Introducing the First Cohort of Professional Development Scholars from the Career Services and Professional Development Center

Emma Horton

Emma Horton, born and raised in Caledonia, is a junior transfer studentathlete from Itawamba Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in biology. She prides herself on being multifaceted and dedicated in her academic and extracurricular environments. Horton is involved in many organizations across campus. In addition to playing tennis for The W, she is also the student intern for the Career Services and Professional Development Center; a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC); an 1884 Scholar of the Women’s College; the representative of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR); and the Transfer Student Representative of the Student Government Association and the Ina E. Gordy Honors College Council. Outside of campus, she enjoys volunteering at her local church and clinic. After graduating from The W with her bachelor’s in biology, she plans to attend physician assistant school to be an emergency medicine PA and make a positive impact in the medical field.

Diamond Rayford

Diamond Rayford, a native of Kosciusko, is a student-athlete at The W double majoring in legal studies and elementary education. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Holmes Community College, where she was listed on the Dean’s List each semester and on the All-Academic Team. During her time at The W, Rayford has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Outstanding Legal Studies Student (2022-2023), Child and Parent Development Center’s Future Educator of the Year (2023) and JumpStart Corps Member of the Year (2023-2024). She has been listed on the SLIAC All-Academic Team and nominated for Outstanding Student each semester in the School of Education. Diamond is also a 2023 alumna of the NEW Mississippi Summer Institute. Outside of her studies, she serves as the President of I.D.E.A.L Woman, Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a member of the Young Black Leaders Association (YBLA). After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Rayford plans to attend law school and pursue her long term goal of serving others.

Marissa Street

Marissa Street is a junior speechlanguage pathology major at The W. She previously graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Itawamba Community College, near her hometown of Tupelo. While at ICC, Street was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and had the privilege of representing her college at the 2024 International Catalyst Convention. At The W, she serves as a resident advisor of Kincannon Hall and an active member of the Resident Hall Association. She enjoys crocheting, cooking, baking and watching baseball in her free time. After graduating from The W, she plans to pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology and a doctorate in audiology.