Mississippi College

It was lights, cameras, and all sorts of holiday action when one of the most highly anticipated traditions at Mississippi College once again heralded the arrival of another cherished Christmas season. On Tuesday, Nov. 30, MC faculty, staff, students, and members of the community gathered near the heart of MC's campus to witness the Lighting of the Quad, the precise moment at 7 p.m. when the famed green space was richly illuminated by a host of brilliant Christmas lights. According to Anna Jane Vancor, co-chair of the Lighting of the Quad Committee, after a more subdued celebration last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual event sponsored by the Campus Programming Board at MC included all of the usual Lighting of the Quad activities designed to help everyone jump headfirst into the Christmas season. "It's definitely my favorite event on campus," said Vancor, a junior marketing major from Flowood. "Our committee tries to put on the biggest and best Christmas event every year. There are lights, activities, food, picture opportunities - so many things to do. "All of the students have just gotten back from Thanksgiving Break, and we go straight into Christmas. The lights will stay up until finals. It's one of the biggest and last events put on this semester, all in celebration of the Christmas season." Jonathan Nutt, MC director of student engagement, said the students aren't the only ones who enjoy the festive display each year. "The students love Lighting of the Quad and it has truly become a tradition for everyone on campus, not just the students," Nutt said. "It's one of those events that really reminds you why MC is such a wonderful place - with everyone coming together to celebrate the season." Among the activities that occured at Lighting of the Quad this season: An abundance of holiday-themed backdrops were strategically located throughout the Quad to offer ample photographic opportunities - especially for those looking for the perfect setting to take a family Christmas card photo. A decorating station provided all the materials needed for ornament lovers of all ages to create their own custom-made Christmas tree decorations. All the while, talented MC student and faculty musicians and singers filled the air with popular and original selections of timeless Christmas music. Throughout the night, MC's social clubs and tribes participated in a pair of lively competitions: a Christmas tree decorating contest and a gingerbread skyscraper challenge that also was open to outside organizations. To reflect the true meaning of the Christmas season, Lighting of the Quad attendees were invited to participate in a service project with students and faculty in MC's Foundations of Servant Leadership class. In partnership with Shower Power, a nonprofit organization that ministers to the homeless population in Jackson, MC students collected donations of toothbrushes, blankets, socks, and other necessities during MC's Homecoming Week. Class members packaged the donations and wrote messages of hope - personalized letters of encouragement with Bible verses - to be distributed to members of that marginalized community. Vancor said she and her fellow committee members consider it an honor to help bring the Lighting of the Quad event back to its fully illuminated glory at MC. "In essence, two whole classes haven't really been able to see what Lighting of the Quad really is," she said. "To be able to have a part in planning it and executing it is super exciting and fun. "It's an event everyone loves."

Mississippi College's Lydia Paulette was named to the 2021 Gulf South Conference All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the conference championship on Sunday, Nov. 22. She represented the Choctaws on the all-tournament team. The freshman is first Mississippi College player on the all-tournament team since Liz Mullen in 1994. Paulette helped lead the offensive charge for Mississippi College as she paced the team with 36 kills over the course of three matches and posted the second-highest attack percentage on the club with a .307 clip. She amassed a career-high 18 kills to lead the Choctaws to their first-round win over Auburn University at Montgomery. It marked the first win the GSC Tournament since returning to Division II. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., product stepped on the defensive end as she recorded five blocks, which was fourth on the team, and notched seven digs. The Choctaws advanced to the GSC Semifinals for the first time in program history after wins over AUM and Shorter University. Mississippi College finished the season 10-16 and 6-9 in conference play.

Department of Communication students and faculty at Mississippi College performed "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry" during the weekend before Thanksgiving.

