Motlow Professor Receives State Honor For Community Service

McMinnville resident and Motlow State Associate Professor Misty Griffith has been recognized by the state for her service to the community.

Griffith is one of five honorees for the 2021 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. Griffith said for her, community service is a small cause that can lead to a brighter future.

“It’s not about just fixing problem temporarily,” Griffith said. “But, you really are giving people in your community the tools that they need to have a lasting impact, and that’s why I personally enjoy community service.”

Griffith said her love for serving started as a Motlow State student in the early 2000’s. Griffith said joining the honor society Phi Theta Kappa helped her develop the ability to see where services are needed.

“I went back to Motlow as an instructor,” Griffith said. “I became an advisor for Phi Theta Kappa. So now, I get to help students learn how fun and how amazing it is to give back to other people. So really, all roads lead back to Motlow.”

While Griffith is a member of numerous organization, the Motlow Ladies’ Philanthropic Society is special to her heart. Griffith said the organization provides scholarships for unconventional women students.

“I feel like the reason this is so special is because these scholarships really help lift up mothers in our community,” Griffith said. “It not only helps mothers, but it also helps their children. It really does perpetuate the amazing effort of people who really want to lift up people in our community.”

Griffith was the only community college professor in the state to be recognized for her service. Griffith said she wants people to know that she is not special and that anybody can find a passion and give back.