Mary Morrison
Mary M. Morrison is a dedicated education leader and administrator with a remarkable career spanning more than two decades at South Louisiana Community College. Recently promoted to Director of Campus Operations, she oversees multiple campuses including Crowley, Abbeville, and Franklin, focusing on community engagement, student services, and fostering a positive campus culture. Mary’s approach to leadership is grounded in kindness, adaptability, and using her talents to support student success.
Mary’s career began in healthcare, where she spent over 20 years in administrative and coordination roles at Lafayette General. After earning her bachelor’s degree in business, she transitioned to education, serving as a Student Success Advisor and later as Acadian Campus Director. During her tenure as campus director, she significantly grew enrollment, demonstrating her commitment to both student achievement and institutional growth. Her professional philosophy emphasizes helping others, embracing change, and leading with integrity.
A lifelong learner, Mary holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Education focused on adult education and training. She is deeply involved in her community, participating in organizations such as the Junior League, National Association of University Women, Rotary, Kiwanis, HIPNO, and her sorority. Mary has earned numerous honors, including being the first African American woman elected to the Lafayette Parish School Board and the first Black female president of that board, as well as receiving awards for leadership, education, and community service.
• University of Phoenix- M.A.Ed.
• First African American woman elected to the Lafayette Parish School Board
• Women Who Means Business
• Leadership in Education Award
• Everyday Excellence Award-SoLAccc
• Junior League
• Mardi Gras Court Rayne LA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to focusing on community engagement, supporting students, building a positive campus culture, and using my talents to help others while staying open to change and leading with kindness. Being open to Learn from others, attending leadership classes, and knowing that learning is a lifelong experience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your dreams, work hard, and continue your education. Education open many doors in which will assist with reaching your highest potential. Learn from others, get a mentor, find someone who inspire you, and follow in their foots steps. Volunteer in your community, join organizations, give back to your community.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to never give up, believe in yourself, keep working toward your goals, and always keep moving forward—you can do it!
Most of all prepare yourself for opportunity and advancement, through experience and education.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is encouraging students to pursue further education to achieve higher roles and better pay. Especially students that are first generation students. However, I’ve seen a positive shift as more students become open-minded and willing to approach their futures with purpose and compassion.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are living a good life with kindness, creating a positive and supportive culture, and showing appreciation. Giving back to my community. Personally, I cherish time with my three children and three grandchildren, enjoy cooking, decorating, traveling with my husband, and staying connected with family and friends.