Mike Huckabee Attracts Record Mississippi College Scholarship Banquet Crowd

Taking aim at President Barack Obama’s handling of the crisis in Libya, raising serious concerns about rising federal debt and discussing his Christian faith, Mike Huckabee was an instant hit at Mississippi College.

The guest speaker at MC’s annual spring scholarship banquet on Monday night, the former Arkansas governor said he should decide by early summer whether he will make a second run for the White House.

“If I think I can run and win, that might push me into the race,” Huckabee told a news conference at the School of Business before close to 700 guests jammed Anderson Hall for his dinner speech on the Clinton campus.

The host of a popular weekend Fox News show in New York and best-selling author doesn’t need to run to make a difference on the national political scene. “I don’t need the presidential race to have a platform,” said the former Baptist preacher on a chilly evening in late March.

Whether voters like him or not, Huckabee said he’s more interested in the evaluation he receives from almighty God. As a believer, the 1976 Ouachita University graduate told hundreds of MC students at Self Hall, “I want to hear six words – well done, good and faithful servant.”

The 55-year-old Republican mixed humor with his political message at MC’s annual scholarship event that attracted a record crowd. Faces in the audience included: 1^st District U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo, 3^rd District U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper of Pearl, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and Hinds Community College President Clyde Muse. A former state senator, Nunnelee serves on MC’s board of trustees.

The Huckabee visit raised more than $286,000 for scholarships this year. Attracting prominent speakers like former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and “Forbes” magazine editor-in-chief Steve Forbes and now Huckabee, the scholarship dinners have poured more than $1 million into MC scholarships since 2008.

The scholarship dinners are a key part of Mississippi College’s $80 million “Growing the Vision” campaign that’s on track to wrap up with a celebration at the university’s 2011 Homecoming in October.

While he worries about what America’s debts will mean, especially for young people, and remains troubled by how President Obama is managing the economy and global issues, Huckabee is staying upbeat about the nation’s future. “I’m not a gloom and doomer.”

But on the entry of the United States into Libya, Huckabee remained sharply critical of Obama. “I hope he will define why we are there.”

The second-place Republican finisher behind GOP presidential nominee John McCain in 2008, Huckabee believes President Obama can be defeated for a second term, although that won’t be easy. Obama will avoid a serious Democratic challenger and the former Illinois senator brings “unbelievable” fund-raising skills that could attract $1 billion for his re-election bid, he said.

The favorite GOP presidential prospect in a number of national polls, the Hope, Arkansas native delighted the MC crowd when he showed off his guitar-playing talents. He moved swiftly to a nearby stage to perform the early Elvis hit “That’s All Right Mama” with the Chris Derrick Group. The number closed out a memorable spring night on the Clinton campus.

“It was great – he jumped right in and started playing,” said band leader Chris Derrick, a 1991 Mississippi College graduate who’s the lessons coordinator at Morrison Brothers Music. “Gov. Huckabee is a solid bass player.”

With crowds milling around Anderson Hall after the banquet, Harper said Huckabee is “such a great man. He’s right on the issues.”

During a question and answer session, Huckabee also offered insights on issues ranging from energy to the need to revamp the nation’s tax system.

The night not only offered an elegant meal, but plenty of food for thought, all for a worthy cause, MC supporters said.

“This is a wonderful event that draws the entire community and shows MC’s commitment to education and scholarship,” said Blue Mountain College President Bettye Coward, a former MC administrator.

With another great speaker and record crowd on hand, Brookhaven banker and MC trustee Bill Sones was delighted to see the series he helped launch become such a success. “It’s become a meaningful part of life at MC.”

From President Lee Royce to Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who introduced the speaker, to students, they all agreed that Huckabee was an excellent choice to headline the evening.

“He’s a great guy,” said sophomore Camea Dobbs, a communication major from Brandon. “He’s so real.”

Matthew Caston, 22, a senior from Jackson, covered the Huckabee visit as the editor of “The Collegian.” While he usually votes for Democrats, Caston says he was “really impressed” with the folksy Republican from neighboring Arkansas. “He was really personable to the students. He answered all the questions truthfully.”

Huckabee, he said, made excellent points when the Fox News host encouraged Mississippi College audiences to get involved in the political process, vote and consider a run for office, whether it’s a seat on the school board or a race for the White House.