We are proud to spotlight Presley Harscher, a passionate educator and proud alumna of Millsaps College, who graduated in 2018 with a major in education and a minor in geology. Drawn to Millsaps by its strong support for athletics and a welcoming campus culture, Presley found her home both in the classroom and on the volleyball court. With friends and family who had also attended the college, she felt lucky to continue that meaningful tradition.
At Millsaps, Presley was a standout member of the volleyball team and actively involved in the Student Athletic Committee and the Athletic Advisory Committee. One of her favorite memories was being asked by the football coach to serve on a student-athlete panel—an experience that affirmed her leadership and voice on campus.
Academically, she recalls her fieldwork as a deeply impactful part of her college experience. Each semester, she had the opportunity to visit local schools alongside professors, conducting reviews and research that opened her eyes to the diverse educational needs across communities. These experiences helped her solidify her commitment to teaching early in her journey.
Following graduation, Presley began her career as a preschool teacher at Jackson Academy. She had built strong connections during her student teaching at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Jackson, which prepared her for interviews and helped her secure her first teaching position. Since then, her journey as an educator has been both dynamic and fulfilling. Now a preschool teacher at St. Luke UMC Kids-Pensacola, Presley brings empathy, energy and creativity to her classroom every day. She shares that one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is the energy and spontaneity of walking into a classroom each day and engaging with children in meaningful ways.
Presley credits the practical training and mentorship she received at Millsaps—particularly the opportunity to observe experienced educators and engage with students of diverse backgrounds—as key to her success. She also volunteered with ministries and worked with Spanish-speaking groups, which further developed her skills in communication, inclusion and adaptability.
Books like The Importance of Being Little and UnSelfie have played an important role in her growth as a professional, helping her continue learning and better understand the children she teaches.
Looking back, Presley believes that the small class sizes at Millsaps empowered her to speak up, build confidence and form lasting connections with her professors. Though she entered Millsaps for sports, she unexpectedly discovered a passion for geology—thanks to professors who made the subject exciting and approachable.
Presley remains connected to the Millsaps community and continues to give back. Participating in Giving Day and staying in touch with old friends and professors are important parts of her life. She proudly supports the college to help ensure that future students can enjoy the same transformative experience.
Among her many achievements, Presley is most proud of the education she received at Millsaps and the meaningful impact she now makes in her students’ lives every day. She’s honored to carry the values of her alma mater into the world—and to show just how far a Millsaps education can take you.