JANS – Madison Devaul, of Brandon, has been awarded the Catherine “Kitty” Bryan Dill Memorial Council Scholarship and Susan Barksdale Howorth Council Scholarship – among the largest and most innovative awards on the University of Mississippi campus.
The $40,000 Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy scholarships have a far greater impact on students’ lives than just providing them with financial assistance, said Suzan Thames, chair of the OMWC.
“Our scholarship recipients receive access to caring guidance from mentors, significant training in leadership skills, exceptional life and career development, and meaningful personal development through travel and cultural opportunities,” Thames said. “OMWC’s goal is to successfully prepare our scholars for exceptional lives and careers, while encouraging them to develop a lifelong commitment to service.
“The OMWC is thrilled to welcome Madison Devaul as one of our incoming first-year scholars.”
OMWC scholars participate in a series of leadership symposiums using the philosophy of servant leadership as the core curriculum. Recipients are expected to participate as leaders in campuswide organizations and as OMWC speakers at special events.
Scholars also gather monthly for a dinner hosted by council members, where guest speakers provide advice and guidance on life and careers in a comfortable, informal setting, in addition to weekly nonacademic classes on various topics in leadership, philanthropy, communications, and service opportunities.
As a scholarship recipient, Devaul can also apply for Global Leadership Circle support from the OMWC, which provides assistance to those who want to study abroad or pursue internships on the national and international level.
The OMWC was established 23 years ago at the university. An accomplished council of female leaders and philanthropists has secured almost $20 million to endow scholarships awarded to both male and female students. The carefully designed program is producing a strong circle of leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy.
Madison graduated from Northwest Rankin High School with honors, is a Hall of Fame Honoree, and was Co-President of the Student Council. She is the daughter of Dr. Driscoll Devaul and Kenisha Devaul and granddaughter of Aggie Devaul and Shirley Bourne.
