MBJ_NEXT_2015

A product of the

A GUIDE TO LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

2015-2016 edition

Meet Our 7 Really Cool People, pg 3 1

INSIDE

» Insight and information for high school students on life before and during college » Information on the public, private and junior colleges across the state

I always keep striving to be the best I can be.

There is a goal I’m trying to reach, and I continue to practice very hard to reach that goal.

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John Uzodinma, a violin performance major from Madison, aspires to become a professional violin soloist.

Through countless hours of classes, practices and performances, he’s cultivating the artistry he needs to achieve that dream.

Choose to be challenged. Choose Southern Miss.

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A member of the Mississippi Press Association www.mspress.org 200 North Congress, Suite 400 Jackson, MS 39201-1902 Main: (601) 364-1000; Toll Free: 1-800-283-4625 Faxes: Advertising (601) 364-1007; Circulation (601) 364-1035 E-mails: mbj@msbusiness.com, ads@msbusiness.com, research@msbusiness.com,

CONTENTS

2015-2016 EDITION

Website: www.msbusiness.com NEXT! Life After High School 2015-2016 edition ALAN TURNER Publisher alan.turner@msbusiness.com • 364-1021 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 FRANK BROWN Staff Writer/Special Projects frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 364-1022 TED CARTER Staff Writer ted.carter@msbusiness.com • 364-1017 JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 364-1016 LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1015 LYNN LOFTON Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1015

Advice for college

7 really cool people

Mississippi colleges

6 Preparing for college

32 Malcolm Butler

20 Public 4-Year Schools

8 High school checklist

34 Lesley Hollemon

24 Private 4-Year Schools

9 Building a resume

36 Brandon Clement

27 Public 2-Year Schools

10 Visiting a college

38 Jennifer Childs

11 Campus safety

40 Tonyatta Hairston

BECKY GILLETTE Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1015 TAMI JONES Advertising Director tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 364-1011 MELISSA KILLINGSWORTH Sr. Account Executive melissa.harrison@msbusiness.com • 364-1030 VIRGINIA HODGES Account Executive virginia.hodges@msbusiness.com • 364-1012 TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 364-1019 CHARINA RHODES Circulation Manager charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com • 364-1045 MARCIA THOMPSON-KELLY Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • 364-1044 SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published weekly with one annual issue by MSBJ 200 N. Congress St., Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214.

To place orders, temporarily stop service, change your address or inquire about billing: Phone: (601) 364-1000, Fax: (601) 364-1035, Email: charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com, Mail: MS Business Journal Subscription Services, 200 N.Congress Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Business Journal, Circulation Manager, 200 North Congress Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201 To submit subscription payments: Mail: MS Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 200 North Congress Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201.

No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent. Editorial and advertising material contained in this publication is derived from sources considered to be reliable, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities.

It is the policy of this newspaper to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

The Mississippi Business Journal, is an affiliate of Journal Publishing Company (JPC), Inc.: Clay Foster, president and chief executive officer.

Entire contents copyrighted © 2015 by Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

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12 Housing

42 Josh Hayes

13 Dorm room essentials

44 Tina S. Demoran

» CONTRIBUTORS » LISA MONTI: Monti is a freelance writer/photographer/blogger in Bay St. Louis. A University of Southern Mississippi graduate, she has hosted a radio show and co-written a travel book about Mississippi. » LYNN LOFTON: A freelance writer living in Gulfport, Lofton is an honor graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where she wrote for the Student Printz and was editor of the Communication Journal.

14 Social Media 16 Paying for college 18 Counseling

ON THE COVER » Everyday students as well as football players pass under the Walk of Champions arch at the University of Mississippi daily.

» BECKY GILLETTE: A free-lance writer\photographer whose work has been published in about 50 magazines and newspapers nationwide. She received the 2008 Special Achievement Award from Sierra Club for work done to expose formaldehyde poisoning in FEMA trailers and other buildings. She was named Mississippi 2008 Small Business Journalist of the Year by the Small Business Administration.

Photo courtesy of Ole Miss

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Mississippi Business Journal

Preparing for College

The journey

Yes, you can get there from here

File photo courtesy of Meridian Community College

But it’s going to take planning, work

BY BECKY GILLETTE

S

OME KIDS are born practically knowing which college they will attend. It may be the same one that their siblings, parents and grandparents attended. You may have been wearing the school colors since you were a toddler.

But many high school students might not have a clue. Go to a school close to home? A school that has a great program in the area you want to study? Or how about even the decision about whether to attend a less expensive community college with smaller classes and more personal attention to students?

Whatever you decide, start early to do research. One way to get a head start on figuring if

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college is in the path you want to take and, if so, which college to attend, is to start taking college coursework in high school —something known as dual enrollment. You have some college credit under your belt before beginning college at the traditional age.

“Our school offers many opportunities for younger students to begin their actual college coursework on our high school campus,” said Gina Morgigno, college and career program coordinator, Pearl High School. “I also strongly encourage high school students to begin researching colleges online, and visiting colleges in person.”

Those visits are particularly important for students where a college education isn’t a family tradition.

“We are fortunate to have a partnership with Education Services Foundation to work with a

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Mississippi Business Journal

The journey Preparing for College targeted population of students who are first generation college students,” Morgigno said.

“All students, but particularly first generation and other underserved populations, need exposure to college options as early as possible. One last goal of mine is to also stress to our students the wonderful technical degree programs that fit the career goals of many students, and fit the need for technical skills in our state’s workforce.”

Whitman Smith, director of admissions, University of Mississippi, said since many colleges have early deadlines for scholarship applications, begin your college search at least by the junior year.

Why schedule campus visits?

“See the campus, meet some people and see what it feels like for you,” Smith said. “Every student has different reasons for choosing, but until they visit, they aren’t clear what those reasons are. As you visit, you begin to find things you didn’t know existed. We spend a lot of time encouraging kids to pick a college based on their interests, not based on the interests of girlfriends, brothers\sisters, and mom and dad. No one’s name will be on the diploma but your’s.”

When doing research on potential colleges, talk to people you know about what they liked or didn’t like about the colleges they attended.

While you can do a lot of research about different colleges online, nothing quite beats actually visiting the campus. Does it give you a sense of excitement about getting an education? About extracurricular opportunities?

Deciding what college to attend is one of the most important decisions a high school senior can make, said Deborah Gilbert, interim executive director, Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges.

“Oftentimes, it is best to decide what career path you want to take when deciding where to attend college,” Gilbert said.

“Do you want to be a lawyer, doctor, or accountant? How about an electric lineman or nurse? Once you have narrowed your career pathway, it can be easier to decide what college is best suited for you.”

Consider the advantages of attending a community college for the first two years of higher education. Two of the most notable are the low tuition cost ($2,576 per year compared to an average of $7,683 at public four-year universities) and small class sizes that give students more individual attention.

There are no bad colleges or universities, said Dr. Robert J. Alexander, vice president for Enrollment and Communications at Millsaps Col-

Mississippi Business Journal

lege, a private college in Jackson. “There are only bad fits for specific students and places, he said.

“Starting research early can help students learn more about themselves and what they are looking for, and what colleges can offer to make the best possible match.”

Second, starting early gives students the best possible options for maximizing scholarship opportunities, a very important piece of the college decision.

“In addition to an academic fit, a social fit, students and families need to find the right financial fit,” Alexander said. “Some competitive scholarship options offered by colleges and by other outside entities require application early in a student’s senior year of high school.

Investigating these options well before File photo courtesy of Belhaven University the senior year be- Knowing your field of study is helpful in choosing gins enables the the correct college.. student to prepare the best possible application.”

And how about a guarantee to graduate in four years? If students take the minimum hours to be a full-time student at most colleges, or if they have to drop some classes, it can end up taking an extra year to graduate.

“The biggest thing we are announcing this year is a four-year graduation guarantee,” Alexander said. “Our four-year graduation rate is the highest in the state. At public colleges in Mississippi and surrounding states, the average student takes five years.”

While attending a private college like Millsaps is more expensive, if you graduate in four years instead of five or six, Alexander said it ends up being a bargain. You not only save in costs of tuition, housing and other costs, but you get an extra year or two of income.

“We encourage families to look at the entire cost of education,” he said. “The other piece is a lot of scholarships go away after four years.”

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Preparing for college

4-year checklist

START EARLY FRESHMAN YEAR

JUNIOR YEAR

SENIOR YEAR

» Develop a four-year plan based on future goals. » Take aptitude or career-interest inventories available through your high school. » Get involved in service activities and think about increasing leadership skills » Work hard! Remember you begin compiling that cumulative GPA this year. » Make a commitment to one or more extracurricular activities or a job. » Create a portfolio (samples of good work, report cards, documentation of other successes). » Explore college websites and keep an open mind. » Learn about college admissions from A to Z. » Get a jump on college prep by choosing a challenging schedule with honors and AP classes. » Look into summer academic programs or jobs of interest. Begin researching ways to pay for college.

— Lynn Lofton

» If you haven’t taken the ACT and SAT, take it. » Research colleges on websites and begin visiting campuses. Spring and summer breaks are good time to visit. » If available, sign up for an ACT/SAT workshop at a local university or high school. » Take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test. » Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss testing plans and colleges, review courses, plan for senior year. » Apply for scholarships » Maintain your portfolio of achievements and extracurricular activities. » Get on mailing lists of the schools that interest you. » Attend college fairs. » Begin thinking about which teachers and others you might ask to write recommendations in the fall of your senior year. » Get a summer job, internship or participate in a shadowing program » Research tuition costs and save money whenever possible to help pay for college. » Take a life skills class.

— Lynn Lofton

FIRST SEMESTER » If planning to attend college, take the ACT or SAT college entrance tests. This isn’t necessary if you took entrance exams your junior year and are satisfied with your score. » Spend some time online researching various colleges and trade schools. » Research your career options. Attend career fairs. Consider job shadowing or a parttime job in a field that interests you. » Once you have narrowed your school choices, schedule a visit to the campus. » Apply to three to five of your first choice schools. Be sure to carefully proofread applications, and let a friend or parent to double check. Make copies of applications. » Meet with the school counselor for more insight into after-high-school career choices. » If available in your area, consider dual enrollment in college so you can get college credit while still in high school.

SECOND SEMESTER » Fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as close to Jan. 1 as possible. » Apply for all available scholarships. » Check on housing options at colleges you plan to attend. » If you didn’t do it first semester, make sure you meet the deadlines for applying for college, paying fees, and providing requested materials like proof of vaccinations. » Build your resume with both paid work experience and volunteer jobs. » Take a career aptitude test if you want more direction on choosing a career. » Don’t fall victim to Senioritis. Keep your grades up. » Manage your time wisely. Keep a calendar! » Enjoy extra-curricular and social activities.

— Becky Gillette

SOPHOMORE YEAR » Take pre ACT college entrance test. It’s free, and a low score won’t count against you. » Make sure you are taking the right courses and are on track for graduation. » Participate in extra curricular activities. » Be concerned about your GPA, but also take challenging classes. » Investigate career choices. Meet with the counselors. Talk to adults about work. Consider job shadowing and internships. » Volunteering in the community looks good on your resume — and can be rewarding. » Discuss future with teachers, counselors. » Each year gets harder, so adjust study habits. » Get organized in whatever ways work for you. » Interact with a people with different interests » Make a list of schools that interest you, and talk to others about what schools they like and why.

