Student receives MIMA scholarship

Pristell Dogins can light up a room with a smile. And now with the help of a scholarship, his future is just as bright thanks to the Mansfield Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (MIMA) and the North Central State College Foundation.

Foundation Executive Director, Chris Copper knew from the moment she met Dogins that he was meant to receive the scholarship. “It was like the stars aligned,” she explains. “He’s a dynamic young man that fit the bill with everything MIMA was looking for in the scholarship recipient. We are very excited and proud to be a part of Dogins’ future and provide him with this scholarship for next semester.”

The MIMA funded an endowed scholarship with the College Foundation almost ten years ago. The group is made up of several pastors from different churches in Mansfield who come together to help the community and its members. The MIMA Scholarship is awarded to a student that is working to improve themselves academically and personally and has a financial need for support to achieve his/her college goals.

When Dogins first heard that he received the scholarship, he was shocked. “It is a very big blessing, and I appreciate everyone that’s involved in making this happen because it means a lot to me. It lets me know that people believe in me,” he said with a smile.

Dogins is studying psychology and has big plans for his future. “I love having in-depth conversations with people to learn why they think and act the way they do.”

He knew from the beginning that North Central State College was where he wanted to continue his educational journey. He explains, “I feel that North Central is a good fit for me because of its intimate environment. The teachers have more one-on-one experience with students.”

“North Central faculty and staff really care about me as a student. I am not just a number to them. They really have gone the extra mile for me, and that’s why I try to go the extra mile for myself, because of those people who believe in me.”

For Laurence Rawls, president of MIMA, giving the scholarship to a local student is all about giving back to the community. “We just wanted to make sure we gave the scholarship to someone who was attending a local college,” he said. “Hopefully they will graduate and want to stay in the community.”

Rawls says MIMA plans to give out scholarships to North Central State College students in the future.

As for Dogins’ future, he would like to continue his education after he graduates from North Central State and eventually obtains his master’s degree.

To find out more about the North Central State College Foundation and scholarships available go to www.ncstatecollege.edu/foundation.