As a Byram High School graduate, Ronnie Richardson wanted to continue his education but also play football. He found his opportunity at Hinds Community College where he played tight end and guard in 1984 and 1985.
“I loved it. It was local. I got a great education. It was a segue to get to a major college,” he said.
After leaving Hinds, he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Mississippi State University in 1988 and an MBA from Mississippi College in 1991. Richardson, now a Hinds County real estate broker, has been on the Hinds Community College Foundation Board of Directors since January 2020.
He agreed to serve on the board “because my heart is with Hinds. I understand what the Foundation is all about,” he said. “I’m all about helping people if we can help them.”
What he sees on the Foundation board are students who “need a chance to try to make it.” The Foundation’s primary role is to provide scholarships to students.
“If you can provide somebody a chance, that’s huge. If they don’t pick up the ball and run with it, there’s nothing you can do to help them.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s going to school or running a business. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing in life. If they’re not going to put forth any effort it’s a wasted endeavor. But the students I see have been given a chance, and they’re thrilled with the chance. They’ll capitalize on that chance,” Richardson said.
“Giving opportunity to somebody who in other circumstances wouldn’t have an opportunity – that’s the reason I serve on the Foundation.”