ELLISVILLE — Cheryl Windham has been named JCJC’s Humanities Teacher of the Year for 2009 for her achievements and her positive influence on students during the course of her teaching career. The Mississippi Humanities Council chooses an instructor from each of the 15 Junior/Community Colleges, based on the accomplishments and contributions of the recommended faculty member.  At the Mississippi Humanities Council Awards Banquet in Jackson in February, the Council will honor Windham with a plaque and a cash award.  

In recognition of her award, Windham will be honored on Thursday, October 22, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium.  There she will discuss the story-telling culture and heritage in Mississippi.  Windham will showcase the works of some of the state’s best writers covering various genres. The title of Windham’s presentation is “Reading Mississippi.”  The public is invited to attend this free event.

Windham has instructed students for 14 years.   She teaches English composition and world literature.  Windham explains her teaching philosophy as an exercise in relationship building.  “From the very first day of class, I try to set the tone for a positive and successful semester, and I make a conscious effort to treat my students as I would my own child. I believe students learn best in an inviting, safe, and fun environment.  When my students are laughing, they are learning.  Something special happens when we can discuss works academically, then apply them to our lives and find lessons or humor in them. There is nothing more magical in a teacher’s life than having great chemistry with a class full of students. I try to captivate them each time they walk into my classroom,” stated Windham. 

Windham also serves as the humanities division chair and believes this honor is a direct result of the people she works with each day. “I am very humbled and honored by this recognition. It is one of the greatest moments of my teaching career.   The two things that make my job the most fulfilling are working with my students and serving the faculty members in my division. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with such great individuals at Jones. Many of my dearest friends are right here on campus. Becoming a faculty member at this college has been a lifelong dream for me.  God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve people every day, and I am so thankful for that,” said Windham. 

Windham is held in high regard by her colleagues on campus.  JCJC Academic Dean Dr. Shannon Campbell sees Windham as a tremendous asset for the college. 

"Cheryl Windham is a visionary leader who inspires her division to greatness.  She is a prime example of what it means to be a life coach.  She encourages her students and all others around her to achieve their very best both inside the classroom and outside our college campus.  Ms. Windham possesses an enthusiastic, can-do attitude that is contagious for those around her.  I am very proud for Ms. Windham in receiving this much deserved award," said Campbell.

Dr. Ronald Bishop, last year's recipient of the Humanities Teacher of the Year, believes Windham has been instrumental in his progress as a standout faculty member.  "Cheryl and I began teaching at Jones in the same year, and I have admired her for just that long.  She has many qualities that make her the obvious choice for this award.  Cheryl makes you know when you are in her presence that you are important to her.  Her classes are quick to fill because her reputation as a caring teacher precedes her.  She is beloved among her colleagues because she loves people and treats them fairly.  She is an exemplary Division Chairman, and her leadership style has influenced me a lot,” Bishop said. 

Windham’s scholarship and teaching ability are equaled by her interest in community service.  “She has helped me in tutoring Hispanic children and adults and in delivering Christmas gifts to needy children as well.  She is a worthy recipient of the Humanities Teacher of the Year award.  Her humanity shows in everything she does," Bishop added.

The lists of comments about Windham’s influence reach far outside the perimeter of the college's campus.  Standout Bobcat football player Chauncey Davis, now an NFL Atlanta Falcon, recently endowed a scholarship at JCJC in Windham's honor for the positive impact she had on his life as an college instructor.  Each year, a recipient is chosen at the JCJC Foundation’s Award Day to receive this scholarship. 

In a phone interview Friday, Davis commented on the impact Windham had on him as a teacher. “She’s caring, and she’s compassionate. She is willing to help her students be successful. It doesn’t matter what you need, she will do whatever it takes to help you. She inspired me, and I will always remember Ms. Windham. She is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Davis.

Davis played for the Bobcats in 2001-2002 under coach Parker Dykes. His talents as a defensive end helped JCJC to an impressive 18-5 record.  In 2001, the Bobcats went 10-1 topping off their season with a state championship victory.

After graduating from Jones, Davis headed to Florida State University where he played for head coach Bobby Bowden. There, Davis was named the team’s most outstanding player as a senior in 2004. While he was at FSU, Davis stayed in contact with Windham, calling himself her “one and only son.”

In 2005, Davis was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and is still successful with them today. So far in 2009, Davis has five solo tackles and four assists through Atlanta’s first four games.  The 3-1 Falcons will host the Chicago Bears in this week’s NFL Sunday night game at 7 p.m. (Central) on NBC.

Windham is a native of Soso, a West Jones high school graduate, and a JCJC alumnus.  Windham attended the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English.  Then she earned an Ed. Specialist degree from Mississippi State University.  

Windham has a daughter, Callie, who is a standout musician at USM.  Callie is enrolled as a graduate student at USM where she assists with the university’s marching band, The Pride. Callie is principle flute for the prestigious USM Wind Ensemble who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in flute performance at Florida State University or Michigan State University.