MC honors outgoing Board of Trustees members for dedicated service

MC President Blake Thompson, center, congratulates outgoing members of the MC Board of Trustees on their service: from left, Ralph Barnes, Dr. Ronnie Falvey, Roy Fountain, and Rev. Hugh Plunkett.

Outgoing members of the Mississippi College Board of Trustees were recognized for their invaluable service to the University at the Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 12, 2025.

Dr. Ronnie Falvey ‘85, senior pastor at First Baptist Church Canton, chair of the Board of Trustees and 2018 Department of Christian Studies Alumnus of the Year; Ralph Barnes, president of Adcamp, Inc. Asphalt Construction and 2014 MC Award of Excellence recipient; Roy Fountain ’74, ’75, president of Fountain Ace Hardware in Forest, past president of the MC National Alumni Association and 2011 MC Order of the Golden Arrow recipient; and Rev. Hugh Plunkett ’75, ’82, minister of music at Salem Baptist Church in Tylertown and past president of the MC Alumni Association, each rotated off of the Board after decades of service.

The Board of Trustees is MC’s governing body, elected by the Mississippi Baptist Convention and responsible for guiding the fulfillment of the University’s mission.

As a token of thanks for their service to Mississippi College, MC President Blake Thompson presented each trustee with a handmade leather briefcase emblazoned with the MC logo, crafted by Jim Turcotte, MC vice president and special assistant to the president and a talented leather craftsman.

“Each of these trustees is a remarkable example of Christian service, having demonstrated faithfulness and devotion to our students through service on the Board,” Thompson said. “They embody MC’s values, and we look forward to their continued relationship with the University in the years to come.”

Falvey considered his time on MC’s Board as a calling.

“It was an honor to serve on the Board for 12 years, as well as serve three years as Board Chair,” said Falvey, who received his bachelor’s in religious education from MC in 1985. “I also enjoyed serving on the presidential search team that brought Dr. Thompson to MC. I look forward to supporting MC as the University moves into the future.”

Plunkett said serving on the MC Board of Trustees was one of the most cherished honors of his life.

“As a student and proud graduate, I never considered the possibility of serving my University in this way,” said Plunkett, who earned his Bachelor of Medicine in 1975 and his Master of Medicine in 1982 from MC. “Dr. Lee Royce and Dr. Van Quick were responsible in nominating me and I will always be grateful to them for their trust.

“As a trustee, I have represented Mississippi College throughout the state and nation, sharing her history, legacy and values to those who did not know. I have been a reference for many prospective MC students.

“I am grateful to have served as a minister of our Lord Jesus on this Board. Mississippi College will always be home.”

Fountain said it has been an “honor and privilege” to serve as trustee for MC.

“The spiritual influence, academic excellence and relationships with outstanding students, faculty and administrators are a continuing positive influence in my life,” Fountain said. “It is my hope that the next 200 years will afford continuing service to the cause of Christ.”