Mississippi Christian University

The Division of Student Experience at Mississippi College recognized more than four dozen outstanding student leaders of all classifications who have contributed to campus life at MC during its seventh annual Student Experience Awards Gala on April 27.

The Division of Student Experience at Mississippi College recognized more than four dozen outstanding student leaders of all classifications who have contributed to campus life at MC during its sixth Student Experience Awards Gala on April 17.

The Multicultural Student Association (MSA) of Mississippi College has elected new leadership for the 2023-24 academic year. The officers include: Kelsey McKnight; president Javian Ervin; vice president Britney Young; secretary and treasurer Xavian Branch; historian Gabrielle Cobbins and Gabriel Hodge; event coordinators

A new crop of Choctaw Ambassadors was recently selected to serve at Mississippi College. The Choctaw Ambassadors are students selected to represent MC and its students, faculty, staff, and alumni by serving as a liaison between the university and its various constituents. They assist the university president in university advancement whenever there is a need and serve as hosts at university special events both on and off campus. Choctaw Ambassadors actively contribute to the university community by building internal and external relationships for its advancement.

Each year, the student body of Mississippi College selects a man and woman who best typify the ideal MC student. The recipients for 2023 are Austin Frisbie and Madison Reynolds.

Mississippi College recently celebrated the 2023 Student Experience Awards Gala and 11 students received the Spirit of MC award. The Spirit of MC Award recognizes freshmen students who have ignited their college career at MC, stepping into their role at MC as young leaders by cultivating a positive atmosphere and experience for their class and the campus community. This year's recipients are Brandon Welch, Maddie White, Rachel Regan, Nathan Heard, Anna Robbins, Micah Lindley, Jacob Brown, Caroline Cook, Landon Maughon, Anne Bigley, and Celeste Artzer.

The Student Experience Servant Leadership Award recognizes sophomore and junior students who have served the campus as a whole and are actively leading on campus through engagement, service to the institution and living out our Christian mission. The 2023 recipients are Lindsey Buie, Justin May, Mallory Burnside, Jay Youngblood, Marlee Rogers, Gracelyn Noss, JT Stokes, Janie Gray, CJ Reeves, Claire Price, Coulter Clement, Haleigh Roberts, Malie Kossina, Loren Degan, and Gabby Cobbins.

