The rose, an iconic symbol of the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy, reflects how the scholarship program’s focus on mentoring student leaders is like growing roses. The program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in February 2025, nurtures its scholars so they bloom into caring, ethical leaders.
For Mikayla Johnson (BS 19, MD 23) and Caleb Pracht (BA 18, JD 21), two former Women’s Council scholars, the program nourished their budding romance.
The couple met 10 years ago at an Ole Miss Women’s Council scholar retreat. Today, Mikayla and Caleb are married and the parents of 2-year-old Madelyn. They are also doing well in their professional careers.
“Without the Ole Miss Women’s Council, Mikayla and I likely would have attended, separately, other universities,” said Caleb Pracht, originally from Hendersonville, Tennessee, who had contemplated enrolling at the University of Alabama.
“And our story wouldn’t be the same,” added Mikayla Pracht, who grew up in Mooreville, Mississippi.
The couple describes their relationship as a “classic case of opposites attract.” Mikayla Pracht recalled that her husband was more of an extrovert, while Caleb Pracht reflected that his wife was initially “quiet, which, for me, made her mysterious.”
They credit the Women’s Council for bringing them together as a couple and equipping them with the tools they needed to succeed with their education, careers, their family and community lives.
In addition to being OMWC scholars, they were both in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Mikayla Pracht earned a medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School in 2023. After Caleb Pracht graduated from Ole Miss in 2018 with his undergraduate degree, he continued his academic studies at the UM School of Law, earning a juris doctor in 2021.
They live near Jackson, Mississippi, where Caleb Pracht is an attorney in the Opinions and Policy Division of the Office of Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. Mikayla Pracht is a second-year resident physician in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at UMMC. Once she completes her professional training in 2027, the couple plans to return to North Mississippi, where Mikayla Pracht wants to establish her medical practice.
Moving closer to Ole Miss only makes sense. The Prachts are raising their daughter Madelyn to be a Rebel.
“Madelyn has completely captured our hearts and transformed our worlds,” Mikayla Pracht said. “She is so full of energy and life. Every day is a new adventure as she grows and learns so quickly!”
“Before she even turned 2 years old, Madelyn had been to six Ole Miss football games, two baseball games and the Double Decker Arts Festival,” Caleb Pracht said. “She’s already saying ‘Ole Miss’ and ‘Toddy,’ so keep an eye out for her in the Class of 2045!”
Mikayla Pracht and Caleb Pracht remain connected with the scholarship program as well.
“The post-graduate relationship we have maintained with the Women’s Council has actually become our favorite part of the OMWC experience,” Mikayla Pracht said. “It’s so rewarding to stay in touch with old friends and mentors while meeting new scholars and watching them succeed with the support of the program. We love connecting with current scholars and learning more about their backgrounds and goals.”
The couple joined the program’s Rose Bud Society a few years ago. Supporters of the program under 30 years of age can join the Rose Bud Society for an annual membership contribution of $500. Others can join the Women’s Council’s Rose Society with an annual gift of at least $1,000.
“The Rose Bud Society is an excellent opportunity for former scholars to give back to the OMWC and receive all the benefits of a Rose Society membership while giving at a flexible and accommodating level as they are still early on in their careers,” Caleb Pracht said.
“The principles of our faith and the philanthropic focus of our education have compelled us to give back to ensure that future scholars can have the same incredible experience that we did — and then some. We strongly encourage all former scholars to consider joining!”