By Eva Luter, MA in Journalism

Growing up in Tchula, MS, a tiny town with just under 1,500 residents, Jatoni Donelson saw what happens when people can’t get proper medical care.

“Being from a rural area, I know that there’s always a great need for healthcare. Since I grew up in the small town that I did, I got to see a lot that I would want to change in rural healthcare, and that’s why I want to be in the medical field,” Donelson said.

Donelson, a junior at the University of Mississippi, is currently majoring in public health sciences with an emphasis in community health, and a double minor in psychology and sociology.

“I feel like coming to Ole Miss was one of the best decisions that I could’ve made. I got my first job here, I’ve made so many great friends and connections and I love all of my classes here as well,” he said.

Donelson has been very active during his time at Ole Miss – he is the Vice President of the Black Fashion Society, a Career Ambassador for the Ole Miss Career Center, a mentor for an Mississippi Outreach to Scholastic Talent (MOST) initiative and a proud member of the Baptist Student Union and Men of Excellence group. He attributes the privilege of being a Grove Scholar to his success in college.

“Being a Grove Scholar is so awesome,” he said. “It’s put me in a group of people with similar majors and backgrounds like mine that I never would have met before I became a Grove Scholar, and I know that I’m not alone.”

He went on to say, “In college, it’s all up to you and what you make of it, but sometimes people don’t have that choice. And with the Grove Scholar program, it gives people like me the option to not only go to college for free [in conjunction with the Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship], but also to study abroad and to take that dream internship. I’m so thankful for all that Ole Miss has given me,” Donelson said.

Donelson not only wants to be in the healthcare field, but also is a budding entrepreneur. He recently launched a clothing brand called “Not For The Socials,” where he handmakes and designs custom tapestries, hoodies and sweaters.

Donelson is on track to graduate with his degree in public health sciences in May 2024.

By Jaylin R. Smith, MA in Journalism

“I believe I have a calling to be here,” Grove Scholar Trynica Wash said.

A first-generation college student from Newton, Mississippi, Wash is a senior majoring in Allied Health and minoring in African American studies. With aspirations to become a pediatric nurse, Wash wants to provide medical resources to children in underserved communities.

Attending the University of Mississippi was an easy choice for Wash. She said she was drawn to the institution by the beautiful scenery and the plentiful resources. Though Wash said she was originally anxious about coming to the university because it has struggled with race-related issues over the years , she said she found a home in groups and organizations like Mortar Board, FASTrack, MOST and Grove Scholars. These programs helped mold Wash’s academic and social experience at the university.

Being a Grove Scholar has allowed Wash to be a role model for other students that want to attend the University of Mississippi.

“It gives me joy seeing students like me, look up to me,” she said.

In addition to her nursing courses, Wash’s minor in African American studies has helped her nurture an interest first sparked by her experience in high school debate. She won an award for her discourse on the ideological differences between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, which focused on the concept of educational emergence.

“I want to use education to stand out rather than fit in,” said Wash.

Through the community of her cohort, the devotion of mentors and the academic resources in the program, Wash said Grove Scholars works to ensure her success throughout the entire college experience. She said her story is evidence that the University of Mississippi is working diligently to create equitable opportunities for students that have been historically marginalized.

Wash is now in her final semester in the Nursing program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Ole Miss Grove Scholar Soars to Success

by Delila Nakaidinae, MA in Journalism

Corbin Cadigan had big dreams when leaving the Mississippi Gulf Coast for college. Traveling from the beaches of Biloxi, Mississippi all the way to Hotty Toddy land, the lifelong Ole Miss fan is now only a few months away from graduating.

“It has definitely been a long, bumpy road along the way, just because you have to get used to the transition from high school to college,” said the mechanical engineering major.

In his years at the University of Mississippi, Cadigan has mastered the art of balancing not only school and fun, but also his duties in a number of campus organizations. He is a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, the University of Mississippi Rocket Team, the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Student Accessibility Coalition, Gamma Beta Phi and Phi Sigma Theta Honor Societies.

“The things I do vary during the semester depending on how much free time I have between classes,” said the 21-year-old Cadigan. “I like playing basketball and hanging out with friends and with my fraternity brothers.”

After graduation, Cadigan plans to work in the profession of his dreams as an aerospace manufacturing engineer at Northrop Grumman’s Northeast Mississippi location.

