Roderick Bridges III of Madison has named Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society's Freshman Leader of the Year at the University of Mississippi. Photo by Deborah A. Purnell
OXFORD, Miss. – This spring, University of Mississippi Freshman Roderick “Rod” Bridges III was named Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society’s Freshman Leader of the Year for his outstanding academic, service and leadership roles at the university.
Bridges, a graduate of Madison Central High School, was president of the National Honor Society and his senior class.
Shortly thereafter, Bridges enrolled at UM and was elected Freshman Council president, Associated Student Body senator and Mississippi First delegate. Bridges has also received a scholarship from the Lott Leadership Institute, was chosen for the Chancellor’s Leadership Class and serves as an ambassador for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.
“I was and I am so honored, but I didn’t set out to take on so many leadership roles,” Bridges said. “I simply wanted to get to know the upperclassmen, faculty, staff and administrators better. I wanted to know more about this university that I’ve grown to love and respect.”
Ryan Upshaw, ODK adviser, said Bridges is more than qualified to be Freshman Leader of the Year.
“Simply put, Rod is a natural leader,” said Upshaw, also assistant dean of student services for the UM School of Engineering. “He is that student who steps up and does what needs to be done, and the one who helps when someone needs it. That, to me, is the epitome of true leader.”
Bridges, son of Roddy Bridges of Madison and Tom and London Wagner of Miramar Beach, Fla., credits his parents and his high school teachers for encouraging him to help others.
“My dad and my teachers pushed me to think beyond the here and now, and to think beyond me. I truly credit them for giving me a strong foundation,” Bridges said. “No, I don’t know what the future holds for me. But, I do know that one day I will return to Mississippi to help address our education and health care issues.”
Although Bridges is heavily involved, he still sees himself as “a work in progress. I probably always will be, but no matter what I do, I know I’m here to make Ole Miss and Mississippi better.”