Alumni

Since our founding in 1950 by Drs. Hollis & Julia Todd, the Mississippi College Department of Communication has educated generations of students who have experienced professional and personal success in a variety of careers.

Are You an MC Communication Alumnus?

Cliff Fortenberry Distinguished Alumni Award

2023 - Michael Bowen, Media & Communications Pastor, Broadmoor Baptist Church, Madison, Miss.
2022 - Patrice Guilfoyle, Communiations Director, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss.
2021 - Ryan Fortenberry, Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
2020 - Joey Smith, Health Communication Specialist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga.
2019 - Bob Sullender, Vice President, SuperTalk Mississippi, Jackson, Miss.
2018 - Mark Jones, Chief Communications Officer, Mississippi Department of Human Services, Jackson, Miss.
2017 - Derrick Fears, Men's Basketball Coach, Mississippi Delta Community College, Moorhead, Miss.
2016 - Todd Brand, Chief Academic Officer, Ashland Community & Technical College, Ashland, Ky.
2015 - Warren Strain, News Anchor, WLBT-TV, Jackson, Miss.
2014 - Ben Ingram, Radio Voice of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta, Ga.
2013 - Rachel Carter, Country Director, Washington, D.C.
2012 - Lisa Shoemaker, Vice President of Government Relations, IDEMIA, Washington, D.C.
2011 - Kenny Bizot, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Mississippi College, Clinton, Miss.
2010 - Elizabeth Rooks-Barber, Certified Wildlife Biologist, President of Rooks and Company, LLC, Ridgeland, Miss.
2009 - Pete Smith, Lobbyist, Capitol Resources, LLC, Jackson, Miss.
2008 - Mary Catherine Gentry, Instrictor of Communication, Mississippi College, Clinton, Miss.
2007 - Barbie Bassett, News Anchor & Meteorologist, WLBT-TV, Jackson, Miss.
2006 - Michael Logue,
2005 - Neal Caldwell, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, 4M Research, Smithville, Tenn.
2004 - Anne Sullivan, Executive Director, Magnolia Speech School, Jackson, Miss.
2003 - Lynda Fields Houser, Television and Thater Actress, Portland, Ore.
2002 - Judy Lewis, Instructor of Communication, Belhaven University, Jackson, Miss.
2001 - Judy Moon Denson, Anchor, WLBT-TV, Jackson, Miss.
2000 - Mark Hester, President, Hester Custom Communications, Portland, Ore.
1999 - Donna Matthews
1998 - Rendy Lovelady, Rendy Lovelady Management, Nashville, Tenn.
1997 - Gayle Long Wicker, Mississippi Director for Vision to Learn, Tupelo, Miss.
1996 - Ann Marie Copeland

Distinguished Young Alumni Award

2023 - Richard Morris, Programs Specialist, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Denton, Texas
2022 - Kaley Winstead Olson, Director of Creative Programming, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Charlotte, N.C.,
2021 - Courtney Parella, Regional Press Secretary, National Republican Congressional Committee, Washington, D.C.
2020 - Emily Alexander Moore, Owner, Moore Media Group, Clinton, Miss.
2019 - Randall Miller, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis, LLP, Dallas, Tex.
2018 - Ashley Cockerham Rea, Manager of Communication at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Laurel, Miss.
2017 - Chase Sims, Director of Business Development, Pathway Healthcare, Laurel, Miss.