An award ceremony was the last thing on Evan Warnick's mind when he elected to participate in service organizations at Mississippi College. Volunteering comes naturally to the senior kinesiology/pre-physical therapy major from Tupelo. So, when he received the Student Experience Servant Leadership Award during the Student Experience Awards Gala last year, he was floored. "Hearing my name called for an award was an honor," the 2022 Welcome Week co-chair said. "I never thought I would be a part of such a wonderful ceremony celebrating some of the leaders and servants on campus, and I was surprised that I would be among such outstanding individuals. "Highlighting organizations and leaders shows that Mississippi College is an institution that truly cares for them and does not take their hard work for granted. These amazing people have worked hard to make their organizations and leadership roles run smoothly, and I am glad there is a space and time to celebrate them for that hard work." The Division of Student Experience will recognize outstanding student leaders of all classifications who have contributed to campus life at MC during its fourth Student Experience Awards Gala on Thursday, April 20, in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center. According to Jonathan Ambrose, associate vice president for the student experience and dean of students at MC, the ceremony has continued to grow each year. "We wanted to take the opportunity to recognize some of our stellar students," said Ambrose, who conceived of the gala. "We started by presenting some of the major awards that have been a staple at Mississippi College for many years - the Hall of Fame and Founders Award. "We recognized we were graduating some outstanding people who had done some amazing things on this campus and have given back to MC, so we decided to create some other awards to help recognize some of these students." This year, a dozen different awards will be presented to faculty, staff, and students who have illustrated by their actions what Mississippi College's culture of service and commitment to the cause of Christ truly means. "It's an amazing night to close the year out by honoring some of the best of the best of Mississippi College that have given back so much during their time here," Ambrose said. What makes the event special for Jonathan Nutt, assistant dean of students in the Office of Student Engagement, are the reactions from parents when their students' names are called. "The surprise on their faces is great, especially when they hear how their students have impacted the campus," Nutt said. "Watching the parents get emotional, seeing how very proud of their students they are . . . of course, it's cool to see the students be excited and honored by the awards as well." The Division of Student Experience solicits award nominations from the entire Mississippi College campus community, and a committee of staff members selects the winners from among the nominees. A student committee helps choose the Hall of Fame inductees. Those honored at the gala receive a standard invitation and the option to invite up to three guests, but the identities of the award recipients are kept confidential until they are announced during the ceremony. Warnick said the custom lends a welcome bit of intrigue to the ceremony. "Keeping the identities secret until the event allows us not to get ahead of ourselves," he said. "It lets those being celebrated and their families and friends enjoy the moment. "We do not get galas and award ceremonies every day - it makes each memory made at these ceremonies much sweeter." New this year are a pair of awards presented by the Office of Student Success. The Student Success Champion Award will recognize one MC faculty member and one MC staff member for promoting a holistic student experience and creating an environment that supports success in school and in life. For the first time, the editor of the "Tribesman" will formally announce the MC faculty or staff member to whom the MC student yearbook will be dedicated. Warnick said it's fitting that contributions made by faculty and staff members to the MC experience will be recognized alongside those of students. "The awards gala is a physical representation of the respect, love, and appreciation we have for all of those who serve Mississippi College, the city of Clinton, and the Jackson metropolitan area," he said. "I never want to take for granted the hard work that the students and organizations do day in and day out, and I am fortunate to be able to see some of the work that is shaping the culture of Mississippi College." Ambrose said the gala reflects the excellence of those who call Mississippi College home. "I tell people all the time the product that we produce in our students is the best in the world," he said. "It's incredible to stand before these students and recognize them for it. That is the culmination of their time at Mississippi College. "Many of these students have given much to make Mississippi College what it is. They are cemented in the tradition and history of this storied University, and to watch that come full circle is incredible." Awards to be presented during the gala include: Established in 1960, the Hall of Fame is awarded to four senior students - two female and two male - for outstanding leadership ability, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, participation and contribution to student life, and dedication to serving God and their fellow man. Among the highest honors to be presented at MC, Hall of Fame members are chosen by a select student committee. The Scott-Swor Founder's Award recognizes a senior student for making a significant contribution to the student life of the college and exemplifying the ideals of the University's founders and their successors, quality of living, leadership, and service. The award is named in memory of Dr. Charles W. Scott, who served the MC community for 30 years, and Dr. Chester E. Swor, a Baptist evangelist, alumnus, and former MC faculty member. Senior Awards of Excellence in Leadership are presented to senior students who distinguish themselves by their visionary leadership on campus and their vision of greatness. The Community Impact Award recognizes a student who has devoted his or her time and energy to serving the greater Jackson metropolitan area and empower members of the MC community to love their neighbors in tangible, life-changing ways. Student Experience Servant Leadership Awards acknowledge sophomore and junior students who have served the campus as a whole and are actively leading through engagement, service to the institution, and living MC's Christian mission. The Freshman of the Year Awards recognize one female and one male student for their ability to emulate the vision and mission of the University throughout their first year at Mississippi College. Spirit of MC Awards are presented to freshmen students who have ignited their college careers at MC, stepping into their roles as young leaders by cultivating a positive atmosphere and experience for their classes and the campus community. The Student Organization Award of Excellence acknowledges a registered MC student organization committed to the continued advancement of MC's mission and the engagement of the student body in the vision of the student organization. The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award of Excellence recognizes a faculty or staff sponsor of an MC student organization, club, or tribe who goes "above and beyond" to assist students and contribute to the life of the student organization he or she advises. The Community Partner of the Year Award is presented to a local business or organization that has served MC with excellence throughout the academic year. The Perry Academic Awards were established by Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Perry (Marion Walter Perry '32 and Effie Elaine McDonald Perry '33) to recognize scholastic achievement at Mississippi College. Student Success Champion Awards recognize one full-time faculty member and one full-time staff member engaged with undergraduate and/or graduate students at MC for their exceptional activities that involve broad, collaborative participation supporting a sustained commitment to student success.

