MSU Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program announces newest cohort

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Thirty-one ��Ƶ students are new scholarship recipients this semester in one of the state’s most prestigious teacher education programs.

Housed in the university’s College of Education, the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program, or METP, is a collaborative endeavor with the University of Mississippi. The scholarship includes full tuition with room, board and books, a $1,000 technology stipend, and a fully funded national or study-abroad experience. Upon graduation, scholars will begin their teaching careers in the state. The award is available to students majoring in secondary mathematics, secondary science, secondary English, elementary education and special education.

“I am excited to welcome our new METP scholars. These scholars represent some of the best and brightest students from across the state and nation,” said Teresa Jayroe, dean of the College of Education. “These scholars, who will remain in the state after they graduate, are the future of education in Mississippi.”

Funded by the Jackson-based Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation, the scholarship is valued at approximately $100,000 over four years.

Competitive applicants should have at least a 28 ACT—or 1310 SAT—score and a 3.5 high school GPA. Applicants participate in an interview with faculty, write an essay about why they want to enter the teaching profession, and commit to teaching in Mississippi in their program area for at least five years after graduation, though the obligation may be deferred if students decide to pursue graduate degree programs.

The 2021-2022 METP Scholars class includes (by hometown):

ACKERMAN—Adrianna O’Bryant, a freshman elementary education/middle school major.

AMORY—Micah Goldman, a junior elementary education/middle school major.

COLUMBIA—Marlie Barnes, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

ETHEL—Courtney Whitehead, a junior secondary education/mathematics education major.

FAYETTE, Alabama—Savanah Stewart, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

FLOWOOD—Audrie Sifford, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

FULTON—Elizabeth Johnson, a freshman secondary education/biology education major.

GERMANTOWN, Tennessee—Morgan Davis, a sophomore special education major.

GULFPORT—Anna Claire Boggess, a freshman elementary education/middle school major.

HARTSELLE, Alabama—Hannah Gregory, a sophomore secondary education/chemistry education major.

LUCEDALE—Abigail Hubbard, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

MANDEVILLE, Louisiana—Haley Strawn, a freshman secondary education/physics education major.

MERIDIAN—Desarae Skinner, a freshman secondary education/mathematics education major.

NIXA, Missouri—Hubert “Trey” Loden, a junior secondary education/biology education major.

OCEAN SPRINGS—Anna Probst, a freshman secondary education/mathematics education major, and Kylie Jackson, a sophomore secondary education/mathematics education major.

OLIVE BRANCH—Kristen Oswalt, a freshman elementary education/middle school major.

OWENS CROSS ROADS, Alabama—Allison Prince, a freshman elementary education/middle school major.

PARIS, Tennessee—Allissa Howze, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

PICAYUNE—Jessica Helgerson, a junior secondary education/English education major.

PULASKI—Anna Chesnut, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

SALTILLO—Kieredith Wilkins, a freshman elementary education/middle school major.

SAUCIER—Anna Conine, a freshman secondary education/mathematics education major.

SELMA, Alabama—Mary Carolyn Jones, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

SOUTHSIDE, Alabama—Russell Pair, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

STONEWALL—Sarah Brannan, a junior secondary education/biology education major.

VANCLEAVE—Jaida Trotter, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

VARDAMAN—Amber McGreger, a freshman secondary education/English education major.

VESTAVIA HILLS, Alabama—Rebekah Bates, a freshman secondary education/mathematics education major.

WAVELAND—Joshua Bell, a freshman secondary education/mathematics education major.

WAYNESBORO—Sharityn Beasley, a junior elementary education/middle school major.

Established in 1903, MSU’s College of Education is home to six academic departments, one research unit and numerous service units. For more about the college, visit .

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at .

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