Professional Development Scholarship
Professional Development Scholarship Program
The Career Services and Professional Development Center has launched a Professional Development Scholarship Program to provide training as recommended by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). This scholarship program is a multi-year pathway and offers students the opportunity to obtain the Professional Development Certification by completing workshops that address NACE’s career readiness competencies: career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, global and intercultural fluency, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology.
In addition to this training, Professional Development Scholars receive a $5,000/year scholarship and access to preferred internships.
Emma Horton, born and raised in Caledonia, Mississippi, is a junior transfer student-athlete from Itawamba Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in biology. She prides herself on being multifaceted and dedicated in her academic and extracurricular environments. Emma is involved in many organizations across campus. In addition to playing tennis for The W, she is also the student intern of the Career Services and Professional Development Center; a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC); an 1884 Scholar of the Women’s College; the representative of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR); and the Transfer Student Representative of the Student Government Association and the Ina E. Gordy Honors College Council. Outside of campus, Emma enjoys volunteering at her local church and clinic. After graduating from MUW with her bachelor’s in biology, she plans to attend physician assistant school to be an emergency medicine PA and make a positive impact in the medical field.
Diamond Rayford, a native of Kosciusko, Mississippi, is a student-athlete at Mississippi University for Women majoring in legal studies and elementary education. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Holmes Community College, where she was listed on the Dean's List each semester and on the All-Academic Team. During her time at The W, Diamond has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Outstanding Legal Studies Student (2022-2023), Child and Parent Development Center’s Future Educator of the Year (2023), and JumpStart Corps Member of the Year (2023-2024). She has been listed on the SLIAC All-Academic Team and nominated for Outstanding Student each semester in the School of Education. Diamond is also a 2023 alumna of the NEW Mississippi Summer Institute. Outside of her studies, she serves as the President of I.D.E.A.L Woman, Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and a member of the Young Black Leaders Association (YBLA). After obtaining her bachelor's degree, Diamond plans to attend law school and pursue her long-term goal of serving others.
Marissa Street is a junior speech-language pathology major at Mississippi University for Women. She previously graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Itawamba Community College, near her hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. While at ICC, Marissa was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and had the privilege of representing her college at the 2024 International Catalyst Convention. At The W, Marissa serves as a resident advisor of Kincannon Hall and an active member of the Resident Hall Association. She enjoys crocheting, cooking, baking, and watching baseball in her free time. After graduating from The W, she plans to pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology and a doctorate in audiology.
Harper Burchfiel, from Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a junior transfer student majoring in business administration. She plans to explore a career in marketing that will allow her to promote employees and businesses that want to make a positive impact on their families, friends, and communities.
Betsy Karson Hatcher, from Noxapater, Mississippi, is a junior transfer student majoring in speech-language pathology. She previously obtained an Associate of Science degree from East Central Community College. She is eager to continue her involvement in the community and on campus at Mississippi University for Women to build leadership and professional skills that will prepare her for a career in speech therapy.
Madisyn Watkins, from Prairie, Mississippi, is a sophomore majoring in biology. She currently serves as secretary for the Young Black Leadership Association and is involved with the Student Programming Board and the Wesley Foundation. After graduating from Mississippi University for Women, she plans to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.
Lindsey Reimsnyder is a freshman culinary arts major from Belleview, Florida. She is an incoming member of the women’s golf team. Lindsey currently owns and operates a small pastry business called Tick Tock Confections. She plans to pursue internship opportunities and improve her communication skills to build a strong network for her future career.