Audra Perry

Audra L. Perry of Pontotoc, director of Adult Education at Itawamba Community College, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Mississippi Association of Adult and Community Education Eloise Richardson Administrator of the Year award.

            Perry joined ICC’s Adult Education department as director in August 2022. She began her professional career in 2011 at Mississippi Delta Community College, serving as lead counselor, interim Dean of Career-Technical and Adult Education and director of Advising. She was selected to participate in the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy and Mississippi Community College Policy Fellows Program.

            One of Perry’s nominators for the award said, “In a brief time, Mrs. Perry has found a way to bring change. She stepped into a role, and I know it has not always been easy for her, especially at a time when multiple positions had to be filled. She had the task of hiring new employees and bringing the team together as well as learning new responsibilities. She has successfully accomplished all those things. Often, when a person steps into a role where you combine old with new, there is an adjustment period. She is effectively managing to bring the new team together.”

            Another nominator said, “She came into her new position, making a strong impact. She is willing to listen to each student and employee, and I have seen multiple individuals come in and out of her office even when she was busy and had deadlines to meet. She has never made me feel like my opinion didn’t matter. Among her other attributes include willingness to embrace change when and where it’s needed, good heart and spirit, a calmness that even in difficult situations allows her to respond in a poised manner and always willing to go the extra mile to help a student achieve his or her goals. She has also taken money out of her own purse to purchase things for students who may be in need.”

Perry attributed her success and the award to ICC’s Adult Education team. “I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award,” she said, “but the praise truly belongs to the team of professionals I work alongside each day. They are extremely hard workers who genuinely care about the success of their students.  They believe they have a higher calling to serve individuals living across Itawamba Community College’s five-county district who need their support and expertise to reach their educational goals. As a department, we continually strive to improve our services and grow in knowledge, allowing us to help our students more effectively.

“It is a blessing to highlight the positive impact our team is having on countless lives across Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties,” Perry continued.  My hope is that this award places a spotlight on the Adult Education program at Itawamba Community College and encourages individuals to reach out to us for assistance with earning a high school equivalency diploma.”

            Perry also expressed her appreciation to ICC President Dr. Jay Allen and Vice President of Career and Workforce Education Barry Emison for their unfailing support of the adult education program.

            “Directors such as Audra Perry are what makes ICC such a special place,” Allen said. “She takes a personal interest in both our adult education faculty and students because she knows their stories. Ms. Perry understands how best to provide the students’ keys to success in their journey not only to attain a high school equivalency credential but also for their next step in life. This award demonstrates that she is changing lives and futures of our students, many of whom have had difficult beginnings.”

“I’m excited to congratulate Ms. Perry on receiving the Administrator of the Year award,” Emison said. “Her exceptional leadership has not only inspired her team, but also significantly advanced ICC’s adult education program. Her dedication, innovative thinking and unwavering commitment to student success makes her truly deserving of this special recognition.”

            The award was presented during the 2024 annual adult education conference, July 16-18, at the Sheraton Refuge and Conference Center Flowood. The conference theme was The Greatest Show: Celebrating 90 Years of Adult Literacy in Mississippi.”

Photo credit: ICC Community Relations