It’s All About the Opportunities

February 8, 2021

"Ask Rhone Meche about Millsaps College, and he’ll tell you that from start to finish, it’s all been about opportunities. “I was originally attracted to Millsaps because I saw an opportunity to play college baseball,” he said. Ultimately, though, Meche stated that he “saw in Millsaps the opportunity to be somebody, and that was an […]"

Ask Rhone Meche about Millsaps College, and he’ll tell you that from start to finish, it’s all been about opportunities.

“I was originally attracted to Millsaps because I saw an opportunity to play college baseball,” he said. Ultimately, though, Meche stated that he “saw in Millsaps the opportunity to be somebody, and that was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down.

“As I looked further into the institution, my eyes were opened to the awe-inspiring experience it offered. I was attracted to the excellent academics along with a well-rounded campus life in a bustling capital city.”

Meche has made the most of his time at Millsaps. He has been active in baseball (as a pitcher), residence life and Greek life. Now, the New Orleans native is on track to graduate in May 2021 with a degree in political science and a minor in history. While he doesn’t have all his plans in place for after graduation quite yet, he knows what he wants to do.

“My aspiration is to work in government at the service of everyday citizens,” said Meche. “My experience at Millsaps has aided me by offering an outstanding educational curriculum and opening the doors to numerous valuable internships in which I have made many beneficial connections and gained useful hands-on experience.”

The curriculum Meche cites was strengthened by his favorite professors. “Dr. (William) Storey’s classes on the First and Second World Wars were some of the best learning experiences I have had. I have also had tremendous academic experiences learning the world of politics with Dr. (Nathan) Shrader and Dr. (Iren) Omo-Bare.”

At Millsaps, the idea of experiential learning is a critical part of how the college educates its students and Meche has made the most of it. He has worked as an intern with Capitol Resources, LLC, a government relations and public affairs firm in downtown Jackson, since his sophomore year. During the summer of 2020, he worked in the Jackson office of United States Senator Roger Wicker, where he worked to address constituent requests and concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Rhone is one of the hardest working young people I have ever met, and he demonstrates this every day in all that he does, whether it is in the classroom or on the job working in government and public affairs,” said Shrader. “As a Ford Teaching Fellow, he has contributed significantly to my work as a faculty member because he is able to bring his knowledge and passion for politics to bear in my classes, especially when working with first year students who need a strong mentor to show them the ropes. Millsaps is fortunate to have Rhone Meche as part of our campus community.”

Looking back over his time at Millsaps, Meche is quick to note his most impactful moment.

“Every morning when I wake up and have another opportunity to strive for greatness. With the motto Ad Excellentiam, Millsaps truly makes this possible.”