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Northwest Announces 2010 HEADWAE Honorees
By S.A. Umberger
For The Observer

Northwest Mississippi Community College accountancy major Gregory Steadman of Nesbit was selected as the HEADWAE student honoree for 2010.
“I feel extremely privileged and grateful for being considered,” said Steadman. “It is a great honor to be chosen as a HEADWAE honoree, so I’m very appreciative.”
HEADWAE stands for “Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence.” It was established by the Mississippi Legislative Resolution No. 88 in 1987 to annually honor the academically talented students and faculty members of Mississippi’s higher education institutions who have made outstanding contributions in promoting academic excellence.
The 2010 Higher Education Appreciation Day will take place on Feb. 24 in Jackson where they have a luncheon to show appreciation for selected honorees.
According to Keith Reed, 2010 HEADWAE faculty honoree, the idea and goal of HEADWAE is to promote academic excellence among the institutions of higher learning in the state.
“I was prompted to nominate Gregory Steadman as the student honoree because of his stellar academic performance,” said Reed. “I had the pleasure of teaching Gregory Business Statistics and found him to be one of the brightest students that I’ve had the honor of teaching. He is truly an asset to our college.”
After graduating from Northwest, Steadman plans to attend The University of Mississippi.
“I absolutely love Northwest. It is a great place to start a college career for several reasons,” said Steadman. “The tuition is affordable, the classes are small, the staff is extremely helpful and understanding of students' situations. Attending Northwest is the best college decision I could have made.
“Mr. Reed has inspired me to work harder to use my time wisely, not only in college, but also throughout my life," said Steadman. “He also helped me to not get frustrated when things didn’t go my way. He taught me to never give up, even when the times are at their worst.”
According to Steadman, his parents, Robert and Sheila Steadman, have stood behind him during his educational pursuits and he explained how God has guided him throughout his life and his education.
“My advice to others it to keep working toward the goal you want to achieve, place your trust in God and good things will happen for you,” he said.
In related news, Keith Reed, business instructor at Northwest Mississippi Community College’s DeSoto Center campus, was selected as this year's HEADWAE faculty honoree for his outstanding performance in education.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be selected for the HEADWAE award,” said Reed. “This honor has had a tremendous impact on me and my passion for teaching. It has motivated me to strive for excellence all the more.”
HEADWAE stands for “Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence.” It was established by the Mississippi Legislative Resolution No. 88 in 1987 to annually honor the academically talented students and faculty members of Mississippi’s higher education institutions who have made outstanding contributions in promoting academic excellence.
The 2010 Higher Education Appreciation Day will take place on Feb. 24 in Jackson where they have a luncheon to show appreciation for selected honorees.
“I attribute my career success to education, determination and sacrifice,” said Reed. “If I could give any advice to students, it would be to strive for excellence and never give up.”
Reed, a resident of Batesville, has been teaching business communications and business statistics at DeSoto Center for five years. He is the co-advisor for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, an advisory board member for the Funeral Service Technology Program and a member of the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee. Reed is also a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of
Mississippi and Tennessee.
He attended Northwest, where he received an associate of applied science degree in funeral service technology and an associate of arts degree in business administration.
He later attended Belhaven University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business.
“My grandmother was the main inspiration in my life,” said Reed. “She inspired me to pursue both my career passions.”
According to Gregory Steadman, accountancy major at Northwest and 2010 HEADWAE student honoree, Reed has helped to bolster his confidence and encouraged him to strive to achieve his educational goals.
“Mr. Reed has inspired me to work harder to use my time wisely, not only in college, but also throughout my life," said Steadman. “He also helped me to not get frustrated when things didn’t go my way. He taught me to never give up, even when the times are at their worst.”