At Millsaps College, the journey doesn’t end with a diploma; it begins there. A tradition rooted in academic excellence and personal growth, Millsaps equips its graduates with the critical thinking, leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive business world.
A key part of that preparation lies in Millsaps’ strong liberal arts foundation and dynamic academic programs, where real-world application is an emphasis, along with ethical leadership and community engagement. This well-rounded framework prepares Millsaps graduates for not only the workforce but prepares them to lead it.
In this alumni spotlight, we highlight three people whose Millsaps Journey is shaping their success in the education world today.
Thomas Adams
Originally from Columbus, Mississippi, Thomas Adams earned a B.A. in business administration with a minor in sociology in 2003. Today, he serves as the principal of Madison Middle School.
A Scholar-Athlete from the Start
Over his four-year career at Millsaps College, Adams was a dominant force in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and left behind a legacy both on and off the court. Adams was a four-time All-SCAC selection, earning First Team honors in both the 2000-01 and 2002-03 seasons.
During his senior year, Adams led the conference in scoring, field goals made, field goal percentage and rebounding; a testament to his discipline, skill and relentless work ethic.
His performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Millsaps College Sports Hall of Fame, where he is recognized as one of the most accomplished basketball players in the program’s history.
A Foundation Built at Millsaps
“Critical thinking and problem solving were key to every discipline at Millsaps,” Adams explained. “Many of my core and business classes required these skills. I learned how to produce high-quality results while working in group settings, and I had the opportunity to develop my oral presentation skills, all of which are vital in the day-to-day work of education.”
While at Millsaps, he was a dedicated leader on campus. “I was a member of the Black Student Association and Alpha Phi Alpha,” he said.
Those experiences not only enriched his college experience but laid the foundation for his ability to connect with diverse communities and work as part of a team. These are skills that continue to guide his leadership strategy today.
One of the most impactful lessons he learned at Millsaps was the importance of being true to oneself. “Being on a multicultural campus taught me to be authentic,” he reflected. “It’s easy to get lost on a college campus and seek identity in programs or group involvement. Millsaps taught me to be myself. We leaned on community, but we embraced our differences. That shaped me in profound ways.”
Rooted in Education
“I’ve always worked in a form of education,” he shared. After graduating from Millsaps, he worked at the Millsaps Admissions Office, recruiting future students to the very campus that shaped him.
In 2005, he moved to the Education Services Foundation, where he counseled students and families on scholarships and opportunities.
“In 2008, I began my career in secondary education, and now I’m entering my 18th year,” Adams said.
Purpose over Praise
As an educator, his message to students is clear: “Pursue your passions and success will follow. Accolades don’t always tell the full story. The goal should always be purpose, and whether or not you get recognition shouldn’t define you. I played basketball because I loved it, and the hard work paid off in NCAA playoff games and personal rewards, but the passion came first.”
Representing Millsaps in Education
What does it mean to represent Millsaps in a field like education, despite majoring in business? “It shows the versatility of the liberal arts curriculum,” he explained. “I’ve found success in education largely because of my ability to adapt and meet challenges head-on. Millsaps created an environment that pushed me to a better version of myself. It wasn’t easy, but it prepared me to lead.”
One of his proudest professional moments came during the 2024–2025 school year, when Shirley D. Simmons Middle School earned its first-ever “A” rating.
“This was a proud moment because it was the manifestation of the hard work of the community, students, teachers and staff,” he said. “We set a goal and achieved it! It was a real teachable moment.”
Felicia Burton
Felicia Burton, a 1995 Millsaps graduate with a B.A. in English Literature, serves as the principal at Shirley D. Simmons Middle School in Madison, Mississippi.
From the Courtroom to the Classroom
Felicia’s path to educational leadership began at Millsaps, where she balanced a challenging academic load with extracurricular leadership.
“I was involved in student government and was a member of the women’s basketball team,” she recalled. Those experiences shaped her early on. “Balancing the academic rigor at Millsaps with playing on the basketball team taught me how to manage challenges, adapt to change and persevere through setbacks.”
A Shift in Passion
Originally from Brandon, Mississippi, Burton didn’t begin college with education in mind.
“I thought I wanted to be a doctor when I began at Millsaps,” she says. “But the Lord led me in a different direction into education. That’s when I began developing a passion for it.”