— Becky Gillette 8 NEXT! 2015

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Mississippi Business Journal

Resume building Preparing for College

Now, it’s about you Success may hinge on your background

BY BECKY GILLETTE

I

F YOU THINK you don’t have to start building your resume until late in your college years, think again.

“It is absolutely important to start building your resume in high school, if not sooner,” said Deborah Gilbert, interim executive director, Mississippi Community College Board. “A resume shows colleges and universities who you are, what organizations and activities you have been involved with, and what work experience you may have.”

A strong resume can possibly lead to additional scholarship money, and it can sometimes be a deciding factor when being admitted into a college.

“In addition to this, building a strong resume in high school lays a solid foundation when someone begins looking for full-time employment,” Gilbert said. “Oftentimes, a strong resume is the only thing that employers know about you, and this can be a deciding factor when landing a job.”

By building a strong resume early, people are exposed to many different work environments. “ “This can help the person decide what career they pursue after graduation,” Gilbert said. “And, just as important, it can also help someone steer away from a career if they have volunteered or worked with an organization and found that is not the career field they would like to enter.

“By committing yourself to building a strong resume, you will be exposed to many different things through volunteering, being active with school organizations, and work experience.

This will have a positive impact on students and could result in additional financial support to pay for higher education and valuable work experience Mississippi Business Journal

File photo courtesy of Belhaven College

Participating in campus events (in college and hight school is one way to build a student resume. to help decide a career.”

When building your resume, Mississippi State University Career Center Director Scott Maynard said do not forget to include service learning, volunteer work and any research experience you might obtain. Most college Career Centers publish a Career Guide that includes helpful tips on resume development. At Mississippi State’s is at issuu.com/msucoop/docs/career_center_handbook_website.

Learning how to do a good job interview with a prospective employer is also a valuable skill to get under your belt. Interviewing is like any skill. It takes repetition to master it.

“Participating in mock interviews with your schools’ career center is a great place to start,” Maynard said.

“This may be practice job interviews or practice admission interviews for

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graduate or professional school.”

Use your volunteer and work experience to find a field of study you are passionate about.

“Every university and community college has a career center where students can take interest inventories to help guide them to majors and careers,” he said. “Conducting informational interviews and job shadowing are some other ways to gain real insight into the day-to-day activities of careers.”

In both high school and college, don’t just do book and classroom study. Look for opportunities such as co-operative internships to find out if the profession you are considering suits you. Experience is important.

Maynard recommends finding a way to gain practical work experience in your field of study prior to graduation.

“We just completed a study that showed students with co-op experience were three times more likely to have a job at graduation and students with one semester of internship were twice as likely to have a job at graduation,” he said. “That experience truly makes a difference in the eyes of a potential employer and helps affirm the student’s choice of major.”

Another way to build your resume and show drive and ambition is to take online courses such as the Mississippi Virtual Community College. In 2014, 31,000 students took 70,531 online courses at the site. It allows students the option of taking classes online while receiving the same support from an instructor as a student in the regular classroom.

Online instruction particularly makes sense if you are working and have unusual hours to study.

“Our online courses are one of the great success stories in our state,” Gilbert said. “There has been a tremendous growth pattern since they started in 2000.”

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Preparing for College

Campus visit

Make the trip It’s worth the travel to visit college choices

I

By LYNN LOFTON

T’S FUN, it’s exciting, and it can be downright intimidating. Visiting a college campus is one of the most important steps in choosing a college. And some pre-planning can take out the guess work. Admissions counselors say it’s best to visit colleges before your applications are due if possible. That way, you can be confident you’d be happy at any of the colleges you’re applying to. It’s also best to go when the college is in session. That way, you’ll get to see the school when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities are taking place.

“Students should most definitely make campus visits,” says Christy Broome, long time guidance counselor at South Panola High School. “Often, this will change a student’s mind once they experience the atmosphere and student body. Most students wait until their senior year to visit a campus.”

However, she says the summer prior to senior year is a good time to visit those colleges that are far from home.

“Most all colleges have fall and spring visit days specifically for seniors to tour and meet with school staff and students,” Broome added. “I don't think it’s necessary to take a virtual tour before the on-site tour, but students seem to enjoy the virtual tours.

It can be a preview for a campus visit or can help narrow college choices.” » Plan your visit in advance and make sure classes will be in session. » How to Pick a Date: Plan your visit well ahead of time, so you can make sure you see what you need to see and meet with the people who can tell you what you need to know, advises Stuart Schmill, dean of admissions at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. » Mondays through Thursdays are ideal for visits since campuses are

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Campus visit check list » Contact the college admission office through the website, by email or telephone to get details and make a reservation. » When you get to the campus, don’t be shy about asking questions. » In most cases there is an information session followed by a campus tour. » With prior arrangements, at many campuses you can also arrange to attend a class; meet with a professor, admissions officer and financial aid officer; attend a club meeting or a sports practice session; eat in the dining hall; and spend the night in a dorm. » Before the visit, prepare by exploring the college’s website and reviewing any materials the school has sent you. This will help you determine any questions specific to that college. » Make a list of questions to ask staff members and students. » Remember to pack a notebook to record your impressions. » Make fair comparisons of the colleges you visit. generally in full swing. Visiting on a Friday may not be as practical, as students, faculty and staff might be busy with social activities starting Friday afternoon. » High school holidays that fall on Mondays are often great opportunities for making college visits. Many colleges are in session on these days — and you won’t be missing any of your high school classes. » The Best Seasons: The late summer and early September before senior year are convenient times to visit, www.msbusiness.com/next

since many colleges begin their fall semester as early as mid-August. The spring of junior year is a good time if you’ve already researched colleges.

Spring break is also good if you play fall sports or are considering applying under early action or early decision plans, which usually have application deadlines in November of senior year.

It may be more useful for seniors to wait until the fall through winter to make their visits. That timing can help seniors narrow college lists. » After You’ve Been Accepted: Many colleges invite their accepted candidates to spend a few days on campus before the May 1 reply date to encourage them to enroll. This is a good opportunity to make some indepth comparisons between the colleges that have accepted you. However, if you’re planning to wait to visit colleges until after you’ve received acceptances, keep in mind that you may have only a few weeks to visit and make your decision. Most colleges don't mail acceptance letters before April, and the standard reply date is May 1. » When Not to Go: It’s also important to know when not to go, counselors stress. Check specific dates with each college so you don't arrive when the campus is deserted. Call the college or look on the college’s website for the academic calendar to find out when breaks, reading periods and exam periods are scheduled. » Colleges are not in session during: Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas week, Winter and spring breaks and summer, unless there is a summer session » College classes don’t meet during: Reading period, exam weeks, Saturdays and Sundays, » The admission office may be closed to visitors at certain times. For example, admission officers may be too busy to meet with you in May and April — that’s when they’re reviewing applications. Check with the college.

Mississippi Business Journal

Campus safety

College life

Be smart, be safe

BY BECKY GILLETTE

C

OLLEGE campuses in Mississippi generally have good student safety records. But campuses aren’t immune to crime, any more than the “real world” that awaits you after graduation.

Being safe might not be number one on the list of concerns for most students. But it is one of the first questions that parents have.

“Parents want to make sure their children are safe while they are here,” said Lynn Buford, chief of police for Delta State University, which recently dealt with a campus shooting. “It is a big concern.”

The biggest safety issue he sees is students not paying attention. They have such a sense of security on the campus that they leave their doors unlocked, and leave valuable property laying out visible in their vehicles or in common areas of the campus.

“It is kind of a lax attitude thinking we have a very safe area,” Buford said.

“We do everything we can to make it safe but, unfortunately, there is crime.

So we try to educate people to practice safety in all aspects of their college life.

It is tough, but most people comply and learn to keep things locked up.

Electronics are what thieves look for.

Larceny will be the largest category of crime on any college campus. A campus provides a smorgasbord opportunity for a criminal. They can come on campus and blend in.”

Safety for women students also extends to preventing rapes and assaults.

Women should be particularly careful around events where alcohol is consumed. Having a buddy when walking around campus can go a long way.

“We have ongoing safety programs we take to various resident halls, and different sororities and fraternities,” Buford said. “We make a big push about safety issues on a constant basis.

Mississippi Business Journal

File photo courtesy of Belhaven College

When moving around campus, it is wise to use a “buddy system.”

In addition, we also have basic guidelines on our website.”

Like other campuses on the state, DSU has a text messaging system to send to students and staff, and the same alerts go out on social media.

That provides a way to notifying everyone possible if there is an active shooter or a tornado warning.

“We notify our campus community primarily through the system that we call the okra alert,” Buford said. “But we are old fashioned and will pick up the phone and warn people, too. In a storm situation, we keep connected with local authorities, and have warning sirens for tornadoes that can heard all over campus. We also now have a radio station on campus that reaches 20 miles out.”

Another major safety concern is texting and driving. Despite state laws, it continues to be a growing problem.

“People just don’t think inattention while driving is going to get them killed,” Buford said. “But national statistics will show there have been an increase in accidents primarily due to inattention, possibly texting while driving. They are just not paying attention.” www.msbusiness.com/next

Dr. Thomas Bourgeois, dean of students for Mississippi State University, agrees that theft is the most likely crime threat on any campus.

“Mississippi State is one of safest campuses on country, but there are not gates around the university,” Bourgeois said. “Lock your door, and don’t leave a $3,000 laptop in the middle of drill field and think it will still be there when you go looking for it three days later. People who are 18 years think they are invincible. But you need to take care of yourself. Don’t roam the campus alone at 3 a.m. If you go out and about in town, use the buddy system. If someone needs help, reach out to them.”

Bourgeois said they give students safety lessons in small doses so their eyes don’t glaze over, but, primarily it comes down common sense.

“You wouldn’t get in a van with stranger,” he said. “So when you go out to local establishments, in addition to being responsible about drinking, make sure you know where your drink came from. Don’t leave it unattended. Don’t leave with people you just met.”

Be careful with dating apps. Technology offers opportunities to meet people, but can also be dangerous.

“If you met someone on Facebook, it is not a good idea to meet them in an apartment or other private setting,” Bourgeois said. “Meet in public. Go with a friend. Don’t give personal info on the phone. Before you share your cell phone number or other information, make sure to do a little due diligence. You can pick up on a lot of verbal clues face-to-face that you don’t get in an online conversation.”

Students often post on social media several times a day. In doing so, they give away a lot of information about where they live and hang out.

“It is amazing the amount of information students put up on Facebook like, ‘Here is where I eat lunch every day, here is where I live,’ all things that can be used if someone wants to figure out your pattern,” he said. “Be careful about sharing locational information.”

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College Housing

Where to live

On or off campus?

By LISA MONTI

HEN IT comes to choosing accommodations at college, students have four basic choices where they can live: on-campus dorms, on-campus apartments, fraternity or sorority houses and off-campus rental houses or apartments.

The on-campus or off-campus decision depends on what kind of college experience you want, what you’re prepared for and what you can afford.

