Freshman Matthew Atkinson Wins Top Award in Mississippi Collegiate Art Competition

Mississippi College freshman Matthew Atkinson, 18, of Clinton is the Mississippi Collegiate Art Competition winner. His work was judged the best in the 2015 logo design competition.

Mississippi College freshman Matthew Atkinson is an award winner in statewide art competition this fall.

A graphic arts major from Clinton, Atkinson, 18, came away with the top prize for his creative logo in the annual Mississippi Collegiate Art Competition.

“I didn’t think it would happen, being a freshman,” Matthew said Monday. “I never saw it coming. This is really cool.”

A panel of judges reviewed entries for the 2015 logo design in October. They decided Atkinson’s work was the best in the class. College and university students from around the Magnolia State submitted logo designs.

All of the accepted entries will be on display at the Mississippi Arts Center in Jackson starting in January. Matthew’s winning logo will be used for communications spotlighting the competition.

Word of his award spread quickly around the Clinton campus.

“We all are proud of Matthew Atkinson, and of our MC Art Department for having such a great student,” said art professor Stephen D. Cook.

“This is wonderful news,” added Ron Howard, vice president for academic affairs. “Congratulations to Matthew and his fine teachers!”

Graphic design instructor Benjamin Ivey is delighted by the MC freshman’s accomplishment.

“He’s been great to have in class,” Ivey said. “He’s a hard worker.”

Homeschooled before enrolling at the Baptist-affiliated university, Matthew has longtime MC roots. His father, Mark Atkinson, is a Mississippi College graduate.