in this issue: Starnes scholar sees political office as a way to improve Mississippi Ole Miss First is keeping the MomentUM going The power, contribution of mentors invaluable as part of scholarship program Chancellor helps family surprise alum with scholarship named in his honor Ole Miss First scholarship roster Check out the new and improved Ole Miss First Web site. Log on to www.olemissfirst.com to learn more about the Ole Miss First scholarship program. Read about the scholars or make a gift. |
Starnes scholar sees political office
as a way to improve Mississippi by Rebecca Lauck Cleary
White, a Sandersville native majoring in economics and political science, wants to help make Mississippi an even better place to live and work. “I want to effect change in Mississippi through government,” White said. “After law school, I’d like the opportunity to serve the voters of this state and work toward improving our education system, tax structure and race relations.” Before coming to Ole Miss, White had narrowed his college choice to Ole Miss or Georgetown. He said that receiving an Ole Miss First Scholarship was the deciding factor. On campus, White has been active in Ole Miss Ambassadors, College Republicans, Associated Student Body, The Daily Mississippian and as a mentor to freshmen. During his summers, he has interned for a political party in Washington, D.C., and worked as head campaign coordinator of a Mississippi political campaign. But it was working at a girls orphanage in El Salvador during the summer of 2006 that has had the biggest impact on him so far. At the orphanage, his tasks included everything from painting the building to playing soccer with the girls. He said he was deeply inspired by three sisters—one of whom suffered from a learning disability—who maintained an enthusiasm and hope for life. White’s list of academic accomplishments is lengthy. Besides being an Ole Miss First Scholar, he is a student in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and belongs to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Lambda Sigma and Gamma Beta Phi. White was one of only 65 students nationwide to receive the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship in 2007, an honor that provides up to $30,000 for graduate school. Recently he was one of 10 seniors inducted into the UM Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors UM awards. He was also named to the third team of USA Today’s 2008 All-USA College Academic Team. These days, you can find White working as a researcher at the Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, where he is helping create the Civil Rights County Project, a collection of historical information from the civil rights movement from every county in the state of Mississippi. Or you’ll find him serving on the textbook task force, a group working to craft a series of higher-education policy changes for a bill that is currently before the state Senate. With all of these activities, he said he is grateful for the support of the Ole Miss First Scholars program and his mentor. “This opportunity means so much to me. I have big dreams, and the skills I’m learning here, along with the great insight, provide such a learning experience.” • |
Attention, voters! Shad White, who holds the Gladys and Milton Starnes Ole Miss First Scholarship, may be coming soon to a ballot near you.