Jackson Academy Head of School Jack Milne (right, seated) and Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott (seated) signed documents beginning a dual enrollment program. Joining the school leaders were (from left) Belhaven University’s Dean of Center for Teaching and Learning Dr. Kimberly Priesmeyer, Director of Dual Enrollment Danny Shaw, and Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Dr. Kevin Russell, and Jackson Academy’s Head of Upper School Steve McCartney and Associate Head of School Matt Morgan.

Students at Jackson Academy will now be able to take dual enrollment classes in language arts and math through Belhaven University. JA and Belhaven officials signed an agreement April 29 at the Belhaven campus.

Dual enrollment allows high school students who meet a college’s admissions requirements to take college classes for credit while completing high school. JA seniors, as well as some juniors, will have opportunities to take English Composition I, World Literature or British Literature, College Algebra, and Trigonometry.

“We have been exploring dual enrollment partnerships for some time, and once we began a dialogue with Belhaven University last fall we quickly recognized the dual enrollment arrangement discussed was the right fit for our students,” said Associate Head of School Matt Morgan.

“We’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with Jackson Academy,” said Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott. “This partnership is a natural between two like-minded academic institutions that put faith and family first. Jackson Academy is known for its quality in college preparation, and Belhaven University can give JA students a continued push toward excellence in their pursuit of higher education.”

“Students who participate in dual enrollment will apply and meet college admission requirements, enroll as Belhaven students, and receive access to our library, events and arts programs, and the Think Center, which offers subject area tutoring,” said Belhaven University Director of Dual Enrollment Danny Shaw. Admitted students will participate in a summer orientation and campus tour. Courses for college credit will be taken on the Jackson Academy campus and will be taught by JA faculty whose degrees qualify them to teach at the college level. The university has worked with JA to credential faculty and make sure the curriculum meets all Belhaven requirements.

Officials indicated that the agreement is possibly just the beginning. Other course offerings and opportunities on the Belhaven campus are being discussed for the future.

“We are continually seeking ways to create opportunities for our students to fulfill their God-given potential, be prepared for the college years, and ultimately be adults who will live lives of purpose and significance,” said JA Head of School Jack Milne. “Dual enrollment with Belhaven University is an excellent way for our students to begin their college experience and prepare for the next step in their lives.”

Mississippi College has selected Avery and Erin Hederman as members of the college’s first Honors College class beginning this fall. They will be among 14 students who will work with MC President Dr. Blake Thompson to build the program at MC. The inaugural Honors College members will weigh in on curriculum, student selection process, and honors housing, for example, and will help decide what is best for the MC program. The students will travel to visit other honors colleges as they work to develop the program.

It was through the college’s scholarship process that the girls were tapped as potential members of the budding Honors College concept. Students who score 29 and above on the ACT are invited by MC to participate in Presidential Scholarship interviews. The Presidential Scholarship process requires an essay, introduction video submission, resume, transcript, and interview weekend, explained Avery.

“About a month or so after the interview process, Director of Freshman Recruitment Michael Wright, Director of Admissions Kyle Brantley, and President Dr. Blake Thompson came to visit us.  They wanted to share some news in person and invited our parents and grandparents to be there, as well,” Erin said. “Since Dr. Thompson’s arrival at MC, he has had a vision for the school to establish its first Honors College.”

The college leaders invited Avery and Erin to be a part of the inaugural class of Honor Students. “We will be able to travel abroad as an Honors College cohort and have expansive experiential learning opportunities within our field of study. We will have many missions opportunities as well. The Honors College will provide a way for us to represent the university in recruitment and donor functions, and we will help grow this program through these,” said Erin.

Avery and Erin were invited to Dr. Thompson’s inauguration March 29. The MC Honors College was announced, and the Honors College members were introduced during the ceremony.

The opportunities at Mississippi College offer the two JA students ways to build upon their academic and extracurricular accomplishments at JA, including playing soccer for the Choctaws. “Being involved in the Honors College at MC will allow us to form relationships with people who we may not have met otherwise. We will have the opportunity to serve Mississippi College and leave our own mark,” said Avery. “Through the Honors College, we will be pushed and surrounded by people who want us to succeed and to be our best selves.”