MSU-Meridian recognizes four Outstanding Students
MSU PHOTO ID: The MSU-Meridian fall Outstanding Students are, from left to right, Amanda Blackwell, Madison White, McKinely Goodin and Bennett Higginbotham. (Photograph by Marianne Todd/MSU-Meridian)
MERIDIAN, Miss.—Four Mississippi State University-Meridian students have earned Outstanding Student Awards for their excellent academic performance as graduates at last week’s fall graduation ceremonies.
Graduating with a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Organizational Design, Amanda Blackwell McLeod of Ellisville said she chose to pursue her degree to help shape systems that affect student access and success.
“I have always been drawn to people-centered work and to understanding how environments influence outcomes,” McLeod said. “I wanted to strengthen my ability to address complex educational challenges and contribute to meaningful systems change for students, especially those who are often underserved.”
The wife and mother of two, who has worked on her Ph.D. while employed as vice president of Enrollment Management at Jones College, said she plans to continue her work.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in applied science and graduating summa cum laude, Madison White of Philadelphia said she plans to next earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and pursue a career in elementary education.
“I have always loved working with children,” she said. “I have a natural connection with them, and I am passionate about providing them with the best education possible.”
White said she hopes her education and career choice inspires her two children to pursue their own educational and career aspirations.
Graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in criminology, McKinely Goodin of Pelahatchie is the Division of Arts and Science’s fall 2025 recipient of the Mitchell Award for Undergraduate Academic Excellence.
“I love the idea of making a positive impact on the community,” said Goodin, who added she will also pursue a master’s degree.
“My experience at MSU-Meridian has been nothing but exceptional,” she said. “I pursued my degree because growing up, I always wanted to become a crime scene investigator.”
Graduating with a Master of Science in Counselor Education with a clinical mental health concentration, Bennett Higginbotham of Oxford said he has always felt called to provide support to friends and family.
“I pursued a career that would allow me to use this skill,” he said. “Having done the entire program remotely, I still felt deeply connected to my professors and peers. My cohort maintained constant communication and provided support for one another.”
Higginbotham said he has begun work at a private practice in Madison and early next year, he will work at UMMC to gain specialized training while practicing individual and group counseling. He is married to Jordan Jones, who also is pursing the field of school counseling.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.