Mississippi College

The Student Government Association (SGA) of Mississippi College has announced the newly elected senators for the 2022-23 academic year. The SGA represents all undergraduate students of Mississippi College. They serve as a liaison between the students and the administrators, faculty, and staff of Mississippi College by advocating the proposals for advancement made by the Student Leadership Council. The SGA also promotes student welfare by providing opportunities for extracurricular student interaction and by exercising the authority to make judgments regarding student violations of campus rules.

Rachel Smith, 2022-23 Student Government Association president at Mississippi College, has one major goal during her tenure in office: never let a student ask what the SGA does.

Jacob Beard is a senior majoring in Biological Pre-Medical Science. He has been accepted into Medical School at UMMC.

Gracie Phillips is a junior member of MC Honors College majoring in Business Administration. She practiced mock interviews and received assistance with her resume from Career Services at Mississippi College.

The Student Government Association (SGA) represents all undergraduate students of Mississippi College. The SGA serves as a liaison between the students and the administrators, faculty, and staff of Mississippi College by advocating the proposals for advancement made by the Student Leadership Council, in accordance with Leadership Council procedure. The SGA also promotes student welfare by providing opportunities for extracurricular student interaction and by exercising the authority to make judgments regarding student violations of campus rules. The Executive Council is the governing body of the Student Government Association. It includes the President, Vice President, Business Manager, Chief Justice, and Chief of Staff. This year, the SGA has already tackled several projects including providing hurricane relief to south Louisiana, a brand-new grant program to student organizations on campus, and hosting an event to promote awareness of sexual assault.

Bryce Lindsey is a Biology Pre-Medical Science major and is in his fourth and final year at Mississippi College. He has been accepted into Medical School at University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Mississippi College Announces the 2020-21 Student Government Association Executive Council. The Student Government Association (SGA) represents all undergraduate students of Mississippi College. The SGA serves as a liaison between the students and the administrators, faculty, and staff of Mississippi College by advocating the proposals for advancement made by the Student Leadership Council, in accordance with Leadership Council procedure. The SGA also promotes student welfare by providing opportunities for extracurricular student interaction and by exercising the authority to make judgments regarding student violations of campus rules. The SGA is divided into spheres of power, which consists of the Student Leadership Council, the Judicial Council, the Executive Council, and respective boards and appointments. These spheres of power have both separate and overlapping jurisdiction, according to the provisions of the SGA Constitution, which can be found at the end of this section. The Executive Council is the governing body of the Student Government Association. It includes the President, Vice President, Business Manager, Chief Justice, and Chief of Staff.

Michael Washington, Jr. emerged as the winner in an online election to become Mississippi College's new Student Government Association president. An MC Choctaws football standout, Washington defeated classmate Chance Easterling of Pelahatchie in Tuesday's contest. It marked the first time MC's SGA elections were held online.

Mississippi College Announces the 2020-21 Student Government Association Student Leadership Council. The legislative powers of the Student Government Association are vested in the Student Leadership Council. This distinguished body of 28 members is comprised of four elected representatives from each academic class, six representatives from various campus organizations, and six representatives selected by the Deans of each school at Mississippi College. The purpose of the Student Leadership Council is to draft legislation to be brought before the Leadership Council and subsequently presented to administration if approved on the Leadership Council floor. Addressing issues regarding all aspects of campus, the Student Leadership Council is a very distinguishing and rewarding way to make a difference on campus.

Senior Victor Bazan has been named Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week, it was announced on Tuesday (Nov. 5).

Brooke Barrett was recently hired by GranthamPoole LLC for a spring internship. This accounting major utilized MC Career Services to practice her interview skills and learn tips to make great impressions.

VALDOSTA, Ga. --- Senior Jess Davenport converted a penalty kick in the 106th minute to give the Mississippi College women's soccer team a 1-0 victory at Valdosta State on Friday night at the VSU Soccer Complex. The #6 Lady Choctaws improved to 9-1 with a 7-0 record in the Gulf South Conference, while the Blazers fell to 5-5 and 3-3 in league play.

