MERIDIAN, Miss —Five Mississippi State University-Meridian graduates were recognized as outstanding students for the 2024 fall semester. They were among 65 Bulldogs receiving degrees Nov. 12 at the MSU Riley Center.

In the College of Professional and Continuing Studies, Joshua L. Wheaton graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mental Health and Education Psychology. A resident of Heidelberg, Wheaton said he chose the degree to fill his deep desire to help people.

“There is a shortage of professionals in the mental health field, and I believe many individuals truly need support,” he said.

Wheaton, who works as a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, said he plans to pursue a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling beginning next fall.

Nia Williams, a criminology major, was selected the recipient of the Mitchell Award for Undergraduate Excellence. A resident of Meridian and an MSU President’s Scholar, Williams said she was drawn to the degree because she is interested in the causes of crime and the impact on society. She plans to study forensic nursing in the future. Williams, a mother of two, is married to Dexter Williams, who is also a MSU student.

Brandi Sumrall is a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Organizational Design outstanding graduate in the Division of Education. A resident of Petal, Sumrall said she wanted to build on her prior degrees in education. She is a 2020 nominee for the Cindy Rose Teaching Award, a 2021 nominee for the Irvin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Advising Award, and a recipient of the 2021 Zacharias Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award.

Sumrall said she plans to transition from her role as an MSU-Meridian Division of Education faculty member to associate teaching professor at the start of the new year. She is married to Anthony Sumrall, a graduate of the MSU James Worth Bagley School of Engineering, and they have two children.

Ty’Mikka Chandler has been named outstanding graduate in the College of Business. A Meridian resident, Chandler said she chose her degree because business runs in her family.

“My father and uncles majored in business, accounting and entrepreneurship,” she said. “I’ve always loved the aspects of business—the ins and outs, procedures, policies, needs and wants for the economy,” she said.

Chandler is a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority’s Delta Nu Zeta chapter, the Mississippi Public Health Association and Phi Theta Kappa. Chandler plans to pursue a doctorate in human resource management at Indiana University. She is married to John Chandler.

David Justin Tisdale has been named as outstanding student in the College of Business. Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Tisdale graduated Magna Cum Laude. The Meridian native said he chose his field of study for its career opportunities.

“The opportunities for growth and development are endless in this section of work,” he said. “I have a passion for leading and administrating others toward a common goal.”

Tisdale is a 2020 Meridian Community College Circle of Excellence graduate and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He plans to work at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center.