By Sacha Johnston
USD 475
Each year, Dr. Mardell Maxwell takes time out of his work at the University of Houston to return home to Junction City and interact with USD 475 students. He is a Blue Jay at heart and remembers his time at Junction City High School fondly. He graduated from JCHS in 2004, and during his time there he participated in football, basketball, music, band, and theatre performances.
Maxwell’s hard work, dedication, and focus as a young man landed him an Executive Director position at a young age. He was appointed as the Executive Director of Admissions for the University of Houston – and he was the youngest person to ever be appointed to an Executive Director position at a Tier 1 school. Dr. Maxwell says of this accomplishment: “I am an example of hard work meeting opportunity (and a whole lot of prayer).”
Maxwell is scheduled to visit JCMS and JCHS students later this month. When asked what wisdom he plans to share with these students, he responds: “These students are smart, talented, and capable of accomplishing so much. They must know that they are leaders of today – not tomorrow. They have a responsibility to lead themselves by making positive choices and lead others through positive relationships. We need our youth to dream, set goals, make action plans, and get to work! Most importantly, I want students to know that people care about them. Their teachers, coaches, and community cares. There is someone willing to travel from Houston, Texas to invest in them because people care.”
Mardell believes that it takes a village to support our youth – and each other. He credits his parents for providing him with the guidance he needed as a young man, but also expresses gratitude for the neighbors, bus drivers, teachers, coaches, and other community members that supported him through his development. That is why he returns to Junction City each year to work with students. He says, “My focus is to invest time in helping others reach their goals.”
When he is not working at the University of Houston or with students, Maxwell spends his time with his wife and children, and coaching youth baseball.