Future educators receive MSU-Meridian Outstanding Student awards
Contact: Marianne Todd
MERIDIAN, Miss.—Three Mississippi State University-Meridian education students have earned Outstanding Student awards.
Presented at MSU-Meridian’s Spring graduation ceremony on May 14, the awards are given in recognition of students who excel in academic standards.
Awarded are Division of Education students Clydia Wells and Madison Moore and College of Professional and Continuing Studies student Emilee Hurst.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping others reach their full potential, and I’ve carried a deep love for reading and writing for as long as I can remember,” said Wells, who received her Master of Arts in Teaching through the Secondary Teaching Alternate Route. “Pursuing my graduate degree in education allowed me to become an English Language Arts teacher and step into a role where I can inspire students both academically and personally.”
The Byhalia, Mississippi, student was nominated by Assistant Clinical Professor Alisha Milam.
“Most notably, she used research-based methods and instructional strategies learned in the program to drive measurable growth in her classroom, with her students improving from Benchmark 1 to Benchmark 2 by double digits,” Milam said. “Clydia is exactly the kind of educator who will continue to make a lasting impact in the field.
Wells currently teaches middle school students at Galena School in Holly Springs. She hopes to one day earn her doctorate in education.
Madison Moore, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, was nominated by Assistant Teaching Professor Michelle Stubbs.
“Madison has a heart for education and children. She always has a smile on her face and works hard to improve her teaching skills,” Stubbs said. “She would be a wonderful addition to any classroom.”
Moore, a Meridian resident, transferred to MSU-Meridian in 2023 from Meridian Community College. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in education, she said.
“My time at MSU-Meridian has been so smooth,” she said. “All of my professors have been very knowledgeable and helpful. I always felt like my success was their top priority.”
Although Emilee Hurst has pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, her aspirations will also lead her to a career in education.
“Emilee is the kind of future educator every school hopes to have,” said Associate Teaching Professor Debra Burson. “Her dedication to inclusive education, especially for students with disabilities, is matched by her compassion and professionalism. She has consistently impressed me with her quality performance, thoughtful engagement and genuine heart for children.”
Hurst, a Wiggins resident, transferred in 2023 to MSU-Meridian from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and said she was inspired to become a teacher during the two-year high school program, Teacher Academy.
“I was enlightened on how different students learn and how much they can improve with the right mindset,” Hurst said. “This year has been my toughest year at Mississippi State. My stepdad passed away in January, and I had to find the courage to continue my education. He was one of the people who pushed me to be the best I could be.”
For more information on MSU-Meridian’s education programs, visit meridian.msstate.edu/academics/division-education.
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