College Republicans Host GOP Chairman for First Meeting
The newly formed organization has ambitious plans for its future.
The MC College Republicans gathered for the first time on Thursday, February 21. The meeting occurred only three days after College Republicans obtained official status as an on-campus organization. Even before the club's approval, the officers of the MC chapter worked behind the scenes to ensure a strong start for their organization.
The club, sponsored by Dr. Glenn Antizzo of the Department of History and Political Science, is an officially recognized auxiliary of the Mississippi Republican Party.
Kye Webb, a freshman from Pontotoc, serves as the club's chairman. “I would describe the College Republicans group as a way to help students and faculty get an understanding of politics, whether that be locally, statewide, or nationally, through a conservative lens,” Webb said. As a political science & pre-law major, Webb’s own interest was a significant part of the club's formation. “The thing I look forward to the most would be helping people get a good understanding of what is going on in our government and letting them have an opportunity to meet local or statewide Republican leaders.”
The inaugural meeting was headlined by guest speaker Mike Hurst, Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party. Hurst, a prominent voice in the Mississippi GOP, previously served as U.S. District Attorney during the first Trump administration.
During his visit with the club, Hurst took questions and gave advice and encouragement. He began the conversation by affirming the need for unity and peace while remaining grounded in truth and avoiding compromise of conservative values. The attorney commended the group for their interest in local, state, and national politics. “It’s only you guys who can step out and step up and save this country,” Hurst said. “We need to have good people stepping up.” He concluded with reading a portion of President Trump’s second inaugural address and emphasizing the opportunity the group had for influence.
12 students attended, and several other individuals popped into and out of the meeting. Dr. Blake Thompson, President of Mississippi College and longtime friend of the GOP chairman, joined for a few minutes to greet the speaker and observe the group. Public Safety officer Gregory “Mayor of MC” Travis also dropped by.
In their first week as a campus organization, College Republicans stands with around 15 members. Efforts to grow the club will continue through the semester.
Club officers point to the different opportunities club involvement brings. “It's a great way to network and build connections,” said club secretary, Grey Thompson. “We’re looking to reach out to a wide variety of students, different majors, classes, and really of all backgrounds.”
As a sophomore pre-law major, Thompson’s interest in civics and politics led him to be a charter member of the club. “I thought there's definitely a need for this on campus and it seemed like a good opportunity,” Thompson said.
Members of the MC College Republicans have ambitious goals for the future. Increased membership, more guest speakers, and student-led campaign efforts are all things on the group's agenda. “I think at least by the end of the year, we want to have at least 50 members and start getting more politically involved in local races, whether that's campaigns, fundraisers, phone banking, or other things,” Thompson said.
Multiple club members explained their desire to see campaigning as a significant aspect of the club's future operations. “We are also a campaign tool for republican candidates that need help campaigning whether that be phone banking or door knocking,” said chairman Kye Webb.
Members of the club seemed hopeful and excited to carry out the vision cast in their constitution. As the constitution’s preamble reads, “We, students of Mississippi College, in order to promote conservative values to our fellow students; to encourage civic engagement and interface with local, state, and federal government on our college campuses; to encourage a clear, free, and continuous exchange of ideas; and to instill and promote a greater spirit of progress and loyalty for the Grand Ole Party do ordain and establish this Chapter of College Republicans at Mississippi College.”
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