Dilmore, Walters join MC history, political science faculty

Nick Walters will teach history and selected political science courses, while Jessica Dilmore will oversee the paralegel studies and pre-law program at MC.

The Department of History and Political Science at Mississippi Christian University has welcomed two new members to its full-time faculty.

Jessica Dilmore, an attorney and MC paralegal studies alumna with nearly a decade of litigation experience, has joined the department as director of pre-law and paralegal studies, while Nick Walters, an MC alum and founder of Stone-Adams Financial Partners/Easy Grants, has joined the department as visiting instructor of history and political science.

Beth Stapleton, interim chair of history and political science at MC, said Dilmore will oversee the paralegel studies and pre-law program.

“Jessica has extensive knowledge and experience in the legal field, and we are thrilled to have her on campus to help mentor students and collaborate with the department,” Stapleton said. “Her vision as the new director includes several new initiatives that will make MC the premier spot for students wishing to pursue a career in paralegal studies. In addition, she will help run the externship program with the School of Law.”

After receiving her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Hinds Community College, Dilmore switched majors at MC and earned her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies summa cum laude. She obtained her Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law.

As an attorney at Simmons Dallas, PLLC in Ridgeland, she represented clients in civil litigation matters, including medical malpractice, administrative board matters, premises liability, personal injury and general litigation. An active member of the Mississippi Bar and the Phi Delta Phi honorary, she has served as executive articles editor for the “Mississippi Law Journal” and co-editor of the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association’s publication, “The Quarterly.”

Stapleton said Walters will teach history and selected political science courses at MC.

“Nick has been serving as an adjunct faculty member in the department, and we are excited to have him full-time,” Stapleton said. “He brings years of wonderful experience with Mississippi state and local governmental positions. He has worked with many big names in Washington, D.C., but his passion is all things Mississippi. He brings expertise through the Center for Christian History.”

After receiving his B.A. in political science and his M.A. in history at MC, Walters served as chief of staff for the Mississippi Public Service Commission Southern District before founding the Lincoln Group, a statewide political consulting firm. He later served as regional government sales representative for Johnson Controls, a “Fortune 100” corporation, and was appointed by President George W. Bush as state director of USDA-Rural Development of Mississippi.

A member of the Advisory Board for the Mississippi State University Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, Walters has served on the Board of Trustees for Blue Mountain College. A sought-after speaker, he has authored articles in peer-reviewed professional publications, given more than 300 radio and newspaper interviews and hosted or co-hosted three different live radio shows.