Dr. Jonathan Woodward, executive vice president of Teaching & Learning/Community Campus at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, was recognized on August 13 as a One Coast Community Leader at the 2021 One Coast Awards. The One Coast Awards are presented by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

Starting as an instructor at MGCCC in August 2004, Woodward has served as Fine Arts department chair at the college’s Jackson County Campus and vice president of the Harrison County Campus.

Woodward holds a doctorate in higher education administration with an emphasis in instructional technology from The University of Southern Mississippi, including a Community College Leadership Certificate. He also earned his Master of Music Education and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from USM, with a double emphasis in vocal/choral music and classical guitar/instrumental music.

The One Coast Awards are the rebranding of the former Roland Weeks Hall of Fame and were developed to recognize community leaders and to hold them up as examples. The program and awards were reimagined as the One Coast Awards to continue the idea that the Coast has common interests that far outweigh any difference among communities and that what benefits one, ultimately benefits all.