2026 Student Experience Awards recognize those who contribute to MC’s culture
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 seventh annual Student Experience Awards Gala on April 27.
MC students who have demonstrated what MC’s culture of service and commitment to the cause of Christ truly means were honored during the formal ceremony and dinner at Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center on the Clinton campus.
Jonathan Ambrose, vice president for the student experience and dean of students at MC, said the gala was an opportunity to highlight students who have led well, served others and made a lasting impact on the campus community.
“It was an incredible evening, not because of the program, but because of the people in the room,” Ambrose said. “We needed to recognize these students because so much of what defines the student experience at MC happens outside the classroom. Leadership, service, faith and community don’t always show up on a transcript, but they do shape who our students become.
“What stood out to me was the number of students who received recognition. That says something significant about Mississippi College. It reflects a culture where students are engaged in their experience and where they invest in something bigger than themselves.”
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.
Ambrose said the awardees represent the very best of Mississippi College.
“They are a big part of who we are,” he said. “Holding this event during the University’s 200th year added another layer to the night by connecting the past to the present. It linked where we have come from to where we are headed.
“It was a night that reminded us why our work matters.”
Awards presented during the gala included:
Established in 1960, the Mississippi College Hall of Fame is awarded to four senior students 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 2026 Hall of Fame recipients are Caroline Cook, Charlie Hight, Hannah Hinckley and Brandon Welch.
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 2026 Founder's Award recipient is Brinley Sullivan.
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 2026 Senior Award recipients are Grace Archer, Anne Bigley, Ruthie Bischoff, Rylee Grace Davis, Mary Francis Duncan, Reece Gibson, Nathan Heard, Travis Jefferson, Beth Johnson, Darcy Jones, Judah Land, Landon Maughon, Paul Michaelis, Rachel Regan, Hannah Beth Spencer, Maddie Ann Storey, Grey Thompson, Reed Travelstead and Garrett Viator.
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 2026 Servant Leadership recipients are Ethan Austin, Mallory Brooks, Ryan Brown, Bishop Cook, Ryan Crossett, Jenny Beth Culver, Andrew Edwards, Mitchell Eifert, Rhyser Guynes, Elise Johnson, Avery Long, Drew Martin, Darby Renfro, Mac Roberts, Rachel Robertson, Cole Romano, Makenzie Sandridge, Parker St. Amant, Shelby Lee Stokes, Shannon “Claire” Thornhill, and Kylee Whatley.
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 2026 Spirit of MC recipients are Anna Adkins, Caitlin Alfonso, Emma Arnold, Caleb Beeker, Nathan Carraway, Zoey Corales, Lydia Dean, Kate Gibson, Paula Jimenez, Thatcher Jones, James Knighton, Lauren Land, Elisha “Eli” McReynolds, J.J. Metcalf, William “Jay” Myers, and Ella Trowbridge.
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 2026 Student Organization recipient is the Student Government Association.
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 2026 Student Organization Advisor is Dr. Daniel White.
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 2026 Community Partner is the Clinton Public School District.
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 2026 Freshman Woman of the Year is Lillian DeLuca. The 2026 Freshman Man of the Year is Seth Dorroh.
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 2026 Miss MC is Maddie Ann Storey. The 2026 Mister MC is Reed Travelstead.
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 are named MC’s respective Club and Tribe of the Year. The 2026 Tribe of the Year is Laguna. The 2026 Club of the Year is Kokoa.
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