Christina Mullins
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College recognized the 2010 Difference Makers at the Alumni/Foundation Spring Reception on April 6 at the Jackson County Campus in Gautier. This year’s honorees were Christina Mullins, continuing education specialist with Community Campus; Amber Kuecker, coordinator of Campus Recreation and the Ropes Course at the Jackson County Campus; Kim Coffell, office manager in the Business Office at the Jefferson Davis Campus; and Ladd Taylor, athletic director at the Perkinston Campus. These four individuals have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, involvement in college and community events as well as a sincere commitment and caring attitude toward students and fellow employees. The honorees were presented resolutions from the college’s Board of Trustees.
Since 2003, Gulf Coast has selected four individuals to receive the L.N. Dantzler Difference Maker award from among its eight locations in South Mississippi. Any Gulf Coast employee, except members of the Executive Council, are eligible for the annual award, which is designated for individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, college and community involvement, and a sincere commitment and caring attitude toward students.
Christina Mullins has worked at the college for four years, beginning in April 2006 as Workforce Development secretary and has been in her current role as continuing education specialist for the past two years. A Gulf Coast alumna, Mullins graduated from the Jefferson Davis Campus with an Associate of Arts degree in criminal justice in May 2005. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
Amber Kuecker works outdoors building confidence in others and teaching them about teamwork and building relationships. As the coordinator of Campus Recreation and the Ropes Course for three years at the Jackson County Campus, Kuecker said coming to work means she's doing something positive and uplifting every day. A Tripoli, Iowa, native, Kuecker inherited her dedication to a healthy lifestyle from her parents. Her father, Lynn, is a youth specialist, and her mother, Kathleen, is a registered nurse.
Kim Coffell knows all about Gulf Coast. Not only did she receive her Associate of Arts degree from Gulf Coast in 1997, but her mother, Barbara French, also has worked at the college for about 30 years. Coffell began working in 1993 in the campus office of the dean of Instruction and moved to Business Services in 1997. She said she loves being a part of the Gulf Coast family and, as someone who loves a challenge, Coffell is pleased to see enrollment reach the pre-Katrina level. A self-described "financial" and "numbers" person, Coffell said she found her place at the college in the Business Office.
Ladd Taylor, in his role as athletic director, wants to maintain the foundation of integrity, class and enthusiasm (I.C.E.) within the college athletic program. An alumnus of Gulf Coast’s Perkinston Campus, Taylor returned to the college in 2002 as supervisor of Student Activities, Student Center and Wellness Center. He is currently working on his doctoral degree in higher education administration at USM. He was a member of the 2004 MGCCC Leadership Team and completed the Mid-South Community College Fellowship Program in 2006. In addition, he also serves as chair of the annual Mississippi Bowl Committee.
