Get2College Announces Advisory Council
For Immediate Release: July 11, 2025
Contact: Morgan Miller, (601) 321-5527; mmiller@woodwardhines.org
JACKSON, MISS. – Get2College, a college access program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF), has announced the reinstatement of its Advisory Council, bringing together a new group of leaders to help shape and strengthen the organization’s services, outreach, and strategy. The council, last active in 2019, returns with a renewed focus on statewide collaboration and support. Its primary purpose is to provide input and guidance as Get2College refines its programs, direct services, and communications to better serve schools and communities across the state.
“Our Advisory Council brings together passionate professionals from across the state who understand the challenges and opportunities facing students today,” said Shannon Grimsley, Assistant Director of External Training & Partnerships at Get2College. “Their input will be critical as we continue to evolve our work and respond to the real needs of Mississippi’s students and schools.”
The 2025–2027 council consists of nine individuals representing a diverse range of backgrounds, geographies, and areas of expertise. Each member was nominated and selected to serve for a two-year term. The Advisory Council will participate in both virtual and in-person meetings, beginning with a July 17 meeting at the Jackson Get2College Center.
Members of the 2025–2027 Get2College Advisory Council include:
Jennifer Hall, School Counselor, Greenville High School
Abiola Ayanfalu, Career Coach, Petal High School
Lori Prather, Work Based Learning Coordinator, Clinton High School Career and Technical Education Center
Jamie Missimer, Director of Financial Aid, Pearl River Community College
Jody Lowe, Director of Admissions, University of Mississippi
Patrick Lovette, Director of Admissions, East Central Community College
Roderick Moore, College and Career Readiness Teacher, Moss Point School District
Monica King, School Counselor, Natchez Middle School
Shonique McLaurin, School Principal, Brookhaven High School
“Get2College has always been deeply collaborative, and this council formalizes that spirit of partnership,” added Grimsley. “With their perspectives, we can more effectively shape our services to be inclusive, responsive, and impactful.
The Get2College Advisory Council is part of a broader effort by WHEF to build sustainable, community-informed strategies that support student success across Mississippi. The council will play an active role in informing program development, refining training and outreach strategies, and serving as ambassadors for college-going culture and postsecondary success in their local communities.
To learn more about Get2College and its statewide college access work, visit www.get2college.org.
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About Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can access and secure the training and education beyond high school that will allow them to advance their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future for the state. Learn more about WHEF by visiting www.woodwardhines.org.
About Get2College
Get2College, the flagship program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation, is committed to providing excellent college planning services to Mississippi families to help students get to college and be successful there. The program offers free, comprehensive help to plan, prepare, and pay for education after high school as well as support for students to persist through and complete their education. Get2College also offers direct support to high school counselors and college-planning training to high school counselors, educators, and school leaders. Learn more about Get2College by visiting www.get2college.org.
