Pope, Jolly join Mississippi College faculty

Michael E. Pope, assistant professor of teacher education, and Ellen Jolly, instructor in mathematics, have joined the Mississippi College faculty.

Two new faculty members and alumni of Mississippi College have bolstered the MC Department of Teacher Education and Leadership and the MC Department of Mathematics.

Michael E. Pope, formerly the principal of Lovett Elementary School in Clinton, has joined MC as an assistant professor of teacher education, while Ellen Jolly, a longtime mathematics instructor at Hinds Community College, has joined the Christian University as an instructor in mathematics.

Rachel Peeples, professor and interim chair of Teacher Education and Leadership, said the department will benefit from Pope’s 25 years of dedicated service in public education.

“Dr. Pope has been a tremendous ally to Mississippi College, serving as a mentor for our teacher candidates, a valued member of our Advisory Council, and a partner in our accreditation efforts,” Peeples said. “A committed advocate of professional growth, he is passionately devoted to guiding teachers in the meaningful use of instructional data to enhance classroom instruction and elevate their teaching skills.

“His approach fosters a culture of collaborative learning, and he consistently encourages educators to work together, share insights and grow professionally.”

After receiving his B.S. in education from Delta State University, Pope earned his M.E. in school leadership and his Doctorate of Education in School Leadership from MC. He served as a teacher at Clinton High School and an assistant principal at Clinton Junior High School before becoming principal of Lovett Elementary in 2012.

Pope will serve as coordinator for the Educational Leadership Specialist Program, teach Educational Leadership courses across all levels of its graduate programs, and provide guidance to doctoral students as their dissertation chair.

Daniel Watson, MC associate professor and chair of mathematics, said Jolly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the department.

“We are excited about Ellen Jolly joining our faculty,” he said. “Ellen is passionate about teaching and consistently puts her students first, creating a learning environment where they feel supported and encouraged to succeed.

“MC is very fortunate to welcome such a dedicated and skilled educator back to our campus, and I know our students will benefit greatly from her expertise and commitment.”

Jolly, who earned her B.S. in mathematics and her M.S. in mathematics at Mississippi College, began her career as a teacher in Rankin County Schools, where she was named STAR Teacher in 2008 and was selected Teacher of the Year in 2010. After becoming a mathematics instructor at Hinds, she served on numerous curriculum committees and piloted software for new course implementations. At MC, she will be the lead instructor for MAT111 College Algebra with applications.