Clay Mansell Selected Mississippi College Young Alumnus of the Year

Clay Mansell

“Clinton Courier” executive Clay Mansell remains focused on a mission to promote his hometown.

As the newspaper’s energetic publisher and owner, Clay leads a staff keeping readers informed about the many good things happening in the Hinds County community.

The Mississippi College graduate (Class of 1999) is also garnering headlines this fall as the university’s Young Alumnus of the Year. The 39-year-old Clinton resident will be honored at the MC Alumni Awards dinner in Anderson Hall on October 23.

Whether launching a new business like Brick Street Pops or leading as president of the local Chamber of Commerce, Clay is passionate about serving Clinton.

Mississippi College business professor Chris Smith is one of many admirers who applauds Clay’s selection as Young Alumnus of the Year. The two men serve on the Board of Directors for Mississippi Brilla FC, the successful pro soccer team with MC roots.

“Clay is a serial entrepreneur with sharp business instincts which are a gift to our community,” Smith said. “His investments in the community have fostered civic pride and brought the Brick Streets an expanded vibrancy.”

The director of Main Street Clinton, Tara Lytal also trumpets Clay’s achievements that help make the city shine.

Among his many volunteer activities, Mansell served five years on the Main Street Board of Directors. “Clay has been a driving force behind many of the program’s accomplishments,” Lytal said.

Noteworthy events like Back to the Bricks are possible due to a team effort involving the Chamber of Commerce, City of Clinton and Main Street Clinton. Staged in late August, the event welcomes hundreds of Mississippi College students to Olde Towne shops and nearby businesses.

With the “Clinton Courier” office located at 402 Monroe Street, Clay stays connected to the heartbeat of his hometown. His positive energy is contagious.

“He is the type of can do person that you want to have on your team,” says Lytal, a Mississippi College graduate. “Clay is one of the most encouraging people that I know, a fellow believer who lives out his faith daily, a problem solver who is positive and supportive.”

The owner of Mansell Media, an advertising agency, Mansell isn’t just on fire for Clinton. The Canton native and Canton Academy graduate is a firm believer in the merits of the Magnolia State. He launched papers in Pelahatchie and Wesson to deliver the good news to readers. At the moment, he’s pondering similar ventures in other Mississippi towns.

Getting away from his growing network of businesses, Clay loves to join his wife, Amanda, who’s an MC graduate, and daughter Annabelle, to cheer for Choctaws basketball teams at the Golden Dome. He gives his wife much of the credit for his success. “She puts up with the crazy hours the papers and ad agency require.”

Clay Mansell is delighted to receive one of the top 2015 Homecoming awards at the 5,152-student Christian university.

“I am very proud to have graduated from MC,” Clay said. “But I’m even more proud that I was able to stay right here in Clinton and contribute back to the town.”

The Alumni Awards dinner will begin at 6 p.m. that Friday. For details, contact Lori Bobo of the MC Alumni Affairs Office at 601-925-3252.