Angie Hardin Selected MVP Award Recipient

President Blake Thompson and MC’s director of transfer recruitment Angie Hardin

Growing up in North Mississippi, Angie Hardin always wanted to meet country superstar Dolly Parton. That hasn’t happened yet. But these days, Angie’s got a big fan base of her own with many admirers at Mississippi College.

For her noteworthy achievements for years as MC’s director of transfer recruitment, Hardin is the newest winner of President Blake Thompson’s MVP Award. The staff honor in April comes with a Dr. Thompson bobblehead, a nice, reserved parking spot on campus, and other perks.

Students, faculty, and staff sing Angie's praises, so the selection of the Pontotoc native is no surprise to the Blue & Gold Family.

“It’s a blessing to have Ms. Angie for sure,” says Mississippi College student Macia Outlaw. “I know if I have ideas, she’s the one to bring them to life.”

When Outlaw transferred to MC from Hinds Community College, Angie Hardin proved to be a tremendous help. “I can definitely say she has been my “go-to” and one of the most passionate transfer counselors I have ever met.”

A pre-med major at Mississippi College, the Brandon resident, is on track to enroll at the University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson.

As MC’s dedicated transfer counselor, Angie usually has a smile on her face. The Madison resident holds two Mississippi College degrees and goes the extra mile for students year-round at her alma mater.

Mississippi College is fortunate to have her aboard its energetic admissions team based in Nelson Hall offices, colleagues say.

Michael Wright, director of freshman recruitment, appreciates “servant-hearted leaders” like Angie. “She’s a blessing to the admissions team and the university as a whole! She is the epitome of what it means to love students so well.”

Hardin is “well-deserving of this award,” says admissions director Kyle Brantley. “She loves MC and its students, and it shows in how hard she works on a daily basis.”

In March, public safety officer Greg Travis became the recipient of President Thompson’s first MVP Award for his faithful service. Making friends with just about everybody, he’s known as “The Mayor” on the Clinton campus. The beloved officer, like Angie Hardin, are both wonderful choices.

Hardin says she was “completely shocked” when getting the news. “There are so many others who are more deserving, but I am so appreciative of this honor. What a blessing to get to work with students at an incredible place called Mississippi College.”

Michael notes other key aspects of Angie’s profile. “The thing that brings her the most joy in life: her grandbabies.” Her kids are the love of her life, too, along with her husband, Bill Hardin. He serves as principal of the Career and Technical Education Center at Clinton High. Two of their kids went to Mississippi College.

Family, faith, and Mississippi College sum up her life in the Magnolia State. "I'm a North Mississippi girl who married her high school sweetheart. We have two precious grandchildren who we hope one day become MC alumni.”

There are at least seven degrees in their immediate family.

Angie’s got the perfect job. “I’ve always had a passion for students and a desire to work with them,” she said. "Transfer students are my heart! I love getting to help them take the next step in continuing their education and walking with them on this journey!.”

Will Angie ever meet Dolly Parton? The Tennessee native is the shining star with mega-hits like "9 to 5,” many movie credits, and a big heart for needy Americans. “A fun fact for me is that I love Dolly Parton and hope to get to meet her one day! We are best friends, but she doesn’t know that yet.”