The Gulf South Conference announced it's Women's Tennis Players of the Week for the 2023 season on Wednesday with Mississippi College's Anna Valiaeva being named the GSC Women's Tennis Player of the Week. This week's awards were for matches played between March 27-April. 2 Valiaeva went 5-0 for the week in singles and 4-1 in doubles. The senior won 10-consecutive sets as she picked up singles wins on courts three, four and five, while playing on court three. Her and the Lady Choctaws return to action on Monday with first serve set for 2 p.m. at West Alabama in Livingston, Ala. VALIAEVA BY THE NUMBERS THIS WEEK 5-0 for the week in singles, 4-1 in doubles, and 9-1 overall. Delta State | March 27 (W, 7-0) 1-0 singles (#4 singles - def. Sofia Pepe, 6-3, 6-0) | 1-0 doubles (#3 Doubles - def. Lucia Chacon-Habis / Haley Rooks 6-1) #30 Auburn Montgomery | March 30 (L, 3-4) 1-0 singles (#5 singles - def. Nahia Izco, 6-4, 7-6) | 1-0 doubles (#3 Doubles - def. Nahia Izco / Isabella Pinto, 6-3) West Georgia | April 1 (W, 6-1) 1-0 singles (#3 singles - def. Karla Menendez, 6-2, 6-2) | 1-0 doubles (#3 Doubles - def. Kennedy Lewis / Lara Wedd, 6-2) #35 West Florida | April 1 (L, 3-4) 1-0 singles, (#5 singles - def. Luiza Daud, 6-4, 6-0) | 0-1 doubles (#3 doubles - lost, Guadalupe Martinez / Mayumi Saguchi, 4-6) Valdosta State | April 2 (W, 5-2) 1-0 singles, (#5 singles - def. Jorja Reynolds, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1) | 1-0 doubles (#3 doubles - def. Evelyn Altmaier / Natalie Kohoutkova, 6-4) Other nominees: Ashleigh Simes (LU); Kayla Greco (VSU); Haina Franco (UWA); Estefania Garcia (AUM); Mireia Turro (UM); Jenna Svatos (UWF) Freshman of the Week: Regina Urbiola, Fr., Auburn Montgomery Urbiola went a combined 4-2 in all matches she played earning a court two singles win against Delta State's Marie Guilaume (6-1, 6-4). The rookie also picked up three court one doubles wins.

As Mississippi College prepares to host six orientation sessions this summer, our student leadership is preparing all of the event details to welcome new students to campus. This year, the Office of Student Engagement has selected 34 students to serve as Orientation Leaders. This year's team includes Courtney Engel, Dylan Robertson, Jonathan Hestres-Rivera, Aaliyah Newsome, Abbie Gillespie, Abby McCoy, Alya Shanklin, Blake Felton, Blocker Harvison, Cameron Melton, Camryn Johnson, Claire Price, Colby Chadwick, Conner Cantrell, Conner Dyess, Corley Sullivan, Dalton Philips, Eliza Mims, Elizabeth Farnham, Gabby Cobbins, Gracelyn Noss, Jameson Cook, Josh Wilkes, Kaitlyn Hamilton, Kendall Lauderdale, Lindsey Buie, Madeline Brown, Malia Kossina, Mallory Burnside, Mason Kennedy, Nia Harvin, Sakari Faulkner, Sarah Beth Stambaugh, and Shauna Gandenberger.

Mississippi College recently celebrated the 2022 Student Experience Awards Gala and 13 students received the Spirit of MC award. The Spirit of MC Award recognizes freshmen students who have ignited their college career at MC, stepping into their role at MC as young leaders by cultivating a positive atmosphere and experience for their class and the campus community. This year's recipients include Bethany Bradshaw, Conner Cantrell, Bella Dart, Evie Dart, Janie Gray, Kaitlyn Hamilton, Blocker Harvison, Caroline McCaleb, Cameron Melton, Will Peeler, Haleigh Roberts, John Tabor Stokes, and Lauren Wallace.

Mississippi College recently hosted the 2022 Student Experience Awards Gala, honoring students for leadership, service, and campus involvement. The Freshman Female of the Year and the Freshman Male of the Year are each recognized for their ability to emulate the vision and mission of the university throughout the course of their first year at Mississippi College. For 2022, the Freshman Female of the Year is Nadiya Foster and the Male of the Year is Conner Dyess.

Mississippi College recently hosted the Student Experience Gala and announced the seventeen students that were awarded the Servant Leadership Award. The Student Experience Servant Leadership Award recognizes sophomore and junior students who have served the campus as a whole and are actively leading on campus through engagement, service to the institution and living out our Christian mission. The 2022 recipients are Cole Benoit, Camryn Bruce, Jameson Cook, Anna Davis, Carly Fisher, Cooper Gadman, Mary Margaret Freeman, Mason Kennedy, Kendall Lauderdale, Timothy Martin, Abby McCoy, Hannah Mullins, Noemi Perez, Dylan Robertson, David Torrent, Evan Warnick, and Abbey Williams.

Mississippi College recently hosted the Student Experience Gala and announced the seventeen students that were awarded the Senior Award of Excellence. The Senior Awards of Excellence in Leadership recognize senior students who are distinguished by visionary leadership on campus and their vision of greatness. Students receiving this award may have shown leadership in a particular organization or department, or have served in various roles across campus.

