Ellen Noble Named Mississippi College Alumni Pool Director

Ellen Noble, Director of MC's Alumni Pool

Ellen Noble, a swimming and water safety instructor for four decades, is the new director of Mississippi College’s Alumni Pool.

Until recently, Noble served as aquatic director of the Metropolitan YMCA at its Flowood branch, with additional management duties at its seasonal pools in Clinton and downtown Jackson.

During her 40-year career, the Clinton resident taught swimming classes in Arizona, Missouri, Utah, Minnesota, Florida, Montana and Mississippi as an American Red Cross certified water safety instructor, trainer and lifeguard teacher.

Noble earned her bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Arizona in 1979 where she was a talented swimmer and played water polo through her senior year. Growing up in Arizona, Ellen began swimming as a seven-year-old and by age 13 was ranked No. 3 in the state in breaststroke events. After completing college, she began coaching swimmers in Tucson. Ellen is certified to teach water fitness by the United States Water Fitness Association.

“I have taught over 2,000 individuals, so far in my life, from six months old to 92. I am proud of that fact and will continue as long as I am able,” Noble said. “I hope that God continues to give me the ability to do so.”

Noble succeeds Pamela Milling, who retired in August after more than 30 years of extraordinary service as the Christian university’s Alumni Pool director. A Clinton resident, Milling faithfully served as a water aerobics teacher to thousands of Mississippi College students. She also was a friend to MC faculty and staff members, who regularly used the pool in Alumni Hall to stay fit.

A Pam Milling Day at MC’s 2012 Homecoming was held to honor the Hattiesburg native for her inspirational and dedicated service for generations on the Clinton campus.

“I am looking forward to this new chapter at Mississippi College,” Noble said. “Alumni Pool (built in 1926) is the oldest indoor pool in the state, and I’m honored to be able to continue the tradition.”

Water is a big part of her life and that’s true for many people across the globe. “It is powerful, refreshing, destructive, relaxing and constantly changing in its fluid form,” Noble said. “We need to respect its ability to change lives.”

With Mississippi College launching its 189^th academic year, MC’s Alumni Pool reopens to serve students, faculty and staff on August 25.