Senior Liza Wise and sophomore Lexie Laurendine have been named Mississippi College Athletes of the Week, it was announced on Monday (Oct. 1). Laurendine (Clinton, Miss.) moved to fourth in Division II in triple-doubles as she recorded her fourth of the season and eighth of her career. Laurendine posted 14 kills, a team-best 17 assists and 10 digs in the four-set match against Saint Leo University. Laurendine is the only player in the Gulf South Conference with a triple-double in the last two seasons and the only student-athlete from the State of Mississippi with a triple-double this season. The Clinton, Miss., native finished the three-match weekend at the Crossover with 21 kills, 43 assists, 23 digs and four total blocks. Mississippi College returns to action on Friday, Oct. 25 as it travels to Huntsville, Ala., to face UAH. First serve is set for 6 p.m. The weekend concludes on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the University of Montevallo at 12:30 p.m. Wise (Tupelo, Miss.) scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over West Georgia on Sunday afternoon in Carrollton. It was Wise's 2nd goal of the season and 5th of her four-year career. The former Tupelo HS native also led a defense that allowed just one goal over 196 minutes played, picking up road wins over Valdosta State and UWG. The 1-0 win over the Blazers on Friday was the third consecutive shutout for the Lady Choctaws. Wise and MC will be hosting rival Delta State this Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Robert P. Longabaugh Field. Mississippi College is a private Christian university located in Clinton, Mississippi with an enrollment of over 5,000 students. MC recently finished their transition process back to NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference and began competing for conference and national championships in the 2016-17 academic year. The athletic department sponsors 17 intercollegiate athletic programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Football, Golf, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Tennis, Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field, Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field and Volleyball. For more information on Mississippi College athletics, please contact David Nichols at 601-925-3234 or nichols@mc.edu.

Mississippi College sophomore Jamie Boros has been named Mississippi College Renasant Bank Athlete of the Week announced on Monday (Sept. 16).

The two-hour event was held on the pedestrian street outside the university cafeteria. Leaders of sports teams, the Student Government Association, clubs, tribes, drama groups and others plugged their organizations. Students learned about campus jobs. There are more than 40 campus organizations, leadership groups and departments represented at the initial event.

At a Chicago hotel room, Mississippi College professors interviewed a former terrorist who spent ten years in prison. It was quite a remarkable experience. The March session gave researchers with MC's Project Arrowhead important insights to help in the fight against global terrorism.

Aaron Feazelle mastered leadership 101 at Mississippi College. As the MC Choctaws starting quarterback, in business classes, and student government circles, the Gulf Coast resident prospered. New challenges await Feazelle, an MC junior recently elected Student Government Association president on the Clinton campus. The date is April 11 when a newest slate of SGA leaders takes office. It promises to be an interesting year ahead. During his March 29 inauguration, President Blake Thompson announced the creation of an Honors College beginning this Fall. He also unveiled the expansion of the Christian university's international programs. Close bonds with students remain high on Dr. Thompson's agenda. Days before leading SGA, Feazelle, 20, credits God along with his parents, both Hancock High teachers, for helping him achieve success in life. "Outside of the Lord, I credit them for everything I have in this world," Aaron says of his parents, Shawn & Vickie Feazelle. Wonderful friends assisted the business administration major and Writing Center tutor along his journey. The 6' 4" tall Diamondhead resident has a jewel of a friend in outgoing SGA President Anthony Jackson. "Anthony is one of my best friends and definitely had the most influence on me since I've been here," Aaron Feazelle said. "From his actions, words and strong foundation of faith, I have been able to grow into the person I am now." A Mound Bayou resident, Anthony Jackson blazed a path a year ago as Mississippi College's first African-American to serve as SGA president on the Clinton campus. Wearing No. 9 for the Blue & Gold, Aaron Feazelle enjoys building friendships with his student government teammates. He served as chief of staff with the SGA's Executive Council this past year. Running for a seat in the Mississippi House to represent his Delta district, Anthony Jackson has developed a good taste for politics and people. A political science major, Anthony believes the future shines bright for his successor. "The sky's the limit for this kid," Jackson said. "Aaron will exceed whatever expectations are placed upon him," he added. "Aaron's greatest strength will be his ability to relate to the entire student body. He will forever be No. 9 on the field, but No. 1 in our hearts." Sports is very much in his future. Aaron Feazelle wants to pursue an MBA, then earn a sports law degree. He envisions becoming a sports agent in a world where elite professional athletes are signing phenomenal multi-year deals exceeding $400 million. Outside the sports universe, education remains a Feazelle family priority. An older brother attends Mississippi State University and a younger sister is enrolled at Georgetown University. A Hancock High graduate, Aaron seeks to help the SGA Executive Council carry out its mentorship plan in 2019-20. "One goal I have for the student body is to get more voices heard, trying to reach out to more groups and get them involved." Newly elected vice president Damon Wright is eager work with his Gulf Coast friend again. The two student-athletes were teammates under Choctaws football coach John Bland. "Aaron is a phenomenal player and an even better person," said the resident of Hoover, Alabama. "He brings a standard of leadership and high character that will bring SGA together." Others in SGA's new lineup of officers: business manager Issac Davis of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, chief justice Samuel Brown of Rose Hill and Sara Grace Duncan as Christian development coordinator. Tatum Folmar of Laurel will serve as a leader with the Executive Council at the Baptist-affiliated university.

