Get to know William Pentecost
Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
As someone who has always had an interest in and would like to pursue politics one day, it was an easy choice for me to apply to the Lott Institute at Ole Miss. Prior to arriving at Ole Miss as a freshman, I knew a few students who were in the Institute. They told me about all of the great things about being a member of the Institute and a PPL major, from the small class sizes and sense of community, to the classes offered and internship opportunities a student could get from being in the Institute. Ultimately, my decision to attend Ole Miss was because of my acceptance in the Lott Institute, and this decision is one that I am so glad I made.
What are your career aspirations?
As of now, I plan to attend law school upon graduation, particularly working in the commercial law sector. In addition to becoming a lawyer, I would like to get into the political world in some elected capacity.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
I have had great professors during my time at Ole Miss, both within Lott and beyond. However, if I had to choose one professor who has been the greatest help to me, particularly in Lott, I would have to say it has been Dr. Jones. While I have not had her for an actual class yet, Dr. Jones has been someone I can go to for advice or just to talk to about anything. She helped me tremendously with all things related to my internship, and has also given me great advice along the way about strategizing for my future. Dr. Jones has been like a great friend, more so than most other professors at Ole Miss, and I am extremely grateful for all that she has done for me along the way.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
Last summer, I had the opportunity to work for Senator Wicker in his Jackson Congressional Office. During my time there, I was able to help with a lot of community projects in and around the Jackson area. One specific project we worked on was the Reunion Parkway, which connects the Reunion community and others that are a bit outside of the main city of Madison, to US HWY 51, which runs directly through the heart of town. The Parkway will cut travel time in half for people coming from Reunion to the grocery store, or to school, and is overall a great investment project for the state that ensures growth for Madison in the future.