Wanda Mills - “Pursuing Excellence”
Wanda Mills
Alumni and friends of Mississippi State often honor classmates and colleagues through special contributions, such as the recent one creating an excellence fund in the Division of Student Affairs.
Designed specifically for enrolled university students with learning disabilities, the anonymous gift is established the Wanda Mills Excellence Fund in the department of student support services.
Named in honor of the Starkville resident, the endowment will be used to purchase special-needs equipment and devices, as well as provide individual tutoring services at no cost.
"I have a lot of faith in the student support services department, and it is very rewarding to have my name associated with the university in this manner," said Mills, who was reared in Ocean Springs before moving to Starkville to attend Mississippi State.
"This fund makes me realize what an impression I made on other people's lives and I am very proud of that," the 1994 educational psychology graduate added.
Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder also known as brittle bone disease, she is confined to a wheelchair. She also has a learning disability, something she was unaware of until adulthood.
After completing her bachelor's degree, Mills went on to complete coursework towards an MSU master's in counselor education, with an emphasis in vocational rehabilitation. Having also worked as a support services staff member, she has an obvious and especially deep appreciation for the department's mission--and ongoing challenges.
"It just makes me feel great that the ties I made at MSU will not be broken," Mills said. "So many young people and adults are ashamed to be labeled with a learning disability, but now Mississippi State can help to further combat that misconception."
For more information on assisting the Division of Student Affairs with this or other private gifts, contact development officer Richard Daniel at 662-325-9129 or email rdaniel@foundation.msstate.edu.
