(Clarksdale, Mississippi) — Coahoma Community College proudly celebrates a significant
academic and professional achievement by one of its own. Dr. Taneshia T. Winston,
Director of Employee Services and Coordinator for 504/ADA at CCC, has successfully
earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State
University.
This milestone reflects Dr. Winston’s enduring dedication to educational advancement, leadership, and the mission of community colleges. Her academic journey—marked by perseverance, vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to service—stands as an inspiration to colleagues and students alike.
Dr. Winston describes her experience as both challenging and transformative. “The most difficult part of this journey was navigating the rigorous demands of research and coursework while maintaining balance in other aspects of life,” she said. “But it was all worth it in the end. The growth, both personal and professional, has been truly rewarding.”
Her decision to pursue a doctorate stemmed from a desire to be a more impactful leader and advocate in higher education. Recognizing the vital role that community colleges play in shaping opportunities for students—particularly those from underserved or nontraditional backgrounds—Dr. Winston sought to deepen her knowledge and broaden her ability to serve.
Her dissertation, Work-life balance and the impact of COVID-19 on faculty at Historically Black Community Colleges, reflects timely, relevant research that addresses the evolving needs of educators and institutions alike. One of her proudest moments came when she successfully defended this work, a culmination of years of research, writing, and dedication to issues that matter deeply to her and the field at large.
“I wanted my research to contribute to the ongoing conversations around faculty well-being, especially in the unique environments of HBCU community colleges,” she said. “The pandemic amplified the challenges educators face, and it was important for me to highlight their experiences.”
With her doctorate in hand, Dr. Winston is excited to channel her expertise and passion into initiatives that support institutional growth, professional development, and student success. She plans to mentor future educators and leaders while continuing to champion the mission of community colleges as accessible, transformative spaces for learning.
“To the next cohort of doctoral students, my advice is simple: embrace the process, stay committed, and remember why you started. The challenges may be demanding, but the rewards are immeasurable,” Dr. Winston encourages.
At Coahoma Community College, Dr. Winston has long been respected for her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to equity and inclusion. This new accomplishment only adds to her legacy of excellence, and the college community celebrates her success with pride.
“Dr. Winston embodies the spirit of Coahoma—resilient, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to the success of others,” said Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, President at Coahoma Community College. “We are proud of her achievement and excited for all that she will continue to bring to our institution and to higher education.”
Coahoma Community College congratulates Dr. Taneshia Winston on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the many ways her leadership will continue to shape the college’s future.