Since being launched in 2000, the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy (OMWC) has gained a reputation as an exceptionally innovative scholarship program. 

This recognition is well deserved. 

In addition to receiving generous financial support for their academic pursuits, students awarded OMWC scholarships gain access to a variety of additional resources, such as leadership training, career guidance and mentoring services. 

 The scholars also have opportunities to gain unique cultural and educational experiences by studying abroad and securing transformational internships across the country.  

The program has 41 current scholars, ranging from seniors, who are poised to graduate in the spring of 2023, to freshmen, who are just beginning their academic careers. 

A few of the scholars who recently completed their freshman year at Ole Miss reflect on their favorite first impressions of the program: 

 

 

“To be awarded a Women’s Council scholarship was like Christmas day. I was so excited that I had gotten this wonderful opportunity. It’s so much more than just a check. It goes way beyond what I expected which makes it so much more special.” 

– Evan Grace Branstetter, from Collinsville, Mississippi, on first learning she had received the Lena Mitchell Marquette Council Scholarship.  

“It exceeded expectations with the amount of help they give us and the connections we can get whenever we need them.” 

– Caroline Brock, from Greenwood, Mississippi, on having access to mentors, advisors and other program resources designed to ease a new student’s transition to college.

Pryor Mehrle

“It was really exciting meeting all the new scholars and we were able to get super close to everyone that weekend.” 

– Pryor Mehrle, from Jackson, Mississippi, on the OMWC weekend retreat for incoming freshmen that allows them to get to know other freshman scholars and meet mentors before their first academic year even begins.

Wray Willis

“There is a lot of hard work that comes with being a student, but every moment spent here is so rewarding.” 

 – Wray Willis, from Batesville, Mississippi, reflecting on his entire freshman-year experience. 

Overall, the Ole Miss Women’s Council scholarship program has helped 174 students in so many aspects of their college careers. The scholars have been able to take what they’ve learned during their time at Ole Miss and apply this knowledge to their efforts to prepare themselves for a career and to improve their communities. 

By Sara Mahmoud/UM Development