The Mississippi College volleyball team wrapped up the eighth and final seed in the 2021 Gulf South Conference Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 13. MC went five sets for the second time this weekend and were outlasted as the University of Montevallo walked away with the five-set victory on Saturday, Nov. 13. MC moved to 8-15 on the season and 6-9 in Gulf South Conference action. UM improved to 18-13 and 9-7 in the league. MC, which went to five sets on Friday evening at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, grabbed a GSC Tournament berth for the second consecutive season. The Navy and Gold made the 2019 GSC Tournament as the eighth-seed. The last back-to-back trips to the GSC Tournament were during the 1993 and 1994 seasons. Lydia Paulette paced a quartet of Choctaws with double figure kills. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native totaled a career-high 15 kills in the match. Kendall Platt added 13 kills followed by Sloane FitzHenry with 11. Stevie Nesbit chimed in 10 kills. Lexie Laurendine dished out 53 assists and added 11 digs. Missy Beber compiled 16 digs to lead the team on the day while Lexi Richards posted four total blocks on the defensive end. Nesbit and FitzHenry had three blocks apiece. After a see-saw opening set that saw the Falcons grab a 26-24 victory, the Choctaws knotted the match at a set each with a 25-20 win in the second set. UM opened the second with a 4-1 run, but the Navy and Gold rallied and tied the set at 11-all and then scored the next four points to take a 16-11 advantage. MC marched out to a 20-14 advantage before walking away with a five-point win to tie the contest. The Purple and Gold grabbed a 2-1 lead after winning the third set, 25-22. MC again tied the contest in the fourth to force the match the deciding set as the Choctaws won 25-21. Like the second set, UM grabbed an early lead, but again the Navy and Gold rallied and tied the contest at 16-all. MC pushed its lead out to 20-17. The Falcons pulled within a point on two different occasions, the last coming at 22-21. The Choctaws posted the final three points as Richards recorded a pair of kills with the final point coming off a tip from FitzHenry. Montevallo posted an early lead and grabbed a 6-2 cushion in the fifth set. MC went on a 4-1 run to pull within 7-6 behind kills from FitzHenry, Platt and Richards, but couldn't overcome the deficit as UM claimed a 15-9, match-clinching victory. Mississippi College opens GSC Tournament play on Friday, Nov. 19 as it takes on fifth-seeded Auburn University at Montgomery.

The Mississippi College women's soccer team has been selected to the NCAA Division II women's soccer tournament as the #4 seed in the South Region. The 56 teams that made the tournament were announced during the NCAA Division II women's soccer selection show on Monday evening (Nov. 15). Here is the full bracket:https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/soccer-women/d2/2021 The Lady Choctaws will open up the NCAA Regionals against #5 seed Florida Tech. The dates for the 1st round are Thursday and Friday (Nov. 18th and Nov. 19th). The winner of the MC vs. Florida Tech match will face #1 seed Lee in the 2nd round. The dates for the 2nd round are Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 20th and Nov. 21st). More info is forthcoming on the exact time and dates of the matches. 6 teams qualify for the NCAA tournament out of the South Region. #2 seed Embry-Riddle, #3 seed West Florida, and #6 seed Valdosta State make up the other side of the bracket in the South Region. MC went 12-4-1 overall (10-3 GSC) in the regular season. The Lady Choctaws also went 11-3-1 against team's in the south region on the year. This is the 4th straight NCAA Regionals appearance for the MC women's soccer program.

