Third Honors College Class Selected at Mississippi College

Incoming MC freshman Gracie Bassett of Madison

Gracie Bassett is thrilled to begin her studies in August at Mississippi College. The Madison resident is among the newest 15 members of the university’s Honors College.

“I’m excited about discovering my career path, learning from faculty and students, having a close-knit community, and growing in my relationship with the Lord at MC.”

Gracie will soon join 14 other Honors College freshmen as a biology/ pre-med major at the Baptist-affiliated university. “Being homeschooled, I enjoyed a classical, Christian education and felt that MC’s Honors College would be a challenging way to invest in my future.”

Orientation for Honors College newcomers happens this summer. Gracie's mom, Barbie Bassett of WLBT-TV 3, is just as pumped as her daughter.

“To see her excitement in being accepted into the Honors College program was epic for me as a parent,” says Barbie Bassett, an MC alumna. “Knowing the standard of excellence Mississippi College is known for makes the Honors College an even greater honor. Being surrounded by faculty who pour into their students abundantly is priceless.”

A longtime WLBT personality, Barbie serves as a meteorologist, traffic tracker, and 11 a.m. morning show host at the Jackson television station. A successful Mississippi author, she loves to promote the Magnolia State. Barbie bleeds Blue & Gold year-round.

Director Erin Norcross says the entire roster of incoming Honors College freshmen is outstanding. They come from five states – New Jersey, Washington, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Carolina. “I’m looking forward to having them on campus this fall!.”

Incoming Honors College freshmen include Carson Jones of Madison Central High, Kayleigh Canoy of Jackson Prep, Drew Doubert of Allentown High in New Jersey, Jack Thomas Spears of Caldwell Early College High in Lenoir, North Carolina, and Eli Franklin of Whitesburg Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama.

Others chosen include Xavian Branch of Jim Hill High in Jackson, Brady Permenter of Germantown High, Amelia Boskovich of Ocean Springs High, Oakley Gibbs of Hernando High, and Faith Anderson of Our Lady Academy in Waveland.

During his inauguration address in spring 2019, President Blake Thompson unveiled the Honors College as one of his administration's key initiatives. Honors College students receive full scholarships spanning four years on the Clinton campus.