OXFORD, Miss. – A University of Mississippi student from Alcorn County is well on her way to fulfilling dreams of becoming a physical therapist, thanks in part to the generosity of an anonymous out-of-state donor.
Jordan Porterfield, a sophomore from Rienzi, was awarded a one-year scholarship honoring Newton Knight last fall. The $2,000 award was a tremendous help during her freshman year, Porterfield said.
“I am majoring in exercise science with the hopes of pursuing a career in physical therapy,” she said. “I decided to attend Ole Miss because from a young age, I’ve always thought this school to have wonderful academic standards.”
Porterfield is a 2012 graduate of Biggersville High School, where she was a member of the Hall of Fame. She served on the school’s FFA Parliamentary Procedure team that won first place in the state and was secretary of her senior class, a Star Student and a Mississippi Scholar.
Her parents are Trish Porterfield of Rienzi and Danny Porterfield of Booneville.
The scholarship, open to students in the schools of Applied Sciences and Education, was provided in honor of Knight, a unique figure in the American Civil War. After deserting from the Confederate army, the Jones County native led a rebellion against the CSA government and became known as leader of the “Free State of Jones.”
Although the scholarship was funded by a one-time gift, the donor is considering continue funding, said Michael Upton, director of development for the School of Applied Sciences.
“Private support is making the difference at Ole Miss in the lives of our students,” Upton said. “Ms. Porterfield’s scholarship is a great example. We encourage all our alumni and friends to consider helping provide opportunities for deserving students.”
For information about UM scholarships and financial aid, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/financial_aid/.