Kelcie Bolden

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Kennard Scholar BA in public relations/advertising, 2023 Madison, Mississippi

What type of career do you want to pursue?

Public relations specialist 

Knowing how dedicated Kennard was towards integrating what we now know as USM, and how much pushback he received, makes me more aware of just how much my education is a privilege. 

How did receiving the Clyde Kennard scholarship impact you? 

The scholarship reminds me of how special it is to be a Black scholar at an institution that did not always accept people who looked like me. The Clyde Kennard scholarship allows me to be more connected with the USM campus, as well. Knowing how dedicated Kennard was towards integrating what we now know as USM, and how much pushback he received, makes me more aware of just how much my education is a privilege. The values of the scholarship also extend beyond education for me: They encourage me to challenge systems that I deem to be unfair for the sake of others and myself. I am learning how to become a more aware social justice advocate, and I am pleased to know that I am mirroring some of Kennard’s sentiments in advocacy work that I pursue.  

How do/did your academic pursuits or journey honor Kennard’s legacy?

I am learning more each semester that, while striving to get the highest grades that I can is important to me, it is becoming more important to me to accept that I may not always achieve this goal. The education that I am receiving in my classes, even in my non-major classes, is more valuable to me than getting a perfect grade. I first had this realization during the first semester of my freshman year, and I am becoming better at truly accepting it. I believe that I am honoring Kennard’s legacy by simply appreciating the opportunities that I have at USM and working to better myself academically. Even though I have made mistakes along the way, I know that it is all a part of a learning process that will be worthwhile in the end.

➤ To comment on this spring 2021 article, visit the Center for Black Studies on Facebook.
➤ To give and support the Kennard Scholars, visit the USM Foundation.

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