That passion has fueled a career defined by service, leadership and impact.
Millsaps’ Lasting Impact
“My education at Millsaps prepared me for a career in educational leadership by equipping me with a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication skills,” Burton explained.
“The challenging coursework taught me how to analyze complex issues, think strategically and communicate effectively, skills that are vital for leading schools.”
She also credits the diversity of perspectives she encountered on campus for preparing her to lead inclusively and effectively.
Pride in Purpose
Since graduating, Burton has reached several milestones. “As a coach, my proudest moment was leading my high school basketball team at Clinton to a state championship and also being recognized as the Metro Coach of the Year,” she said. “As an administrator, my proudest moment to date is being named principal of Shirley D. Simmons Middle School.”
Leading Middle Schoolers Through Growth
Burton believes deeply in the importance of the middle school experience.
“Middle school plays a major role because it serves as a critical bridge between the foundational years of elementary school and the more focused, rigorous demands of high school and beyond,” she explained. “The habits students form in middle school, such as time management, study routines and attitudes toward learning, often continue into adulthood.”
She noted how involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles at the middle school level helps students develop confidence, empathy and resilience. “I’m thankful to be in a position to positively influence those things.”
Lasting Legacy
When asked what she hopes students remember from their time at Shirley D. Simmons Middle School, her answer is simple but powerful. “I hope the students remember they had a principal who truly cared about them and inspired them to be great!”
Representing Millsaps
“I loved my all-around experience at Millsaps College, and I’m proud to be a graduate of that great institution,” Burton said. “To me, representing Millsaps as a leader in the field of education means embodying the values of academic excellence, integrity and service. I hope to inspire others to lead with passion, purpose and a deep respect for the transformative power of education.”
Taylor Hildebrand
Taylor Hildebrand, a 2004 graduate who majored in education and minored in English, is a Jackson native who transferred to Millsaps after beginning his college journey at Mississippi State.
“Millsaps was life-changing for me,” Hildebrand said. “At that point in my life, I knew I wanted to go into education. The liberal arts curriculum, the amount of writing and the experience of going into real schools, all of that was critical in preparing me to be an educational leader.”
Today, he serves as an assistant principal at Madison Middle School, where his leadership reflects the values and preparation he received at Millsaps.
While attending Millsaps, Taylor worked at the North Midtown Enrichment Center, a neighborhood educational program located just behind the college.
“It wasn’t just an internship,” he explained. “But it lined up with what I was doing in education. I started as a reading specialist and then became a curriculum specialist. It was an after-school program geared toward helping kids with reading challenges.”
Millsaps’ Lasting Impact
After 17 Years in the classroom, teaching at the elementary, middle and high school levels, including 11 years as an English teacher at Germantown High School, Hildebrand transitioned into administration, bringing with him a passion for student success and connection.
“Millsaps played a tremendous role in that,” he added. “Millsaps helped shape my ability to think on my feet, to solve problems and to build relationships. Outside of other influences in my life, Millsaps was one of the most important.”
Why Middle School Matters
Hildebrand is passionate about the importance of the middle school years.
“You’re not a little kid anymore, but you’re not quite a teenager either,” he said. “Kids are starting to find themselves. I think Madison Middle does a tremendous job giving students opportunities to plug in, whether it’s athletics, robotics, choir or band. There’s something for every student.”
He added, “Our teachers, administrators and counselors really invest in building relationships with students. That’s what sets our district apart.”
A Legacy of Care
When asked what he hopes students remember about their time under his leadership, Hildebrand answers without hesitation, “That we cared about them, they weren’t just a number or statistic. I hope they feel like they belong to something.”
He believes a strong school culture fuels student success. “Kids do well here because they feel connected. They know we care.”
Full Circle
Hildebrand’s proudest moments aren’t always the ones with awards or titles, although he was named Teacher of the Year at Germantown High School and now thrives as assistant principal at Madison Middle.
“What makes me proud is when I run into a former student at the grocery store and see that they’re doing well in life,” he said. “Education is about relationships. Watching your students grow up and give back to their communities, that’s the real reward.”
The stories of Thomas Adams, Felicia Burton and Taylor Hildebrand illustrate what a Millsaps education truly means: a foundation in critical thinking, a passion for service and a commitment to shaping the future. Their leadership in education stands as a powerful testament to Millsaps’ enduring mission.