The Mississippi College men's soccer team had 4 players honored in the Gulf South Conference Yearly Awards that were announced on Saturday (Nov. 4). Aurele Chemin was named GSC Co-Defender of the year and was a 1st team All-GSC selection. Filippo Bellu, Joshua Davies, and Noah Wagner were 2nd team All-GSC selections after a vote from GSC head coaches. Aurele Chemin (a Senior from Paris, France) helped lead a MC defensive unit that led the GSC in every major defensive category. The Choctaws conceded just 6 goals in conference play (0.55 goals per game) which both led the conference. MC also only allowed 13 goals overall on the season (tied for best in the conference). Chemin also contributed 2 goals and 2 assists on the season. Chemin has started 15 matches on the year and is 2nd on the team in minutes played. He played the full 90 minutes in 12 matches. Filippo Bellu (a Graduate Student from Noale, Venice, Italy) led the Choctaws in scoring in his debut season in Clinton as he scored 10 goals (4th most in the conference). He also added 2 assists on the year. His 22 points also leads the team and is top 5 in the conference this season. Bellu has played in every match this season and is 5th on the team in minutes played. Joshua Davies (a Sophomore from Southampton, England) was another key piece in the Choctaws stout defensive unit. He played alongside Chemin at Centerback as MC allowed just the 6 goals through 11 conference matches. Davies also scored 3 goals on the season. He started every match this season and was 3rd on the team in minutes played. He was also named GSC Defender of the Week on Oct. 25. This is the 2nd time Davies has been an All-GSC selection (also 2nd team selection in 2019). Noah Wagner (a Junior from Corpus Christi, Texas) also made a big splash in his first season at MC. He scored 7 goals on the year (2nd on the team and tied for 9th in the conference). He also added 2 assists on the year. His 16 points on the season is 2nd on the team and 9th best in the GSC. Wagner was also named GSC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 28th.

The Mississippi College volleyball team picked up its second win of the weekend as it beat Lee (Tenn.) University in four sets on Saturday, Oct. 30 inside A.E. Wood Coliseum. MC improved to 7-12 on the season and 5-6 in the Gulf South Conference. Lexi Richards led the way offensively for the Choctaws as she posted 16 kills in the four-setter. Lydia Paulette joined Richards in double figures as she tallied 12 kills on the day. Lexie Lauredine guided the offensive effort with 30 dimes in the match as Ingrid Savola chimed in 10 assists. Defensively, Missy Beber paced a quartet of double-digit dig gathers with 14. Laurendine and Kendall Platt added 12 apiece while Erin Davis added 10. Richards, the Bentonville, Ark., native led the charge on the frontline with four total blocks. Leading 2-1 in the match, Mississippi College claimed its third straight win in the series with a 25-20 victory in the fourth. The Choctaws opened with seven consecutive points and reached as much as a 12-4 advantage. The Lady Flames chipped away at the margin and pulled within 14-12 behind back-to-back kills from Emma Flowers. MC responded and pushed the lead back to 20-17 before once again seeing a charge from LU. The Navy and Gold closed the door with three consecutive kills as Paulette and Sloane FitzHenry helped slam the door.

The Mississippi College Choctaws football season came to a close Saturday afternoon defeating West Alabama by a final score of 28-24. In the first quarter, Marcus Williams it things started off early for MC, with a 24-yard rushing touchdown to put MC up 7-0 with 8-minutes left in the first quarter. Williams later punched in another 15-yard score to even the score up at 14-14 in the second quarter. Quarterback DeAnte Smith-Moore put MC on top with a 1-yard rushing touchdown as MC led 21-14 with minutes until halftime. West Alabama added a field goal right before the break, as MC and West Alabama went to the locker room with the Choctaws leading 21-17. West Alabama took the lead with four minutes remaining in the game 24-21 yet MC matches down the field with a 51-yard touchdown reception from DeAnte Smith-Moore to Jacob Stephen's with two minutes to retake the lead 28-24. The Mississippi College defense held strong, as MC went on to win by a final score of 28-24 to end to season for the Choctaws in the winning Column. MC had two 100-yard rushers, with Smith-Moore leading the way with 117 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Williams had 111 yards on 11 carries and a total of two touchdown runs. Stephen's led MC with 51 yards receiving including the go ahead touchdown that sealed the game for the Choctaws. Defensively, Jonathan Jones and Jaylan Woods each tallied 10 tackles a piece to lead the Choctaws defense. With the win, MC improved to 4-6 overall to cap of the 2021 season.

