Myrtle Davis-Hedrick, a dedicated resident of Port Gibson, Mississippi, and a third generation Alcornite, has woven a rich tapestry of family history and community service. With a solid academic background and a thriving career at WPRL 91.7 FM (Alcorn’s radio station), she also holds the position of City Alderwoman, serving her beloved town with unwavering commitment. Hedrick’s diverse skill set, encompasses roles as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist, and Licensed Cosmetologist, is only matched by her boundless passion for helping those in need, transcending any social, age, or racial boundaries. When she’s not making a positive impact on her community, Hedrick indulges in her creative pursuits, including decorating, event planning, and the love of travel, radiating joy and warmth to all who know her.
Why did you choose Alcorn? I could have attended any college I wanted to, but I chose Alcorn because it’s a generation thing that just felt right for me to continue the tradition. There’s no other school I would have considered attending. As the saying goes, “I bleed Purple and Gold.”
What organizations are you a part of? I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Nu Kappa Zeta Chapter in Vicksburg, Mississippi, The Order of Eastern Star #91, The National Association of Black Journalists, Southern Property Law Center, Mississippi Advocacy Institute, Friends of the Library, Advisory Craft Committee for Digital Media Technology Claiborne County CTE and Girl Scouts of America Troop Leader.
How has Alcorn helped prepare you for your career? Alcorn prepared me by offering me courses, workshops and conferences that actually related to the job that I have. By presenting these choices to me it enhanced my comfortability here on my job.
What is something you enjoyed most about Alcorn? Most of all let me just say that “I love that the air is cleaner, the grass is greener, and the water is a little bit sweeter here at Alcorn.” I enjoy seeing students walk across campus eager to meet new people. The excitement that all of the sports teams bring to the campus is amazing. Also, the closeness that I have with my co-workers is immeasurable.
Do you have any advice for current or future students on ‘The Yard’? I would advise students and future students to take advantage of research opportunities, not to be afraid to stand behind what you know, find ways to stay focused in classes, don’t let your program confine you, manage your time and take a partial course load if you need to, establish positive lifelong habits, develop a work-life balance, prioritize learning to write well, don’t be afraid to change directions and most of all make time for personal growth.
