Chris Richardson
Reporter
At 72 years young, James O’Loughlin has developed quite the resume. After spending decades in the military, O’Loughlin began his studies at The W in 2010. He was awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees in 2011 and 2013, but he decided to continue his education and pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not in class, O’Loughlin can often be found in the school’s cafeteria or gym, and when he learned about The Spectator, he sent a request to be interviewed for our Student Spotlight series, so that he could share his story with students all across the campus.
Q: Where are you originally from?
Frederick L. Brown
Reporter
Kelly Idella Benford, a sophomore communication major and theatre minor, is from Greenville, Miss. Benford is a 2014 graduate of Greenville Weston High School. Benford is a very talented dancer and serves as the vice-president of the Audacity Dance Team on campus. Benford is also dealing with a rare skin disorder called "ichythyosis."
Ichthyosis is a family of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaling skin that may be thickened or very thin. Ichthyosis affects people of all ages, races and gender, and there is currently no cure for the disorder. While a cure is being sought, researchers and physicians have been working to develop effective ways to help manage the disorder. For more information, visit www.firstskinfoundation.org.
Ryan Savage
Reporter
Fondly known as "Miss Sally" to the students who frequent Cromwell, Sally Mangum is the familiar face that assists the departments of Communication and Theatre in their day-to-day operations. In this week's spotlight, Mangum revealed the biggest change she's seen in her time at The W, as well as her advice for students.
Q: What is your role here at The W?
Mallory Johnston
Reporter
Advocate. Faith-driven. Inspiring.
These are three words to describe Blossom Brown, an openly transgender woman who is studying public health education at Mississippi University for Women. The Greenwood, Miss., native is a motivational speaker and a volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign, where she works to solve issues that surround the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Queer (LGBTQ) community. She has appeared on the popular daytime talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and the reality show, "I Am Cait," a series documenting the life of Caitlyn Jenner after Jenner's gender transition.
Ryan Savage
Reporter
There is one place that every student on campus goes to for help to achieve his or her dreams. That place is the Financial Aid office. Nicole Patrick is the Director of Financial Aid, and she has been helping students here at the W for quite some time.
Q: How did you get into this field?