February 13, 2025 | By Dr. Alexus Hunter
(Clarksdale, Mississippi) – Coahoma Community College proudly announces the remarkable accomplishments of three distinguished staff members, each having earned advanced degrees. Dr. Alexus G. Hunter, Dr. Nekedra Blockett, and Dr. Tolernisa Butler have not only advanced their own academic pursuits but also set a stellar example of dedication and resilience for the student body and their community.
Alexus G. Hunter – Chief Communications Officer Originally from Clarksdale, Mississippi, Dr. Alexus G. Hunter achieved her Doctor of Education in Leadership from Spalding University in December 2024. Despite starting a demanding job and relocating back to Mississippi, Dr. Hunter overcame numerous challenges, including balancing her rigorous academic schedule with her professional duties, notably working for a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. Her research focused on “The Impact of Leadership Strategies on First-Year African American Students at Rural Southern HBCUs.” Dr. Hunter envisions a future where she can further influence higher education by becoming a VP of Enrollment Management or Student Affairs and eventually transitioning to academia to share her insights as a professor.
Dr. Hunter shares, “Embarking on this journey, I faced fears of not having enough time or falling short of my expectations. However, my determination and the support from my loved ones, along with my faith in God, have taught me that perseverance leads to unimaginable achievements.”
Nekedra Blockett – Director of Admissions Dr. Nekedra Blockett completed her doctoral journey in September 2023 from Capella University, with a hooding ceremony held in March 2024. Her degree, a Doctorate of Education with a specialization in Adult Education, was earned through extensive research focused on “Academic Retention and Student Success,” which included developing a specialized course on retention at the college level. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to inspire her daughters and to demonstrate that with faith and effort, any goal is attainable. While balancing her professional and personal life, Dr. Blockett’s commitment to academic excellence and personal growth serves as a powerful example of how educational aspirations can profoundly impact both personal and professional life.
“Seeing my children’s faces when I completed my degree reminded me that we are only limited by the boundaries we set for ourselves. I wanted them to see that with God and hard work, anything is possible,” said Dr. Blockett.
Tolernisa Butler – Director of Educational Outreach Dr. Tolernisa Butler completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University in December 2024. Facing the daunting task of balancing her dissertation with her personal and professional responsibilities, Dr. Butler’s journey was fueled by the support from her family and friends. They helped her navigate the pressures of academic and life commitments. Dr. Butler’s enduring faith and belief in the power of dreams played a crucial role in her success. Her research has added valuable insights into the strategies for enhancing leadership efficacy within community colleges, aiming to foster environments that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness. Dr. Butler is now poised to apply her knowledge and leadership skills to spearhead initiatives that will drive transformation and growth at Coahoma Community College and beyond.
“The process was challenging, but my conviction that ‘if God said it, that settles it’ kept me anchored. Achieving this goal has shown me that the impossible becomes possible when you believe and persevere,” Dr. Butler reflects.
A Unified Vision All three educators share a common goal: to leverage their experiences and knowledge to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to their fields. Their journeys underscore a shared commitment to excellence and a belief in the transformative power of education.
As they continue their professional paths at Coahoma Community College, Drs. Hunter, Blockett, and Butler not only serve as role models but also as catalysts for change, encouraging everyone in their orbit to pursue their dreams with vigor and faith.
