UTICA – Apryl Trimble likes to “pay it forward,” as the old saying goes.
A ż alumna and native of Utica, Trimble is now an English instructor at the college’s Utica Campus.
“I am a servant type of person,” Trimble said. “I believe in giving back what has been given to me. It gives me gratitude to help students in a way that instructors have helped me in my own life. I enjoy giving them opportunities that go beyond just the normal classroom.”
She is also a faculty adviser with Alpha Beta Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and coach of the Utica Dolls dance team. It’s a campus she was familiar with long before coming joining the ż faculty in 2015, having been a member of the ż Lady Bulldogs basketball team. She excelled in the classroom, too, having received the student HEADWAE award in 2008 and serving in student government.
“I feel really passionate about serving students and giving them opportunities they’ve not ever had. The payoff in teaching, for me, is seeing students after they’ve graduated and hearing how well they’ve done either academically or with life lessons. They usually say, ‘The things you taught me, I’m still using today.’”
She finished her education at Jackson State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and, later, a master’s degree. In 2017, she received a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College, where she is pursuing a doctorate in the subject.
During her last year at Utica as a student, she tutored at night for Student Support Services, which helped her make the decision to teach college full time. Many a night then and many a class day now, she’s helped students stay in school when life’s pressures get them down.
As someone who got her master’s degree while teaching seventh and eighth grade classes at Utica Elementary Middle School, she knows those struggles first hand.
“I talk to students all the time about how I was once one of them, plus being a student-athlete and in student government. I excelled because I prioritized. Many times, students get overwhelmed and want to quit. But, it’s about being on-task with your priorities and not letting yourself being overwhelmed. I like to help students before they get to that point. You just try to connect with them and tell them, ‘If I can do it, you can do it, too,’” Trimble said.
3 Easy Steps
Registration for Spring 2021 Begins November 9th
Step 1 - Apply
Apply for general admission to ż for the Spring 2021 semester, if you have not done so already.
Step 2 - Submit Transcripts & Scores
Submit your official high school transcript and ACT scores. If you have not had the ACT, take the ACCUPLACER at any ż campus. If you are still in high school, submit your final transcript after your graduation. If you received a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma, request your official HSE diploma transcript at .
Submit the official college transcript from the most recent college you attended showing the completion of at least three credit hours in both English and Math. If you submit an in-progress transcript, remember to submit another official college transcript after your grades are posted this semester. If you have not completed at least three credit hours of both English and Math, then you must also submit your official ACT scores or take the ACCUPLACER.
Step 3 - Register for Classes
All new ż students or returning students who have not attended ż for at least one semester must be advised by a counselor before registering for classes. Simply visit any ż location during business hours to see a counselor or request .
Current students (excluding dual enrolled students) may register for classes in My.ż. However, if you need advising or help with your program of study, we invite you to visit with a counselor.