Student Experience Awards celebrate student achievement, reinforce Mississippi College’s mission
The Division of Student Experience at Mississippi College recognized more than four dozen outstanding student leaders of all classifications who have contributed to campus life at MC during its sixth Student Experience Awards Gala on April 17.
MC students who have demonstrated by their actions what MC’s culture of service and commitment to the cause of Christ truly means were recognized during the formal ceremony and dinner at Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center.
Jonathan Ambrose, dean of students at MC, said the ceremony is significant because it celebrates student achievement outside the classroom and reinforces the University’s mission.
“Mississippi College is committed to developing servant leaders who use their gifts to impact others,” Ambrose said. “The honorees we recognized reflect that mission in action. They are role models, bridge-builders and culture-shapers on our campus, and the ripple effects of their leadership will be felt for years to come.”
As vice president for the student experience at MC, Ambrose said the gala is among his favorite events of the year.
“It reminds us of the heart behind the work we do,” he said. “It’s more than just an awards ceremony – it’s about honoring the stories, the growth and the contributions that make MC special, a place that feels like home.”
The Division of Student Experience solicited award nominations from the entire MC campus community. A committee of staff members selected the winners from among the nominees. A student committee helped choose the Hall of Fame inductees. The identities of the award recipients were kept confidential until they were announced at the event, lending an element of intrigue to the ceremony.
“I enjoyed seeing students genuinely surprised and moved by the recognition,” Ambrose said. “These are individuals who lead with humility. They show up early, stay late, serve others quietly and rarely seek the spotlight.
“To be able to shine that spotlight on them and celebrate all of their accomplishments, even briefly, is meaningful.”
Awards presented during the gala included:
The Mississippi College Hall of Fame, established in 1960, is awarded to four senior students – two female and two male – for outstanding leadership ability, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, participation and contribution to student life, and dedication to serving God and their fellow man. Among the highest honors to be presented at MC, Hall of Fame members are chosen by a select student committee.
The 2025 Hall of Fame recipients are Ashley Grace Bassett, Sarah Beth Stambaugh, Conner Dyess and Xavian Branch.
The Scott-Swor Founder’s Award recognizes a senior student for making a significant contribution to the student life of the college and exemplifying the ideals of the University’s founders and their successors, quality of living, leadership and service. The award is named in memory of Dr. Charles W. Scott, who served the MC community for 30 years, and Dr. Chester E. Swor, a Baptist evangelist, alumnus and former MC faculty member.
The 2025 Founder's Award recipient is Janie Gray.
Senior Awards of Excellence in Leadership are presented to senior students who distinguish themselves by their visionary leadership on campus and their vision of greatness.
The 2025 Senior Award recipients are Haleigh Roberts, Carson Hughes, Madeleine Brignac, Owen Jackson, Marlee Rogers, Lauren Vermillion, Lydia Paulette, Caroline Sanchez, Preston Speed, Colby Chadwick, Katherine Strickland, Will Fritts, Alexa Hyde, Emma Kate Pounders, Caroline White, Haley Kretz, Makenzie Rich, Joshua Wilkes, Abigail Hill and Hilary Udechukwu.
Student Experience Servant Leadership Awards acknowledge sophomore and junior students who have served the campus as a whole and are actively leading through engagement, service to the institution and living MC’s Christian mission.
The 2025 Servant Leadership recipients are Nathan Heard, Shelby Lee Stokes, Ashlyn Hill, Harrison Jones, Landon Maughon, Riley Dees, Laina Holder, Reed Travelstead, Kati Crockett, Paul Michaelis, Ruthie Bischoff, Reece Gibson, Brandon Welch, Alyson Jadzinski, Callee Gracyn Graves, Mya Adwalpalker and Bishop Cook.
Freshmen of the Year Awards recognize one female and one male student for their ability to emulate the vision and mission of the University throughout their first year at Mississippi College.
The 2025 Freshman Woman of the Year is Mallory Brooks; 2025 Freshman Man of the Year is Brayden Parker.
Spirit of MC Awards are presented to freshmen students who have ignited their college careers at MC, stepping into their roles as young leaders by cultivating a positive atmosphere and experience for their classes and the campus community.
The 2025 Spirit of MC recipients are Mitchell Eifert, Leah Green, Cole Romano, Ruby Busenitz, Rhyser Guynes, Lucy Hawk, Sadie Richburg, Taylor Brandon, Parker St. Amant and Jon Scott.
The Student Organization Award of Excellence acknowledges a registered MC student organization committed to the continued advancement of MC’s mission and the engagement of the student body in the vision of the student organization.
The 2025 Student Organization recipient is Dance Marathon.
The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award of Excellence recognizes a faculty or staff sponsor of an MC student organization, club or tribe who goes “above and beyond” to assist students and contribute to the life of the student organization he or she advises.
The 2025 Student Organization Advisor is Anna Clayton Nagle.
The Community Partner of the Year Award is presented to a local business or organization that has served MC with excellence throughout the academic year.
The 2025 Community Partner is Flyin’ Dolly’s on the Rez.
The titles of Mister MC and Miss MC are given to extraordinary campus student leaders who demonstrate exceptional support for the institution’s vision of being a university known for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ.
The 2025 Mrs. MC is Haleigh Roberts. The 2025 Mr. MC is Conner Dyess.
Each of MC’s five women’s social tribes and five men’s service clubs earn points by participating and competing in MC-sanctioned campus events throughout the year. The club and tribe that accumulate the most points is named MC’s respective Club and Tribe of the Year.
The 2025 Tribe of the Year is Laguna. The 2025 Club of the Year is Kokoa.
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