Student Government Association at Mississippi College Elects New Leaders

Mississippi College's SGA president Chip Wilson of Millington, Tennessee

Mission trips are a big part of what drives Chip Wilson, Mississippi College’s new Student Government Association president.

A Spanish major from Millington, Tennessee, Wilson plans to travel to Haiti in July and possibly Venezuela in October to do God’s work.

But his energies will be primarily focused on serving the Christian university’s administration and students as the SGA leader the next twelve months.

It’s a year bringing dramatic changes for Mississippi College. MC Choctaws sports teams will rejoin NCAA Division II ranks and return to Gulf South Conference action this fall for the first time in nearly 20 years. Teams like North Alabama, Valdosta State and West Alabama roll into Robinson-Hale Stadium in Clinton for football games. Road trips take the Choctaws to Delta State, West Georgia, Florida Tech and Lamar in Texas, among others.

“I cannot wait for SGA to have a presence at sporting events and show our support,” Wilson says.

The Mississippi College junior is thrilled to represent the Baptist-affiliated school, home or away.

“MC as a whole has been such a blessing in my life! It is above and beyond anything I would have ever hoped my college experience would be,” Chip Wilson said. “The teachers are wonderful and the students are one of a kind.”

Wilson served as SGA vice president the past year, was a student senator and sophomore class president before getting elected to the top post in April. He also serves in the youth ministry at First Baptist Church Madison.

MC leaders like Jim Turcotte, vice president for enrollment services and dean of students, anticipate great things from this new lineup of SGA officers.

“I look forward to working with Chip Wilson and the SGA Executive Council to improve the environment for our students,” Turcotte said. “Every year we are blessed to work with student leaders who are bright and eager to make things better for Mississippi College.”

Others taking key roles with SGA are: Mary McRae of Dennis, Mississippi as vice president, Elyssa Lambert of Clinton as secretary and Alex Hendry of Ellisville as Christian development coordinator.

A 20-year-old math major seeking to become a high school teacher, Lambert is diving into her new duties. She wants the Executive Council to improve communication with the student body.

Newly elected treasurer Hector Tanco, a 21-year-old accounting major, will utilize the leadership post to “grow emotionally, mentally and professionally at MC.” Thousands of miles from his home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he’s discovered the right place to further his education. “What I love about MC the most is probably the sense of family and the friendly environment.”

Among other SGA officers is Hunter Sandoval, chairman of the Campus Activities Board. His job is to help book dozens of events catering to students. A Christian studies and Spanish double major from Decatur, Alabama, he wants to serve in youth ministry after he graduates. He’s on fire about his college experience. “I love the community of believers here at Mississippi College. I truly do have a second family.”

A 20-year-old social work major, Brianna Blackwell of Pearl was recently elected SGA chief justice. She cherishes life at Mississippi College because the university introduced the rising senior to cultures spanning the globe. MC welcomes 273 international students from 26 nations.