Worth Wilsey, a senior at Millsaps majoring in government and politics and pursuing a minor in peace and justice studies, had just had the first of many transformational experiences in Jackson, Mississippi.
“Like 95% of my peers from home, I was hellbent on taking the path of least resistance and going to the University of Arkansas,” the Little Rock, Arkansas native said. His high school counselor recommended he explore all his options, though, and specifically recommended Millsaps.
“I was attracted to the apparent student involvement on and off campus, as well as the diversity of the student body.”
Wilsey also sought to continue his athletic pursuits in cross country and track, and when Millsaps offered him a place on their team, he decided to attend an event for accepted students and became enamored by the close-knit Millsaps community.
“I immediately felt at home,” he said.
Wilsey and his father listened to Johnny Cash’s “Jackson” on the drive home from Millsaps, and the rest was history.
Wilsey has become a familiar face around campus during his time at Millsaps. In addition to running for the Millsaps cross country and track teams, Wilsey is active in Greek life, served as the 2021-2022 vice president for the Student Body Association, participated in Common Cause Student Action Alliance and worked for the Office of Admission as a Presidential Ambassador for two years.
Wilsey’s activities go past the Millsaps campus, too. He has worked for the presidential campaign of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, as well as the U.S. Senate campaign for former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Rep. Mike Espy. Wilsey has also worked with nonprofit organizations like Animal Rescue Fund and Big House Books, and as a consultant for the Millsaps Writing Center. On top of all that, he has also completed a Ford Fellowship and participated in an internship in Washington D.C. in summer 2022.
Wilsey has set his sights on a career in law and creating lasting change in the environment. His courses and experiences at Millsaps have helped him sharpen the skills he needs for his pursuit of a career as an environmental attorney for the United States Military.
“My cheesy but true non-sequitur is, ‘My name is Worth, and I love the Earth,’” Wilsey said.
“I have come to the belief that ecological integrity is one of the most important facets of national security, and I want to make a career of protecting people and the ground they walk on,” he said.
While he remains focused on a future in environmental law, he is also open to the possibility of a career in public office—a path suggested by several respected individuals in Wilsey’s circle of friends and mentors. In January 2023, he seized upon an opportunity afforded to him by Millsaps’ location in Mississippi’s capital city and began a second internship—this time with the office of Governor Tate Reeves. Through his internship, Wilsey is getting a firsthand look at the pulse of Mississippi politics.
“Being tasked with tracking, summarizing and writing opinions on bills has given me ample opportunities to learn about the legislative process, as well as agency to contribute and incorporate my lived experience into the deliberations of our elected officials,” he said.
After graduation, Wilsey plans on returning to Washington D.C. to continue his work in government before enrolling in law school. However, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to Mississippi in the future.
“I have had the privilege of meeting thousands of Mississippians, and this has confirmed a social theory I have been developing: anywhere you will encounter good people. I will carry these episodes of experiences with me wherever I go for the rest of my years, and I know one day I am destined to return to the Hospitality State to help.”