The Mississippi College women's basketball team opened its 2021-22 home slate with a 76-58 win over Tougaloo College on Tuesday, Nov. 16 inside A.E. Wood Coliseum. MC improved to 2-1 on the season while the Bulldogs fell to 3-5 on the campaign. The win gave the Navy and Gold its 10th straight in the series and the eighth consecutive on its home floor against the in-state foes. "Great way to start off the year at home," said head coach Greg Long. "I told the team before the game not to worry about anything expect who is up at the end. Just go out there and play hard and that's what they did." Kyiah Julian paced a trio of Choctaws in double figures as she posted 16 points. KB Bradley added a season-high 15 points while Amelia Bell poured in 12 points, as she matched a season-high, and led the squad on the glass with seven rebounds, two off her season-high. MC shot 43.3 percent from the floor in the game, including a 41.7 clip from behind the arc, and converted on 27-of-35 from the charity stripe for 77.1 percent. Morgan Hunter led TC with 17 points while Geonna Marshall gathered a team-best six rebounds. The Bulldogs hit 36.2 percent from field, 42.9 percent from the 3-point line and knocked down just 62.5 percent from the free throw line. The Choctaws also outrebounded the Red and Blue 42-26. "We had some great individual performances tonight, but only because we played together and for each other and that is what we keep stressing," Long said. "Thanks to the fans who come out and support us, we loved the energy that you brought." For the second time this season, the Choctaws never trailed on the scoreboard. MC, which led by as many as 16 in the quarter, outscored Tougaloo 21-11 after the first 10 minutes of play as it led pillar to post in the contest. The Bulldogs cut the deficit to single digits early in the second and again with 3:18 left before half, but quickly fell behind as MC closed out the half on an 11-0 run. The homestand Choctaws maintained its double-digit lead through the remainder of the game. It reached its largest margin of the contest at the 3:39 mark of the final quarter as Taylor Ben converted on a fast break layup to place MC up 72-51, en route to the 18-point victory. Mississippi College returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 20 as it hosts Southeastern Baptist College. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.

The Mississippi College men's soccer team knocked off Spring Hill 3-1 on Friday afternoon (Oct. 29). MC improved to 9-4-1 overall (6-2-1 GSC) with the win which marked their 6th straight victory. Spring Hill fell to 9-6 overall (4-5 GSC). Things started out quickly for MC as Filippo Bellu scored in just the 2nd minute. Guilherme Santos fired off a shot which was saved, but the rebound fell to Bellu who slotted it home to give MC the early lead. The goal marks Bellu's 9th of the season which leads the team. Antoine Recizac then doubled MC's lead in the 17th minute as he scored to put MC up 2-0. Bellu and Pedro Cortes picked up assists on the play. They mark Cortes' 3rd of the season and Bellu's 1st. That 2-0 lead for MC would hold until halftime. Spring Hill picked up the pressure to start the 2nd half and got a goal in the 54th minute to cut MC's lead to 2-1. Joao Amaral scored the goal for the Badgers. Spring Hill kept the pressure up, but MC was able to withstand the pressure which included several big saves from Choctaw goalkeeper Alejandro Chavarria. Joshua Davies put the dagger home in the 85th minute to make it 3-1 as he scored on assists from Gonzalo Carrasco and Antoine Recizac on a ball that came off a corner that was played to Davies who put it home for his 3rd goal of the season (all in the last 2 matches). The assists are Recizac's 4th of the season (which is now tied for the team lead) and Carrasco's 3rd of the season. The Choctaws would hold on to win by that 3-1 margin to pick up their 6th straight win. Overall, MC outshot Spring Hill 20-7 and held a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. Recizac led MC with 5 shots and also led the team in shots on goal with 4. Cortes also added 4 shots. Chavarria had 3 saves in goal.

Ansley Rigby, a Union native and student at Mississippi College, was recently selected to participate in the undergraduate portion of the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program (MRDSP). Rigby is the daughter of Brett Rigby and Annette Rigby.

