MSMS EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Kenny Taylor

My career in building maintenance began when I was just 14 years old, working at Parker’s Appliances, a local hardware store in Brooksville, Mississippi. In addition to selling hardware and appliances, the store offered appliance repairs and in-home service calls. I began accompanying the repairman on those calls, gaining hands-on experience and building the foundation for what would become my career.

I continued working there throughout high school before joining the Lowndes County School District. I had the opportunity to learn from many skilled maintenance professionals and developed a particular interest in electrical work. After taking a few night classes at East Mississippi Community College, I became one of the district’s two electricians. My interest in technology grew when the district brought in Schneider Electric to install building automation systems for its HVAC equipment. I began learning how to program those systems and quickly discovered a passion for building automation.

After 21 years with the district, I moved to Mississippi University for Women to work as an HVAC and building automation technician. I was excited to bring my experience to the university level, and for a little over three years, I served as the lead HVAC technician and energy management technician. When I learned about the opportunity at MSMS, I knew I wanted to pursue it. Education had been such a significant part of my career for so long that the chance to return to a school environment was one I couldn’t pass up.

I’m excited to bring my experience to MSMS and help create an environment where students have every opportunity to succeed. After nearly 30 years in repair and maintenance work, I’ve picked up plenty of tips, tricks, and practical knowledge that I’m eager to pass along to others entering the field. There’s something rewarding about knowing that the experience you’ve gained can help someone else grow and succeed.

I was born in Columbus, Mississippi, and have called Mississippi home my entire life. I spent most of my childhood in Crawford, with a couple of years in Louisville along the way. I graduated from Central Academy in Macon and now live in Steens. My wife, Lauren, is a first-grade teacher at Caledonia Elementary School. We have four children: Katie and Blake, both 14, Kylee, 11, and Bailey, 8.

Outside of work, one of my biggest passions is cooking. And when I say I love to cook, I mean I really love to cook! One of my favorite parts of the day is coming home, making a meal for my family, and singing off-key in the kitchen while I do it. I also enjoy playing guitar and collecting currency. I’m hoping to build a display in my office featuring old and foreign currency so visitors can learn a little about the history behind it. And when I have some free time, I enjoy playing video games.