Students who want to have a direct connection with campus events, athletics and mingling with their fellow students opt for traditional on-campus housing arrangements. Convenience is another reason to live on campus, where classes and the library is close by and commuting isn’t usually a problem.

On the down side of living on campus is lack of privacy since you’ll probably have a roommate and have to share a bathroom with other dorm residents. It can be more expensive if a meal plan will be included. Some students may find spending so much time living and studying on campus that they can find the arrangement uncomfortable after a while.

If you can afford to live off campus on your own, you may not need a roommate if you pay for a small studio apartment or similar arrangement. Or you can join others in renting a large house that gives you some time away from campus.

There are some life lessons to learn by living on your own off campus, like budgeting your time and money, buying groceries, cooking, cleaning and paying the bills on time. On the down side, you’ll likely have to pay for things like Internet and cable, and your commute to class will be longer.

Even finding a parking place on campus can be compounded by living off campus.

W

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Courtesy of William Carey University

Caitlyn Castille of Winona moves her belongings into her residence hall during Move-In Day Aug. 20 at William Carey University in Hattiesburg.

Finding a place can be difficult but some colleges offer help to students looking for off-campus housing.

Check your school’s website for online assistance.

On-campus housing accommodations vary at the major colleges in the state.

Most Ole Miss freshmen live in one of eight traditional residence halls, which have rooms that are shared by two students. Each double room is furnished with a twin extra-long bed, a desk and chair, a closet and a set of drawers for each resident. There are common bathrooms on all floors and wings. The dorms also have community lounges, study rooms and other spaces for residences to share. Wireless Internet, basic cable, vending machines and other assets are available.

If you have decided on a roommate who agrees to room with you, either one of you can confirm your room selection at specified times.

Otherwise, students can be matched

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up through their profile information.

Most colleges try to find compatible students to share a room.

Mississippi State looks at answers to compatibility questions so they can match students by their study habits, majors and even neatness habits.

Southern Miss has a similar online matching program for freshmen. The Roommate Connection on the school’s website has a Find a Roommate link on its housing application.

Southern Miss recently cut the ribbon on Century Park South, a new student housing complex on the Hattiesburg campus that includes 954 beds for freshmen and other scholarship students. It was the largest construction project in the school’s history.

Century Park South encompasses Scott Hall, Vann Hall and Luckyday Citizenship Hall, which also houses the new Moffitt Health Center. All of the buildings have five floors and modern features, such as a student kitchen lounge on each floor with oversized chairs, 50-inch HDTVs, full-size refrigerator/freezers, and two study rooms. Each room has two single beds, two chest of drawers, two desks/chairs, an entertainment unit and private bath with shower.

Living in a fraternity or sorority house is a popular option for students who are interested in becoming part of a longstanding college social tradition that can even help them find jobs and foster their career through contacts made at school.

Drawbacks, however, can include too many distractions from studies and having to share the kitchen and bathrooms with other members. Some of the houses are far enough off campus that they might impact your class schedule with long commute times.

Bottom line: to figure out what kind of housing arrangement will work best for you at college, decide your priorities, be realistic about your finances and talk to other students and school reps for help in making your choice.

Mississippi Business Journal

Checklist

College Housing

Buy, borrow or share?

Electronics

Bedding Just like at home, you’ll need sheets and pillow cases, a pillow or two, a light blanket for cold climates and a comforter or bedspread. Check with the school for mattress measurements before buying sheets or mattress pads.

Bath You’ll want to have two or three towels and wash clothes, a robe and slippers or flip flops and a shower caddy in which to carry your shampoo and other bath accessories.

Rugs A rug for your bedside is a nice, warm touch for your room and protects from what might be well worn flooring. A larger rug makes floor sitting more comfortable and so does a nice throw.

Decor Dress up your dorm room with curtains, artwork and framed photos or wall hangings. A white board or bulletin board can display calendars, reminders and miscellaneous notes.

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Dorm Room Checklist » Laundry bag or basket » Laundry detergent » General cleaning supplies » Dish washing liquid » Small trash can » Plastic trash bags » Small broom and dust pan or hand vac » Alarm clock » Backpack of duffel bag » Toiletries and a shower tote » First aid kit » Tweezers » Air fresheners » Iron and ironing board » Can opener » Hooks and hangers » Foam mattress pad » Sewing kit

» Scissors » Refillable water bottle » Umbrella or rain gear » Stapler » Dish towels » Pot holders » Futon » Prescriptions, medication and vitamins » Mop and broom » Tool kit » Hand sanitizer » Flashlight » Hair dryer » Speakers » Bookcases or shelving » Small accent tables » Bottled water » Batteries » Drying rack » Shoe storage bags

Laptops, tablets, printers and cellphones are essential, as are the cables, chargers, power strips and other accessories to keep them working. A television set with cable, MP3 and other music players and gaming systems also make the dorm room feel like home. Headsets also help to keep out unwanted sounds. A small fan that won’t take up much space is a nice thing to have on hand for keeping the fresh air circulating in your room. Check with your roommate to avoid duplication on the shareable electronics.

Storage aids Kitchen basics For eating and snacking, items range from kitchen appliances to coffee mugs. Basics include dishware, drinkware, silverware, pots and pans, utensils for eating and cooking. Rules vary on appliances such as microwaves and coffeemakers, so check first before you shop or pack. Containers for snacks and leftovers will keep food safe and handy.

Clothes Your wardrobe, or at least everything that will fit into your closet and other storage space.

Your dorm room likely will be small and so will the closet so make the most of the space you’ll have to put all your things. You’ll need hangars, something to keep your jewelry in, containers to store some things along the bottom of the closet and even under the bed. Food storage containers also are helpful to keep snacks and leftovers stored safely.

Compiled by Lisa Monti www.msbusiness.com/next

NEXT! 2015 13

College life

Social media

Someone is watching Posts can haunt during and after school

BY BECKY GILLETTE

S

OMETHING posted online never goes away. So before posting something that might reflect negatively on you—even something you think is justified like ranting at a girlfriend or boyfriend you just broke up with—could come back to haunt you after graduation when you apply for jobs.

An estimated 90 percent of employers are looking at applicant’s Facebook pages before making hiring decisions.

“Although a degree is very important, and a high GPA is important, many companies will want an applicant to tell them how they have most recently dealt with conflict,” said Dr. Thomas Bourgeois, dean of students for Mississippi State University.

“If two people are equally qualified, I need a reason not to like someone. All it takes is to search and find some boneheaded comment you made years ago, or something inappropriate that

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“If two people are equally qualified, I need a reason not to like someone. All it takes is to search and find some boneheaded comment you made years ago, or something inappropriate that you allowed friends to post on your wall.”

Dr. Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of students, Mississippi State University you allowed friends to post on your wall.”

While many are ready to post or tweet every thought that comes into their minds, Bourgeois recommends taking a “50,000-foot view.” Ask yourself, “Is that what I meant to say?”

As you go into college, do you want to be judged by who you were in high school?

“Some of the best advice I can give to high school students is to always think twice before posting to social media,” said Ryan M. Whittington, assistant director of Public Relations for Social Media Strategy, The University of Mississippi. “Whether it be friends or family members, admissions officers or even prospective employers, someone is always watching. As scary as that may seem, social media is one of the best ways to improve your reputation. I would urge students to create a LinkedIn account, Google themselves frequently and clean up existing profiles on all

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social media platforms to make sure they are ‘putting their best foot forward’ on social media.”

LinkedIn is one of the best ways for individuals of all ages to improve their online reputations. Over time and by using the right key words, not only will a LinkedIn account prove helpful to join the workforce, but it can also allow individuals to highlight their strengths.

It’s okay to be social and share your personal life. Just make sure not to over-share.

“Make sure you have a positive tone when posting, as a consistent negative tone may give people an impression of you that’s not necessarily true,” said Olivia Ann Hodges, social media specialist, University of Southern Mississippi.

“Post about your hobbies. Employers like to see a well-rounded view of you.”

Know what industry you’re interested in? Start doing your research and become familiar with companies in that industry.

“Follow them, comment on their content and share it, and make sure to share similar industry content on your own personal channels,” Hodges said.

“They'll start to become familiar with who you are if this is consistently done.”

Mississippi Business Journal

Social media College life

Do's and

Don'ts of Social Media

» Do be discreet in sharing your personal life. » Do be aware who can see it. » Do double check your spelling and grammar. » Do be professional. » Do always respond in an adult and mature way. » Do thoroughly check your social media profiles. » Do let your profiles work for you. » Do make your social media presence part of your resume. » Do make sure you convey a positive attitude. » Do post stuff that makes you look good. » Don’t be a cyber bully. » Don't over-share small, everyday details of your life. » Don’t complain about school or your job. » Don’t get rid of your social media profiles. » Don't make your profiles completely private or hidden. » Don’t try to friend professors. » Don’t spend too much time on social media. » Don’t over share.

Other important tips » What you post online is not always visible to just you and your friends. » Check your privacy settings at least once a month.

Social media is constantly growing, changing and developing. From new apps to new platforms, it seems like there’s something new every week. Hodges said while users previously primarily used one platform, now there is a shift with the influx of new apps and platforms, therefore creating multi-platform users.

“Almost every industry you can think of now has a presence on social media, and it infiltrates our daily lives now more than ever,” she said. “Whenever I speak to students, I like to mention the ‘grandmother’ or ‘newspaper/billboard’ test. If you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, or wouldn't want it splashed across the front page of a newspaper or billboard, then don’t post it! Overall, I’m seeing that more and more students are being cautious about what they’re posting.”

Spelling and grammar are extremely important. Employers also do not look well upon social media shorthand (u in place of you, smh in place of shaking my head, etc.). Use correct spelling and grammar, as employers feel that incorrect spelling and grammar can easily translate over to the work place.

One more note: Behave on social media as you would behave being face-to-face with someone.

Common mistakes with social media: » Errors in spelling and grammar » Complaining about schoolwork or a current job » Consistently making posts with a negative tone » Venting or posting a rant on social media » Consistent negative interactions with others » Posting inappropriate photos

A Career in Engineering – Each Day Brings Something New Do you want a career that allows you to be creative, solve problems, change the world each day, AND have the money and free time to enjoy the things that you love to do?

Everything around you that you use each day is possible because of an Engineer.

Good things to know » The Internet always remembers. There's no guarantee you can ever permanently delete anything. » One in five technology industry executives have not hired an employee based on the applicant's social media profiles. » Be safe. Protect yourself and your identity. You never know who is trolling the Internet right now looking for some trusting, naive soul to exploit. Don’t give out your phone number or home address in messages that can be seen by “friends of friends,” which basically can mean “anyone.”

In the future, YOU could be the person who saves the planet, builds the tallest building in the world, launches the space program to further explorations, or creates the next big thing in social media!

Did you know that there are Scholarship programs to help you achieve this type of career?

Contact Mississippi Engineering Society Get started on the road to success!

Source: Olivia Ann Hodges, USM social media specialist, www.msengsoc.org • (601) 919-1818

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NEXT! 2015 15

College life

The expense

Plan now, pay later Manage loans to keep debt under control

BY BECKY GILLETTE

G

ETTING A good education that is key to landing your dream job is a great plan. So is trying to get out of college without a large amount of student loan debt that could haunt you for the next 20 years.