Ke'Londa Magee returns for her second year as President of Social Justice Club, and Isis Carpenter has been elected president of Social Justice Club in Fall 2021.

The Mississippi College women's cross country team defended its Watson Collegiate Open title with a convincing win on Saturday, Oct. 9. Jazmin Hernandez won the individual title en route to helping MC score 32 points. The Choctaws placed three runners in the top three led by Hernandez's time of 22:18.7. The mark is a 6K-best for the Georgetown, Texas, native. Josie Whipp placed third as she clocked a 6K-best time of 22:30.5 Madeline Campbell finished just out of the top three as she recorded a time of 22:48.0 in fourth. Norma Gutierrez finished 12th in the 6K race as she totaled season-best time of 23:35.5 while Emily Berry was 14th with a 6K-best time of 23:43.5. Bre Bell garnered a time of 23:58.4 in 16th place. It stands as a 6K-best time for Bell. Lauren Wallace rounded out the top seven scorers for the Choctaws as she posted a time of 24:49.1 in 25th - a season-best time in a 6K race for the freshman. Fellow Gulf South Conference member, Union (Tenn.) University took second among the teams with 85 points while Division II Southern Arkansas University was third with 104 points. Andrea De La Rosa from Bethel University placed second in the individual portion with a time of 22:24.6. Mississippi College returns to action o Saturday, Oct. 23 as it hosts the Gulf South Conference Championship at Choctaw Trails. The women's 5K is set for a time of 9 a.m.

The Mississippi College women's soccer team knocked off the West Georgia Wolves 1-0 on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 10) in Clinton. The Lady Choctaws improved to 8-3 (6-2 GSC) on the season while West Georgia fell to 5-4 (3-3 GSC). The win marked head coach Darryl Longabaugh's 300th win, and also marked the 300th win in program history. It was a fairly quiet first half with neither team overly testing the other team's goalkeeper. Things picked up quickly in the 2nd half though as Avery Hederman put MC in front in the 50th minute. Hederman took a corner for MC and played the ball short to Beatrice Currie. Currie played the ball back to Hederman who dribbled into the box and then scored to put MC up 1-0. The goal marked Hederman's 3rd of the season and 2nd in as many games. The Lady Choctaws dominated the opening stretch of the 2nd half even outside of Hederman's goal. MC registered 9 shots in the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half including a shot from Makayla Hernandez that was barely tipped wide of the goal from West Georgia's keeper. That 1-0 scoreline would hold as MC picked up their 2nd straight victory and picked up the 300th win in Longabaugh's tenure at MC and in program history (both which date back to 1997) Overall, MC outshot West Georgia 17-4 and had a 7-4 edge in shots on goal. Emily McNair led the way for MC with 3 shots, while Currie had the most shots on goal with 2. Camila Cevallos made 4 saves in goal for MC as she picked up the clean sheet shutout victory. The Lady Choctaws won't be in action again until Friday, October 22nd when they travel to take on Christian Brothers. MC will then play at Union on that Sunday (Oct. 24). MC has an off weekend next weekend.

The Honors College at Mississippi College welcomes 15 new students fall of 2021. The Honors College offers a vibrant learning community dedicated to meaningful reflection, faithful citizenship, and servant leadership. Students learn to translate knowledge into wisdom as they think deeply about enduring themes and important questions. They are encouraged to imitate Christ, cultivate virtue, and pursue human flourishing. Students are challenged to see the love of neighbors as foundational to their calling and leadership in careers, communities, and churches. The Honors College currently awards incoming freshmen an Honors College Scholarship. This scholarship was initially funded by a generous gift of Mr. J.L. Holloway. It provides students with full tuition, room, and board scholarships and allows students to partake in all Honors College sponsored opportunities including the summer international experience.

