ELLISVILLE ā ĢĒŠÄÖ±²„ English instructor, Tim Morris and sophomore English major, Emily Daigle of Seminary have been selected as William Winter Scholars and will be attending the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration (NLCC). They will be joining several dozen outstanding Humanities Division students, faculty members, and professionals from Mississippiās universities, colleges, and community colleges will be honored as William Winter Scholars at the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, February 26-28, 2026.
Daigle was nominated by Morris as someone who stood out as an English major with great interest in the subject matter. Additionally, she has performed very well in all of her classes and excels in all English courses especially.
āThis honor represents the physical embodiment of my hard work as a student and the hard work of the teachers who have helped me to get this award,ā said Daigle. āBeing a William Winter Scholar basically feels like aĀ pat on the back for pastĀ dedication and an encouragingĀ boost for futureĀ prospects. I am looking forward to meeting other students and faculty receiving this honor. I honestly believe the best part of most experiences is the conversations you get to have with different people.”
Ironically, Daigleās mother, Christine was selected as a William Winter Scholar when she was attending Mississippi College. While she was not able to attend that conference as a student, she will be joining her daughter Emily in Natchez to celebrate her selection to the prestigious Humanities honor.
āSo even though she didnāt get to experience NLCC while she was in college, sheās going to experience one with me which makes this honor even more special,ā said Emily Daigle.
Each Winter Scholar is chosen by his or her educational institution as the Humanities Divisionās most outstanding student, faculty member, or professional. This award allows winners to attend most of the NLCC free of charge. The annual award also carries with it prestige and public acknowledgment of how highly the person is regarded by his or her institution. Winners are honored publicly at the opening and closing sessions, in printed materials, and in publicity.
āMr. Morris recently created a new Films for Humanities class (started Fall 2025) that lends itself so well into this literary and cinematic celebration,ā said Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Julie Atwood. āHe is so well respected amongst students and his colleagues and is also considered our English pathway lead faculty member. He is an excellent representative for Jones in this capacity.ā
Morris, who has been teaching at JC for the last 13 years, is looking forward to meeting humanities colleagues and students from other institutions at the Natchez conference in addition to being recognized as a William Winter Scholar.
āI am passionate about teaching in the humanities, so being recognized as a William Winters Faculty Scholar for my work in this field is especially meaningful to me. Now more than ever, the humanities should take center stage in our educational programs, as they foster connection and remind us of our shared humanity,ā said Morris.
The Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration program Morris and Daigle will be attending is called, āStories of American Freedom,ā focused on the founding of America to today, as told by expert historians and prolific authors. Each author will share a different piece of the history of the struggles and successes of Americaās leaders, protestors and heroes; the stories that make us who we are as Americans today. Each authorās stories offer hope and resilience and are the stories of perseverance and bravery by ordinary people who took a stand and fought hard for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Headlining the event is Dr. Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, who is a professor of constitutional law, a civil rights attorney, an author, a playwright and a legal commentator.