Fall has always been an exciting time on the Millsaps College campus as new students are introduced to the Millsaps community and returning students settle back into the rocking chairs in the bowl and couches in the Leggett Living Room. Fall 2022 held even more excitement as the Pathways Program embarked on a new part of its journey with the launch of its first courses — Introduction to Pathways 1001 for first-year students and Introduction to Pathways 1051 for transfer students.
The course, which is a requirement for all students who began their studies at Millsaps in fall 2022, marks the latest phase in Millsaps’ implementation of the Pathways Program as part of the college’s strategic plan. The aim of the Pathways Program is to provide holistic connections between students’ interests and their chosen vocation, or, as Geneva Torrence says: “Helping students figure out who they want to be and not just what they want to do.”
Torrence, director of Pathways and First Year Experience at Millsaps College, worked with Dr. Stephanie Rolph, executive director of Strategic Initiatives, to ensure the implementation of the first Pathways Program course was intentional and unhurried.
“One thing we tried to do was intentionally slow-build the program,” says Torrence.
“We were intentional with the design of the program and collecting data along the way. The course will help us see what’s working and how it affects other areas on campus, such as student success and belonging.”
The Introduction to Pathways courses garnered commitment to its success across the college community, from faculty to staff to student leaders. The courses were taught by a cohort group of 12 staff members, 11 faculty members and 12 student peer leaders, while 10 Pathways coordinators developed events for the course and helped steer the intersection of the Pathways Program and college curriculum.
During the course, students learned how to be successful students and leaders while also leaning into their own personal values and interests. By the end of the semester, students chose from among six Pathways based on their interests and values: Arts, Culture and Communication; Business; Exploratory; Health; Law, Politics and Social Leadership; and STEM and Data Science.
First-year student Anthony Jasinski, III, (’26) found the course confirmed his path while at Millsaps. “Before Pathways, I had a general sense of what major I would choose,” Jasinski said. “Pathways helped me confirm that it will be a good choice for me.”
In addition to discerning their personal values and interests to plan their future, students learned about topics ranging from finding counseling resources and tutoring services to personal finances and resume writing. Many students found the lesson on resumes useful for their future.
“My resume before was terrible,” said transfer student Saher Ahmed (’24).
“I didn’t notice it was not professionally great until I understood in class what a truly good resume looks like. Now, I’m confident my updated resume will help me in my future career.”
The Pathways course also provided additional opportunities for alumni to connect with students and the college. From alumni panels to networking events, Millsaps students were able to glean advice about career pathways and dealing with life’s uncertainties. Torrence says, “One thing we want students to understand is that they have a rich and diverse alumni network. We brought in alumni as often as possible to talk about how they purposed their time at Millsaps and beyond.”
Don Bates (’92) was proud to talk to students about his Millsaps story and the path to his career as owner and president of Osprey Initiative.
“The beauty of a Millsaps education and the Pathways Program is students get to dictate their future,” said Bates.
“You become well-rounded and are able to adapt to any situation. Your degree may get you your first job, but it’s the communication and collaborative skills you build at a place like Millsaps that lead you to the career and life you want.”
Torrence agrees, saying, “We’re not just setting up students to find their first job or placement after Millsaps. We’re setting them up to be able to navigate the world around them.”