Broadway's hit musical "Hamilton" tells the fascinating story of America's Founding Fathers. Inspired by Ron Chernow's book on Alexander Hamilton, the show hits the road with its touring company in late January to entertain audiences in Pittsburgh, Orlando, and Columbus, Ohio. Coming soon to a Mississippi College stage, MC students will perform a selection from the Tony-winning show. It will be part of the diverse lineup for the university's "Broadway Retold" production. Dates are February 21-24 for the Music Department's program at the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall. Tickets for "Hamilton" at New York City's Richard Rodgers Theatre are pretty pricey and hard to find. But Mississippians will encounter no such problems on the Clinton campus. Donations of any amount will be accepted at the door to get audiences into the production at the Aven Fine Arts Building. Lin-Manuel Miranda supplied the book, music and lyrics to "Hamilton." "Hamilton" is among several notable Broadway musical selections that Mississippi College students will perform in late February. Arts patrons on the Clinton campus will get a glimpse of scenes from "Hello Dolly" that became a Broadway success story starting in 1964. Featuring Barbra Streisand as the bold and enchanting widow Dolly Levi, the show reached audiences nationwide as a popular movie in 1969. The character Dolly portrayed a socialite turned matchmaker in the 1890s. "Broadway Retold" rehearsals are going full blast in late January and into February. Mary Spivak-Perna, who's found success in concert as well as on the operatic stage, serves as the show's director. "This show is unique in that we are presenting ensembles from iconic musicals that have never been seen here at MC," Spivak-Perna said. "The cast is currently working diligently to prepare these songs. It is going to be a treat, and you may just get to hear some stories from the cast as well." Scenes from shows like "Gypsy" that made its New York City stage debut in 1959 are featured in "Broadway Retold." So are selections from Broadway shows like "1776" and "Wicked." Playwright Peter Stone penned the story of "1776" based on events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It dramatizes efforts by John Adams to convince his colleagues to vote for American independence. Audiences at Mississippi College should remember "Wicked" as the blockbuster Broadway musical based on the Wizard of Oz. Stephen Schwartz supplied the music and lyrics. The show made its American premiere in San Francisco in 2003. Audiences that loved the Tony-award winning musical "Rent," including a cast with Stevie Wonder in 1996, will be treated to scenes in "Broadway Retold." Among the student cast members: Sallie Kaye Streeter and Ashlynn Grissom, both of Madison, Jalysa Jones of Jackson, Molly Sorto of Pontotoc and Queta Cavalier of New Orleans, Louisiana. Show times for "Broadway Retold" will be 7 p.m. February 21-23 and 3 p.m. on Sunday February 24.

