Ensuring Tomorrow's Leaders Possess
Strength, Knowledge and Integrity
Raising Expectations
Evelyn Gandy's life has been one of accepting challenges in her public service career. In the process, she has broken barriers and paved new paths for the men and women who follow her.
 She received her education at Hattiesburg High School, The University of Southern Mississippi, and graduated from The University of Mississippi School of Law as the only woman in her class.
Her record of public service is impressive. She has served as state treasurer for two terms, commissioner of Insurance, commissioner of Human Services, assistant attorney general, lieutenant governor and representative in the state legislature from Forrest County. She has garnered numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mississippi Bar Association, the Margaret Brent Award from the American Bar Association, and the Lindy Boggs Women in Public Service Award.
Her dream is that more young people of ability and integrity will seek and win public office in Mississippi to better the lives of all its citizens.
The Evelyn Gandy Scholars in Political Science
Evelyn Gandy has provided the inspiration, but for many aspiring public servants, it takes more than inspiration. It takes financial assistance to educate a future political leader. The Evelyn Gandy Scholars in Political Science will honor Gandy's contributions by encouraging capable young people to follow her example.
The scholarship which will be financially equivalent to a Presidential Scholarship, will be awarded to an outstanding incoming freshman who will major in political science and plans to study law. The student must be a graduate of a Mississippi high school with high academic ability and a demonstrated interest in public service. Evelyn Gandy Scholars will receive the cost of tuition, room and board, and textbooks. The award will be renewable for four years as long as the student maintains at least a cumulative 3.25 grade point average. Upon graduation from The University of Southern Mississippi, the student will be encouraged to attend a Mississippi law school and remain in Mississippi.
The Department of Political Science has a successful history of preparing undergraduate students for law school. Instruction focuses on developing a student's reading, reasoning, writing and analytical skills. The department's graduates have been admitted to prestigious law schools throughout the nation, and many have become known for their public service to Mississippi and the United States.
"The preservation of our form of government and the progress we make to improve the quality of life of all our citizens have a direct relationship to the leadership of our public officials. The education of one of these leaders is a priceless contribution to our future." Evelyn Gandy, lieutenant governor state of Mississippi, 1976-1980
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