Transferring to Millsaps College was more than just a change of scenery; it was the beginning of a new chapter that has shaped me both as a student and an athlete.
Before Millsaps, I was a student-athlete at Holmes Community College located in Goodman, Mississippi. At Holmes, I built a strong academic and athletic foundation. I earned a 3.5 GPA, made the Dean’s List and worked hard to stay consistent in the classroom while competing on the basketball court. This all added up to me receiving my associate’s degree in communication in May of 2022. But I knew I wanted more.
More challenge, more opportunity and more growth.
Decision Rooted in Purpose
Caleb proudly displays his Madison Central High School 1,000-point ball.
My journey began long before I ever stepped onto a college campus. As a student at Madison Central High School, an A-rated public school in Madison, Mississippi, I was fortunate to be part of an academically strong and athletically competitive environment.
I graduated with academic honors and left my mark on the basketball program as an All-State player and 1,000+ point scorer. The mindset that led me to choose community college was simple but focused: I wanted to perform at a high level both in the classroom and on the court.
When it came time to choose my next step, I decided to attend Holmes Community College. The opportunity to continue playing basketball while receiving a full scholarship for my education was one I couldn’t pass up.
Being at Holmes provided me with time and space to figure out what I wanted to pursue long-term, while also completing important core classes like college algebra and public speaking in an intimate, hands-on learning environment, something that closely mirrors the classroom setting at Millsaps.
It was a decision rooted in purpose, and one that laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Discovering the Right Fit
Caleb playing for Holmes CC.
My journey to Millsaps began with a conversation; one that would ultimately change the trajectory of my college experience. Mack Gorton, a former high school teammate of mine and now a rising senior and accounting major at Millsaps, played a key role in helping me find my way here.
We reconnected, and he encouraged me to visit campus and see for myself what Millsaps had to offer. I scheduled a tour, and from the moment I stepped on campus, I could feel the difference.
Millsaps welcomed me with open arms, but it also demanded excellence. The academic environment here is rigorous and intentional, designed to push students beyond their comfort zones. It was exactly what I needed.
One other thing was apparent from the beginning: the intimate, hands-on learning environment was set up not only to challenge me, but to ensure my success as well.
At first, it was an adjustment, but being surrounded by people who push themselves and hold themselves to a high standard drove me to do the same. I’ve grown as a student because I had to rise to the standard Millsaps sets.
This past spring, I was proud to continue the academic tradition I began at Holmes, earning Dean’s List honors once again.
Pursuing my Passion
Caleb delivers the news during his WLBT internship.
One of the biggest reasons I chose Millsaps was the opportunity to pursue my passion for communication and writing. As a communications major, I’ve been exposed to real-world applications of media, journalism and storytelling.
Before my first semester even started, Millsaps helped me connect with an internship at WLBT, one of the top news stations in the state. Through this experience, I gained full access to every department at the station, including the newsroom, marketing and engineering teams.
I even had the incredible opportunity to serve as the head anchor for an intern-led newscast. That hands-on exposure gave me clarity and confidence to envision my future in media, and it all started because Millsaps believed in my potential from day one.
Over the school year, I’ve had the opportunity to write articles, conduct interviews, create podcasts and even my own short film. In doing so, I’ve grown in my ability to write and speak with clarity, and confidence as well as learn what it takes to thrive in the world of multimedia journalism.
Millsaps hasn’t just taught me the material; it has given me the tools to turn my passion into a career.
Caleb slams a dunk home for the Majors, leaving his defender frozen in awe.
Competing with Purpose
Being a student athlete here has been an incredible experience. I’ve had the chance to compete in the Southern Athletic Association, and this past season I was honored to receive Honorable Mention All-SAA; a testament to the work I’ve put in and the support I’ve received from my coaches and teammates.
Balancing basketball and academics is never easy, but with help from my coaches, teammates and professors here at Millsaps, I’ve thrived in both areas. The discipline and work ethic I’ve developed on the court directly translate to every other part of my life.
Moving Forward
Transferring to Millsaps has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s more than just a college; it’s a place that challenges me, supports me and prepares me to lead.
I’m grateful for the people who helped me get here, the lessons I’ve learned and the growth I’ve experienced. My story is still being written, but thanks to Millsaps, I’m confident that the next chapters will be filled with opportunity and success.