(10/16/08)
Efforts to serve and support students from first-generation, low-income and minority backgrounds recently earned Millsaps College inclusion in the inaugural College Access & Opportunity Guide.
“Millsaps College is a place devoted to personal growth through community involvement and service,” said Dr. Frances Lucas, president of Millsaps College. “We strive to ensure that all of our students, regardless of who they are or where they come from, are given the opportunity and the skills to succeed.”
The guidebook, produced by the non-profit Center for Student Opportunity, recognized Millsaps for its multiple outreach programs including 1 Campus 1 Community, a program that channels the college’s diverse community service efforts in local K-12 public education and the North Midtown area; and the Multicultural Affairs Best Start, a program designed for minority freshmen to openly discuss college life concerns with student-leaders, faculty and staff.
Other programs offered by Millsaps include the Black Student Association, International Student Association, Jewish Culture Organization, Millsaps Multicultural Association and National Pan-Hellenic Council.
“Millsaps has always been in the forefront of civil rights and long before multiculturalism became a catchword in education, Millsaps took steps to create an academic and social environment for students to grow,” said Sherryl Wilburn, director of multi-cultural affairs at Millsaps College.
“Recruiting, supporting and including people of underrepresented backgrounds as a priority, helps the entire campus community, not just those who happen to be in the minority. Our campus community recognizes that in order to continue our high standards, we must continue to expand our minority population and in so doing we broaden our standing and our graduates awareness and place in the world.”
Millsaps is one of approximately 225 colleges and universities featured in the guide. Colleges and universities were selected for inclusion by a national independent advisory committee of college administrators, college access and community-based organization leaders and higher education association officials.
Millsaps College is sponsoring a free distribution of the College Access & Opportunity Guide to high schools and community organizations.