09/05/2026
Saturday Spotlight
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – For more than three decades, Ms. Jean Harrington has faithfully served students, faculty, and the educational community with humility, dedication, and a heart for Christ. While she may prefer to work behind the scenes, her impact on Blue Mountain Christian University has been felt across campus for more than 33 years.
Currently serving as the administrative assistant for BMCU's School of Education, Harrington's journey to Blue Mountain began after a distinguished 33-year career as a public high school English teacher. Looking for a new challenge in an office environment, she shared her interest with then-BMCU leader Dr. E. Harold Fisher during a chance encounter. Dr. Fisher informed her of a need in the Registrar's Office, where assistance was needed to bring organization and structure. Harrington accepted the opportunity and began what would become a decades-long ministry of service to the university.
"Dr. Fisher said he needed someone in the Registrar's Office to help get it organized, and 33 years later, I'm still organizing, though not in the Registrar’s Office," Harrington often says with a smile.
After years of service in the Registrar's Office, Harrington joined the School of Education in 2007, where she continues to be an indispensable member of the department. Her responsibilities have extended far beyond administrative duties. Throughout her tenure, she has guided education undergraduate and teacher graduate students through their academic journeys, offering not only practical assistance but also Christian encouragement as students balanced family responsibilities, coursework, and professional expectations.
Harrington's service has impacted hundreds of future educators. She played a key role in preparing Continuing Education Unit (CEU) certificates for teachers across the region and devoted approximately a decade to the university's Literacy on the Lawn program, which served between 300 and 400 kindergarten students annually from surrounding communities.
In addition to her daily responsibilities, she chaired the Strategic Direction 04 Committee (SD04), an initiative launched under former BMCU President Dr. Bettye R. Coward to advance volunteer service opportunities. Her outstanding contributions were recognized when she received the university's Staff of the Year award.
Despite these accomplishments, Harrington has never sought recognition.
"She always preferred to work behind the scenes," colleagues note. "She does not enjoy the spotlight, but she possesses an extraordinary servant's heart."
Dr. Ashley Coleman, Dean of the School of Education, praised Harrington's immeasurable contribution to the department and its students.
"Ms. Jean is truly the heart of our School of Education," Coleman said. "She is an incredible help to me personally, but her impact reaches far beyond the work she does each day. She keeps our department running, knows our students by name, answers countless questions, and is always willing to go above and beyond to help someone. What makes her so special is her genuine servant heart. She doesn't simply do a job; she cares deeply for the people she serves. I am incredibly grateful for her wisdom, dedication, and the joy she brings to our School of Education. We simply would not be the same without Ms. Jean."
Harrington's commitment to service extends well beyond the university. A faithful member of Blue Mountain Baptist Church, formerly Lowrey Memorial Baptist Church, she has served as church clerk for about 20 years and has participated on numerous church committees. One of her most enduring ministries has been teaching Sunday School for more than 50 years, faithfully investing biblical truth into the lives of generations of believers.
Her unwavering faith has shaped every aspect of her service. When asked to share a Bible verse that exemplifies Harrington's life and work, BMCU President Dr. Barbara McMillin pointed to Colossians 3:23-24:
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."
— Colossians 3:23-24, KJV
McMillin noted that this verse captures the very essence of Harrington's faithful service, explaining the motivation behind her work and reflecting her lifelong commitment to a higher audience and a higher purpose. Whether serving students, faculty, fellow church members, or her community, Harrington has consistently demonstrated that her service is ultimately an offering to the Lord.
Throughout her years at Blue Mountain Christian University, Ms. Jean Harrington has quietly modeled Christ-like servanthood, integrity, and faithfulness. While her work often takes place behind the scenes, the lives she has touched and the countless students, teachers, and colleagues she has encouraged stand as a lasting testimony to her legacy. Her love for her Savior, commitment to Christian education, and dedication to serving others have made her a treasured member of the BMCU family and an example of faithful service for generations to come.
Blue Mountain Christian University is an institution of higher learning that assists students in developing intellectual integrity, academic excellence, civility, and character.
