MC Hosts Accelerated Degree Information Sessions
A "Rankin Record" staffer and public relations major sporting a perfect 4.0 average, Lange is among more than 400 students enrolled in MC's Accelerated Degree Program. The Brandon resident splits her classes between the main Clinton campus and the university's Madison branch.
MC leaders are hosting a series of ADP information sessions beginning Tuesday April 28 to tell prospective students about success stories like Courtney Lange. The first session begins at 6 p.m. at Self Hall, home of the MC School of Business. Other sessions are scheduled for June 16 and July 14, also starting at 6 p.m.
"ADP definitely makes it easier to graduate," Lange said. "It allows you to work during the day and go to school at night. I will graduate in less than two years because I came in with a good amount of hours."
In her ADP program, Lange says her professors are accessible, the work is demanding, and classes stay on a fast track. She attends MC classes two evenings a week with 5:30 p.m. classes finishing up at 10 o'clock with a short break in-between. The academic work is challenging, but she would recommend it to a friend or any prospective MC student.
ADP courses like business administration, marketing, public relations, accounting and the newest, sociology, are offered by MC faculty members.
Lange says her professors expect the best, although they know their students are driving to campus, and often sprinting to classroom seats after a long day on the job.
"The professors understand that we are working students," Lange said. "They are somehow able to provide us with all the information that we need to get the most out of our education."
Other working adults in MC classrooms like 47-year-old Mary Guest are believers in ADP. "It's a great program. But it's busy," says the Madison resident who works in the medical field.
ADP is truly a family affair for Guest. Her husband, Jim Guest, who works for a manufacturing company, is also enrolled in the program. They are working towards bachelor's degrees in business administration. "We study together - we are in the same classes," Mary Guest says. "We support each other." Guests predicts she will graduate by the end of 2010.
No strangers to higher education, the Guests are also helping support three children attending college in Florida.
Despite a little stress and strain as she balances a job with academic life at Mississippi College and family time, "This is a wonderful program," Mary Guest says. "I enjoy every class."
ADP Director Bebe Garrison recruits prospective students at job fairs and college fairs around the Jackson area. On April 20, as the Mississippi Braves took the field at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Garrison pitched her program at the 2009 Mississippi College Night as the M-Braves defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts 4-1. Whether on the job at MC, on the ballfields or at the grocery store, Garrison is always delighted to share her growing list of ADP success stories.
For more information, contact Bebe Garrison at 601.925.7617 or garrison@mc.edu
PHOTO: ADP Director Bebe Garrison greets a prospective MC student at the 2009 Mississippi Employment Expo in Jackson on March 17.
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