“I’ve always been interested in aerospace and NASA,” he said. “When I was in high school, I toured the Stennis Space Center facility back home and being able to go there a few times to kind of get an understanding of what aerospace and NASA is about really got me interested in being part of that.”

While reflecting on his years as a Grove Scholar, Cadigan’s best advice for incoming students is to get in on the action right away.

“Start out early over the summer by taking some classes to get your college experience going. It’s a great way to make friends and be part of the Grove Scholars for the rest of your four years,” he said, “being around these people means that you have a really close, core group and you start out with friends already.”

By Jared Redding, M.A. in Journalism

Brittney Banks, Class of 2023

Growing up in McComb, Mississippi, Brittney Banks had an interest in studying science thanks to the mentoring she received from one of her teachers at North Pike High School.

However, the biggest hurdle in accomplishing her goal was being able to afford that education. The Grove Scholars program and the Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship gave her the chance to chase her dream of studying in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) field. Banks applied, and her application was soon accepted.
It was a special moment for her, as a first-generation college student.

“My mom was crying. My mom is a single mother. I have five siblings. It was amazing, honestly. Just getting that packet in the mail and to know that I had everything paid for. They were all excited for me and I was myself because I didn’t know how I was going to be able to pay for school. When they offered me, I just knew I was going to be able to make it to where I wanted to be,” Banks said.

As a Grove Scholar, Banks got the opportunity to acclimate to a college environment sooner and to connect more deeply with the University community.

Banks originally majored in chemistry while part of the STEM program, but she says she has found her future career in Allied Health Studies with a minor in psychology.

Banks plans to attend graduate school at the University of Mississippi and to pursue a master’s degree in Counselor Education, with an emphasis in clinical mental health. Her plan is to become a licensed professional counselor and make a difference in her community back home.

“I have an internship with someone in McComb and I got to shadow over there and work with the programs they host a lot. It drove me to get more active in that community,” Banks said. “My sister saw it as a need in my community for counselors like me, African American. I’ve conducted interviews before about what’s holding African Americans back from seeking counseling. Because they feel like there’s not enough counselors that look like them. There’s a need in that community and I want to fill it.”

Banks has looked back fondly at her time in the Grove Scholars program at the University of Mississippi, from the moment she stepped foot on campus. Her advice for future Gove Scholars is to make use of all the resources available and to be proactive in forging good relationships with others on campus.

“Learn how to ask for help. Have a support system, because that’s what’s going to get you through things. It’s helped me with my many opportunities here. Learning how to use those resources that you have, like free math tutoring, chemistry, help desk, the career center. Just learn about them and how to make use of those. If you don’t know how to help yourself and don’t know where to look to get the extra help, ask for it,” Banks said. “If you go home too much, you’ll never make Oxford home. Try to stay here as much as possible. Get out of your dorm room, go do stuff, go find friends and make it Oxford the place you want to be.”

By Allie Watson, MA in Journalism

Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Harry Hall always knew he wanted to help others.

The University of Mississippi sociology major is looking forward to putting both his major and a minor in psychology to use once he graduates.

“Psychology is so fascinating to me. I enjoy learning why people are the way they are. I also love to learn and know interesting facts,” Hall said.

After graduating from St. Martin High School in Ocean Springs, Hall knew he wanted to experience an in-state, four-year university. Hall settled on the University of Mississippi, located five hours from home, before ever stepping foot on campus.

Once he arrived, Hall said Dr. Gray Flora, who oversees the Grove Scholars Program, made him feel at home from the start.

“Dr. Flora welcomed us to campus and not only gave a tour of campus but even took us around the Square. He helps us schedule our classes each semester, and he walks with us around campus according to our schedules, so we know where to go,” Hall said.

Hall encourages those interested in joining the Grove Scholars program to apply.

“Grove Scholars gave me a community here at Ole Miss. It truly helps me feel more like part of the university. It has given me so much,” Hall said.

Now a senior, Hall says there were times, early on, when he wanted to give up.

“But my parents and Dr. Flora encouraged me to keep at it. I am glad I did,” Hall said.

Hall plans to join a training program with the Biloxi Fire Department to work as a medic after graduation.

“I just want to make a difference and help people.”