Featured Community Members
Tim Mitchell, owner of Mitchell’s Drug Stores in Neosho, is also a graduate of East Newton High School and a longtime Neosho resident. Based on his years of serving Newton County, he shares is experiences working alongside Crowder College over the years, “I’ve seen firsthand how access to education and workforce development can transform individuals and strengthen rural communities. In particular, Crowder’s commitment to student success and hands-on training has reinforced the importance of meeting people where they are and equipping them with real-world skills. This has influenced how I approach my own work—focusing on creating opportunities, building relationships, and supporting others in achieving their goals,” says Tim Mitchell.
Tim has also been a staple in the community long enough to see the impact of Crowder College on the entire Southwest Missouri region, particularly regarding crucial workforce needs in several local communities. Knowing these exact needs, Tim shares, “Crowder’s presence in the region has been vital in developing a skilled workforce and fostering partnerships that benefit local businesses and healthcare providers. It has helped create a pipeline of motivated, capable individuals who are invested in staying and contributing to our communities.”
Mitchell’s Drug Stores shares similar values with Crowder, especially when it comes to servant leadership. Tim’s business works with the Neosho High School NewCaps Program, provides vaccines in community health fairs, and works with other area schools to facilitate pharmacy rotations, among many other community affairs. Tim tells us, “Crowder plays a vital role in the communities it serves by acting as both an educational institution and a community partner focused on growth and sustainability. It provides accessible, affordable education that allows students to gain skills, certifications, and degrees without leaving the area—helping keep talent local and strengthening the workforce.”
Crowder College thanks Tim Mitchell and his family owned and operated business for strengthening the communities they serve each and every day.
Kenzie Crawford is a 2019 grad, making her a young, supportive alumni! Kenzie is also a
Newton County resident, where she also works, furthering her commitment and
investment in her own community. She was also a Roughrider softball player during her
time at Crowder, before she graduated with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations.
She reflects on her time here at Crowder College, and how it has shaped her over the
years into the woman she is today, “Crowder provided opportunities for me to grow and
succeed while I was a student and has continued to do so as an Alumni,” says Kenzie. “I
am currently employed by another Crowder Alumni and have been able to stay
connected to the Crowder community through Alumni programs. I would not be the
person I am today if it weren’t for Crowder!”
She currently holds the title of National Sales Manager at Black Rain Ordnance, Inc. in
Neosho. She tells us the role Crowder played in reaching milestones throughout her
career, “From my personal experience, it is a stepping stone for young athletes/students
to grow, learn, and create relationships and friendships that will shape their future.”
Like many alumni who are deeply connected to the communities within Newton County,
Kenzie sees the value and the different ways the college plays in supporting the region in
workforce endeavors, “I believe Crowder is a strong resource for many members of the
surrounding communities for accessible and affordable education, employment and
employment opportunities, and serving as a community space with helpful outreach
programs,” she says.
Crowder College thanks Kenzie Crawford for strengthening the communities she serves
each and every day.
