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“There really
is nothing that
can compare
with becoming
a grandparent.”
Bill taught when they first
moved, he then served as the
principal at Clinton Junior High.
Angie began working as a
paralegal for Watkins and Eager
PLLC, then worked for the
Mississippi Baptist Foundation.
Starting in 2003, Angie began
to work towards her degrees at
Mississippi College. Over the
course of her time there, she
earned both a bachelor’s degree
in marketing and then a master’s
degree in higher education
administration.
In 2007, Angie began working
at MC. Occupying a variety of
roles, including office manager,
campus visit coordinator, and
director of transfer recruitment,
has allowed Angie to spend the
past 15 years investing in the lives
of students. Angie says that
investing in students was the
initial reason she came to work
at MC. “I love MC—what it
stands for, and the incredible
education students receive. But
mostly I love the way we get to
pour into the students’ lives.”
For his part, Bill feels similarly
about the opportunities he’s
been provided while working in
education. Bill says, “As we
transitioned from full time
ministry, I felt the Lord was
leading me to continue serving
churches, even in a part-time
capacity. Education has proven
to be a complementary vocation
and I feel very fulfilled working
with teachers and students.”
As March of this year
approaches, the couple looks
towards celebrating 37 years
of marriage.
When asked what advice they
would give to younger couples,
both Bill and Angie have parallel
thoughts on what makes a
marriage last. As Bill says, “The
most important thing anyone
married can do is to accept their
spouse for who they are and for
whom God has created them to be.
Individuals change over time.
Embrace the change and stay
true to your commitment to the
marriage relationship.”
Angie says that in counseling
younger women, she often
prompts them to look for stability
in a potential mate. “That is
what will last.”
Naturally, 37 years have
provided a few challenges along
the way. Angie notes the transition
both she and her children
experienced when their family
transitioned from one of full-time
ministry to differing roles and
vocations. However, the years
have also provided innumerable
highlights and accomplishments
—including the birth of two
grandchildren, a grandson and a
granddaughter. “Seeing our
daughters start families of their
own has been very rewarding,”
says Bill. And Angie echoes,
“There really is nothing that can
compare with becoming a
grandparent. It is the best.”
As for what the next season of
life will hold for the Hardin’s?
They anticipate more years spent
investing in their church, their
family, their students, and their
occupations in Clinton, a town
they have grown to cherish
during their days spent working
here. Given the extent of the
Hardin’s influence and legacy,
and their ongoing impact on the
people here, Clinton is undoubtedly
a more fortunate town for
their presence and investment.
Hometown CLINTON • 9