Two Longtime Employees Honored with Northwest’s President’s Customer Service Award
SENATOBIA, Miss. – Northwest Mississippi Community College has recognized two dedicated employees with its 2025 President’s Customer Service Award.
This year’s honorees are Kim Steinman of Senatobia, the staff recipient, and Celia Barham of Senatobia, the faculty recipient. The annual award honors faculty and staff who demonstrate outstanding service to students, colleagues and the community. Recipients are nominated by fellow employees, with final selections made by a review committee.
Honoring Dedication in eLearning
Steinman joined Northwest in 2003 and has worked in the eLearning department for nearly two decades, specializing in Canvas, the college’s online learning platform. Over the years, she has advanced from receptionist to a key role supporting online education. She has also been previously recognized as Employee of the Month.
“I was both surprised and deeply honored to receive this award, as it was something I never expected,” Steinman said. “It is incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts are appreciated and recognized by my peers and the administration.” She credited her former supervisor, Phyllis Johnson, and current dean of eLearning, Angel Nickens, for their support throughout her career.
Building a Program, Inspiring Students
Barham began teaching at Northwest in 2022, helping establish the college’s Surgical Technology program at the DeSoto campus. A graduate of Northwest herself, she earned an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology in 2013 and a practical nursing certificate in 2016 before working as a surgical technician.
She said her return to teach was the fulfillment of a longtime goal. “I knew I wanted to teach, but it wasn’t feasible as a brand-new grad. Years later, the opportunity presented itself, and I couldn’t wait to take it,” Barham said.
Outside the classroom, Barham enjoys spending time with her five-year-old daughter, Jacie Jo, and her sisters, who she calls her best friends. A passionate baker, she often shares sourdough creations made with her starter, affectionately named “Doughlene.” She also inspires her students by keeping Romans 8:28 written on her classroom whiteboard: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Recognizing Service
Northwest leaders said Steinman and Barham exemplify the college’s mission of service and commitment. The President’s Customer Service Award has become a way to highlight those who not only excel in their roles but also go above and beyond to support the campus community.
