MGS to host Exclusive Scholars Reception
Mississippi University for Women’s Mississippi Governor’s School (MGS) will host the Mississippi Governor’s School Scholars Reception: Emerging Leaders of Mississippi Sunday, June 7, from 2–3:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on The W’s campus. The afternoon reception and networking event will include refreshments and opportunities for scholars and invited guests to engage in professional conversations focused on Mississippi’s future.
Following the networking reception, scholars and invited are invited to attend a special session featuring young professionals from the Governor’s Office. The session will focus on public service, professional growth and the importance of investing talents and skills back into Mississippi communities. Speakers will share personal experiences about building careers, creating meaningful change and choosing to contribute to Mississippi’s future through their work and leadership.
“We know these scholars will one day become influential voices within Mississippi and beyond,” said Penny Mansell, director of the Center for Education Support at The W. “These are students who will become physicians, attorneys, engineers, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs and advocates in communities across this state and country. Even when they are not directly involved in policy or politics, they will still help shape the future through the work they do and the voices they carry into their professions and communities.”
The invitation-only event is designed to create meaningful connections between Mississippi’s future leaders and the individuals already helping shape the state through business, healthcare, education, law, technology, economic development, public service and community leadership.
For decades, MGS has served as one of Mississippi’s premier academic enrichment opportunities for gifted and high-achieving rising high school juniors and seniors. Now entering its 45th session, MGS continues a long-standing tradition of supporting academically talented students through advanced learning experiences, professional growth opportunities and meaningful engagement with leaders and issues shaping Mississippi’s future.
Scholars are selected through a highly competitive, state-wide process recognizing academic achievement, creativity, leadership potential and intellectual curiosity. Representing communities from across Mississippi, MGS scholars reflect some of the state’s brightest young minds and future changemakers. Organizers say the history of Mississippi Governor’s School demonstrates that many former scholars later become influential voices within their professions, communities and industries across Mississippi and beyond.
The reception also comes at a time when Mississippi continues facing significant population and workforce challenges. Approximately 80% of Mississippi’s 82 counties have experienced population decline in recent years alongside decreasing birth rates and continued migration concerns impacting workforce pipelines and long-term economic growth. Data also continues to show that many of Mississippi’s highest-achieving students leave the state following college graduation, contributing to ongoing concerns surrounding Mississippi’s “brain drain” and the retention of highly skilled young professionals.
The goal of the Scholars Reception is not to solve those challenges overnight, but to intentionally begin conversations and relationships that help students see themselves as part of Mississippi’s future and help leaders better understand the perspectives, goals and concerns of the next generation.
Mansell said the event is designed to help scholars strengthen confidence in professional environments while also creating opportunities for Mississippi leaders to hear directly from young people about their hopes for the future of the state.
“We cannot wait until students leave Mississippi to start connecting them with opportunities, mentors and meaningful conversations about their future here,” Mansell said. “If we want talented young people to remain engaged in Mississippi, then we have to create spaces where they feel connected to the people, communities and industries already doing important work in this state. Mississippi’s future depends on making sure the voices of today and the voices of tomorrow are actively learning from one another.”
The 2026 MGS theme is “Voices,” centered on helping students strengthen communication, confidence, civic engagement and their ability to use their talents and perspectives for good within their professions and communities.
“Many gifted students are deeply thoughtful, analytical and driven, but opportunities to practice communication and networking in real-world settings are incredibly important,” said Rachel Watson, coordinator of MGS within the Center for Education Support. “This reception creates opportunities for scholars to engage directly with leaders across Mississippi while also giving leaders the chance to hear from students about what they want to study, where they hope to make a difference and what they envision for a stronger Mississippi.”
Watson said one of the most meaningful aspects of the event is helping students recognize the value of their own voices and their ability to contribute to meaningful change.
“We want scholars to leave understanding that their ideas matter, their voices matter and they have the ability to positively influence the future of Mississippi through whatever path they choose,” Watson said. “Professional preparation is not only about careers. It is also about learning how to engage with people, communicate effectively, advocate for communities and participate meaningfully in society.”
Organizers hope the combination of networking, mentorship and open conversations will encourage stronger long-term connections between Mississippi’s future professionals and the leaders, industries and communities working to move the state forward.
The reception is a closed event and is not open to the public. Attendance is limited to invited guests, participating scholars and approved legislative, business and civic leaders.
Individuals with legislative, business or civic contacts interested in attending or recommending guests should contact Watson through the MGS office at mgs@muw.edu or (662) 329-7150 for guest list coordination and invitation approval.
About Mississippi Governor’s School
Hosted at Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Governor’s School is the state’s residential summer program for academically gifted and talented students. The program emphasizes advanced academics, creativity, professional growth, leadership development and civic engagement while encouraging students to use their talents to positively impact Mississippi and beyond.