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A $30,000 endowment in memory of Jackson State University alumna Priscilla Trice McGee has been established at JSU by Judge Carlyn McGee Hicks,’06, her brother Algernon Trice, Sr., and their family. The donation will be matched by Title III funds for a total of $60,000 to the Jackson State University Development Foundation.
The mother of Hicks and Trice, Sr., McGee passed away in September of 2020. Her children along with her siblings established the endowment to honor her legacy. “It is our hope that by investing in Jackson State University and providing scholarship opportunities to generations of scholars seeking careers in business, banking, and finance, our mother’s legacy will continue to impact the lives of young people positively,” said Hicks, who serves as the presiding judge of the Hinds County Youth Court.
Thomas K. Hudson, president of JSU, expressed his gratitude for the contribution and Carlyn’s representation as an alumna.
“We are immensely honored that Carlyn and her family chose to establish the Priscilla Trice McGee endowment at JSU.” JSU President Thomas K. Hudson said. “This collaborative gift is evidence of what Carlyn has done overall in her career, and we are extremely proud to be associated with her in this way.”
A native of Shannon, Mississippi, McGee earned her bachelor’s degree in social science from JSU in 1975. Shortly thereafter, McGee began a career that would span over 44 years in the financial industry. She dedicated the bulk of her professional tenure at what is now BancorpSouth.
McGee often engaged in endeavors to promote and support youth financial literacy, mentored many budding entrepreneurs as they grew their businesses, and helped several people save their homes during economic recessions. Her family characterized her as quiet, modest, and unassuming – yet largely impactful and influential, with a footprint across industries and households throughout the metro area. They hope the establishment of this endowment will further honor those qualities in McGee.
“Our mother emphasized the importance of education and community responsibility,” Trice, Sr. said. “This is our way of continuing that and honoring her by supporting what she held near and dear – helping young people achieve their dreams and doing for others.”
To be eligible, scholarship candidates must meet the following criteria:
• Be a JSU College of Business student
• Have an interest in banking
• Hold a 3.0 GPA
• Show proof of community service
• Submit a one-page essay on the importance of financial literacy
• Demonstrate financial need
For Hicks, this contribution is a personal continuation of her mother’s commitment. “This investment in the university can serve as a catalyst in promoting minority representation in banking and finance careers while alleviating financial burdens for young people pursuing higher education. Our family is delighted to assist in contributing to those pathways in honor of our mother, who gave so much of herself for the elevation and achievements of others.”
McGee’s husband, Carl Edward McGee, Sr., also attended JSU and retired from the university in 1995, where he served as assistant chief of public safety.