From recital hall to Women’s Council scholarship, 2024 Alumna of the Year’s name synonymous with MC

Jean Pittman Williams, MC's 2024 Alumna of the Year

For years, the Mississippi College family has enjoyed lavish musical performances and riveting stage productions in the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall in the Aven Fine Arts Building.

The Founding Scholarship for the Mississippi College Women’s Council – an organization dedicated to advancing the University’s mission through philanthropic initiatives – is the Jean Pittman Williams Scholarship.

Through her varied contributions, Jean Pittman Williams’ name is almost synonymous with the University. Therefore, she is the perfect selection for MC’s 2024 Alumna of the Year, according to Jim Turcotte, vice president and special assistant to the president.

“Jean Williams is unwavering in her love and support for MC,” Turcotte said. “She is always interested in whatever we share about MC and in those who are serving the college.

“She is deserving of our thanks for all she does to lift up Mississippi College.”

Williams, who graduated from MC in 1955, said she was “honored and surprised” to be named Alumna of the Year.

“It’s very meaningful to me and it’s wonderful at this point in my life,” she said. “I just love Mississippi College.”

Her passion for MC was cemented during an undergraduate career that included serving in the Baptist Student Union, making MC’s cheerleading squad, serving as the second president of the Kissimee Social Tribe and being elected Homecoming Queen. Her devotion has only multiplied since graduating with a B.S. in music education.

“Jean Williams embodies the spirit of our University with grace and commitment to helping the next generation of students,” said Dottie Serio, secretary in the Department of Music. “Her dedication to seeing them succeed is obvious in her work as a Foundation Board member and friend of the school.”

The wife of a service member, Williams taught music in the school systems of six different states. She maintained close relationships with her alma mater and provided support whenever possible.

“I’m proud of the fact that Mississippi College is a Christian-based school,” Williams said. “It’s important for students to get an excellent, Christian-based education.”

This is not the first time Williams has been recognized with a major alumni award at Homecoming. In 2000, Williams joined her brothers, Jimmy, Bob, and Milton, to become the first group of siblings to receive the prestigious Order of the Golden Arrow.

Williams’ reputation on campus is such that upon meeting her, many of today’s Kissimee members often do a double-take.

“They’ll say, ‘Wait – are you THE Jean Pittman Williams? I learned your name in KT initiation,’” said Katrina Pace, executive director of the MC Foundation. “That speaks to the culture and community of MC. Jean’s life and legacy are a blessing to our community.”

Williams and other outstanding MC alumni will be recognized during the Homecoming 2024 National Alumni Association Awards Brunch at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center.

Tickets are $25 each and RSVP is required. For more information, click here.