MC School, Department Alumni of the Year to be recognized at Bicentennial Homecoming

Each fall, individual schools and departments at Mississippi Christian University (MC) select outstanding graduates of their respective programs to be recognized as Alumni of the Year.

These graduates have excelled in many professional disciplines, from business, healthcare and the law to academia, ministry and the arts. Representing MC with distinction, these recipients will be recognized as part of MC’s Bicentennial Homecoming festivities on Oct. 30 and 31.

The 2026 School and Department Alumni of the Year recipients are:

ART: Randy Hayward Jolly ’82, ’09

Mississippi’s first National Board-Certified Arts Educator, Randy Jolly has received the Elementary Art Educator of the Year Award, the High School Art Educator of the Year Award and the Mississippi Museum Educator of the Year Award, yet he maintains that his greatest achievement is watching his students achieve their goals and dreams. Jolly credits talented Christian art mentors Samuel Gore, Kenneth Quinn, Randolph Miley, Allan Dunaway and Stephanie Busbea. He has held leadership positions or maintained membership in several professional art associations, including the MAEA, NAEA, VAA, the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Whole Schools and the Mississippi Arts Colony. Jolly has designed costumes for more than 35 musicals, and during his 16 years as set designer for the Miss Mississippi Pageant, the organization won four Grammy Awards.

ART YOUNG ALUMNA: Emily Fleming ’22, ’23

A talented graphic designer and illustrator whose work is currently on display in the Dunaway Gallery at MC, Emily Fleming is a graphic designer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and her Master of Science in Graphic Design at MC, she joined The Tell Agency, where she progressed from intern to graphic designer to creative director. She stays connected to her alma mater, serving as a caricature artist for various MC events, including Family Weekend.

BIOLOGY: Dr. Susan Cope Fortenberry ’03

After graduating magna cum laude from MC, Susan Cope Fortenberry graduated with honors from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry and completed residency training in special needs dentistry at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. She has practiced at Pediatric Dentistry, PA, for 16 years. A member of the MC Board of Trustees, she also serves on the UMMC School of Dentistry’s Admission Committee. Fortenberry teaches youth Sunday school at First Baptist Church Jackson and has participated in dental mission trips to Ecuador, Belize and Haiti.

BUSINESS: Steve Longo ’82

Steve Longo obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from MC before starting his professional career with Moore and Powell, CPAs. He spent 15 years as general manager of his family’s food distribution business, served as an accounting officer for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and worked for two decades as an investment associate with Merrill Lynch. Longo and his brother founded The Longo Group, an investment and financial planning firm that has earned national recognition, including AdvisorHub’s “Advisors to Watch” honors in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2026, and Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor in Louisiana from 2023 through 2026. He has served his community as treasurer and board member of East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, and he worked closely with Saint Stanislaus Catholic High School to develop a leadership program for ninth-graders.

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY: Dr. Jennifer Ray ’89, ’94

A Clinton native, Jennifer Ray earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a Master of Combined Science at MC, where she served as an environmental safety officer, teaching chemistry labs and non-science-major classes. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry and completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at UMMC. She subsequently purchased a dental practice in Biloxi, where she practiced for 24 years. A longtime member of the American Dental Association and the Mississippi Dental Association, Ray served as MDA District III secretary and president in 2005. A founding member and president of the Mississippi Association of Women Dentists, she is active in the choir at First Baptist Church Biloxi.

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY YOUNG ALUMNUS: Dr. Brandon Magers ’09

Brandon Magers earned his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from MC, graduating cum laude with high honors. He obtained his Ph.D. in computational chemistry from the University of Georgia. He joined the faculty at Belhaven University in 2019, where he currently serves as professor and chair of the department of chemistry and physics. In 2022, he was named the faculty fellow of instructional technology, a role serving colleagues on campus with best practices for utilizing technology in and outside the classroom. He manages an active research group of undergraduate students that present original work at the local, regional and national levels. Magers is also an officer for the Mississippi Local Section of the American Chemical Society.

