Daylong Event Gives Prospective University Students Preview of Life at Mississippi College

Prospective students and their families will have an opportunity to discover what campus life at Mississippi College is all about during Preview Day.

As a high school senior, Conner Dyess had been on the fence about which Mississippi university to attend when a single visit helped him determine where to invest the next four years of his life.

“As soon as I stepped on campus for Preview Day and tasted what Mississippi College had to offer, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else,” said Dyess, a sophomore history education major from Brandon. “Preview Day is where you can experience what truly separates MC from other universities.

“You gain an understanding of what your connections could be within the University. Then you begin to understand the terrific culture offered within our perimeter. After that, you realize the amazingly rare community you could be a part of here.”

At Preview Day one spring, Nadiya Foster met some of the best friends she’s ever had at college – even before she enrolled in her first class at MC.

“I adored the Preview Day experience,” said Foster, an elementary education major and servant leadership minor. “Meeting the scouts and workers at MC made me even more thrilled to attend MC that fall.”

She now volunteers as a “scout” for the event, helping to lead potential students and their family members throughout campus and explaining to them why the collegiate experience at MC is so treasured by its students.

“To a high school student who has never been to MC, Preview Day is a glimpse into student life and involvement on campus,” Foster said. “There is always something to do here, whether it’s a tailgate, a board event, etc. Preview Day emphasizes the involvement and service of the Choctaw Family.

“In the same way you are valued as a potential student, Mississippi College values all of its students.”

Hundreds of prospective MC students and their family members will get a significant sampling of what it means to be a Choctaw like Dyess and Foster when they visit MC’s Clinton campus during MC’s Preview Day on Saturday, Oct. 8. The information-packed event will begin with registration at 8 a.m. on the Caf patio, followed by a host of activities designed to enlighten and entertain.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Blake Thompson, MC’s president; learn about scholarships and other financial aid opportunities; tour the campus with a student “scout;” sit in on a “mock” class; mingle with potential future classmates; visit with student representatives from a host of on-campus organizations; and visit the University’s state-of-the-art cadaver lab in the Royce Medical Science Center.

After becoming familiar with the campus, attendees will have the opportunity to experience two of the most beloved traditions at MC – tailgating and the “Choctaw Walk” in the Quad – before attending the Gulf South Conference football game between MC and Shorter University at 2 p.m.

Angie Hardin, director of admissions and enrollment operations, said the Preview Day schedule shouldn’t be missed.

“Preview Days are some of our favorite events because we get to show hundreds of prospective students and their families what MC is all about,” Hardin said.

Foster said Preview Day engages potential students’ interest in the academic and social aspects of Mississippi College.

“MC is an impressive school with academic opportunities and career preparation, but what makes it even more special is the love of its community,” she said. “You wouldn’t be able to experience that without attending a Preview Day or scheduling a visit.”

Preview Day made such an impression on Dyess that he will serve as emcee for this year’s event.

“College is a time of huge change for people, and it is crucial for people to have a supportive group surround them,” he said. “Preview Days give people a glimpse of what we have to offer.

“Going through the college search process was tough for me. The only tough thing now is that I only have two more years left at Mississippi College.”

Unable to attend Preview Day on Oct. 8? Another Preview Day is being planned for November. For more information about either Preview Day at MC, visit mc.edu/previewday.