The graduating class of 2015 had the highest ever student loan debt average — $35,000 — up $2,000 from just a year earlier. Yet only about half of graduates end up in a job that requires a four-year degree.

The very first thing to do is explore how much financial aid is available from the federal and state governments.

Financial aid includes grants like the Pell grant or the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant, and scholarships for academic or performance merit.

After applying to college, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available online at www.fafsa.gov. Completing the FAFSA will determine eligibility for a federal subsidized loan, which does not accrue interest while you are still in school.

You should also complete the state application, which is available online at www.mississippi.edu/financialaid, between Jan. 1 and Sept. 15 every year.

Student loans are not all bad,

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“Sometimes it is necessary and acceptable to finance an investment, but as with any investment such as that of a car or home, putting money down will reduce the overall cost. When financing a college education, grants, scholarships and income from work act as money down, thereby reducing the amount of tuition and other expenses that must be financed with interest.”

Jennifer Rodgers, Director of Student Financial Aid, Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning said Jennifer Rogers, director of Student Financial Aid, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. They are an investment in your own future.

“Sometimes it is necessary and acceptable to finance an investment, but as with any investment such as that of a car or home, putting money down will reduce the overall cost,” Rogers said. “When financing a college education, grants, scholarships and income from work act as money down, thereby reducing the amount of tuition and other expenses that must be financed with interest. Always seek grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid before seeking loans.”

Working part-time including a work-study job with the college is also highly recommended.

Rogers offers these loan considerations: » All loans

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are not created equal. Look at interest rates and repayment options. » Don’t borrow more than you need.

If you only need an extra $3,000 to cover the dorm, don’t take out a $5,000 loan just because that is what is offered. » Don’t borrow too little. Borrow enough that you can focus on doing well in your classes and finishing on time rather than on working three jobs to cover your costs. » Stay the course and finish your degree. If you take out a loan for a degree you never finish, you still have to repay the loan. » One way to curb the cost of a college degree is to finish on time. The Finish in 4 campaign encourages students to finish a college degree in four years at a university or four semesters at a community college. At most colleges, full-time enrollment is defined as 12 credit hours per semester, but students who only take 12 credits each semester cannot finish a degree on time. Take at least 15 credit hours each semester or 30 credit hours each year to graduate on time.

An extra year of college means an extra year of loans to cover expenses, and lost income Mississippi Business Journal

The expense College life from delaying entering the workforce full-time. » Consider future job opportunities in a career that suits your aptitude and interests.

“After all, people are more likely to be successful in jobs they are good at and enjoy,” she said. “Students should also keep in mind that some fields require a graduate degree. You can major in pre-med, but you can’t be a doctor without going through medical school, and you can’t be a surgeon without additional training after medical school. The additional cost of the graduate degree may be worth the potential salary (think about those surgeons), but it might not.”

Each college creates an annual budget to help students be prepared.

The budget is commonly referred to as the Cost of Attendance (COA) and usually includes estimates for the following costs: » Tuition and fees. » Room and board. » Allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and, if applicable, dependent care. » Costs related to a disability, if ap-

Paying for college Students find numerous ways to pay for college. 529 Plans are also a popular option for paying for college. A 529 Plan is an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution to help families set aside funds for future college costs. » MPACT – Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Plan (www.collegesavingsmississippi.com), allows Mississippi residents to pre-pay for college tuition and mandatory fees (thus locking in the rates) at Mississippi public colleges and universities or for private or out-of-state colleges based on Mississippi’s average tuition rates. » The Mississippi Affordable College Savings Plan (www.collegesavingsmississippi.com). MACS is an investment program that allows families to invest money for tuition, books, room and board, required supplies, and graduate school. MACS funds may be used at any accredited college or university anywhere in the U.S. » Many employers will pay tuition and other fees for their employees. Some employers will even pay your entire college tuition and allow you to attend school full time in exchange for your commitment to work with the company for a specified period of time after graduation. » And military service offers a number of education benefits that can be used while you are on active duty or after you leave the service. The GI Bill (www.gibill.va.gov), provides educational benefits for serving in the military. Rogers said you might also consider ROTC – Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC), which helps pay college tuition and book costs and provides a monthly stipend. ROTC allows you to earn a degree while developing military skills.

— Jennifer Rogers, Mississippi IHL plicable. » Miscellaneous expenses, including an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer.

“Keep in mind that the COA is an estimated cost,” Rogers said. “Some el-

YOU WERE THERE FOR THEIR FIRST STEP.

ements of the COA may not be as high for all students. Students can lower their actual cost by trying to save on travel expenses, textbooks, and other miscellaneous costs associated with going to college.”

LET US BE WITH YOU FOR THEIR NEXT.

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Confidently send them to college with Regions Student Solutions.

We offer the financial tools to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

For more information about the full range of services offered with Regions Student Solutions, talk to an associate, visit regions.com/studentsolutions or call 1.800.regions.

© 2015 Regions Bank. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

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NEXT! 2015 17

Counseling

College life

Need help? It’s there

By LISA MONTI

DJUSTING TO college life can be filled with complications and if that happens, students should know that they can find a range of services available to help with any concerns or problems in their social life and studies. The services can be as simple as a one-on-one conversation up to more comprehensive assistance.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s campus support services through the office of the first year initiative offers guidance to students during their freshman year. The orientation process helps with registration for classes and scheduling.

CARES, the Campus Action Referral and Evaluation System, is available to students having mental health, behavioral or academic problems. Assessment and intervention services are provided by a team of professionals from the university’s student affairs and academic affairs departments.

In addition, the counseling center offers confidential help to students experiencing depression, substance abuse, low self-confidence and other mental health and coping issues.

Medical care for minor ailments to chronic conditions is provided through the student health services which takes care of the entire university community. Want to stop smoking or have your cholesterol checked?

Student health services offers health care services as well as a full service lab, X-ray facility and pharmacy.

Student support services provides academic assistance to qualified students through a federal program that includes tutoring, reading and writing labs, peer mentoring and counseling.

The office of disability accommodations assists students covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act with accessible facilities and furniture, housing accommodations, assistive technology and other help.

Students at Ole Miss will find med-

A

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File photo courtesy of Hinds Community College

Mississippi colleges usually provide counseling, medical care and academic assistance.. ical services available to them at the campus health center, including acute care, an allergy clinic, immunizations, men’s and women’s health services, travel services, X-ray and lab.

Care at the university’s counseling center is provided by a team of professionals. Services include personal counseling and therapy to deal with such issues as college adjustment, family problems, anxiety and relationship concerns. The center also offers group counseling and therapy through support groups and therapy groups Crisis intervention is available 24 hours a day if emergency assistance is needed. The counseling center’s professionals also are on hand to consult one-on-one with students if they’re www.msbusiness.com/next

concerned about someone or have issues that the staff can help with.

Student veterans have special walk in hours at the counseling center to access services that will assist them in the college environment.

Mississippi State’s student health center is available for those who need allergy clinic services, physical therapy, lab or X-rays and nutrition consultations. There are also health education and wellness resources and program available to students.

Student counseling services are provided by clinicians who help with mild situations such as test anxiety to more serious problems. Typical concerns are family issues or relationships.

Mississippi Business Journal

Mississippi’s colleges Public Universities Alcorn State University Page 20

Private Universities

Community Colleges Coahoma

Belhaven University

Page 27

Delta State University

Page 24

Copiah-Lincoln

Page 20

Blue Mountain College

Jackson State University Page 22

Mississippi State University Page 22

Page 24

Page 22

Mississippi Valley State University Page 22

University of Mississippi

East Central Page 27

Millsaps College Page 24

East Mississippi

Mississippi College

Hinds

Page 24

Mississippi University for Women

Page 27

Rust College Page 25

Tougaloo College Page 25

William Carey University Page 25

Page 23

Page 28 Page 28

Holmes Page 28

Itawamba Page 28

Jones County Page 28

Meridian Page 29

Mississippi Delta University of Southern Mississippi

Page 29

Mississippi Gulf Coast

Page 23

Page 29

Northeast Mississippi Page 29

Northwest Mississippi Page 30

Pearl River Page 30

Southwest Mississippi Page 30

Courtesy of Ole Miss

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Mississippi Colleges

Public Universities

Courtesy of Alcorn State University

Oakland Memorial Chapel on the campus of Alcorn State University, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096 Phone: 800-222-6790 Website: www.alcorn.edu Admissions email: admissions@alcorn.edu Founded: 1871 President: Alfred L. Rankins Jr. Undergrad Enrollment: 3,717 Total Faculty: 230 Financial Aid: Grants, loans, work study, scholarships, federal aid Satellite/ Annex Locations: Natchez, Vicksburg Annual Tuition and Fees: $6,192 Annual on-campus room and board: $8,650

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Alcorn State says: Alcorn is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the U.S. Alcorn University was founded in 1871 to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans. It was named in honor of the sitting governor of Mississippi, James L. Alcorn. Alcorn is nationally recognized for excellence in liberal arts, agricultural research, technology, music and nursing.

Address: 1003 W. Sunower Rd., Cleveland, MS 38733 Phone: 662-846-3000 Website: www.deltastate.edu Admissions email: admissions@deltastate.edu www.msbusiness.com/next

Founded: 1924 President: William LaForge Undergrad Enrollment: 3,614 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Federal need-based aid, state, institutional, and external funds for non-need based aid available, on-campus paid job opportunities available Satellite/ Annex Locations: Greenville, Clarksdale Annual Tuition and Fees: $6,012 Annual on-campus room and board: $6,744 Delta State says: : Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State's diverse and unique institute offers a devoted and genuine educational experience. We are a family-oriented campus where our professors know students by their name. Gain skills and connections while earning a bachelor, master, or doctorate degree.

Mississippi Business Journal

DELTA STATE Working toward the next big idea, together.

www.deltastate.edu/visit @DELTASTATE • FACEBOOK.COM/DELTASTATEUNIVERSIT Y

Mississippi Colleges

Public Universities

Address: 1400 John R. Lynch St., Jackson, MS 39217 Phone: 601-979-2121 Website: www.jsums.edu Admissions email: recruitment@jsums.edu Founded: 1877 President: Carolyn W. Meyers Undergrad Enrollment: 9,508 Total Faculty: 564 Financial Aid: Federal and state grants, loans, work study, scholarships Satellite/ Annex Locations: Jackson Medical Mall.

Annual Tuition and Fees: $6,602 Annual on-campus room and board: $9,796 Jackson State says: : With 9,500 students and 1,500 faculty and staff, Jackson State is a 4year institution offering nearly 100 degree programs. JSU is designated as a “high research activity” institution by the Carnegie Foundation; listed by Forbes as one of America’s Top Colleges for 2015; an Apple Distinguished School; cited as ‘military-friendly’; and provides iPads to every first–time, fulltime freshman.