The Mississippi College men's soccer team knocked off Louisiana State University at Alexandria 3-1 on Monday afternoon (Oct. 11). MC improved to 6-4-1 (3-2-1 GSC) with the win. The game counted as an exhibition for LSU-A. MC controlled the early part of the match with several dangerous opportunities, including some from Pedro Cortes, but they couldn't breakthrough early on. MC goalkeeper Alejandro Chavarria also made a save early to keep the Generals off the board. Olaf Conforti got the scoring started for MC as he scored in the 33rd minute on a header off an assist from Soane Deminguet Folituu. The goal marked Conforti's first of the season and the first of his MC career. Deminguet Folituu doubled the Choctaws' lead just minutes later as he scored in the 35th minute after a nice buildup with assists from Gonzalo Carrasco and Filippo Bellu. The goal also marked Folituu's first of the season and the first of his career. That 2-0 MC lead would hold until the half. The Choctaws were again control in the early stages of the 2nd half, although they were unable to extend their lead. LSU-A got a goal back in the 77th minute as Joash Williams converted a penalty kick. MC was able to get the dagger goal though in the 84th minute as Tom Carles put home an assist from Guilherme Santos to make it a 3-1 game. The goal was also Carles' first of the season. MC would win by that 3-1 scoreline. Overall, MC had a commanding advantage in shots 25-2 and also had an 11-2 edge in shots on goal. Folituu led MC with 6 shots while Carles paced the team with 4 shots on goal. Chavarria also made a save in goal as he picked up the win. The Choctaws will next be in action on Friday, October 22nd when they travel to take on Christian Brothers. They will also play Union on the road that Sunday (Oct. 24). MC has an off weekend this upcoming weekend.

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.

Research projects conducted by a recent Mississippi College alumna and a senior history major at MC have been accepted for publication in an esteemed national humanities symposium's publication. Morgan Thomas '21, an English and history double major, and Matthew Drew, a senior history major, will see their research published in the Macksey Journal, the official publication of the Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium. The Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences will host the symposium virtually April 8-10, 2022. Adapted from an undergraduate thesis, Thomas' paper, "I Will Not Be Silenced: Voice and Autonomy in Madeline Miller's Circe," focuses on the concept of voice as a means of autonomy in the novel. It follows the character of Circe as she learns to use her voice. It examines five categories - Silence, Whisper, Conversation, Assertion, and Shout - to trace Circe's vocal levels as they correspond to her developing autonomy. The paper analyzes journey, examining how it occurs and why it matters for Circe's character. Drew's work, "Contested Spaces: Runaway Slaves and Location in the Bahama Islands," explores how runaway slave advertisements throughout the Atlantic World during the Age of Revolutions not only recorded the authors' ideas about race, but disseminated and reified perceptions in specific Atlantic locales. The paper examines descriptions and perceptions of geography in the ads published by the Bahama Gazette from 1784 to 1795 and how those perceptions were constantly contested by occupants of the Bahama Islands. The Macksey Journal is a peer-reviewed journal of proceedings that presents an opportunity for symposium participants to develop their presentations into articles for publication. The symposium's implementation team and peer reviewers work with presenters to develop their presentations into journal-length articles for the journal. Dr. Jonathan Randle, professor of English and philosophy and dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at MC, said having research published in the Macksey Journal is a significant accomplishment for undergraduate students. "Morgan and Matt are exemplary students from the School of Humanities," Randle said. "Both of them came to the University with a well-developed capacity for academic inquiry, and it's rewarding to see them both recognized in this way. "Both Morgan and Matt took advantage of the challenging opportunities presented to them at MC. Each of them entered as first-year students into the University's Freshman Honors Program, which was intentionally designed as an interdisciplinary academic experience in the humanities. Their upper-level coursework is reflective of that early experience, as both have since pursued combined programs in history and English." The Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium provides hundreds of students across all fields of the humanities the opportunity to share their work in the professional presentation style most common to their respective fields. Attendees also participate in professionalization and recruitment events during the three-day symposium, including panels on graduate admissions, careers in publishing, and networking. Randle said the students' successful placement of their research in the Macksey Journal is reflective of the high-quality education Mississippi College provides. "To see bright and capable students responding to the cross-disciplinary curricula that we offer in the School of Humanities, and to see them earn wider recognition for their research, affirms what we already know: with students like Morgan and Matt, MC can compete with other universities on the national stage," he said. "I'm thrilled for them both, and I'm excited for what their successful presentation and publication suggest about their own academic futures, as well as the future of undergraduate research in the humanities here at our University."

