Keith Randazzo Selected Young Professor of the Year for 2021
Keith Randazzo connects with students, serves his community, and earns accolades from teaching colleagues at Mississippi College.
Announced as MC’s Young Professor of the Year at the university family’s graduation celebration on May 6, Dr. Randazzo is an effective leader on the Clinton campus.
A kinesiology professor, the New Orleans native, received the prestigious award for the second time. And that speaks volumes. The Louisiana Tech graduate joined the MC faculty in 2016 and has been impressive since day one.
"We are incredibly grateful for his strong commitment to our students, programs, and university,” said School of Education Dean Cindy Melton. “His eager and helpful spirit, along with his willingness to go the extra mile for colleagues or students, is likely why Keith is a two-time recipient of this wonderful award.”
Dr. Randazzo considers it to be quite an honor. “It’s always a blessing when God allows you to be favored” for this award, he says, not only once, but now twice.
The award is a tribute to the deep commitment of the late George Pittman, former MC English Department chair, and his wife, the late Alicia Pittman, to the Baptist-affiliated university. The Pittmans served as founders of the annual Shakespeare Festival at their alma mater.
“Dr. and Mrs. Pittman would be so proud to see their legacy of excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ continued and honored through his service to Mississippi College,” says Dr. Melton, an MC alumna.
Dr. Randazzo served Mississippi College at every opportunity. He’s worked as the faculty athletic representative, sponsored the Decerto Men’s Club, and served as MC’s director of institutional effectiveness. In addition, the Louisiana native advises students in Phi Epsilon Kappa, the national honor society for kinesiology. He’s served as a CPR instructor for nine years.
The Pinelake Church member in Clinton is quick to respond when kinesiology students need assistance. People often see Keith zipping around campus on his moped.
Kinesiology professor Suzanne McDonough appreciates the job Randazzo does year-round. “Keith has become an essential part of our department and work-family. He is a can-do kind of guy,” she said. “The students love him. He is a wizard in statistics, too. He’s a Godly man and lives as a Christ witness to all.”
Randazzo, 34, earned his doctorate in kinesiology in 2016 at Louisiana State University. Keith regularly speaks at regional and national conferences on kinesiology topics. What is kinesiology? It is the study of the mechanics of body movements. Kinesiology seeks to detect and correct imbalances that could relate to stress, nutrition, or minor injuries.
In the Big Easy, Randazzo collaborated with Urban Impact New Orleans. Organization members work with kids in the city’s central area to create neighborhoods where children can safely ride bikes. For nearly 30 years, the group partners with the Castle Rock Community Church to do amazing things for families through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When Randazzo won the first award in 2019, he said, "I'm just so grateful God brought me to MC.”
Kinesiology Department Chair Chris Washam praises the MC award winner. “It is a testament to his value not only to the Department of Kinesiology, but to the university as a whole.”
Family is a big priority for Keith Randazzo. He and his wife, Kassy, a social media influencer, are the parents of a daughter, Kate, and son, Max. The family loves living in Clinton.
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