Pictured (l to r): Courtin Sutton, Gailya Porter and Taylon White

.

Pictured (l to r) Dr. Betty Graves, Courtin Sutton, Taylon White, Lori Patton

Jackson State University students Courtni Sutton, an elementary education major, and Taylon White, a meteorology major, recently were awarded The Lelia Gaston Rhodes Book Stipend/Scholarship by The LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter of The Links, Inc.

Dr. Rhodes was a life-long advocate for the university and served an extensive tenure as a faculty and staff member. She was also a charter member of The LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter.

Both students were chosen based on the submission of an essay entitled, “Why did you attend an HBCU?” Members of The Lelia Gaston Rhodes Book Stipend/Scholarship committee noted that White and Sutton went “above and beyond” by submitting creative yet strategic responses highlighting that HBCUs like JSU retain and graduate more than 50 percent of first-generation and low-income African-American students. They also said that scholarships similar to this one assist with tuition balances and book fees.

“When I received The Leila Gaston Rhodes Book Stipend/Scholarship, I was immediately overwhelmed with joy,” Sutton said. “This stipend is tremendous financial help and will ultimately assist with preparing me to become an educator.”

Veronica Cohen, vice president for the Division of Institutional Advancement, said, “It is vital for Jackson State to maintain a positive relationship with The LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter of The Links, Inc. as well as other foundations and organizations that invest in our university. We anticipate growing our mutually beneficial relationship with the Links so that we can continue to enhance academic programs, provide financial support to students and help the local JSU community.”

Since its inception in 1988, The LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter of The Links, Inc. has focused on creating opportunities for students majoring in education to further their studies. The local chapter makes an annual financial contribution to the scholarship named in honor of its founding president, Dr. Beatrice Mosley. The chapter’s legacy is to continue to provide service and monetary support to Jackson State University.