Dr. Mary S. Graham, president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, has been named the recipient of the Chief Executive Leadership Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III, making her only the third higher education leader in Mississippi to receive the honor.

Graham was recognized during the CASE District III Annual Conference being held this week in Nashville. Previous Mississippi recipients of the award include Dr. Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University, and Dr. Robert Khayat, former chancellor of the University of Mississippi.

Established in 1999, the CASE Chief Executive Leadership Award is one of the district’s highest honors, recognizing a president, chancellor, or system head who demonstrates exceptional leadership and service in support of education. Award recipients are selected based on their ability to create and communicate a compelling vision, elevate their institution’s profile, encourage innovation, strengthen community partnerships, and actively support institutional advancement.

Under Graham’s leadership, MGCCC has expanded student opportunities, strengthened community and industry partnerships, and increased its impact across the Gulf Coast region. Her tenure has been marked by significant grant funding, collaborative initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to student success.

In her nomination, Angie Juzang, chair of the MGCCC Foundation Board, emphasized Graham’s visionary and people-centered leadership, noting her success in guiding the college and foundation into new areas of growth through significant grant acquisition, transformational partnerships, and expanded opportunities for students and their families.

CASE District III represents advancement professionals from colleges, universities, and independent schools across the southeastern United States, and its Chief Executive Leadership Award is reserved for leaders whose influence extends beyond their campuses into the communities they serve.