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.

Kaitlin Stewart is a senior Psychology major who was accepted into the MAC Program at Reformed Theological Seminar.

Jacob Beard is a senior Biological Pre Medical Science Student who was accept into Medical School at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Sanders is a Senior Biological Pre Medical student who was accepted into medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Despite the lingering COVID-19 pandemic that has had a negative impact on scholarly activities, institutions of higher learning across the country are riding a new wave of increasing enrollment as incoming and transferring college students appear eager to continue their academic journeys. That's especially true at Mississippi College. However, the University's improving enrollment numbers aren't just attributable to a declining worldwide pandemic, according to Hannah Richards, director of enrollment marketing and communications at MC. "We see across the board that our students are not just attracted to the price point we ask or to the location we're in, but to the unconditional warmth and community they find on our campus," Richards said, "in conjunction with professors at the top of their fields who also make themselves available to students in a myriad of ways, on campus and off, in churches and in small groups. "Students get to experience all of this when they come to MC for a visit, and I think it's incredibly attractive." The "personal touch" of new student recruitment at MC extends all the way to the top. Last year, Dr. Blake Thompson, Mississippi College president, wrote more than 500 personal notes to students who attended one of the many regional recruitment events hosted by the University. "Our new student numbers are up, year over year," she said. "A lot of that is due to our regional strategy. Our regional recruiters have proven to be an effective piece of the recruitment model, connecting with even more students on their home turf." Between January and April, MC's Office of Admissions hosted about 800 prospective students in 18 recruiting events across the Southeast. Richards said the recruiters concentrated on four areas in particular: Birmingham, Memphis, the northern shore of Louisiana and the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. The recruiters invited small groups of interested students to dinner at local restaurants or coffee shops to meet with MC faculty members, students and admissions counselors and learn about life at the Christian University. Along with hosting academic Select Scholars Competition and Transfer Scholar Competition - events that attract 120 to 150 students vying for valuable scholarships - and receptions of up to 150 prospective students, the less-formal, individualized meetings are a hit with incoming freshmen and transfer students alike.

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.

Mississippi College quarterback, DeAnte' Smith-Moore was named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week Monday morning after his stellar performance this past weekend versus North Greenville. Smith-Moore led the Choctaws to a 42-21 defeat over the Crusaders as MC produced over 409 yards on the ground including five rushing touchdowns. The quarterback himself finished with 110 rushing yards on 22 carries and four touchdowns. Smith-Moore also added 98 yards through the air on 3-of-5 passing attempts, including a 23 yard touchdown pass to running back Marcus Williams, to help guide MC to 2-2 overall and 1-1 on the season in GSC play. On the season, Smith-Moore has amassed 195 yards on the ground with a team high five touchdown runs while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He has also completed a team best 7-of-16 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Mississippi College returns home this weekend, Oct. 9, for a 2 p.m. GSC kickoff versus West Georgia at 2 p.m. at Robinson-Hale Stadium.

After using the Career Services office at Mississippi College to help prepare for job interviews and improve his resume, Noah has been hired as a Tesla Advisor.

