Myrtle Davis-Hedrick is a third generation Alcornite from Port Gibson, Mississippi. She graduated from Port Gibson High School in 1981 and in 1984 she earned her Associate of Arts degree from Hinds Community College in Secretary Science. Continuing her education, Davis-Hedrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications in 2016 and a Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership in 2020, both from Alcorn.
She has 4 sons Julius, Ryan, Jeremy and Tre’ and 1 daughter Ja’kerrica and 13 grandchildren. Her mother, Fay Davis, was the first black clerk hired in Port Gibson and her father, Joseph Davis, Sr., was a graduate of Alcorn and served as Chief of Security on Alcorn State’s main campus. She has 3 sisters, Belinda, Catina, and Nekeyma and 2 brothers Joseph Jr. and Patrick. In addition to her job at Alcorn’s radio station (WPRL 91.7 FM) at Alcorn, she is an Alderwoman for the City of Port Gibson, a Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist and a licensed Cosmetologist. She is 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, and a Girl Scout of America Troop Leader.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN EMPLOYED AT ALCORN? I have been an employee at Alcorn for 13 years and 2 months.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? My job entails answering phones, taking messages, and directing calls, managing and organizing files, preparing contracts and reports, maintaining 3 budgets, supervising work study students and planning WPRL/Mass Communications events.
WHEN YOU’RE AT WORK, HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOURSELF? When I’m at work, I motivate myself by taking regular breaks and finding ways to make my work more engaging and meaningful. I take a walk or drive across campus for a change of scenery, listen to music, and I enjoy talking to my co-workers and students about their day.
IN TERMS OF SUCCESS, WHICH ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? In terms of success, I am most proud of being an Alderwoman in my community. I get to do what I love doing and that is helping people and making good sound decisions for the City of Port Gibson.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE THAT YOU CAN GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO JUST STARTED THEIR CAREER AT ALCORN? The best advice that I could give someone who is starting their career at Alcorn is to take advantage of research opportunities, not to be afraid to stand behind what you know, find ways to stay focused, don’t let anyone confine you, manage your time, establish positive lifelong habits, develop a work-life balance, don’t be afraid to change directions and most of all make time for personal growth.
