Mississippi College Student Ambassadors Wrap Up First Year
Miguel Black’s memorable year as a Mississippi College Ambassador wrapped up on a high note.
A New Orleans native, Miguel joined other MC Ambassadors attending the university’s scholarship dinner featuring keynote speaker Drew Brees. The NFL’s all-time passing yards leader, the New Orleans Saints star quarterback spoke of faith, family and football during his April 30 visit to the Clinton campus. The record-setting program that Spring evening raised more than $500,000 for scholarships.
Volunteering as an MC Ambassador in 2018-2019, “I loved all the events. But being from New Orleans, having Drew Brees here takes the cake for me,” says Black, 21, a kinesiology/pre-physical therapy major.
Attending Mississippi College this Fall to seek his master’s in athletic administration is next for Miguel. He graduates with the Class of 2019 during May 10-11 ceremonies at the A.E. Wood Coliseum.
MC Ambassadors enjoy serving the Baptist-affiliated university with a passion for all things Blue & Gold. They welcome prospective undergraduates, reach out to the metro Jackson community, and greet alumni. One recent event was the admissions office’s Junior Day as 80 high school juniors toured the Clinton campus.
Working with President Blake Thompson, who launched the group, the first class of MC Ambassadors set a high standard. Inducted in late April, the newest class was selected to be their successors.
What drives this team of MC student leaders with a heart for their faith?
“Presidential ambassadors are not those who desire the spotlight,” Miguel Black says. “Instead, they desire to work tirelessly without expecting a reward or credit. It was a joy for me to serve.”
Each ambassador earns excellent grades. The students combine winning social skills with a servant’s spirit. They make their faith a key priority and remain involved in extracurricular activities.
“It is a select group of students considered to embody Mississippi College,” Black said.
Completing his one year in April as Student Government Association president, Anthony Jackson finished his stint as an Ambassador. “We serve as direct extensions of Dr. Thompson,” says the 22-year-old Mound Bayou resident.
Student ambassadors stay on call to host special guests, and travel off campus to connect with alumni.
Being part of the first class of Ambassadors proved an awesome experience for Jackson, a former Choctaws football player. The political science major is delighted to see a new class inheriting their duties.
“We started something that will continue to serve and represent the students and the community for many years to come,” Jackson said. Being an Ambassador seems to be a perfect fit for the double minor in history and servant leadership.
What’s next for the energetic student leader following May graduation is a run for political office. Anthony Jackson will campaign for a Mississippi House seat in the Delta. The Democratic Party primary is August 6.
His successor as the SGA President, Aaron Feazelle of Diamondhead, served as an MC Ambassador. “What makes this organization so fun is the opportunity to meet all kinds of people – from Drew Brees to the Board of Trustees.”
The group regularly meets with President Thompson to share ideas. A public relations and marketing major from Manhattan, Kansas, Shem McConnell will serve as the group’s new leader.
Other inaugural class members include senior Kyle Alford of Tupelo, who will pursue studies at dental school. The initial team includes Kelsey Sanchez, Belle Cousar, Alyssa Travani, Emily Hankins, and Elena Wilson.
New Ambassadors include: Jessica Borne of Denham Springs, La, Josh Thomas of McComb, Michael Washington of Collinsville, Emily Duck of Summit, John Michael Ladner of Gulfport and Harley Bush of Clinton. Also: Logan Bernard of Magee, Manuela Rosipko of Ocean Springs and Reilly Hendrickson of Edmond, Oklahoma.
There’s no rigorous training program needed. Students chosen bring strong skills as they participate in major events at the Christian university.
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