Kinesiology Students Support Good Causes

Kinesiology professor Carol Barnes

Mississippi College kinesiology students always contribute to benefit charitable causes in metro Jackson.

From helping the American Cancer Society to serving children with Down Syndrome, MC kinesiology students have community service embedded in their DNA.

This fall, the Kinesiology Student Association is leading the way on the Clinton campus.

Association members “feel it is their mission to live out the cause of Christ by reaching out and helping those in need in every situation possible,” says kinesiology professor Carol Barnes.

KSA works to support healthy lifestyles and research of various charitable organizations. The students are involved in raising funds, as well, for the Mississippi Diabetes Association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the American Heart Association, she noted.

Kinesiology Department Chair Chris Washam echoes what Barnes is saying.

“I think a lot of students come to the university with a sense of mission and a desire to help others,” he said.

Community service is one of the cornerstone missions at the 195-year-old Christian university.

Washam commends Barnes and Penny McNair for serving as KSA advisors and encouraging the students.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, scores of kinesiology students press on to work as volunteers to benefit others in need. “They will continue to be involved in a variety of worthwhile projects in our community,” adds Washam, a Clinton resident.

KSA President Meredith Follis says their service opportunities are extensive. It stretches from volunteering at the annual Hap Hudson 5K road race. This year’s event is set for Saturday, October 24, as part of the university’s 2020 Homecoming. The Kinesiology Department serves as the race sponsor. The race celebrates the achievements of Hap Hudson, a retired longtime MC coach and kinesiology professor from Clinton.

The KSA supports the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s adult emergency department clothing drive. In addition, association members contribute to the event dubbed “Sock it to the Homeless.” Supporters donate new pairs of socks to a Mississippi organization assisting Jackson’s homeless community. The MC students also donate canned items to a local food pantry. The list goes on.

No matter what the charitable cause, KSA leaders like Follis, Annette Hialgo and Casey Purvis will keep working hard.

A Madison resident and the group's business manager, Purvis said, “service is important to remind myself of everything the Lord has blessed me with.”