JTC 26: Building Himself to be Someone Else’s Inspiration

On his first day on campus at the University of Mississippi, Edward Hunter felt like he had walked into a giant maze. Coming from West Point as a first-generation college student and one of few among his peers to attend university, he wondered if he belonged.  

However, that doubt began to shift as he found his place on campus. He graduates in May with a degree in political science, having built a record of leadership and public service that stretches from Oxford to Capitol Hill. 

In his small Mississippi hometown, Hunter often felt that there were places that he didn’t belong, like at a university pursuing a degree when others told him he couldn’t. Coincidentally, his freshman year coincided with the 60th anniversary of the university’s integration.  

“Attending events honoring James Meredith and seeing him in person for the first time was truly inspiring,” Hunter said. “Standing in the same spaces that once denied James Meredith, I began to reframe my own presence to emulate his legacy of perseverance and progress.  

“As a Black political science student myself, I found both inspiration and responsibility in his story, shaping my commitment to uplift the changemaking work he began.” 

This purpose led Hunter to participate in a political science Study USA course in Washington, D.C. He said the experience solidified his passion for public service and inspired him to become a leader and advocate at Ole Miss as president of the First-Generation Student Network.  

“This role and organization defined my undergraduate journey as I worked to ensure others felt a sense of belonging and knew of opportunities that would allow them to continue their education and build their network,” he said. 

The following summer, Hunter returned to D.C. as an intern on Capitol Hill, and, in the fall, gave a presentation on inclusive leadership at the 2024 National Society for Minorities in Honors annual conference along with three of his Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College peers. 

His continued passion for research and policy led him to apply for and receive the competitive Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress 2025 At-Large Fellowship, which gave him a better understanding of our governmental institutions and how they function.  

“Working with Edward on this application was an absolute joy,” said Whitney Woods, assistant director of the Office of National Scholarship Advisement. “His passion for service and academic understanding of complex governmental history and politics is inspiring to see in action.  

“At the same time, he is intentional and thoughtful in sharing his story and experiences to lead and advocate for his peers and generations that come after him.” 

Hunter also served as the Mississippi representative for the Henry Clay Center College Student Congress, where he learned to create bipartisan solutions to current and contested topics. Each of these opportunities affirmed his desire to lead others and work toward creating a better future for all. 

They also influenced his Honors College thesis, which focuses on federal judges.  

“Edward provides an innovative new look into a critical aspect of contemporary American politics: the nomination and confirmation process for federal judges,” said Andrew Stone, assistant professor of political science. “Edward exemplifies what makes an Ole Miss student great.  

“Not just a committed scholar in the classroom, he is driven to apply the lessons from his studies to help us better understand and solve real-world issues in contemporary politics.”  

“Working with students like Edward is easily the best part of working in higher education,” said Ashleen Williams, instructional associate professor. “We get to see firsthand how much potential for good there is in the world. 

“Edward has inspired me throughout his undergraduate career, and I have no doubt that he will continue to lead and inspire others as he embarks on his next chapter.” 

Sue Ann Skipworth, assistant chair and political science undergraduate program director, agreed that Hunter has exciting possibilities ahead. 

“I wish we could keep him here a little while longer, but he is destined for great things, and I am excited to see how he leaves his mark on the world,” Skipworth said. 

After graduation, Hunter plans to enter the workforce before pursuing law school. He is determined to change the world for the better. 

 “The University of Mississippi built my confidence from a shy, first-year student whose mind was riddled with imposter syndrome to become a young gentleman committed to ensuring everyone has a seat at the table of opportunity,” he said.  

“I know there is another small-town kid that worries if they can be successful, so I continue to build myself to be their inspiration.” 

Top: Edward Hunter, a political science graduate from West Point, graduates in May after serving as president of the First-Generation Student Network, interning on Capitol Hill and earning a fellowship with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services