Presidential Ambassadors Committed to Service

MC student Camryn Johnson of Byram at the Career Fair.

Camryn Johnson says the Mississippi College experience helped grow her faith and build vital skills as a student leader.

“God has blessed me with opportunities to serve and lead in many different aspects and places on campus since being a freshman,” says the 2018 Terry High graduate. “I am grateful for what He has in store for me next year.”

As one of President Blake Thompson’s MC ambassadors, Camryn is volunteering during major events this spring. She’s pitching in with the Christian university’s Career Fair this week. Camryn will be among the volunteers meeting with prospective students at Preview Day on Saturday, March 27.

Career Service Director Ormon Taylor will utilize Presidential Ambassadors and a team of volunteers while visiting employers connect with job-seeking students. They’re coming from school districts, government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses.

Normally, there’s a marathon of MC events on campus year-round. But the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many activities going virtual or getting postponed.

Presidential Ambassadors are signing up to greet students and employers during Career Services Office events on March 10 and March 12.

A mathematics major with plans to pursue graduate school, Johnson, 21, looks forward to welcoming Career Week visitors in Anderson Hall. The Byram resident is equally pumped about serving at Preview Day. “I’m glad to be speaking to our prospective students and parents about my time here at MC.”

MC Student Government Association Vice President Damon Wright feels fortunate to be among the Presidential Ambassadors at a blitz of events since 2018. “I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be part of this collective.”

While the worldwide health emergency impacted many Mississippi College activities since March 2020, that’s starting to change in 2021 as tens of millions of Americans get coronavirus vaccines.

“We will be ready to serve the school when the time comes,” Wright said. The 22-year-old senior from Hoover, Alabama, is a communication major and MC Choctaws football player.

There are 12 Presidential Ambassadors working with Dr. Thompson and other leaders in the Blue & Gold family. Other members include SGA President Michael Washington, a Choctaws football player from Collinsville in Lauderdale County.

Also on board with the group is Mississippi College junior Madeline Holmes of Clinton. The chemistry/pre-pharmacy student devotes a great deal of time to her studies. But service is high on her agenda as well for this year and next.

“I am most excited about being able to meet and establish connections with a variety of individuals,” Holmes, 21, said. “They will be able to provide me with insights for years to come.”

Rounding out the 2021 Presidential Ambassadors are Logan Barnard, Skip Corales, Isaac Davis, and Will Edwards. Also selected: Sam Kinslow, John Michael Ladner, Manuela Rosipko, and Jamie Shelby.

Mississippi College Ambassadors wrapped up their memorable first year as volunteers at the university’s 2019 Spring scholarship dinner. New Orleans Saints star quarterback Drew Brees was the keynote speaker. The record-setting event on the Clinton campus raised more than $500,000 for scholarships.

President Thompson launched the first group of Ambassadors with its members strongly linked to the institution’s deep commitment to service. The students combine winning social skills with excellent grades and a servant’s heart. They make faith a priority and stay focused on a variety of extracurricular activities to benefit the university.