Riley Scholar named Outstanding Undergraduate in Education at MSU-Meridian

Contact: Lisa Sollie

MERIDIAN, Miss.—After two mission trips to Haiti, Sarah Dover of Meridian knew she wanted a career working with children.

That decision led her to Mississippi State University-Meridian, where she will be recognized Thursday [May 2] as the Division of Education’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student during spring commencement ceremonies.

The Riley Scholar, who also is being named a Stephen D. Lee Scholar for maintaining an overall 4.0 grade-point average, is receiving a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

One of three children, Dover was in the 10th grade when her family moved from Hickory to Meridian. After graduating through Meridian Christian Home Educators, a homeschool association, she attended Meridian Community College.

“Working with children, whether in Haiti or at my church, is what I love to do,” Dover said. “I saw elementary education as a versatile degree that I can use in the public or private school setting, on the mission field or maybe even someday homeschooling any children I may have.” 

Dover said she has enjoyed being a student at MSU’s Meridian Campus.

“The smaller class sizes and intimate campus that Meridian offered really appealed to me, making me feel more at home.”

Although it’s been three years since she has visited Haiti, Dover hopes she can go back soon.

“My family sponsors a little girl there, and I’d love to be able to see her again,” she said.

“Between classwork and studying, as well as student teaching in a third-grade classroom at Southeast Elementary since January, I haven’t been able to even consider going back,” Dover said. “Now that I’m about to graduate, I may begin work toward a master’s degree, but I really hope I get the chance to return to Haiti soon.”

Learn more MSU-Meridian at www.meridian.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.