Each year, the student body of Mississippi College selects a man and woman who best typify the ideal MC student. The recipients for 2022 are Ishmon Foster and Emma Chapman.

Mississippi College Scouts has selected 63 students to join the Scouts in Fall 2021. Scouts work hands on with prospective students and admissions counselors to welcome them to Mississippi College. During weekly scout hours, members are able to write letters to potential students and take them and their families on a tour of the campus. The Scouts also create chances for prospective students to meet with professors before officially enrolling. Each semester, the Scouts get together to organize and host a preview day for potential students and their families.

MC Ambassadors enjoy serving the Baptist-affiliated university with a passion for all things Blue & Gold. They welcome prospective undergraduates, reach out to the metro Jackson community, and greet alumni. One recent event was the admissions office's Junior Day as 80 high school juniors toured the Clinton campus. Working with President Blake Thompson, who launched the group, the first class of MC Ambassadors set a high standard. Inducted in late April, the newest class was selected to be their successors.

MC Ambassadors enjoy serving the Baptist-affiliated university with a passion for all things Blue & Gold. They welcome prospective undergraduates, reach out to the metro Jackson community, and greet alumni. One recent event was the admissions office's Junior Day as 80 high school juniors toured the Clinton campus. Working with President Blake Thompson, who launched the group, the first class of MC Ambassadors set a high standard. Inducted in late April, the newest class was selected to be their successors.

Jacob Mahaffey dreams of becoming a lawyer to help Mississippi's elderly and families. Eventually, he wants to own a spacious ranch or farm. A Mississippi College junior, Mahaffey spent his first two years receiving a top-notch education on the Rankin campus of Hinds Community College. The Hinds experience prepared the Puckett resident for academic life at Mississippi's biggest private university. The 21-year-old Puckett High graduate reflects a growing pool of students thriving as Hinds Eagles before becoming MC Choctaws. It's a partnership that began generations ago at the two colleges in Central Mississippi. Recently, MC President Blake Thompson met for lunch in Clinton with Hinds President Clyde Muse to help make the bonds even stronger and discuss other topics. The Hinds president since 1978, Dr. Muse remains a Mississippi higher education icon. The Mississippian frequently visits the Capitol to press for more funding for Mississippi's 15 two-year schools serving nearly 100,000 students. The 44-year-old Dr. Thompson is a newcomer as MC's top leader, a post he's held since July 2018 with his inauguration on the Clinton campus set for March 29. The Rienzi native is familiar with reports showing Hinds is Mississippi College's biggest feeder school. As they enjoyed cheeseburgers at Obie's restaurant and the fellowship time, the two college leaders hope to see more students making a seamless transition. Jake Mahaffey is the type of Hinds grad that's a terrific fit at America's second oldest Baptist college. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa alumni group, a flag football player in intramurals, and member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pelahatchie, Jacob stays involved in activities away from Mississippi College classrooms. A May 2018 Hinds CC graduate, he's among 84 Hinds transfer students attending Mississippi College in Fall 2018. That's up from 78 former Hinds students in Fall 2017. There were 56 Hinds transfers enrolled at MC in 2015. The transition for Jacob from one college to the next went well. "Hinds helped me greatly. I went to a very small high school in Puckett, Mississippi where I had a graduating class of 58, and we were considered a large class. Going straight to a four-year university would have been a culture shock for me, so I picked Hinds and I'm so glad I did." The Hinds chapter of Phi Theta Kappa along with honor programs on the Pearl campus were positives for Mahaffey. "It placed me around students who were motivated to do good academically which in turn motivated me to do the same." The political science major plans to hit the books in a couple of years at MC Law School in Jackson. Taking a similar path is Chandler Abney, a Puckett High grad. His Hinds experience, says the Florence resident, "prepared me for Mississippi College. And the transition was very smooth." Every one of his Hinds credits transferred to Mississippi College. A 20-year-old public relations major, Abney is due to graduate in May with a bachelor's degree. A few years ago, Hinds and MC school leaders signed a two plus two agreement. The partnership offers a more convenient way for Hinds students to pursue a bachelor's degree at an accelerated pace at Mississippi College. It is geared towards working adults over age 25. The program allows students to earn degrees in business administration, communication and sociology during classes two evenings per week at Mississippi College. Hinds isn't the only two-year school with many alums taking MC classes. In 2016, there were 51 Holmes Community College transfers attending Mississippi College. The 2019 Choctaws football roster includes 27 Mississippi two-year college transfers. They include twins Derric and Detric Hawthorn, MC seniors who transferred from Jones County Junior College.