50 Leading Business Women 2002: Myrtis S. Tabb, Ph.D.

When she was growing up in Alva, a small rural community populated by people, including extended family, that worked hard for survival, Myrtis Tabb yearned to be someplace else. "As a child, I failed to truly appreciate the richness of that life and yearned for what I perceived as adventure and freedom

from the country life," said Tabb, daughter of the late Charles and Ruth Swindoll. "Today, I recognize that the lessons of that place are forever astir in me and have been part of the driving force of my life. For me, this humble beginning has led to a love of hard work, people, reading, family, friends, farming and has truly shaped who and what I am today."

After earning an elementary education degree from Delta State University in 1971, Tabb became an elementary school teacher. She might have chosen law school, but mentors encouraged her to pursue a master's degree and become an elementary school principal. "From that earlier time, at every stage, I have had an older, wiser person to give advice and moral support," she said.

In 1991, she earned an educational specialist degree from DSU, where she had earned a master's degree in elementary education and supervision 18 years earlier. In 1994, she earned a doctorate in education from DSU, where she is now director of the Center for Community Development. As director, Tabb oversees eight comprehensive programs that address community needs in the areas of literacy, volunteerism, community development, youth leadership development and technical assistance for the Mississippi Delta.

"My greatest challenge was during my two now-adult children's childhood, which was part, of a balancing act between motherhood and a demanding job as an elementary school principal," she said. "My husband's and other family members' support was critical to the successful pursuit of a career and home."

In the business community, Tabb would like to see more women capitalizing on valuable professional networks.

"On the surface, the qualities, skills and talents of women would lend to developing a strong professional network," she said. "Females have the image of being nurturers. However, women leaders have not traditionally built and maintained networks or support systems, which encourage upward movement of other women. Even though there has been progress made in developing networking mechanisms among women, a critical need is to overcome any barriers to building and maintaining these valuable networks."

Tabb assists the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta and the Northwest Mississippi Girl Scout Council with fundraising activities. She served as the 2001-02 president of the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce. In 2000, she was instrumental in the formation of the Delta Emerging Leaders (DEL) Program, a multi-racial, two-year regional leadership development program for the Mississippi Delta. The DEL model was used to develop a tri-state leadership program in Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, which was recently funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

In her spare time, Tabb enjoys reading a good book, listening to a great debate, traveling with her husband, Billy Dan, spending time with her children and playing with her "grands."