Kimberly Rush
Associate Dean of Advising , Retention and Student Success , 39 Meridian Community College
Who do you look to for inspiration or mentorship ? For inspiration or mentorship , I seek counsel from friends . I ’ d be remiss if I didn ’ t add my grandmother , Gladys Petway . She inspires me to be my best and each time we talk , she reminds me how proud she is of me . She keeps me grounded and always reminds me of my faith and to always trust in God and seek him in all that I do . She is a rock and I am forever grateful for all she has done for me .
Where did your spirit of altruism develop and why is it important to give back ? My spirit of altruism evolved naturally over time as I began my professional career . As a therapist I often heard people ’ s struggles , demons , and traumas and I felt that I could be a person to offer therapeutic guidance , love , support , and unconditional positive regard to those I come in contact with .
What is your community ’ s greatest asset ? Our community ’ s greatest asset is the people . I enjoy being around others and I have had great experiences interacting with others at work , Wal- Mart , gymnastics , daycare , school , Children ’ s Museum , church , Dirt Cheap , Chik-Fil-a ; everywhere I go there are friendly and helpful people I meet .
What ’ s your favorite saying and why ? Mmm ... I find myself reciting “ One and Twenty ” by AE Housman often . It ’ s a poem about love but is useful in many situations encouraging the reader to gain wisdom and understand that things change as you mature , learn , and develop . The end sates : “ And I am two and twenty and oh ‘ tis true , ‘ tis true .
Education : Bachelor ’ s degree in Psychology , University of West Alabama ; master ’ s degree in Clinical Psychology , Alabama A & M University . I
Memberships and activities : Charter member of Beta Alpha Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority , Inc .; member of the inaugural class of Women ’ s Policy Institute for The Women ’ s Foundation of Mississippi .
Family : Spouse : James L Rush , Ph . D .; Children : Morgan , Mabry , Ava and Makenna .
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