In a proud moment for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus, Michelle Sekul, the dean of Student Services, has been named the 2024 Distinguished Administrator by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The prestigious award recognizes Sekul’s exceptional dedication and support for student leadership and success.

Sekul, who has been an integral part of MGCCC for over two decades, expressed her gratitude for the honor. “Being selected as the 2024 Distinguished Administrator by Phi Theta Kappa is truly humbling,” she said. “It reinforces my commitment to fostering student leadership and success, values that are at the core of our institution.”

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is set to honor Sekul at their Annual Convention on April 5 in Orlando, a ceremony that will bring together leaders in education from across the nation.

Sekul started her journey at MGCCC, earning an Associate of Arts degree with honors before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Southern Mississippi. She furthered her education with a Master’s in Higher Education Administration at USM and pursued post-graduate studies in Community College Leadership at Mississippi State University.

Her career at MGCCC has been marked by dedication and progression. She began in 1996 as a Recruitment officer at the Perkinston Campus, taking on various roles, including director of Admissions & Records, interim vice president for Institutional Advancement, and College registrar. Currently, she serves as the dean of Student Services at the Jackson County Campus, where she has been since 2015.

Despite her numerous achievements, Sekul remains modest about her accolades. However, her list of honors includes the 2022 MGCCC Athletic Hall of Fame, the 2022 Forever Young Award from Coast Young Professionals, and the 2013 Recognition of Meritorious Service from the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers.

Beyond her professional life, Michelle Sekul is an entrepreneur as the owner of Pretty Pumped Balloon Design, LLC. She is also an active member of the Krewe of Bonne Vivantes and engages in various interests, including exercising, dancing, and volunteering with Woolmarket Youth Sports.

Reflecting on her role with PTK students, Sekul expressed admiration. “Our PTK students are brilliant, hardworking, kind individuals who value learning, leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence,” she said. “Working with these students is a highlight of my job. After meeting or spending time with them, my faith in humanity is usually restored. Maybe the world isn’t going to fall apart any time soon.”