Address: P.O. Box 6334, Mississippi State, MS 39762 Phone: 662-325-2224 Website: www.msstate.edu Admissions email: admit@msstate.edu Founded: 1878 President: Mark E. Keenum Undergrad Enrollment: 20,138 Total Faculty: 4,663 Financial Aid: Federal and state grants and loans, work study, scholarships Satellite/ Annex Locations: Meridian Campus and Extension offices in all 82 counties Annual Tuition and Fees: $7,502 Annual on-campus room and board: $5,646 Mississippi State says: MSU is classified as

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Courtesy of JSU

The campus quad and Ayer Hall, which was built in 1903 and is the old building at Jackson State University. a RU/VH: Research University (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that represents the highest level of research activity for doctorate-granting universities in the United States. Mississippi State is the only school in the state with the distinction.

Address: 1100 College St., Columbus, MS 39701-5800 Phone: 877-462-8439 Website: www.muw.edu

Courtesy of MUW

MUW students pose in front of Poindexter Hall, which was called the “Temple of Music” in 1905.

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Admissions email: admissions@muw.edu Founded: 1884 President: Jim Borsig Undergrad Enrollment: 2,696 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Academic scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study employment from federal, state and institutional programs Satellite/ Annex Locations: Tupelo Annual Tuition and Fees: $5,781 Annual on-campus room and board: $4,018 ‘The W’ says: MUW, most often known as The W, is a public university that feels like a private college. Established in 1884, The W today attracts both female and male students from around the region and around the world.

Address: 14000 Hwy. 82 West, Itta Bena, MS 38941 Phone: 662-254-9041 Website: www.mvsu.edu Admissions email: admsn@mvsu.edu Founded: 1950 President: William B. Bynum Undergrad Enrollment: 2,222 Total Faculty: 115 Financial Aid: Federal and state grants and loans, work study, scholarships Satellite/ Annex Locations: Greenville Annual Tuition and Fees: $5,916 Annual on-campus room and board: $3,936 Valley State says: At MVSU, we prepare students to combine their broad and well-rounded

Mississippi Business Journal

Public Universities general education with specialized training so they will be ready to enter into their respective careers or graduate schools. The close knit community at MVSU prepares graduates for careers in a diverse social, political and global environment.

Address: 118 College Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Phone: 601-266-5000 Website: www.usm.edu Admissions email: admissions@usm.edu Founded: 1910 President: Rodney D. Bennett Undergrad Enrollment: 12,005 Total Faculty: 923 Financial Aid: -Generous merit-based scholarships for scholars and leaders -Federal student grants and loans available -Additional state financial aid available for Mississippi residents -Opportunities

for part-time campus student jobs Satellite/ Annex Locations: Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi Annual Tuition and Fees: $7,224 Annual on-campus room and board: $5,024 The school says: : Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi opened its doors as a small teachers’ college. Today, the University has grown into a comprehensive doctoral and researchdriven institution with a proud history and an eye on the future. Southern Miss offers prestigious programs, study abroad, nationally recognized research, attentive faculty, and support to help students succeed.

Mississippi Colleges

Website: www.olemiss.edu Admissions email: admissions@olemiss.edu Founded: 1848 President: Morris H Stocks Undergrad Enrollment: 17,360 Total Faculty: 1,021 Financial Aid: Federal and state grants and loans; work study; scholarships Satellite/Annex Locations: Southaven, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada, Medical Center, Jackson Annual Tuition and Fees: $7,344 Annual on-campus room and board: $5,730 Ole Miss says: Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi is the state’s flagship university.

A world-class public research university, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and innovative research. With more than 23,000 students, Ole Miss is the state’s largest university, with a major medical school, a nationally recognized law school and 15 academic divisions.

Address: P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677 Phone: 662-915-7226

A Personal, Affordable, Quality Education

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Mississippi Colleges

Private Colleges

Courtesy of Belhaven University

Belhaven’s Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center showcases a creative spiral staircase.

Address: 1500 Peachtree St., Jackson, MS 39202 Phone: 601-968-5940 Website: www.belhaven.edu Admissions email: admission@belhaven.edu Founded: 1883 President: Roger Parrott Undergrad Enrollment: 4,200 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Academic scholarships, grants, federal grants, loans are available Satellite/ Annex Locations: Atlanta, Memphis, Chattanooga, Orlando, Houston, DeSoto Annual Tuition and Fees: $21,626 Annual on-campus room and board: $8,000 Belhaven says: Belhaven University is a Christian liberal arts university dedicated to excellence in higher education. Belhaven has 28 undergraduate majors and has received national recognition for its academic programs and affordability. Belhaven is one of only 33 institutions in the nation accredited in all four areas of the arts — visual art, music, theater and dance.

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Address: 210 W. Main St, Blue Mountain, MS 38610 Phone: 662-685-4771 Website: www.bmc.edu Admissions email: admissions@bmc.edu Founded: 1873 President: Barbara C. McMillin Undergrad Enrollment: 544 Total Faculty: 34 Financial Aid: Federal, state, veteran assistance programs, scholarships.

Satellite/ Annex Locations: N/A Annual Tuition and Fees: $9,518 Annual on-campus room and board: $5,764 Blue Mountain says: Blue Mountain College assists students in developing intellectual integrity, academic excellence, civility, and Christian character. Founded in 1873 as a Christian liberal arts college and since 1920 affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, the College recruits undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to scholarship, servant leadership, and service in church and community.

Courtesy of Blue Mountain College

Lowery Administration Building at Blue Mountain College

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Address: 1701 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39210 Phone: 601-974-1050 Website: www.millsaps.edu Admissions email: admissions@millsaps.edu Founded: 1890 President: Robert Pearigen Undergrad Enrollment: 1,000 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Aid offered based on academic merit, special talents and financial need.

Satellite/ Annex Locations: Mexico Annual Tuition and Fees: $33,306 Annual on-campus room and board: $8,328 Millsaps says: Millsaps is a privately supported liberal arts college. Millsaps is one of the few colleges in America to have both a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and business school accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance College Schools of Business). Millsaps employs 97 full-time faculty members; 94 percent of Millsaps tenure-track faculty hold a Ph.D. or the final degree in their field.

Address: 200 S. Capitol St., Clinton, MS 39058 Phone: 601-925-3800 Website: www.mc.edu Admissions email: admissions@mc.edu Founded: 1826 President: Lee G. Royce Undergrad Enrollment: 2,984 Total Faculty: 215 Financial Aid: Federal aid; private & institutional scholarships; grants; loans; student employment; payment plans Satellite/ Annex Locations: none Annual Tuition and Fees: $15,242 Annual on-campus room and board: $7,774 Mississippi College says: : Mississippi College, governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is a private, coeducational, comprehensive university of liberal arts and sciences and professional studies dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence. A Christian institution, Mississippi College values integration of faith and learning throughout the educational process.

Mississippi Business Journal

Private Colleges

Address: 150 Rust Ave., Holly Springs, MS 38635 Phone: 662-252-8000 Website: www.rustcollege.edu Admissions email: admissions@rustcollege.edu Founded: 1866 President: David L. Beckley Undergrad Enrollment: 973 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Academic scholarships, federal and state grants and loans, work study, scholarships Satellite/ Annex Locations: none Annual Tuition and Fees: $9,500 Annual on-campus room and board: $4,100 The school says: : Rust College is a historically Black, co-educational, senior liberal arts college founded in 1866 by the Freedman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church to offer quality programs in business, education, humanities, science and math, and social science to prepare students for leadership and service in a global society.

Address: 500 W. County Line Rd., Tougaloo, MS 39174 Phone: 601-977-7768 Website: www.tougaloo.edu Admissions email: admissions@tougaloo.edu Founded: 1869 President: Beverly Wade Hogan Undergrad Enrollment: 900 Total Faculty: 100 Financial Aid: Federal, state, private Satellite/ Annex Locations: None Annual Tuition and Fees: $10,130 Annual on-campus room and board: $6,400 Tougaloo says: One of the safest campuses in the state; College provides a nurturing, familial environment that encourages both intellectual and character development.

Address: 498 Tuscan Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

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Mississippi Colleges

Phone: 601-318-6051 Website: www.wmcarey.edu Admissions email: admissions@wmcarey.edu Founded: 1892 President: Tommy King Undergrad Enrollment: 2,450 Total Faculty: 293 Financial Aid: Work-study programs, state and federal aid, loans, institutional scholarships (academic, talent, alumni, Mississippi Baptist student, church-related vocations, missionary dependent and endowed scholarship), external scholarships Satellite/ Annex Locations: Tradition Campus – 19640 Highway 67, Biloxi, Mississippi Annual Tuition and Fees: $10,800 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,000 William Carey says: William Carey University is a private, faith-based university with campuses in Hattiesburg and Biloxi, Mississippi. Carey offers a friendly, Christian environment with strong campus life opportunities and numerous academic offerings. The institution was recently named Mississippi's "Hidden Gem" by College Raptor, Inc., and consistently ranks at the top of U.S. News & World Report rankings.

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Community Colleges Mississippi Colleges

Address: 3240 Friars Point Rd., Clarksdale, MS 38614 Phone: 662-627-2571 Website: www.coahomacc.edu Admissions email: admissions@coahomacc.edu Founded: 1949 President: Valmadge Towner Undergrad Enrollment: 2,500 Total Faculty: 65 Financial Aid: Pell Grants, LEAP, SEOG, work study Satellite/ Annex Locations: Clarksdale, Charleston, Marks, Mound Bayou, Rosedale, Shaw, Tunica, Webb Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,500 Annual on-campus room and board: $983 Coahoma says: Coahoma Community College is an accredited public comprehensive institution of higher learning committed to providing accessible, affordable, diverse, and quality educational programs and services.

Address: 1028 J.C. Redd Drive, Wesson, MS 39191 Phone: 601-643-5101 Website: www.colin.edu Admissions email: chris.warren@colin.edu Founded: 1928 President: Ronnie Nettles Undergrad Enrollment: 3,500 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Financial aid available. Fees other than tuition are required in the ADN & PN Programs.

Satellite/ Annex Locations: Natchez, Simpson County Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,555 Annual on-campus room and board: $1,500 Co-Lin says: Co-Lin provides educational programs, economic development services, cultural and recreational opportunities through quality instruction and high expectations and services in a safe, student-centered environment.

Address: 275 W. Broad St., Decatur, MS 39327 Phone: 601-635-2111 Website: www.eccc.edu Admissions email: sholling@eccc.edu Founded: 1928 President: Billy Stewart Undergrad Enrollment: 2,544 Total Faculty: 141 Financial Aid: All state and federal ďŹ nancial aid, college scholarships Satellite/ Annex Locations: Decatur, Philadelphia, Carthage, Choctaw, Forest, Louisville Annual Tuition and Fees: $1,980 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,730 East Central says: High Quality Academics, Guaranteed Transferability of Courses, Lowest Tuition in the State, Top Transfer GPA Among Mississippi Community Colleges

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BIG STEP IN YOUR LIFE? Then look no further than East Central Community College

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Mississippi Colleges

Community Colleges versity transfer, productive employment and lifelong learning.

Address: 620 W. Hill St., Fulton, MS 38843 Phone: 662-862-8035 Website: www.iccms.edu

Address: 1512 Kemper St., Scooba, MS 39358 Phone: 662-476-8442 Website: www.eastms.edu Admissions email: kbriggs@eastms.edu Founded: 1927 President: Dr. Thomas Huebner Undergrad Enrollment: 4,364 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Pell Grant, FSEOG, LEAP, college work study, Federal Stafford Loan, EMCC scholarships Satellite/ Annex Locations: Macon, Mayhew, West Point, Columbus AFB, Meridian NAS, Lion Hills, Maben Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,400 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,200 East Mississippi says: EMCC takes your child’s future as seriously as you do. Our instructors are committed. They make time for each student and their doors are always open. Winners of three of the last four NJCAA National Football Championships!

