, this designation has been established to recognize faculty members making a difference in the classroom, in the college and in the community.

“Carin Platt is kind, genuine, and nurturing,” said Dr. Brad Bailey, fellow faculty member of Platt’s at the Jackson County Campus. “She cares about her students’ well-being both inside the classroom and out. She goes so far beyond reading, writing and arithmetic. She wants to be sure that students are fed, clothed and sheltered. We could all learn so much from Ms. Platt on how to approach the calling that is teaching.”

Distinguished faculty are chosen from the 1,200 member colleges of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Winners are selected based on their demonstrated passion for students and the classroom, willingness to support students inside and outside the classroom, participation in college committees and commitment to going above and beyond what is required to ensure students are successful in their academic endeavors.

“Ms. Platt deserves to be recognized for all of the wonderful things she does on and off campus,” said Michaela Griffith, MGCCC student. “Her class is not one you want to miss because it prepares you for the future.  What she teaches is very real and very important.”

Michael Pugh, another former student of Platt’s, said she is always busy. “Ms. Platt is always excited and looks forward to being here with her students every day.  She goes the extra mile and cares about each individual student.  She worries about you like a mother does.  She wants to make sure you had breakfast.  She can also talk tough to you if she thinks you need it, though.”

Jake Franks, who has worked with Platt as a student worker for two years, said he has learned a lot about life from her.  “She treats people the same, whether you are a homeless person or president of the college.  She volunteers her time to help people all the time and truly makes a difference in the community and on this campus.  She is the kind of person we should all want to be like.”