OXFORD, Miss. – Russell Cartledge Adams of Madison has been awarded the $40,000 Christine and Clarence Day Scholarship to nurture his entrepreneurial spirit at the University of Mississippi.
A freshman in the School of Business Administration, Adams plans to hone his business skills that he began developing as a teenager.
A native of Mandeville, La., Adams and his family relocated to Madison following Hurricane Katrina. His parents, Chuck and Ida Adams, both attended UM, so he has grown up as a devoted Ole Miss fan.
"My family has been affected greatly by Hurricane Katrina, and I hope to relieve them as much as possible of any financial assistance I would need. It is my vision that one day soon I will join the business leaders of this great state in the post-Katrina economic recovery efforts, and this scholarship would assist me in achieving this goal," Adams wrote in his scholarship application.
His entrepreneurship became evident during his teen years, when he started and managed his own lawn care and car detailing businesses, The Lawn Boys and Dr. Shine. He said his ambition has led him to develop people skills and inspired him to earn a business administration degree, which will help him acquire the knowledge, skills, credibility and confidence necessary to achieve his goals.
He sees the scholarship as a means to accomplish more than what is required in attaining a college degree.
"The Day Scholarship Fund will provide financial assistance to allow me to explore summer study programs and internships more focused on gainful experiences than decisions based on monetary reasons," Adams said. "During my time at Ole Miss I plan on taking advantage of the business school’s strong ties to the business community around the South and specifically in Mississippi."
At Ridgeland High School, Adams was chosen as a STAR student and listed on the National Honor Roll. A member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta, he played on the school’s soccer and football teams. As a volunteer, he worked with the Red Cross and with C.A.S.T. Off ministries to renovate homes for underprivileged Hattiesburg residents.
Adams said he is excited about entering college and looks forward to meeting new people, developing meaningful relationships and enjoying SEC athletics events.
"Russell is the epitome of a scholar and leader," said Sue L. Hodge, assistant to the business dean. "He brings to Ole Miss a resume of superior academic achievements, numerous extracurricular activities and an impressive record of community involvement."
The Day Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Christine Rogers Day and Clarence Cearns Day. An Aberdeen native, she was deeply involved in the community and had an intense interest in education. He was a longtime Aberdeen resident, who was active in business and interested in both civic and educational endeavors. Both were committed to the value of higher education and the future of Mississippi.
For more information visit http://www.olemissbusiness.com