Although overcoming obstacles is all part of Debbie Kornegay’s day — the tenacious young woman takes it all in stride.
Last fall the Centreville native, who happens to be wheelchair-bound due to a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy at the age of two, began a teaching career at Judson College’s department of business. But don’t think for a second that a physical disability keeps this determined woman from reaching her life’s goals — her track record proves otherwise.
Kornegay, who won the title of Ms. Alabama Wheelchair in 1997, inspired the judges to select her due in part to her response to a question. When asked what she would want a stranger to know about her she replied, “A stranger may think my life to be full of sadness, for obvious reasons. But, it is not. Basically, I have a happy and full life. We all have our obstacles — mine can be seen with the naked eye. I am sure there is a reason I live life from a wheelchair. Maybe I received a greater appreciation of something I otherwise would have missed.”
Through the “Ms. Alabama Wheelchair” pageant, Kornegay was able to complete another scholastic goal — completing her master of accountancy degree from the University of Alabama. She plans to take the certified public accountant exam and then begin work on her doctorate.
About her disability, Kornegay said, “A lot of people confuse muscular dystrophy (MD) with multiple sclerosis. MD is an umbrella term encompassing about 40 diseases. My particular disease is called Kugelberg-Welander. I have never walked,” she added.
The Judson professor said she was never made to feel different from other children. She began her education at the Cahawba Christian Academy in Centreville where she was main-streamed into regular classes.
Kornegay said she also had a positive high school educational experience. She said she was the Cahawba Peewee cheerleaders’ mascot and was elected homecoming queen by the football team. She was also named to “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.”
God’s timing
While finishing up her graduate work at the University of Alabama, Kornegay heard about the Judson opening and decided to hand-deliver her resumé.
“I didn’t have an appointment. And I didn’t realize I couldn’t get into the second floor administrative wing of Jewett Hall,” she said.
However, the ever-persistent Kornegay managed an impromptu interview with the business school dean, Judith Robert. “We had a nice visit,” she said, noting that Jewett Hall is now closed for major renovations that will include wheelchair accessibility.
Kornegay sees the hand of God in the timing of her job at Judson. She said the college has begun a three-year campaign — “One Judson” — to highlight and celebrate diversity. “I hope I can make a difference here,” she said. “God brought me to Judson, and He will continue to direct my life.” (JC)
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