The Mississippi College's Lexie Laurendine became the program's all-time assists leader as the Choctaws completed a season sweep of the University of West Alabama on Tuesday, Oct. 5 with a straight-sets victory inside A.E. Wood Coliseum. Laurendine recorded a team-best 21 dimes and now holds school's record with 1,776. The junior also logged a team-best 10 kills and added five digs on the ledger. Laurendine surpasses former Choctaw Sydney Chandler (2014-17). Levi Lennard dished out 12 assists on the night. Erin Davis led the squad with 13 digs while Kendall Platt chimed in 11 with 10 coming from Missy Beber. Stevie Nesbit defended the frontline with a team-leading three blocks. After a 25-18 victory in the opening set, Mississippi College took charge of the match in the second set. The Navy and Gold jumped out to a 12-3 early and held the visiting Tigers to single digits until a MC miscue changed the score to 20-10. The Choctaws maintained the double-digit advantage down the stretch, despite the visitors trying to cut into the deficit. A Nesbit tip secured the set 25-16 and gave the Choctaws a 2-0 lead. The two teams battled through the early goings in the third set with West Alabama gaining the upperhand midway through the contest - holding as much as a four-point lead. MC rallied and tied the contest at 18-all and closed the match on a 10-1 run to clinch. Mississippi College returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 9 as it hosts Union (Tenn.) University. Fans coming through the door can grab donuts, while supplies last, courtesy of the volleyball team as the Choctaws host Digs and Donuts before first serve at 10 a.m.

The Mississippi College men's soccer team knocked off the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots 4-0 on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 6) in mid-week non-conference action. The Choctaws improved to 5-4-1 (3-2-1 GSC) on the year, while Texas-Tyler fell to 4-3-1 (0-0 LSC). It was a slow start to the match as neither team truly threatened the other team's goalkeeper and the match went into the half scoreless. The beginning of the 2nd half was much of the same even though there was a moment of controversy as a UT-Tyler goal was stopped after contact in the box. The Choctaws finally broke through in the 71st minute when Noah Wagnerstepped in front of a pass along the Patriots backline, after Pedro Corteshad clipped the ball forward, and then put a shot past the UT-Tyler keeper to put MC up 1-0. The goal marked Wagner's 7th of the season. Antoine Recizac then doubled the MC lead just minutes later as he put a fierce strike on his first touch in the back of the net off an assist from Santi Diosa in the 74th minute. Recizac's goal was his 2nd of the season. Filippo Bellu then added a brace in the next several minutes as he first scored in the 78th minute off a assist from Guilherme Santos on a nice ball into the box by Santos. Bellu got his 2nd goal of the match again just minutes later in the 81st minute as he scored on an assist from Noah Wagner as a through ball from Wagner got through and the ball ended up in the net as a sliding mass of bodies all converged together. The goals marked Bellu's 6th and 7th of the season respectively which now tie Wagner for the most on the team. Overall, MC outshot Texas-Tyler 15-5 and held a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal. Bellu led the way for MC in shots with 5. Alejandro Chavarria also made a save in goal as he played 86 minutes in net for the Choctaws without conceeding a goal. The Choctaws will be back in action on Monday afternoon (Oct. 11) as they travel to take on LSU-Alexandria on the road in another non-conference tilt. MC will be back in GSC play on Friday, October 22nd against Christian Brothers.

When Hurricane Ida, one of the most powerful storms ever to lash the U.S., tore through the Gulf Coast of Louisiana Aug. 29, leaving a wide swath of destruction in its wake, it did more than cripple power lines, spoil food and water supplies and damage homes and businesses. It also presented an opportunity to share God's love. Not long after Ida finished her deadly rampage across the state, Mississippi College and Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton teamed up with St. Rose Community Church in Louisiana to collect donations of water, food and cleaning supplies to help residents of the small river community just outside of New Orleans.

The Mississippi College Dance team has hit the ground running this season having already performed at multiple events including two Choctaw Football home games. Tryouts were held over the summer and they completed boot camp training in August. The team is sponsored by Dr. Hope Tipton.