Crowder College faculty

Monte Padgett

Director, Crowder College Nevada Center

Background:

Previously, Student Support Services at the Nevada Center for three years.

Favorite quote:

"The difference between you now and in five years will be defined by the people you meet and the books you read."

Residence:

Nevada

What do you like most about your work?

"Crowder College is a great place in a wonderful community. I enjoy coming to work each day and seeing students dedicated to improving themselves connect with instructors and staff willing to help them succeed.

"The Nevada Center has highly skilled team members who advise, instruct, mentor, encourage, and build relationships with our students. Our students are here for a variety of reasons.

Some are pursuing RN degrees; others are working on general studies degrees with plans to transfer to four-year institutions. Some are working toward applied science degrees with plans to enter the work force directly after completing their degrees.

"All have a common goal within these differences. They are working on improving their lives. Some want to be role models for their own children or grandchildren; others are looking for employment opportunities, and many are seeking professional positions at the end of their courses of study.

"A+, GI Bills for veterans, Pell Grants, and Stafford loans are just a few of the financial benefits our students use to help them achieve their goals.

"The bottom line: I get to go to work every day and lead a group of 60-plus dedicated people who support the 400 students here to improve themselves. I have the best job in town!"

How I got this position:

"I first started working as an adjunct instructor in math for Crowder about 8 years ago. I became the Student Support Services Director in 2010, and was recently hired as the campus director.

Who inspires you? Why?

"There are several. The following are just a few:

"My father -- he taught me the value of work, regardless of pay. He instilled in me values that I have always been able to rely on: honesty, integrity, family first.

"My wife -- what a great woman. She is the best teacher I have ever known. She has the ability to get 25 kindergartners to do exactly what she wants them to do and keep them smiling. She manages our home, our kids, and me. I do not know how she gets it all done, especially at the level of excellence in which she does it. Everyone should have a spouse as great as mine.

"Terry and Anna Beckham -- they started as surrogate parents for my wife and me while in college. They turned into great friends who have guided us in our faith and supported us as we got married and started our own family.

"Others worth mentioning:

Dave Ramsey, John Maxwell, Meg Meeker, Emmerson Eggerichs, and Henery Cloud. These are all authors who have made a difference in my life.

"Dave Gilbert and Jay Johnson, college buddies. We keep each other grounded.

Family:

Kristy: Currently a reading specialist for Nevada R-5. Mikena, eighth grader, and Kaden, third grader in Nevada.

Hobbies:

Hunting, traveling, metal fabrication and machining, go-kart racing.

Education:

Bachelor of Science, mathematics education, Missouri Southern State University; Master of Science, school leadership, Pittsburg State University. An advanced degree in mathematics is approximately half completed.

Career background:

"I worked for a dollar an hour at my parents' auto parts store as a kid. In high school, I worked for O'Reilly Automotive. College took me to a salvage yard, then Western Auto. Since college, I have worked as a teacher and coach for 14 years: two years as principal, three years as student support services director, and now campus director.