MARIAN L . SWINDELL , PH . D .
55 , Meridian Mississippi State University-Meridian , Professor
Swindell ’ s nominator : “ In the past two years , Dr . Swindell lost several friends to COVID-19 , and both her mother and father passed away . In the midst of these tragedies , Dr . Swindell made history at Mississippi State University-both on the Starkville and Meridian campus as the first teaching professor with a Ph . D . and MSW in social work to be awarded tenure and full professor status .
She also continued her volunteer work with veterans and people in need , taught and empowered her students , and raised her two sons , Nick and Michael Lewis . She has inspired and will continue to inspire hundreds of students every day to take care of their families , communities , careers , and themselves to be better and do better , and we love her for it . The world needs more Dr . Swindell ’ s .”
Professional affiliations : Global Scientific Guild-Forensic Science-Planning Committee ; Council on Social Work Education-National Site Visitor ; Council of Social Work Education , Proposal Reviewer ; North American Association of Christian Social Workers-APM Planning Committee ; US Children ’ s Bureau-Federal Reviewer Children ’ s Bureau / Anne E . Casey Foundation , Federal Reviewer / Investigator
Civic , social and / or church affiliations : Mississippi State Guard , 120th MP Battalion , Captain ; Salvation Army- Board Member ; Roadside Rescue Network-Fundraising Committee
Origins of spirit of altruism : Being raised by my mother and being raised in the church . My family went to church every Sunday morning , Sunday night , Wednesday night , Vacation Bible School every summer and church camp .
Importance of giving back to the community : The Bible instructs Christians to give back . Even though I fail A LOT , I try to be a good Christian , hence I give back .
Share an aspect of a volunteer experience that you ’ ve really enjoyed . I love talking with veterans about problems they have had for years and years and then being able to tackle those problems and get them solved . I also enjoy walking dogs at the animal control shelter downtown . Sounds simple-just walking dogs — it ’ s not glamorous at all , but very rewarding .
Community ’ s greatest assets : Meridian ’ s greatest asset is people willing to volunteer to help others in need . And we have a lot of need here .
Motto or favorite quote : “ Do all the good you can , by all the means you can , in all the ways you can , in all the places you can , at all the times you can , to all the people you can , as long as ever you can .” John Wesley
This is my favorite quote because it reminds me to try my best to be a kind human being .
• Marian L . Swindell , Ph . D ., is the mother of two , Nick Lewis , 16 , and Michael Lewis , 14 .
16 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN