The Mississippi Valley State University Foundation will honor the memory of a recently deceased former board member with a full scholarship in his name.
Billy J. McCain, who was also executive director for community action in Bolivar County, passed away Sept. 26. The scholarship will focus on social work and business students at Valley, and first preference will go to students from Cleveland and the Bolivar County area.
“Billy had a tremendous impact on community action across the state,” said Walter Roberts, president of the Valley Foundation. “He was a very compassionate person and was an ambassador for those who couldn’t speak or do for themselves.”
Roberts said McCain did more for others than he did for himself.
“He never said no to anyone,” Roberts said. “He cared about education and didn’t feel like there was enough influence in the Delta to pursue it. He made that his mission to tell people about the value of education.”
André Curry, vice president for business and finance at Valley, said McCain was a very supportive of the university.
“He had a lot of this school in his heart,” Curry said.
Roberts said a resolution would be given to McCain’s family at the next foundation board meeting.
“He spent so much of his time laboring for the poor, children and the elderly,” Roberts said.
The scholarship will include full tuition and books for the recipient. Those who would like to contribute may contact the Office of Development at (662) 254-3790 and direct funds to the Billy J. McCain scholarship.
