Special to Iredell Free News
Mitchell Community College recently honored Joleen Ann Beckham as the 2020 Presidents Award winner.
After earning her GED while studying from home and caring for her baby boy, Beckham chose to continue her studies at Mitchell. Shortly after her first year, she was selected as one of 10 Mitchell Student Ambassadors.
Ambassadors are selected through a rigorous process that considers their communication skills, team-building abilities and leadership potential. Beckham’s tireless service has helped Mitchell and other community-based organization accomplish their goals.
In addition to being a Student Ambassador, Beckham organized Mitchell’s first team for the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk, raising $500 for suicide prevention. She is the founding member of Woman2Woman, Mitchell’s women’s professional development and support group, and a member of Mitchell’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.
Off campus, Beckham is very active in her community, volunteering with Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the 4H Club in Taylorsville. She is a member of the Alexander County Friends of the Library and is the Editor of the Alexander County Library’s newsletter. Beckham also serves on the Parent Teacher Organization at Stony Point Elementary School and serves as a Vacation Bible School instructor each summer.
“Joleen’s scholarship, service, positive attitude, thirst for excellence, and eagerness to achieve makes her an asset to the College and her community,” a nominator wrote of Beckham.
Beckham graduated with her Associate of Arts degree in May 2020, maintaining a 3.93 grade point average while juggling her studies, extra-curricular activities, and being a single parent. She has been accepted to Lenoir-Rhyne University and began taking classes in the Summer 2020 semester. Beckham said her ultimate goal is to become a psychiatrist.
About Mitchell Community College
Mitchell Community College serves 9,000 students annually through a variety of curriculum, continuing education and workforce development programs. With campuses in Statesville and Mooresville, Mitchell CC offers quality, affordable education options to residents of Iredell County and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.mitchellcc.edu or call (704) 878-3200 (Statesville Campus) or (704) 663-1923 (Mooresville Campus).