JTC 25: Writing Her Own Path

As most students embark on their collegiate journey and their search for identity, a burning question occupies their minds: What will I do next? Beginning a journey of discovery is daunting, but for Caroline McCutchen, the road ahead was filled with opportunity.

McCutchen graduates in May from the University of Mississippi with bachelor's degrees in English with an emphasis in creative writing and in political science with an emphasis in law and courts. She has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and has earned numerous awards and honors, including a Marcus Elvis Taylor Memorial Medal, the Chancellor’s Honor Roll and the A. J. Holloway Scholarship.

“Literature is what inspired me to pursue the English major, but being pushed by my professors was what inspired me to pursue the creative writing emphasis and get out of my comfort zone,” McCutchen said. “I’m naturally a little bit shy, so having that structured way to write about people to bring their stories to life was really special to me.”

However, McCutchen’s collegiate life was not limited to the classroom. Although she began as the Arts and Culture editor at the Daily Mississippian, the university’s student newspaper, she worked her way up to copy chief.

“One of my primary responsibilities was writing a weekly feature series where I would feature individuals on campus, and my goal with that was to highlight underrepresented voices and perspectives,” she said.

 As a copy chief, McCutchen’s responsibilities included proofreading numerous articles each week, collaborating with editors and guiding other writers of printed and online publications.

“I met Caroline in the spring of 2022 when she took my Introduction to Literary Studies class,” said Beth Spencer, English professor and McCutchen’s Honors thesis adviser. “My first impression of Caroline was that she was quiet, observant and curious.

“It has been a true joy to watch Caroline’s evolution as a gifted scholar and talented creative writer.”  

With many paths ahead of her, McCutchen has centered her focus on helping others.

“This past summer, I worked as an intern with North Mississippi Rural Legal Services in their elder law project,” she said. “Elder populations, especially in rural Mississippi, are often neglected by legal services so I want to pursue a career in law where I can advocate for underrepresented voices and public service.”

Caroline Wigginton, chair of the Department of English and director of undergraduate studies, said McCutchen has a “perceptive mind” and “caring heart.”

“She is one of those rare people who is curious, principled and empathetic, and her fellow students always listened carefully to her comments,” Wigginton said.

During her time at the university, McCutchen has also interned with the North Mississippi VISTA Project and served as an ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts. She has capitalized on her time in Oxford, helping others frequently and setting an example for the entire student body.

After graduation, McCutchen plans to attend the Ole Miss School of Law. As she ends this chapter of her collegiate life and begins another, her focus remains the same.

 “My experience has informed me to be a person who thinks of others first and thinks, ‘How can I benefit others? How can I serve others?’”

Top: Caroline McCutchen, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA with degrees in English and political science, used her literary talents and campus leadership to amplify underrepresented voices — and she’s continuing that mission in law school to serve rural and underserved Mississippians. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Caroline McCutchen's Journey to Commencement