Honors Convocation recognizes ±«Óãtvstudents, faculty’s academic, service achievements

±«ÓãtvPresident Blake Thompson presents medals to senior Honors College students Xavian Branch and Kayleigh Canoy during the 2025 Honors Convocation.

Mississippi College students and faculty who have distinguished themselves through excellence in scholarship, service and leadership were recognized during the 2025 Honors Convocation on April 24 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Clinton.

The ceremony is a revival of MC’s traditional Honors Day celebration that had once been an annual event at the Christian University.

Two of the top faculty awards – the Distinguished Professor of the Year Award and the Student Government Association Faculty of the Year Award – were presented to Ivan Parke, ±«Óãtvprofessor of Christian Studies. Parke, who has courageously continued his faculty duties despite being diagnosed with ALS in January, received a standing ovation.

J. Mignon Kucia, ±«Óãtvprofessor of communication and a member of the Honors Convocation Committee, said the event shines a spotlight on student and faculty excellence.

“This meaningful ceremony provides an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate outstanding academic and service achievement by our students and to award top faculty honors,” Kucia said. “I am grateful to (±«ÓãtvPresident) Dr. Blake Thompson and (±«ÓãtvProvost and Executive Vice President) Dr. Mike Highfield for working with the Faculty Senate and the Honors Convocation Committee to host this special event, and I look forward to this becoming a part of every spring semester at Mississippi College.”

Highfield said the awards reflect “not just academic success, but the deep commitment to living out our mission as a Christ-centered institution.”

Christopher Weeks, ±«Óãtvassociate professor and director of the Honors College, recognized the four students selected for the ±«ÓãtvHall of Fame, Ashley Grace Bassett, Xavian Branch, Conner Dyess and Sarah Beth Stambaugh, and the Scott-Swor Founders Award winner, Janie Gray.

Weeks also announced academic award recipients from each school and recognized the Honors College Class of 2025.

“It was a joy to see the variety of achievements celebrated at Honors Convocation, and it was fitting that all of the departments from all of the schools on campus were represented,” Weeks said.

“Days like this send a message that ±«Óãtvis a place that values academic excellence, and it signals that ±«Óãtvvalues its students.”

Thompson and Highfield recognized the Marshall and Fulbright Scholarship nominees, the Perry Award recipients and the Carol C. West Faculty Advocate Award. The Pittman Young Faculty Award, the Distinguished Professor of the Year Award, the Student Government Association Faculty of the Year and the recipient of the Tribesman dedication were also revealed during the ceremony.

Thompson concluded the awards presentation by congratulating the students and faculty members.

“To our students . . . and to our distinguished faculty members who have been honored today, you represent the very best of Mississippi College,” he said.