Address: 608 Hinds Blvd., Raymond, MS 39154 Phone: 601-857-3536 Website: www.hindscc.edu Admissions email: info@hindscc.edu Founded: 1917 President: Clyde Muse Undergrad Enrollment: 12,000 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Scholarships, federal aid, student loans, work study Satellite/ Annex Locations: Rankin (Pearl), Jackson, Utica, Vicksburg-Warren Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,400 Annual on-campus room and board: $1,500 Hinds says: You can get an excellent education at a very reasonable cost which will transfer to any senior college in the state or prepare you for direct entry into a career and it is all located close to home.

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Courtesy of EMCC

A 7-foot bronze statue of Bull Sullivan overlooks at Sullivan-Windham Field at EMCC. Sullivan coached from 1950-52 and 1956-69, piling up 87 victories, the most in school history. He produced 31 All-Americans in his 16 seasons and more than 200 of his former players went on to become coaches.

Address: 232 Hill St., Goodman, MS 39079 Phone: 800-465-6374 Website: www.holmescc.edu Admissions email: jguest@holmescc.edu Founded: 1925 President: Jim Haffey Undergrad Enrollment: 6,200 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Foundation and special scholarships, FAFSA, loans, grants, work study Satellite/ Annex Locations: Ridgeland Campus, Grenada Center, Attala Educational Center in Kosciusko, and class offerings at the Wood Institute in Mathiston and the Yazoo County Economic Development and Educational Center in Yazoo City Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,450 Annual on-campus room and board: $775 Holmes says: Holmes Community College, a comprehensive public institution located in Central Mississippi, provides innovative educational and cultural opportunities to its constituents through campus-based and distance education programs.

The college seeks to prepare its students for uniwww.msbusiness.com/next

Admissions email: clollar@iccms.edu Founded: 1948 President: Mike Eaton Undergrad Enrollment: 5,000 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Federal, state and institutional financial aid programs Satellite/ Annex Locations: Fulton, Tupelo, Belden Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,300 Annual on-campus room and board: $1,600 Itawamba says: Family environment....student success is priority...each student is important

Address: 900 S. Court St., Ellisville, MS 39437 Phone: 601-477-4000 Website: www.jcjc.edu Admissions email: admissions@jcjc.edu Founded: 1911 President: Jesse R, Smith Undergrad Enrollment: 4,706 Total Faculty: 250 Financial Aid: Service scholarships, Miss Hospitality scholarship, Junior Miss scholarship, academic, career and technical excellence scholarships; honors college scholarship, presidential scholarship, ACT scholarships, foundation scholarships, Pell Grants, MTAG, work study Satellite/ Annex Locations: Bay Springs, Leakesville, Waynesboro, Stonewall Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,490 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,000 Jones County says: Jones County Junior College is located on a single campus between Laurel & Hattiesburg, however Centers in Bay Springs, Leakesville, Stonewall & Waynesboro have recently opened offering credit and non-credit courses.

Each Center offers specialized training:petroleum technology, pipefitting, maching and welding. The Mississippi Business Journal

Community Colleges Mississippi Colleges main campus in Ellisville offers more than 100 academic & technical programs.

Address: 910 Hwy. 19 N., Meridian, MS 39307 Phone: 601-483-8241 Website: www.meridiancc.edu Admissions email: apayne@meridiancc.edu Founded: 1937 President: Scott Elliott Undergrad Enrollment: 3,390 Total Faculty: 133 Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, loans and part-time employment to eligible students Satellite/ Annex Locations: N/A Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,100 Annual on-campus room and board: $3,735 The school says: MCC offers an affordable and quality education where students seeking to earn a two-year degree or certiďŹ cate can expect to learn in and outside the classroom, advanced skills that would make them competitive in their career ďŹ eld. MCC students transferring to a senior institution are some of the most academically-prepared and accomplished students in the state.

Address: 51 Main St., Perkinston, MS 39573 Phone: 866-735-1122 Website: www.mgccc.edu Admissions email: mary.graham@mgccc.edu Founded: 1911 President: Mary S. Graham Undergrad Enrollment: 9,799 Total Faculty: 488 Financial Aid: Federal grants, loans, military assistance, work study, state grants, special scholarships; institutional scholarships, including academic, performance, GED, occupational, employee waiver; Foundation/Alumni scholarships for performance, special need Satellite/ Annex Locations: Gautier, Gulfport, Long Beach, Lucedale, Biloxi, Pascagoula Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,626 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,050 The school says: : MGCCC is a two-year pubMississippi Business Journal

Courtesy of Meridian Community College

Ivy Hall on the Meridian Community College campus. lic community college located in South Mississippi.

The college has 10 locations in its four-county district of George, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties. MGCCC is ranked nationally in the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers, a Fastest Growing Community College, a Military Friendly School, a 2015 STEM Jobs Approved College and A Great College to Work For.

Address: Hwy. 3 and Cherry St., Moorhead, MS 38761 Phone: 662-246-6322 Website: www.msdelta.edu Admissions email: admissions@msdelta.edu Founded: 1926 President: Dr. Larry Nabors Undergrad Enrollment: 2,702 Total Faculty: 183 Financial Aid: Pell Grants, MDCC Foundation scholarships, Federal aid, State Aid Satellite/ Annex Locations: Greenwood, Greenville, Indianola, Drew Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,520 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,740 The school says: : MDCC is dedicated to improving the community through intellectual, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities. www.msbusiness.com/next

Address: 101 Cunningham Blvd., Booneville, MS 38829 Phone: 800-555-2154 Website: www.nemcc.edu Admissions email: admitme@nemcc.edu Founded: 1948 President: Ricky G. Ford Undergrad Enrollment: 3,700 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Federal, institutional and agency scholarships; loans, work study Satellite/ Annex Locations: Corinth, New Albany Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,250 Annual on-campus room and board: $1,400 The school says: : Founded in 1948, Northeast Mississippi Community College has been an educational pillar of the northeast Mississippi region. From its offerings of transfer, career and technical classes, Northeast is able to offer a wide variety of choices for the most discerning students.

Northeast offers a comprehensive listing of courses in day, evening and online format all on a four-day instructional week.

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Mississippi Colleges

Community Colleges

Address: 4975 Hwy. 51 N., Senatobia, MS 38668 Phone: 662-562-3200 Website: www.northwestms.edu Admissions email: pr@northwestms.edu Founded: 1927 President: Gary Lee Spears Undergrad Enrollment: 8,004 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Institutional scholarships, grants, work study, loans Satellite/ Annex Locations: Southaven, Olive Branch, Oxford, Benton County Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,550 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,475 The school says: : Northwest offers the prerequisites you need to prepare for an exciting fouryear degree at any of Mississippi's colleges or universities. We also offer nearly 40 Career and Technical programs designed to teach students the practical skills needed for a wide variety of jobs in the workforce.

Address: 101 Hwy. 11 N., Poplarville, MS 39470 Phone: 601-403-1000 Website: www.prcc.edu Admissions email: admissions@prcc.edu Founded: 1908 President: William Lewis Undergrad Enrollment: 4,700 Total Faculty: 250 Financial Aid: Student scholarships, school loans, Pell Grants Satellite/ Annex Locations: Hattiesburg, Waveland Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,650 Annual on-campus room and board: $4,700 The school says: : Quality instruction, small classroom sizes, new dorm facilities, new performintg arts center and basketball coliseum coming next year or so, finalists for the Aspen prize in community colleges.

Address: 1156 College Dr., Summit, MS 39666 Phone: 601-276-2000 Website: www.smcc.edu Admissions email: mattc@smcc.edu Founded: 1929 President: Steve Bishop Undergrad Enrollment: 2,130 Total Faculty: N/A Financial Aid: Pell Grants, SEOG, LEAP, MTAG, performance, memorial and academic scholarships; work study Satellite/ Annex Locations: None Annual Tuition and Fees: $2,090 Annual on-campus room and board: $2,730 Southwest says: Southwest Mississippi Community College provides academic, career, and continuing education, meeting the diverse needs of the population at a reasonable cost.

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www.colin.edu Copiah-Lincoln Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices.

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7 COOL PEOPLE

Items that make these Mississippians so cool

Jennifer Child’s passion Page 38

Josh Hayes’ ‘dumb luck’ Page 42

Malcolm Butler’s skills Page 32

Brandon Clement’s hobby Page 36

Tina Seymour Demoran’s scar Page 44

Lesley Hollemon’s drive Page 34

Tonyatta Hairston’s focus Page 40

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7 COOL PEOPLE

Malcolm Butler Malcolm Butler says he has worked hard to overcome challenges to his NFL career.

Photos courtesy of Larry Lundy

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Mississippi Business Journal

Butler’s moment Work, believe, don’t give up, says Super Bowl hero

By BECKY GILLETTE

ALCOLM BUTLER has gone from a college football player who initially wasn’t even drafted by the pros to a household name and a Vicksburg hometown hero who has made Mississippi proud.

The unlikely star of Super Bowl played Feb. 1, 2015, Butler’s interception of a pass at the one-yard line with only 20 seconds remaining was credited with clinching a New England Patriots’ 28-24 Super Bowl XLIX win over the Seattle Seahawks.

But this was his first NFL interception, he had started a game only once that season, and almost missed even becoming a professional football player.

The famous play was not an accident. Butler credited great preparation and coaching by Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia for helping Butler figure out which Seahawks player would be receiving the pass — so Butler could be poised to make the interception.

“Every player dreams of making a big play,” Butler said. “Leading up to the game, there were some thoughts about it. A couple of days before the game, an Uber driver told my mom I was going to have a good game and make a big play.”

What could possibly eclipse a great play like that in the first season of the 25-year-old’s pro career?

“On the field, that will be hard to beat,” Butler said. “I was blessed to make one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl history to help my team win at the end of the game. Hopefully, we can work hard and get back in that position to win it all again.

But I don’t know if I will ever make that type of play again. And that’s ok.

M

Mississippi Business Journal

“It does not matter where you come from. It’s where you are going. You should be proud of Mississippi, and where you are from. Vicksburg and Mississippi made me who I am today.”

Malcolm Butler I can live with that.”

Butler faced lot of obstacles that made it unlikely he would make it to the big leagues. He believes it isn’t just natural physical talent, but concentration and mental strategizing that have helped him be successful.

“I have worked hard and overcome many challenges to get here,” Butler said. “Many people back home in Mississippi know my story. I had to overcome the odds at Vicksburg High with playing only my freshman and senior years. I had to overcome challenges at Hinds Junior College, only to leave and enroll at Alcorn State before coming back to Hinds, and finally making it to West Alabama. I have to thank New England Patriot scout Frantzy Jourdain for spotting me and believing in me, and Coach Belichick and other coaches for giving me a chance.”

The most famous 2009 high school grad from Mississippi has advice for high school students looking to also make their mark on the year.