CHRISTIAN STUDIES: Dr. Gene Henderson ’65

Gene Henderson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Bible from MC. During his pastoral career spanning 64 years, he served as head pastor at seven different churches. Since retiring as full-time pastor at First Baptist Church Brandon, Henderson has been an interim or transitional pastor at numerous others. He obtained two degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and served Baptist organizations at the association, state and national levels. From 2003 to 2005, Henderson served as president of the Mississippi Baptist Convention. He also served as president of the NOBTS Alumni for the state of Mississippi and for the national alumni association.

COMMUNICATION: Laura Pickard Johns ’05

A cum laude graduate of MC, Laura Johns earned her Master of Arts at the University of Alabama. She earned the 2024 Gold Stevie Award for Best Female Entrepreneur (Small Business) and the 2025 Silver Stevie Award for Achievement in Developing and Promoting Women. As founder and CEO of The Business Growers, Inc., Mississippi’s only technology-focused marketing firm, Johns has been recognized on the “Top 50 Under 40 in Mississippi” and the “Top 50 Leading Women in Business” lists. Her company has been named one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Southeast. Johns is also a past president of the MC Alumni Board.

COMMUNICATION YOUNG ALUMNA: Mary Beth Hughes Derrickson ’17

After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in sports media at MC, Mary Beth Hughes Derrickson served as a press fellow on Capitol Hill for former Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves while earning her Master of Political Communication at American University. She joined Fox News’ Washington, D.C. Bureau as an assignment desk assistant and became an assignment editor, covering the 2020 presidential election, January 6th, two impeachment trials and nationwide protests in 2020. A Baton Rouge Business Report Forty Under 40 honoree, she now serves as director of government relations for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, directing the Education and Workforce Development Council and the Trade, Transportation and Tourism Council.

COMPUTER SCIENCE: Trent Townsend ’01

A technology and cybersecurity leader, entrepreneur and community volunteer, Trent Townsend is CEO of Next Step Innovation. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science in computer science magna cum laude from MC, Townsend earned his master’s in computer science at Mississippi State University. He previously worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Engineer Research and Development Center. A Mississippi Top in Tech honoree, he was named to the Mississippi Business Journal’s “Top 50 Under 40.” While at MC, Townsend also ran cross country and was involved in the MC Band. He currently serves on the MC Alumni Board and is a scoutmaster for Scout Troop 88.

COUNSELING: Lee Smith ’07

Lee Smith earned his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from MC and is the founder and clinical director of Cornerstone Counseling, the state’s largest independent counseling practice group with locations in Flowood, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Oxford and Tupelo. Cornerstone Counseling was named Mississippi’s Best Mental Health Group by The Clarion-Ledger. Named a “Family Favorite” by Parents & Kids Magazine, Cornerstone Counseling has also been recognized as the “Top Anxiety Recovery Counseling Practice” by Medical Care Review Magazine. In 2020, Smith was also recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as Mississippi’s Top Entrepreneur.

ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS: Dr. W. Neil Duggar ’09

W. Neil Duggar earned his Bachelor of Science in physics magna cum laude from MC. As an MC student, he earned the Perry Award and was inducted into the MC Hall of Fame, among other honors. Duggar currently serves as an associate professor and director of physics in radiation oncology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A board-certified medical physicist whose career has focused on advancing cancer care, research and education, Duggar has led the implementation of innovative clinical technologies, published extensively in medical physics and radiation oncology, and mentored numerous residents, students and early career professionals. His work has helped improve patient care across Mississippi.

ENGLISH AND PHILOSOPHY: Jenny Vernita Wilson Drake ’75, ’92

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in secondary education from MC, Jenny Drake taught junior high and high school English in the Vicksburg Warren School District for more than 37 years. She taught in the Summer Development Program at Alcorn State University for seven years. Her honors include the 2000-01 Vicksburg High School Teacher of the Year Award, the 2013 National Negro Business and Professional Women’s Educator Award, the 2014 Mountain of Faith Ministries “Women Empowering Communities” Award for educators and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Champion Ford Award by Champion Ford Foundation in association with Carlos Ford Ministries of Louisiana. Drake serves as a certified facilitator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group and as a state trainer and instructor for NAMI’s Family to Family and Family and Friends classes.

HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE: Phil Bryant ’88

Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant earned his master’s degree in political science from MC, where he also served as an adjunct professor of government and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. A former deputy sheriff and Mississippi House of Representatives member, Bryant was state auditor and lieutenant governor before serving two terms as governor from 2012 to 2020. A founding member of BSS Global, he provides strategic business development services to some of the world’s largest industry leaders. He advises clients on state and federal government matters and participates in public policy discussions. Bryant has also served as chair of the Education Commission of the States, the Southern States Energy Board, the Jobs for America’s Graduates and the Royal Commonwealth Society of the United States. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

KINESIOLOGY: Deirdre Danielle Lawson ’07

As director of DC Operations for Nike’s North America logistics campus, Deirdre Lawson provides strategic and operational leadership for a 3.2-million-square-foot facility. She leads a large, multi-level organization while advancing talent development, succession, accountability and continuous improvement. A Memphis Business Journal mentor for two years, Lawson is committed to developing emerging leaders and strengthening her community. A five-year cancer-free thriver, her physicians credit her commitment to health and wellness as an important part of her successful journey. Grounded in faith, family and friendship, she lives and leads by Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

LAWYER OF THE YEAR: Sean Tindell ’01

As commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Sean Tindell oversees more than 1,400 employees across multiple agencies, including the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy and the Office of Capitol Police. Tindell previously served as a judge for the Mississippi Court of Appeals, representing District 5, Position 2. He represented District 49 in the Mississippi Senate, serving as chair of the Senate Judiciary A Committee and vice chair of the Senate Tourism Committee. He has also served as assistant district attorney for the Second Circuit District of Harrison, Hancock and Stone Counties and city prosecutor for the City of Biloxi. In addition to practicing law, Tindell held a real estate broker’s license and managed his own commercial and residential rental properties. Tindell earned his J.D. from MC Law, and he holds an MBA and a BSBA from the University of Southern Mississippi.

YOUNG LAWYER OF THE YEAR: McKenna Stone Cloud ’22

McKenna Stone Cloud is a health law associate in Baker Donelson’s Jackson office, focusing on healthcare transactions, mergers and acquisitions, physician compensation and alignment structures, joint ventures, and federal and state health care regulatory compliance. Before joining Baker Donelson, she clerked for Judge Leslie H. Southwick of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. A summa cum laude graduate of MC Law, she finished first in her class, served as editor-in-chief of the Mississippi College Law Review, earned a Health Law Certificate, and received American Jurisprudence Awards for the highest grade in 21 courses. She earned her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she served as student body president. Cloud is an adjunct professor at MC Law, teaching mergers and acquisitions and healthcare law, and serving as coach of MC Law’s Health Law Transactional Competition Team.

MATHEMATICS: Warren McKay ’07, ’13

After earning his Bachelor of Science in mathematics and his Master of Education in mathematics education at MC, Warren McKay has taught math at Pisgah High School for 20 years, eventually becoming Math Department chair. Teaching Algebra I, dual-credit college Algebra/Trigonometry, AP Precalculus, and AP Calculus, he is also the head tennis coach and assistant football coach. McKay is a three-time recipient of the Pisgah High School Teacher of the Year Award and three-time Pisgah High School STAR Teacher; his tennis teams have won five district championships, and he was twice named the Mississippi Association of Coaches’ All-Star Tennis Coach. Sponsor of Pisgah High School’s Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, he serves as a new teacher mentor through the Rankin County School District RISE program.

