±«Óãtv

MC’s 2024 Faculty, Staff Convocation Provides Opportunity to Celebrate Return of Fall Academic Year

Mississippi College faculty and staff members celebrate the beginning of another academic season and enjoy hearty fellowship during last year's Convocation meal in Anderson Hall.

Mississippi College’s educators, administrators, staff members, and retirees will receive a rousing welcome back to the Clinton campus for the fall academic session during a celebratory 2024 Convocation and Faculty and Staff Lunch at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center.

As in previous years, Laura Jackson, ±«ÓãtvCOO/CFO, will welcome the attendees; ±«ÓãtvPresident Blake Thompson will deliver exciting news about new enrollment and what the campus community can expect this fall; and Michael Highfield, ±«Óãtvprovost and executive vice president, will share a brief message.

Faculty and Staff Convocation comes at a time of great anticipation and excitement at the Christian University.

Late last month, ±«Óãtvand its partners broke ground on “Rising Spring,” a proposed upscale mixed-use development directly across from the Clinton campus.

Renovations to historic Ratliff Hall near the heart of campus are almost finished; when complete, the residence hall will house the University’s Honors College students and many other members of the largest incoming class in MC’s rich history – more than 800 strong.

And at Robinson-Hale Stadium, Michael Kershaw, the Choctaws’ brand-new football coach, is preparing his squad for a superlative Gulf South Conference campaign.

Kershaw and more than 60 of the newest members of Mississippi College’s world-class faculty and staff will be introduced via a Convocation slideshow, and attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch, compliments of MMI Food Services, MC’s campus dining vendor.

Following the meal, Thompson and Highfield will recognize the University’s professor emerita recipients: Steve Martin and Susan Richardson.

Lori Bobo, director of University events, said Convocation could be considered a New Year’s celebration for the extended ±«Óãtvfamily.

“It’s a time when the inner workings of ±«Óãtvcome together to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year,” Bobo said, noting that “Move-In Day” for new students on campus will begin the following morning. “Faculty and staff come together after the summer months to fellowship, rekindle relationships with colleagues, and welcome newcomers into their midst.

“We’re all here together – maybe for the only time all year, aside from Commencement – so we’ll be celebrating one another.”

“Community” is the informal theme of 2024 Convocation. Unlike prior years, when a formal program took place in Swor Auditorium and the assembly adjourned to Anderson Hall for the meal, this year’s celebration and luncheon will take place in the same venue.

Also new this year: Mississippi College faculty and staff celebrating milestone years of service – from 10 to 45 years and beyond – will be recognized during Convocation.

Bobo said Convocation provides a unique opportunity for Mississippi College faculty and staff – old and new – to anticipate the students’ return to the University’s remarkable campus.

 “Our student body is what gives the campus life,” she said. “They’re the reason why we’re here. It’s always exciting to know that Convocation kicks off the faculty’s opportunity to touch and mold the lives of these young adults.

“Convocation taps into the welcoming culture of Mississippi College. There’s a lot of greetings, ‘How’ve ya beens,’ and neck-hugging. Having a meal together is symbolic, because we’re a family and in the South, families gather to eat, celebrate, and pray for one another. That’s exactly what we’ll do at Convocation.”