“It does not matter where you come from,” Butler said. “It’s where you are going. You should be proud of Mississippi, and where you are from. Vicksburg and Mississippi made me who I am today. So I will tell anyone from Mississippi, if they work hard, believe in themselves, don’t give up and follow their dreams, they can achieve anything they set their mind to. I have to thank God. I am living proof that if I can do it, anyone can.” www.msbusiness.com/next

Since the NFL is a full-time, yeararound job, so he doesn’t return home as often as he would like to.

“However, I get back when I can,” Butler said. “I really enjoyed working with the kids during my first annual Malcolm Butler Football Camp sponsored by the Vickburg Booster Club, and I look forward to hosting it again next year.”

Lorenzo Breland, director of football operations, Vicksburg High School, said the great thing about the free football camp held in the summer of 2015 is that boys participating were inspired by Butler, seeing someone from their hometown who has gone on to national fame and success.

Butler’s high school football coach Alonzo Stevens said when Butler asked to join the football team his senior year after missing play for two years, Stevens told him he could come out for practice “and maybe hold a dummy for me.”

“But he quickly surpassed my expectations with his speed, skills, and work ethic,” Stevens said. “He was so valuable on defense. He is a young man with all the promise in the world. He works hard. What you see is what you get, a down home country boy who is very genuine.”

Butler stays so focused on becoming a better and better player that he doesn’t have time for hobbies.

“I have to focus on football, and when I get some free time, I love spending time with my son,” he said.

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7 COOL PEOPLE

Lesley Holleman

Staying a step ahead Love of running, determination drives Fleet Feet store owner

By LISA MONTI

ESLEY HOLLEMAN attended Delta State on a cheerleading scholarship, and she was a member of the school’s swimming team. She did a little running to stay in shape but when friends teased her about joining the cross country team during her senior year, she walked on and never looked back. “I really loved it and kept on running,” she said.

Not sure what she wanted to pursue as a career, she worked as an exercise physiologist for a year and a half. That’s when she met fellow runner Jeff Wells, the owner of Fleet Feet, a fitness specialty store in Jackson. It was around the time she ran her first of seven marathons, including two Boston Marathons and two Chicago Marathons. Wells eventually asked if she would come to work for him.

“I didn’t have a business background so I worked as a salesperson, fitting shoes and sports bras,” the Baton Rouge native said. She

L

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Mississippi Business Journal

Photos by Rod’s Racers, LLC / Courtesy of Lesley Holleman

Lesley Holleman met her husband Matthew shortly after buying a Fleet Feet store. They were married in 2012 and have a son Matthew V, 2.

began learning the business side of the operation and took on some buying responsibilities. When Wells bought a store in Nashville, he put Holleman in charge of the Jackson store. “I was making mistakes and learning from them,” she said of the early days.

Holleman was able to gain part ownership through a program the franchise offered to transition stores to new owners. She went through a three-year buyout program and by 2011 owned the store completely. She was just 32 years old.

“It was one of the coolest and most stressful things I’ve ever done.

The first couple of months, there was so much to learn. I was in charge of everything except bookkeeping. But it was all mine and it was pretty incredible being my own boss.”

Today, the store has a staff of 18

Mississippi Business Journal

including Holleman and her husband, Matthew, who she met shortly after buying the store. They married in 2012 and have a son, Matthew V, who is 2 years old.

Things continue to go well at Fleet Feet, which is considered a favorite among Jackson’s runners, walkers and exercise enthusiasts.

“But a large portion of our customer base isn’t running or exercise at all.

They are either diabetic or have some type of foot problems so they need comfortable shoes for work or just to wear on a daily basis. We have to make sure our new hires understand all that.”

Holleman credits the staff with much of the store’s success.

“They’re awesome. It’s all because of them,” she said.

Fleet Feet employees tend to stay on for a couple of years unless they’re moving on to something bigger and better, Holleman said.

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Two former employees are now doing residencies in orthopedics and five went on to practice occupational or physical therapists.

Holleman appreciates all the help she received to become a business owner and wants to do the same for others. “We’re really blessed with having good people and we make sure we are supportive of their long term goals and plans,” she said. “It’s good for them to know that when they come to work it’s not just a retail job but something they can turn into a career, either owning a store, working for Nike or finding their own niche. They have a lot of possibilities.”

Her priority, after serving the community, “is making sure we support these kids. If they’re happy and know we are behind them, we are going to get some really good help. Every owner should feel that way,” she said.

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7 COOL PEOPLE

Brandon Clement

Chasing storms, chasing dreams

BY BECKY GILLETTE

S

OME PEOPLE MIGHT think it well, a bit foolhardy, to be chasing after tornadoes. But Brandon Clement of Terry finds it exhilarating to observe weather in its most extreme forms — and sharing that information with the National Weather Service, emergency responders and the general public in the form of live feeds goes beyond entertaining to being potentially life-saving.

“Chasing storms is a big thrill,” Clement said.

“Weather can be fascinating, especially in its most extreme forms. It can be intense. It can be an adrenalin rush. For the most part, it is absolutely fascinating. It is extremely challenging.”

But isn’t it also really dangerous?

“It is no more dangerous and no more looking for trouble than the dangers of being a firefighter or police officer,” said Clement. “If you know what you are doing, dangers for the most part can be avoided. The biggest danger in storm chasing is the long drives to and from target areas.”

Clement said it is probably more dangerous to be texting and driving — something the kills

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“Weather can be fascinating, especially in its most extreme forms.”

Brandon Clement

people far too often. He has a great deal of technology in the vehicles he uses to chase storm including multiple camera facing all directions so the storm can be seen from every angle. He also has multiple forms of radar that can help him track the storm. But he doesn’t use the laptop computer while driving, and he uses a hands free phone.

“Texting and driving is very dangerous and distracting,” Clement said. “Many times, I have a driver who comes with me and doesn’t do anything but drive. Or if I am with a storm chase partner, I will drive and he is doing all the stuff on the computer.”

Clement actually takes few still photos now, and instead prefers to stream live video. In the middle of the storm, the information available from him at http://livestormsnow.com/live/brandonclement/ provides real time information about the movement of a potentially deadly storm to emergency workers including police, fire and emergency medical technicians.

“The National Weather Service watches our live feeds on the ground and will call us to get updates on dangerous storms,” Clement said.

“We work with emergency coordinators from counties and the state. In the Columbia tornado in December 2014, I was the only chaser on it. I

Mississippi Business Journal

Erik Perozo / picturethestorm.com

Brandon Clement of Terry chased the Bennington tornado, a large, violent tornado that touched down near Bennington, Kan., May 30, 2013. The tornado was unusual in that it hardly moved over a period of about an hour when tornadoes usually speed through areas.

was bombarded by FEMA and emergency managers, plus local and state police trying to figure out what was going on because I was actually in the area looking at damage. Pulling up on places hit hard after a tornado, we will do search and rescue, as well. We are a bit limited in resources for search and rescue, but we do what we can. I feel like I do more by helping coordinators to get first responders on the scene than doing any type of first aid. It just depends on the situation.”

Watching his live streaming is the next best thing to being there.

“When I’m chasing, you can watch from my car what is going on live,” said Clement, who has been interested in weather for as long as he can remember. “Even if I’m in a super cell, there is only a small portion that contains tornadic activity — an area of about two miles. We use radar to track the storm and combined with knowledge and experience it helps to reduce the dangers.”

Clement goes all over the country doing his storm chasing work. He has had as many as 10,000 viewers at a time when he was chasing a live tornado doing damage. There are more viewers, generally, in metro areas with a higher population. The Weather Channel, Weather Nation, ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, BBC and many others have aired his stream live.

“Even out in the middle of nowhere, you can

get a lot of viewers especially if it the outbreak is hyped up by the media,” he said.

Clement gets paid for video sales of the storms.

That pretty much pays his expenses, but not for his time.

“At end of the year, it is basically a wash,” Clement said. “But anytime I get to do something I love for free, it is great.”

Clement is married to Amanda Smith. Since kids have come along, it is more complicated dropping everything when Mother Nature starts acting up. But he doesn’t catch flak from his wife.

“My wife actually loves it,” Clement said. “I just wish she could go with me more often. Clement said. “She is 100 percent supportive.”

Clement also has a unique business that he loves. Four Seasons Garden Art in Crystal Springs contains five acres of statuary art, with more than 300 fountains on display.

“It is a destination business,” he said. “People come all over the Southeast to come see us.”

He encourage people in high school to chase their dreams — whatever they may be.

“It is a cliche, but money doesn’t buy happiness,” he said. “Find something you are passionate about it. If you find a way to make a living doing something you love then it is no longer work.”

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7 COOL PEOPLE

Jennifer Childs Courtesy of Jennifer Childs

Jennifer Childs volunteers with the Gulf Coast Honor Flight and served as the guardian for two World War II veterans on the group’s trips to Washington, D.C. .

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Mississippi Business Journal

From sailing ships to building them Former Navy officer a designer at Ingalls

By LYNN LOFTON

GRADUATE OF the Naval Academy who has served on two destroyers, Jennifer Childs, at age 38, has an impressive resume and could rest on her laurels. But that’s not likely to happen for this focused young woman. She now works at Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula. She’s worked at the shipbuilding plant eight years and currently has the job title of ship design manager of the National Security Cutter program — ships built for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Childs was born near Indianapolis but moved to Coral Springs, Fla., at a young age and was reared there. At the U.S. Naval Academy she majored in physics. “I wanted to serve my country. A recruiter came to my school and got me interested in the Navy,” she says of her decision to enlist.

Later, Childs went to the academy’s nuclear power school and served on two Navy destroyer ships with various ports of call. She was deployed to the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea for four months without stopping at a port after the terrorist strike of Sept. 11, 2001. She’s no longer on active duty but serves in the Navy Reserve and holds the rank of lieutenant commander.

“In the Navy, I found I enjoyed being the leader of a team, and that's carried into the job I have now,” Childs says. “I wouldn't change that for anything. Things you think are roadblocks — I wanted to be a pilot but my vision wouldn't support it —

A

Mississippi Business Journal

“I remember being 22 years old, sitting on the bridge of a destroyer at night, and I was the oldest person on duty. In the Navy, you take on responsibility and leadership at a young age.”

Jennifer Childs turn out to be for the best.”

Childs definitely recommends Navy careers for young people. “I remember being 22 years old, sitting on the bridge of a destroyer at night and I was the oldest person on duty,” she recalls. “In the Navy you take on responsibility and leadership at a young age whether you’re an officer or not. Those are skills you can carry with you into civilian careers. It was a remarkable experience for me.”

She was one of the first females in the Navy’s nuclear program. “Women are serving on ships and submarines; they’re definitely part of the team,” she said, recommending the Navy for girls. “Now a lot of women are in the senior ranks. The opportunities are there for women.”

Through the Navy Reserve she will continue to serve and get in 20 total years of service. “Also, I believe the product I help produce at Huntington Ingalls supports the nation’s security and viability while also bringing resources and economic development to the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” she said. “I’m part of a fantastic team working on the Coast Guard cutters.

I get to work with people from all the organizations at Ingalls, including designers and other engineers.”

