Mississippi College Winter Commencement slated for Dec. 12

Mississippi College’s Winter Commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, in the A.E. Wood Coliseum on the Clinton campus. Approximately 350 graduates are expected to receive degrees.

Ivan Parke, a long-time and beloved MC professor of Christian Studies, will be recognized as MC’s 2024-25 Distinguished Professor of the Year. The recipient of the 2025 Office of Student Success Faculty Champion Award and the 2025 Student Government Association Faculty of the Year award, Parke’s zest for education was recognized by his students, who nominated him to deliver the MC Mortar Board Honor Society’s Last Lecture in March.

Jonathan “JP” Parke will deliver his father’s commencement address during the ceremony. A two-time graduate of MC, JP is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

For the second consecutive year, Winter Commencement will be a single ceremony: all six schools, including the MC School of Law in Jackson, will participate.

“We are happy to celebrate with all of our graduates together at this time of the year,” said David G. Miller, MC professor of English and philosophy and faculty graduation marshal.

“Graduation is the single most important event that the entire campus participates in to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. We know that this will be a special time for the Mississippi College family, and we look forward to this milestone event,” Miller added.

Donna Smith, recipient of the University’s 2025 Van “Doc” Quick Distinguished Staff Award, will deliver the invocation. Smith served as MC’s director of human resources for more than two decades before retiring this fall.

Jason Michael “JM” Holmes, a December 2025 graduate, will perform “All Glory Be to Christ” by Dustin Kensrue.

MC President Blake Thompson will address the graduates, and MC Provost and Executive Vice President Michael J. Highfield will recommend and endorse the graduating students to receive their degrees. Thompson will confer degrees on the graduates.

“Winter Commencement serves as the ‘grand finale’ of the semester,” said Lori Bobo, MC director of university events. “Everyone comes together to celebrate the accomplishments of our students who have worked tremendously hard to achieve their educational goals.”

This degree ceremony marks one of the last groups of graduates under the Mississippi College name. Beginning June 1, 2026, the institution will officially become Mississippi Christian University as part of the institution’s bicentennial in 2026.