Hope Tipton Selected Counseling Department Leader

Professor Hope Tipton

Education professor Hope Tipton goes to work next month as the first chair of Mississippi College’s new Counseling Department.

“She has such a heart and talent for training future counselors,” says MC School of Education Dean Cindy Melton. “We are incredibly grateful to have her leading our Department.”

Since joining the faculty in 2018, Tipton often volunteers to assist the Baptist-affiliated university. Greeting freshmen and families during move-in days or sponsoring student organizations, the Brandon resident steps up to offer a helping hand on the Clinton campus.

“Hope has a contagious energy that she brings to the role of Department chair,” Melton said. “She is hard-working and makes the most of every opportunity.”

In addition, Tipton brings extensive experience with national counseling accreditation organizations. At MC, Hope teaches graduate-level courses such as crisis counseling and helping relationships. She’s the program assessment coordinator and serves on committees overseeing curriculum changes. The Biloxi native is a former teacher with the Meridian public schools.

Hope is a licensed professional counselor. Tipton serves as the faculty mentor to the Lady Choctaws softball team. She is the faculty advisor to the students' dance team.

MC’s Psychology and Counseling Department is being revamped to create separate components as of June 1. Professor Michael Mann, a Mississippi College graduate, will serve as the incoming Psychology Department chair. Cynthia Johnson, who chaired the combined department in Lowrey Hall, is stepping down to join her family in Georgia.

Hope Tipton cherishes her job teaching Mississippi College students. “I love all the opportunities that being here at MC has afforded me. The student body has made my time here so much fun!”

Dr. Tipton earned all of her degrees at Mississippi State University. That includes her bachelor’s in psychology in 2011 on the Meridian campus, a master’s in school counseling, and educational specialist in counselor education. Hope received her doctorate in counselor education and supervision on the Starkville campus.

Her three daughters are all enrolled in college. Ana is entering her third year in pharmacy school at the University of Mississippi. Brooke, who received a degree in public health at Mississippi University for Women, is awaiting acceptance into nursing school. Kamryn is a University of Alabama student. She’s on track to graduate in December with a degree in criminal justice on the Tuscaloosa campus.