Childs really likes watching the whole ship come together. “There’s

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nothing like it. I’m very proud of what we build, knowing that each ship is off to do good things,” she said. “I feel I’m still serving my country.”

With her husband Peter Chaveriat on active Navy duty, Childs is content to work at Ingalls and live in Ocean Springs. Since leaving active duty, she has earned a MBA degree and become a passionate supporter of community activities. She volunteers with the Gulf Coast Honor Flight and served as the guardian for two World War II veterans on the group’s trips to Washington, D.C. “It was so fulfilling to go on these trips, touching and emotional,” she said.

She also works with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) outreach with students.

“We’ve got to get students interested in these things when they’re young, and Ingalls does a great job of putting it in the community, such as the STEM workshop for teachers that gives them low-cost ideas for their schools,” she said. “The engineering competition Ingalls sponsors for kids is amazing.”

Childs is also involved with a group of women engineers at Ingalls who do things in the community. She is enrolled in yoga teacher training and enjoys kayaking, cycling, military history and spy novels.

NEXT! 2015 39

7 COOL PEOPLE

Tonyatta Hairston

Early vision puts life focus on optometry Service to others and profession rewarding

By LYNN LOFTON

HEN TONYATTA Hairston had her first eye exam, she was fascinated with the instruments the doctor used and how the doctor was able to use lenses to help improve her sight.

That eye exam fueled her desire to become an optometrist, and the Jackson native now has her own clinic, Envision Eye Care.

“During my first eye exam, I remember my doctor being very kind hearted. He not only provided me with encouragement during the examination, but he also took time to explain the process in a way I could understand,” she recalls.

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“My first memory of that experience occurred when I was 6 years old, and that’s when I uttered the words: I want to be an eye doctor. Ever since I spoke those words, I believe my life has been on a path that has shaped and prepared me for a career devoted to service to my patients, service to the community, and service to the profession of optometry.”

The road to her chosen profession began at Tougaloo College, which ranks among the top 25 U.S. institutions whose graduates earn their Ph.D.’s in the science and engineering disciplines and among the top 15 historically black colleges and universities in the graduation of females with undergraduate degrees in the physical sciences.

“Tougaloo College has historically produced more than 40 percent of the

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African-American physicians practicing in Mississippi,” Hairston said, “and that’s why I felt it was the best decision for me considering my desire to become an optometrist.”

Hairston feels one of the greatest benefits of being an optometrist is helping people by providing them with a service.

“Early in my life I learned the importance of serving. Although practicing optometry is my career, I see it as a platform in which I am able to help others,” she said.

She has practiced optometry 15 years and been blessed with the opportunity to speak to thousands of young people at schools in metro Jackson, Simpson County, Hattiesburg and Austin, Texas.

“Most of these speaking engagements have been solely to discuss the

Mississippi Business Journal

Courtesy Tonyatta Hairston

Tonyatta Hairston, owner of Envision Eye Care, has practiced optometry 15 years and has spoken to thousands of students at schools in metro Jackson, Simpson County, Hattiesburg and Austin, Texas.

Mississippi Business Journal

career of optometry in hopes of educating young people about the profession and to inspire them to believe in their dreams,” she said.

“What’s quite shocking when I speak is that most of the students are not only inspired but also astonished when they realize that a young woman followed her dreams and achieved her goals. Achievement is about hard work, good choices, and determination.”

For students considering a career in optometry, Hairston advises the following: 1) Meet optometrists in various modes of practice and shadow them. 2) Ask the optometrists questions about their mode of practice, likes and dislikes of practicing, and ask them for their perspective as to what they might do differently. 3) Get a mentor who is best suited to help meet your goals.

“Also, I would encourage the prospective student to do the same with other potential career interests in hopes of determining which career choice would be best and most rewarding,” she added.

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So far, her most significant personal accomplishment was opening a private practice, EnVision Eye Care, and maintaining it for almost 10 years.

She graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 2001 with the hope to simply examine eyes and make a difference in the lives of patients.

“I never dreamed that my career would lead me to a place where I would have a business that includes three practices. I never thought I would be helping other optometrists and individuals on the EnVision team through employment,” she said.

EnVision Eye Care employees two full time optometrists, one part-time optometrist, 12 support staff, and serves thousands of people each year.

Hairston and her employees also volunteer in the community at churches, schools, and with non-profit organizations.

“When I stop to think about the impact this organization has on others, it makes me proud,” she said.

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7 COOL PEOPLE

Josh Hayes

Unlikely career path on track

Gulfpo Hayes bikes fo years, 15

Brian Nelso

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Mississippi Business Journal

Getting into racing was ‘dumb luck’ at ‘right time’

By LISA MONTI

ULFPORT native Josh Hayes, a top professional motorcycle road racer, won his 49th AMA Superbike victory in April, just a week after his 40th birthday.

Hayes has been racing for 20 years, 15 as a professional. He remembered that as a young fan, he thought his idols were old at 30. “I was such a late bloomer, then all of a sudden I’m the old guy in the sport,” he said. “To make it to 40 is incredible, but now that I’m there, I don’t feel like it.”

His age isn’t a factor as Hayes continues to compete and win alongside his teammates who are around 22 years old.

Becoming a pro racer was an unlikely career path for Hayes, who said getting into the sport was the result of “dumb luck and being in the right place at the right time.”

He was leaning toward aviation and the military but he said, “I didn’t have a very good plan on what I was going to do.”

He got his first street bike when he was a high school senior and started racing as a hobby.

He found he had a natural talent and began traveling around the Southeast to compete.

“I was having fun with it and did pretty good even in the first year,” he said. The more he raced, the better he got and others began to take notice. Soon he started getting sponsors and joined an amateur team. “Every day the cost of my hobby got a

G

ort native Josh has been racing or more than 20 5 as a professional.

on / www.brianjnelson.com

Mississippi Business Journal

“(A high school teacher) said, ‘Listen, you need to do this as long as you possibly can because the minute you become an adult, it’s done. If you can make this work, enjoy every second.’”

Josh Hayes little bit less,” he said. “I was living at home, traveling a lot and didn’t need a lot of money. I was managing to get by.”

With another bit of luck, Hayes’s team moved into pro racing in 1999. “I got a really good salary, expenses, I was a paid motorcycle racer,” he said. He loves the sport so much, he said he would have done it for free.

“I had some injuries and setbacks but every step along the way, right when it was necessary for me to do something, I was blessed to do the right thing at the right time.”

Hayes and his wife, Melissa Paris, moved to California in 2008. She is a motorcycle racer herself and competes in the MotoAmerica Supersport division.

They live in San Diego, a couple of blocks from the beach, in an area that is perfect for their athletic lifestyle. It’s home to other national champions, Olympic athletes and serious sports enthusiasts who, like Hayes and Paris, train on bicycles. “It fits our lifestyle extremely well,” he said. “It’s conducive to our success.”

Fans of the sport might think a racing career is nonstop excitement but Hayes spends more time training and preparing than racing. “I don’t get to ride motorcycles that often, maybe 40

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days a year,” Hayes said. “That’s the bad part of becoming pro.”

Hayes said his racing career required him to take risks and make sacrifices like not graduating from college. When he’s asked for advice by parents of young racers, he stresses the importance of finishing school, not only for the education but for the social interaction.

Still, Hayes said it’s a privilege to be part of his sport. “Every day I’m training to be better. I treat it very seriously and everything making me a better motorcycle racer has to do with making sure I’m fit, prepared and in the right frame of mind.”

Hayes recalled what his neighbor, a high school teacher, told him about his untraditional career path when he was just getting started in racing. “She said, ‘Listen, you need to do this as long as you possibly can because the minute you become an adult, it’s done. If you can make this work, enjoy every second.’”

At this stage in his career, Hayes says he’s in a good place.

He’s not sure what’s next for him and can’t even think about it while he’s focused on competing. But there is one thing he’s sure of.

“I can finish my career on my terms. It’s a pretty unique situation to be in.”

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7 COOL PEOPLE

Tina Seymour Demoran Tina Seymour Demoran posed as Mrs. July for this year’s calendar — or colondar — for the Colon Club. She makes public her jagged, vertical abdominal scar for the sake of increasing awareness of colon cancer.

Courtesy of Tina Seymour Demoran

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Mississippi Business Journal

Marking time to give more time to others Survivor becomes colon cancer fighter

By LYNN LOFTON

HE’S FILLED numerous roles, but Tina Seymour Demoran never thought she'd be a calendar model. The Gulf Coast attorney, who's also worked as a real estate broker, respiratory therapist and compliance director, was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 35. She took the challenge headon, as she’s done with other challenges, and licked the disease.

After adding cancer survivor to her list of accomplishments, Demoran added her latest role as a calendar model. She posed as Mrs. July for this year’s calendar — or colondar — for the Colon Club. In her calendar photo she makes public her jagged, vertical abdominal scar for the sake of increasing awareness of colon cancer.

“I'm 42 now and I've been in remission almost seven years and have eight years to go before I reach the age that most doctors encourage patients to get a colonoscopy; or most insurance companies cover them,” Demoran said.

“I had a family history, yet no one in my family told me about my family history of colon cancer until after I was diagnosed.”

Demoran says there were no symptoms before her diagnoses.

“Symptoms for colon cancer usually don’t start until you’re in the later stages,” she said. “I was lucky. I was running, biking and sweating in the full blown heat of a Mississippi summer training for a triathlon, and

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“Many of the models for the 2015 colondar were diagnosed in their 20s, and one young lady was diagnosed in her teens with stage three colon cancer.

For me, as with many others, waiting until I was 50 to have a colonoscopy would have been too late to catch this cancer in its early stages.”

Tina Seymour Demoran even after years of training made the rookie mistake of not taking in enough fluids.”

That oversight caused her to lock up with extreme pain that was actually a life-saving blessing in disguise since it sent Demoran to a hospital where physicians discovered tumors. “They thought I was too young for colon cancer so they hesitated to perform a biopsy on the polyps they found during my colonoscopy,” she recalls.

Never one to give up, Demoran

started a new job at Mississippi Children's Home Services three weeks after having major colon cancer surgery. She had a drain bag and a stapled abdomen, but her new coworkers were unaware of her condition.

She later underwent several unrelated knee surgeries but didn't let that stop her either. “I placed third in my age group in a 5K run and first place in a triathlon last year. I don't let the naysayers have any major impact on my life goals,” she said.

This tenacious survivor agreed to be a calendar model because she wants to share the message that colon cancer is not an old man's disease. “Many of the models for the 2015 colondar were diagnosed in their 20s, and one young lady was diagnosed in her teens with stage three colon cancer,” she said.

“For me, as with many others, waiting until I was 50 to have a colonoscopy would have been too late to catch this cancer in its early stages.”

Her goal is to have honest, and sometimes humorous, conversations with adults of all ages about colon cancer and how to be screened. “I'm continually amazed at the misconceptions people have about this preventable but very deadly disease,” she said.

“If I get just one person to catch their cancer early, I'll consider my advocacy a success.”

Demoran stresses that colon cancer is preventable, survivable and treatable if caught in the early stages.

“But, you have to be your own advocate and ensure you are getting screened to catch this cancer.”

The Colondar offers both a male and female cover.

Mississippi Business Journal

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