Mississippi College Graduate Clark Kilgore Joins Admissions Team

MC 2020 graduate Clark Kilgore is a new admissions counselor.

Working at his alma mater as a new Mississippi College admissions counselor is a dream job for Clark Kilgore.

It’s been a wonderful experience since the Fairhope, Alabama native went to work June 1.

Kilgore, 23, feels blessed recruiting prospective students in southern Louisiana, southwest Mississippi and the Alabama Gulf Coast.

“I’ve been so thankful to get to serve at Mississippi College in this seemingly wild season of life. Despite so many uncertainties in the world, our university’s commitment to our students and the cause of Christ is unwavering,” says the May 2020 MC graduate. “To be part of something like that is a joy.”

Mississippi College nears its fall semester opening with seven move-in days for incoming freshmen, and traditional classes to start August 17. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MC leaders established many safeguards to prioritize the health of the university’s family.

The pandemic didn’t diminish the enthusiasm of the admissions newcomer. “I am living in Clinton and loving it,” he says. Clark can combine business with family time on future trips to south Alabama. “I am looking forward to seeing my family back home when recruiting students from the Gulf Coast.”

Matthew Clark Kilgore is a familiar face around Nelson Hall. As a senior, he worked as a part-time admissions student employee with colleagues in the building’s basement offices.

A public relations major and philosophy minor, Clark brings strong credentials to his new role.

As an undergraduate, he served as a youth intern at First Baptist Church Jackson, and was the president of the Kokoa men’s service club.

“Through these roles, God really started revealing to me the passion He has given me for people. I believe investing and caring for those around us holds such great weight.”

Clark Kilgore stays on fire for the Blue & Gold as he recruits high school students in three Southern states.

“Mississippi College has been such a formative place for me. To me, I can’t think of a better place to develop, grow and understand who you are and whose you are. I have absolutely loved my time here as a student,” says the Alabama native. “The fact of the matter is MC is incredibly special because of the people, and because of the purpose behind it.”

The premier education he’s received at the Christian university combined with life-changing experiences off campus to help him grow the past few years. It “really set me up well to counsel and encourage high school students as they try to navigate their future decisions.”

Clark Kilgore traveled to church mission trips to Puerto Rico and Tanzania, Africa, but feels the 195-year-old university in Clinton is the right place to be today.

Michael Wright, director of freshman recruitment and undergraduate admissions, is a big believer in Kilgore’s people skills.

“Clark is an exceptional example of the kind of team member we are looking for in MC admissions,” Wright said. “His passion for the Lord, his love for students and exemplary character will make him a perfect fit for the recruiting team.”

Other changes for MC admissions this summer include employing staffers in place in Birmingham, Alabama and Dallas-Fort Worth to recruit students.

That falls in line with President Blake Thompson’s directive “to expand the outreach of MC and tell our story better,” Wright said.

MC graduate Kaitlin Turcotte serves in Birmingham, with Arleigh Seymour leading admissions efforts in Texas. “We are excited to see how MC’s brand awareness continues to thrive in those markets.”