Adrienne Morris

Adrienne Morris

Whether helping teach adults basic literacy or giving a workshop to university professionals about leadership, Adrienne Morris believes in trying to develop human potential.

She has seen the improvements in employees if they're offered opportunities for additional training, education, and skills. A learning and development specialist at Mississippi State's office of Human Resources Management, Morris spends her days trying to ensure employees have the resources they need to be the best they can possibly be at their jobs. She's a firm believer that as people grow professionally, MSU becomes a better university.

But her desire to help others improve doesn't stop when she leaves the office. She also serves as an adult basic education instructor in nearby Columbus, where she's committed to helping adults in that community develop skills that will help them land a job.

Morris thinks her professional and personal interests are a perfect match, because her time is spent doing what she loves doing most. "I just like helping people," she said

And because she believes so strongly in professional development and continued growth, she's the first to practice what she teaches. About a year ago, by taking night classes, Morris earned her second master's degree, this one in public policy and administration.