Millsaps College was just supposed to be a stop on the way to Otis Kenner’s next destination.
In high school, Kenner planned to attend the University of Southern California, thousands of miles from his hometown of Destrehan, Louisiana. However, he had to shift his plans when the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closing of college campuses across the country.
“I needed hands-on learning, and Millsaps offered that and was the best option for me,” Kenner said. “I came with the intention of transferring to California, but I became invested in the unique, hands-on and expansive education Millsaps provides.”
Kenner is in his junior year at Millsaps and pursuing a degree in business administration. He has been able to experience Millsaps’ hands-on style of learning through many of his courses, such as Dr. Penny Prenshaw’s innovation marketing course.
“Sometimes, you feel discouraged because you’re learning so much and trying to retain it long enough to apply it in the work force,” Kenner said.
“In Dr. Prenshaw’s class, we got to work with real clients to create a product. We learned from experience and applied the information in real time.”
While Kenner’s primary focus is his major, he’s not all business. He is considering a minor in philosophy after taking Dr. Patrick Hopkins’ philosophy of law course.
“I love philosophy and find law incredibly interesting,” he said. “This class demonstrated the overlapping of our society from multiple disciplines and facets of life.”
Kenner has also invested himself into the Millsaps community and Jackson. The junior business administration major serves as president of the Student Body Association and is active in the Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.), Heart of Worship Collective and the Pan-African Student Association (P-ASA). He also serves as a worship leader and college ministry at Pinelake Church. He also runs for the Millsaps track and field team and volunteers with local nonprofit organizations, including We Will Go and Mission First.
Kenner is already on the fast track to success after Millsaps. In 2020, he launched his own independent fashion design business, OK3 Designs, LLC. After he graduates, he plans to continue growing his business and pursue ministry as a worship leader.
“Millsaps is providing me with information that is up to date, and I’m applying that information through my coursework and interaction with real businesses,” Kenner said.
“So far, I have taken courses such as business ethics, finance and innovation that are teaching me how to sustain and grow a small business in a constantly changing environment.”