Debra Whitley
Debra Whitley is a junior from Natchez, Mississippi studying Integrated Marketing and Communications. Debra is in the Sally Barksdale Honors College. She has interned with the Ole Miss Athletics’ Marketing and Fan Experience and C Spire.
How would you describe the OMWC program to someone that might be interested in applying for an OMWC scholarship?
For many students, college is a time of numerous transitions. There are new people, new choices and new environments. The OMWC program helps scholars sort through all these changes. Through weekly meetings, monthly dinners and yearly trips, scholars are able to develop relationships with scholarship coordinators, mentors and other scholars. Furthermore, these events also serve as enjoyable and teachable moments for scholars. We are introduced to new places, ideas and people, which all contribute to our personal growth.
What benefits have you received from being an OMWC scholar?
When you accept the Ole Miss Women Council scholarship, you become a part of something bigger than yourself. You become a member of a support system that seems to give way more than it takes. On the very first day of school, I already had scholarship mentors who guided me to a plethora of resources as well as supported me in the choices I made. This scholarship also introduced me to my fellow
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I have a strong interest in public relations and event planning so in the next decade, I hope to be living in Texas working in the marketing department of a large corporation. I am not sure of the exact position I want to obtain, however, I am certain that in whatever I do in my career, I want to be able to meet and engage new people daily.