Mind Over Matter

ALUMNI ON A Mission

MINDover

MATTER

CCC alumna & mental health expert Alexandria Davis talks about her career and educational journeys.

“ “ I liken CCC to a stepping-stone that has the potential to set you out on the right path when you properly utilize the resources that are available to you.

Other mental health companies benefited from the expertise of Coahoma Community College’s Alexandria Davis. After realizing her worth and an enlightening conversation with her husband, Davis decided it was time to switch gears in her career.

“After consulting for various agencies, I lamented to my husband one too many times about how effective I was at improving their programs, without due reward,” said Davis. “He responded with what I accepted as a challenge for me to do it myself. It then evolved into an endeavor that would create a legacy for my daughter, princess Bailee.”

The endeavor that Davis refers to is her business, Milestone LLC. The company is a 24-hour, 7-days- a- week mental health community support service for individuals with behavioral and psychiatric disorders aged 18 and older. Davis and her team treat those with severe and persistent mental illness, causing symptoms and impairments that produce distress and disabilities in their day-to-day functioning. The company is based in Portsmouth, Virginia. Eliminating the stigma of seeking mental health care in the Black and other minority communities piqued Davis’ interest in the field. Also, aiding the mental health of our military personnel was also a motivating factor in building her passion.

“My passion for mental health stems from observing barriers that disproportionately exist in Black and other communities of color, and the pervasive stigma that still affects our communities. As a military spouse, I have a strong affinity for the veteran population as well. At every stage of our lives, mental health plays a vital role.”

Davis has expanded her services to group homes with her Mainstay Haven, LLC company. Her goal for the group home is to treat her patients while preparing them for normal living.

“Group homes are necessary to integrate those suffering from disabilities into the community, within the least restrictive environment. These homes are intended to afford everyone a safe and good quality of life.”

Coahoma Community College is where Davis’ was equipped to pursue excellence, and for that, she is a proud alumna. She’s grateful to CCC for giving her the tools to take the mental health field by storm.

“I liken CCC to a stepping-stone that has the potential to set you out on the right path when you properly utilize the resources that are available to you. I enrolled prepared to take full advantage of my time as a student there. The cliché that you get what you put into it rings true.”

Two of Davis’ former instructors, Mrs. Vera Griffin, an English teacher, and Mrs. Karen Woods-Done, an academic advisor, were integral in her development. She credits their leadership and guidance for her success.

“Mrs. Griffin’s passion for the field she chose has manifested in me. Her commitment to producing the brightest students is remarkable. I would be remiss if I did not mention Mrs. Done’s investment in my future. She is an instrumental figure that I credit for my success as well because she was a capable academic advisor who was available to speak on a broad range of topics.”

available to speak on a broad range of topics.”

Attending CCC fueled Davis’ will to succeed. She remembers being counted out for not choosing a four-year college or university and how becoming an underdog motivated her to prove the naysayers wrong. She thanks her alma mater for instilling in her an appreciation for hard work and perseverance.

“It offers a true depiction of the story of my life, who always roots for the underdog. When you are counted out for not choosing a four-year institution, there is an advocate behind you to trumpet your excellence. It is kind of reminiscent of the work that I do.”

As Davis reflected on her time as a student, she remembers the huge role family and friends played in her life after her father’s death. Those relationships are what gave her the strength to enjoy her college days while grieving the loss of a loved one.

“The convenience of attending a reputable school that also permitted me additional time with family proved precious after my father died the following year. Encountering so many familiar faces felt like an extension of high school, so making friends was an easy task.” The world awaits fresh ideas and new leadership from the younger generation, which is why Davis encourages current and prospective CCC students to remain focused on learning and completing their college educations.

“Enjoy the college experience; however, I caution you against spending too much time celebrating. Take full advantage of the opportunities in front of you. Your time in college is fleeting, so do not waste this valuable commodity. We are waiting for you. Therefore, achieve your milestone.”

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: Mrs. Rena Butler

ENDS HER MONUMENTAL CAREER AT COAHOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

For three decades, Coahoma Community College alumna Rena Butler has dedicated her time and expertise to her beloved alma mater. After years of breaking barriers and extraordinary leadership, Butler is looking toward a new future.

Butler recently moved on from her position as the first chairwoman and president of the Coahoma Community College Board of Trustees. As Butler reflects on her years of service, it reminds her of her passion for the college that made her who she is today.

“The author Simon Sinek wrote, ‘When we work hard on something we believe in, it’s called passion. When we work hard on something we don’t believe in, it’s called stress.’ It has been a rewarding and exceptional experience to be a part of Coahoma Community College’s growth and successes,” said Brown.

Now that her tenure is over, she’s reminded of the good memories she made along her journey.

“I enjoyed being a member of such a wonderful and dedicated board that supported and worked very hard to move Coahoma Community College forward. I enjoyed giving back to the alma mater that I love so much. I also enjoyed attending the activities sponsored by the college. I miss interacting with my fellow board members and board members from other colleges. I also miss celebrating our accomplishments and the monthly meetings.”

The path that Butler blazed is appreciated by many, including CCC President Dr. Valmadge Towner. Towner praises Butler for her exceptional tenure as one of the college’s most iconic leaders.

“She was a force of good and positiveness for the college,” said Towner. “Coahoma Community College became better because of her contributions and leadership. She led with class, eloquence, and integrity. We miss her objectivity and capacity to serve the college in a non-egotistical manner. She has provided a model for all of us to follow in the future.”

Impact is important to Butler, so her goal has always been to spread positivity in her interaction with others.

“It has been said that a person is only known by the impact that they have on others in the end. I am very grateful and honored to have maintained an unwavering fidelity to the traditions and values of our founders.”

History is synonymous with Butler’s name. She was the first woman elected to the board in 1985, and in 2018, she became the first female chair and president for the board. Butler credits the wise words of encouragement from her mother and her faith in God for her barrier-breaking achievements.

“My mother always taught me that nothing comes easy. I credit all of my achievements at Coahoma to God and my unyielding, never give up attitude. I am an avid Bible reader. I believe that ‘With God, all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26) and ‘With God, nothing shall be impossible’ (Luke 1:37). I hope that my hard work and achievements will impact the lives of young people and inspire them to become great leaders so that they can change the trajectory of their future and communities.”

Because of her incredible career accomplishments, Butler is passionate about motivating women to strive for the impossible. She hopes that her career can be the spark that young women need to pursue their dreams.

“As a professional educator, I believe that the commitment, dedication, and motivation that I have shown during my career will inspire the next generation of women to challenge themselves to become the greatest educators and leaders possible. I encourage the women of today and those of tomorrow not to give up, work hard, be persistent, and remember if I can be successful, you can too.”