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Chenoa Social Tribe Launches at Mississippi College


Four members of Chenoa Tribe: (left to right) Becky Sones, Sarah Barrow, Sarah Mawk, Leslie Woods

Chenoa Social Tribe seeks to be a sisterhood of women living abundantly through community, service, discipleship and joy.

Joining Mississippi College’s first new social tribe in more than 20 years, Chenoa supporters are pumped to be part of MC history.

It’s a thrilling time for Mary Ann McCarty, 20, the group’s first president.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be part of something that will improve campus life for many years to come,” says McCarty, a Christian Studies major. “This will be the place for the first class to belong and thrive for students – as sisters and friends.”

Recently returning from a summer Baptist Student Union mission trip to Alaska, the MC junior from Meridian will soon get busy with Chenoa activities leading to Fall General Rush.

MC’s fifth social tribe has attracted more than 100 students. The numbers should grow by late September.

Why the need for another social tribe?

Chenoa happened as a result of rising Mississippi College enrollment in recent years. America’s second oldest Baptist college is now home to more than 5,000 students. One more social tribe gives students one more option.

Its official mascot is the fox and Chenoa’s colors are lavender. Its symbol is a puzzle piece. That symbolizes that each Chenoa woman “has a place and purpose,” within the organization. “All people are unique and different and fit into one tapestry,” Mary Ann McCarty says.

McCarty and other leaders will trumpet the benefits of the Chenoa tribe to freshmen and other students in the coming weeks. Chenoa joins well-established tribes like Kissimmee, Laguna, Nenamoosha and Swannanoa. All of the tribes feature Indian names.

At a Baptist-affiliated university that has no sororities and fraternities, social tribes and clubs fulfill a purpose for many MC Choctaws. The groups build leadership skills, promote friendships and emphasize community service.

Members show off their talents at Homecoming parades, Follies and other activities year-round while having a little fun.

Jonathan Nutt, director of student development, is delighted to add Chenoa to the mix of ten clubs and tribes at Mississippi College.

“We are excited to welcome a brand new tribe to campus this fall,” Nutt said. With Chenoa on board, he expects there will be about 750 MC students involved in clubs and tribes.

Chenoa’s creation by six founding members spread quickly across the Clinton campus during the spring. Leaders will spotlight its motto to hundreds of incoming freshmen. “To thrive joyfully as one community,” is what Chenoa is all about. But leaders of four other outstanding tribes will promote the merits of their groups during Fall Rush.