Mississippi College honored Jean Pittman Williams during the Latimer Lunch on February 24 as part of its Bicentennial Celebration. The event, organized by the MC Women’s Council, highlighted Williams’ longstanding contributions to the university.
Lesley Ratcliff, associate pastor at Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson and guest speaker at the lunch, spoke about Williams’ impact on Mississippi College. “For more than 50 years, she has served Mississippi College through Board leadership and steady investment,” Ratcliff said. “That kind of faithfulness shapes an institution in ways that are impossible to measure.
“She and her husband have given their time and resources to places that they love, Mississippi College, Northminster, and countless others. (Williams) is a woman whose name graces a recital hall, whose story is woven into the history of Mississippi College, and whose generosity is now helping young women like you pursue your own callings.”
The Latimer Lunch series allows students to hear from industry leaders and connect with council members for networking opportunities. The founding scholarship for the MC Women’s Council is named after Jean Pittman Williams. Recipients must keep a minimum 3.0 GPA and commit to serving others while enrolled.
Williams graduated from Mississippi College in 1955 and was named Alumna of the Year in 2024. During her undergraduate years, she participated in several student organizations including the Baptist Student Union and cheerleading squad, served as president of the Kissimee Social Tribe, and was Homecoming Queen. After earning her degree in music education, she taught music across six states while staying connected with her alma mater. In 2000, she and her brothers became the first siblings group inducted into MC’s Order of the Golden Arrow.
MC President Blake Thompson opened the lunch by recognizing Williams’ collaboration with Katrina Pace to establish the Women’s Council at MC. He stated: “Today is a thank you for your longstanding service on the Board of Trustees and on the Foundation Board,” Thompson said. “But what you’ll be known for is this Women’s Council. We’re so thankful for all you’ve done.
“This is the bicentennial year of this institution, and for the next 200 years, students will come to this campus, be awarded these scholarships, and continue to fill the shoes that you left.”
Thompson also announced that Williams would become MC’s first Foundation Board Member Emerita following her service on the Foundation Board. “Emerita is an earned honor granted based on longstanding meritorious service,” he said. “I cannot think of anybody better to do that for.
“Jean, thank you for the difference you’ve made in the lives of all these women here today.”
Current recipients of another scholarship were recognized during the event as well: The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship supports female students from southeastern states who show financial need along with academic achievement.
Ratcliff shared how Mississippi College influenced her personal growth: “My years here shaped my love for learning, my love for Scripture and my love for the church,” she said. “Those threads have never separated in my life. During my years at Mississippi College, what began as curiosity slowly became conviction. I sensed that my life would be given to the church.
“I’ve stood in rooms where faith felt fragile, and in rooms where faith was fierce. In all of those spaces I’ve drawn from what was formed here. The discipline of thinking carefully, the discipline of living out of God’s general calling on all of us and God’s specific calling on each of us, the discipline of staying and of showing up.”
She credited Williams’ leadership within both Northminster Baptist Church and Mississippi College: “Jean, thank you. Your steadiness has shaped this college, your faithfulness has shaped the church, and your quiet influence has shaped more lives than you will ever know,” Ratcliff said.
To female students attending Latimer Lunches or benefiting from council programs like scholarships or mentorships Ratcliff advised: “Pay attention to what stirs your heart. Pay attention to what you cannot ‘not’ do. Pay attention to the places where your gifts meet the world. And know that there is room for you.”
The MC Women’s Council focuses primarily on increasing endowment funds for scholarships available campus-wide while providing additional leadership development opportunities through events such as Latimer Lunches.
More information about programs offered by MC Women’s Council can be found at www.mc.edu/offices/giving/womens-council.