MODERN LANGUAGES: Ashley Krason ’07

After teaching English in China in 2004, Ashley Krason joined MC’s Office of Student Affairs, where she worked with international students and helped develop the Intensive English Program. She completed her Master of Science in TESOL in 2007 and a postgraduate certificate in diversity and inclusion from the Cornell School of Business. A certified cultural intelligence trainer, she joined the MC faculty in 2009 and teaches courses related to culture and linguistics as a senior instructor of linguistics in the Department of English and World Languages. She has been involved in study abroad programs in Peru, Spain and Guam, where she led research related to efforts to revitalize the indigenous CHamoru language. She has been honored as the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Lecturer and as a Student Success Champion.

MUSIC: Dr. Elizabeth Blanton Momand ’86, ’91

Elizabeth Momand is a professor of music at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, where she teaches voice and music education and directs the Opera and Musical Theatre Workshop. Throughout her 37-year teaching career, her students have earned recognition at the state, regional, national and international levels. After obtaining her Bachelor and Master of Music in vocal performance from MC, she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She has held leadership positions in the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the College Music Society, the International Alliance for Women in Music and the Association for Technology in Music Instruction. Recipient of a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship to India, she received the UAFS Lucille Speakman Master Teacher Award and a 2026 UAFS Center for Teaching and Learning Award for her research on artificial intelligence.

MUSIC YOUNG ALUMNUS: John Christopher Adams ’06

From the small-town roots of Fannin, Mississippi, to the stages of Europe and the Middle East, John Christopher Adams moves easily between opera, jazz, gospel and musical theatre. Audiences have heard him on some of the grandest stages in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Israel, as well as American cultural hubs including Chicago, Houston and Seattle. His musical training includes advanced study in vocal performance and opera from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and at MC, where he earned a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in voice and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in vocal performance and pedagogy. When Adams is not performing, he serves as executive director of Opera Mississippi and CEO of the John C. Adams State Farm Agency in Gadsden, Alabama.

NURSING: Lorie Till, MSN, MSPHM ’94

Lorie Till is chief executive officer of Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale. She brings extensive leadership experience across large academic medical centers, regional health systems, physician practices, healthcare consulting and rural community hospitals. Till has provided valuable insight into the diverse challenges and opportunities facing healthcare providers across the continuum of care. Till also serves as president of the Delta Health Transformation Council, a regional collaborative of healthcare organizations in the Mississippi Delta focused on improving healthcare access, interoperability, workforce development, specialty care availability and population health outcomes. She serves on the Mississippi State Board of Health, the Mississippi Rural Health Association Board of Directors and the MC School of Nursing Advisory Council.

NURSING YOUNG ALUMNA: Rachel Gambill, MSN, RN, CNE ’14

An assistant professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing, Rachel L. Gambill has more than a decade of nursing experience spanning cardiothoracic care, medical-surgical nursing, clinical leadership and nursing education. She serves as chair of the Undergraduate Admissions and Progression Committee for the UMMC School of Nursing and has held leadership roles within UMMC’s Theta Beta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Her scholarship focuses on undergraduate nursing education, peripartum cardiomyopathy and the influence of adverse childhood experiences and social determinants of health on maternal cardiovascular outcomes. A Certified Nurse Educator, Gambill received the 2024 Faculty DAISY Award and a Theta Beta Chapter small grant to support her doctoral research.

PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK: Kelsey Neeley, LCSW ’18

Kelsey Neeley serves as vice president of operations at Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc. After obtaining her Bachelor of Social Work at MC, Neeley earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Southern Mississippi. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, Neeley is a board member of the Mississippi Association of Child and Community Advocacy as well as a social work field placement supervisor. Neeley is an active member of Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton.

TEACHER EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP: Dr. Nason Lollar ’00, ’04, ’07

Nason Lollar is in his 27th year of service in Mississippi public schools. He taught math and social studies and coached baseball for 14 years, then moved into administration, serving as a high school assistant principal for nine years and as a career and technical education principal for two. Lollar currently serves as principal at Germantown Middle School in Gluckstadt. In 2023, he was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals, and in 2026, he was named the MASSP’s Middle School Principal of the Year. Lollar is the author of “The 5 Principles of Educator Professionalism: Rebuilding Trust in Schools,” published in 2024.