Knowing she wanted to attend an SEC school, Cameron Blanchard, a senior from Tupelo, Mississippi, chose the University of Mississippi after being offered the James O. and Leigh Anne Carpenter Ole Miss First Scholarship.
“The Ole Miss First Scholarship program isn’t simply a scholarship — it’s more like a family,” Blanchard said. “I’ve gotten the chance to grow, learn and challenge myself throughout my time in the program.
“It is a blessing to be around the other OMF scholars, hear their stories and get to know them. Ole Miss First is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Ole Miss First Program Director Rosie McDavid is astonished at the numerous accomplishments from the program’s senior scholars, including Blanchard’s.
“Since her first day on campus, Cameron has been a joyful and enthusiastic member of any community she’s been part of,” said McDavid. “It’s been a special experience to watch her fall in love with computer science and pursue that passionately. She is multitalented and so well-rounded, and I know she will represent her state, family and herself well wherever she goes.”
Blanchard, a computer science major with an emphasis in data science and a minor in mathematics, plans to move to New York and begin a career in management consulting after graduation.
“Ole Miss has helped me achieve this goal by hosting several career fairs that allowed me to have an amazing internship last summer,” said Blanchard. “That internship opened several doors for me to broaden my horizons and gain more experience, giving me an amazing job opportunity.”
During her time at the university, Blanchard received an award from the Department of Computer Science and the Outstanding Senior Leadership Award for the School of Engineering.
“It was so amazing to receive the honors during my time at Ole Miss,” Blanchard said, “It truly showed me that all my hard work was paying off and that if I worked hard enough, I could achieve anything I set my mind to doing.”
She has also been a part of numerous organizations including REBELthon, Ole Miss Ambassadors, Leap Frog and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
“I have truly had an amazing time at Ole Miss, and I am beyond thankful,” said Blanchard. “From the people I’ve met to the organizations in which I participated, every aspect of my college life has been amazing and has set me up for even greater success.
“I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life, and I am thankful for Ole Miss for allowing me to explore my interests and realize my potential.”
The Ole Miss First program provides valuable mentoring and leadership development to its scholarship recipients. Freshmen are selected for the scholarships based on outstanding high school records of academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to service.
For more information on the Ole Miss First Scholarship program, visit https://omf.olemiss.edu. For information on supporting an Ole Miss First Scholarship, contact Catherine Adkins, development associate for university initiatives and special projects, at ceadkins@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2384.
By Sara Mahmoud and Mary Knight/UM Development