Sharing common bonds like a strong faith, and an abundant love for Mississippi College, two Mississippians developed a nice friendship. Differences in their race, and an age gap of four decades didn't stand in their way. Growing up in small Mississippi towns, Anthony Jackson and Andy Taggart took different paths leading them to become MC Choctaws. A Ridgeland attorney, Taggart serves his alma mater on the university's Board of Trustees. Anthony Jackson, 22, played football at John F. Kennedy High in Mound Bayou and that led the Deltan to pursue an MC diploma. First enrolling on the Clinton campus in 2015, the political science major played for the Choctaws three seasons. The resident of an all-black Delta town became the first African-American serving as Student Government Association president on the Clinton campus. Mississippi's largest private institution, MC dates back to 1826. Last Spring, Jackson's election made history at the Baptist-affiliated university. That fact didn't escape Taggart, a former SGA president and co-author of two books on Mississippi politics. The former Madison County supervisor first met Jackson at a Choctaw Fanfare event in August. Their friendship blossomed ever since. While making school history is notable, Andy is impressed with Anthony for other reasons. "He is also a man of faith, a top student, an athlete and a gentleman." The two men hail from different parts of the Magnolia State. But they point to much in common. "Our stories have a lot of similarities: we're both products of families of faith, and we grew up in small towns, with blue-collar backgrounds," Taggart said. "We are products of public schools." It was about 40 years ago, when Taggart was elected MC's SGA president. Communications were far different. There was no Internet. There were no Twitter or Facebook accounts. MC students weren't glued to cell phones back then. More than four decades ago, Andy Taggart played tight end at football powerhouse Moss Point High. But the Gulf Coast native never suited up for the Choctaws. The 1979 MC graduate went to work for the Mississippi Republican Party in 1980. A 1975 Moss Point High graduate, Taggart turns 62 in May. Over the past year, MC leaders like Taggart, President Blake Thompson and administrator Jonathan Ambrose served as Anthony's mentors. Jackson appreciates having these men to turn to. He relishes what the university has meant in his life. "Mississippi College not only gave me the opportunity to compete athletically, but also afforded me the chance to be challenged academically and to grow stronger in my faith," Jackson said. Anthony is never bashful about cheering for the Blue & Gold at football and basketball games. He's constantly boosting MC pride and team spirit. He's got the skills to unite people. He's supported MC causes like the student dance marathon. The 2018 event raised than $43,000 to benefit the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson. The sky's the limit for Anthony, friends say. "The charisma and character he has is contagious and people like that," says Aaron Feazelle, SGA chief of staff from Diamondhead. "His pride and love for Mississippi College run high," he said. "I believe what makes him a great student leader is his ability to relate to anyone." Year-round, he's an energetic MC ambassador. A Mississippi College degree, Jackson said is "well-respected," in a community that allows students to "openly profess their faith." Getting to know Andy Taggart helped Jackson advance his own spiritual journey. "Andy is a prime example of what it means to be a faithful servant of God's word," Anthony said. "As Andy pointed out, this friendship is a true testament of how we should continue to use the love of Christ to bring people together." Dr. Ambrose salutes Anthony Jackson for his "knack of leading from his heart, while still casting a visionhe leads with integrity." His ability to unify people, says the assistant vice president for student affairs, will be one of his lasting MC achievements. With graduation day nearing, what's next for Anthony Jackson? He's busy applying to law schools. Taggart predicts his friend will succeed as he pursues a law career. "He has a heart for public service, which I greatly admire."

"I'm excited," says Longabaugh, one of the premier coaches in the Gulf South Conference. He's not just fired up about the promising 2018 season on the field ahead. Longabaugh is thrilled his talented squad will participate in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial by a research team at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Chris Williams chose Mississippi College after realizing it was the best place to prepare for the life the Lord desires for him.

Increasing student activities and pumping up school spirit for Mississippi College sports teams are some of his priorities.