Millsaps Value Proposition Project

The Millsaps Value Proposition Project explores the decision-making process for high-achieving students choosing between Millsaps College and larger honors colleges like Ole Miss. Requested by President Neville, our team analyzed Millsaps’ competitive landscape by consulting enrollment leadership and honors students from institutions across the Southeast. While many competitors promote small classes and personalized attention, our research found a disconnect between marketing and student experience, with many students feeling lost in large lecture halls and lacking close faculty relationships. Beyond academics, students also consider factors such as merit scholarships, priority registration, exclusive housing, and the appeal of a big-school experience with athletics and brand recognition.

Millsaps’ distinct value proposition stands out: a truly personalized education within a “Do It All” environment, where students can excel academically while engaging in athletics, Greek life, leadership, and extracurriculars without compromise. Our research underscores Millsaps’ strengths in faculty mentorship, small class sizes, and access to real-world internships and professional networks within the Jackson community—advantages that larger universities struggle to offer. To build on this, we recommended a focused communications strategy emphasizing authentic storytelling, targeted digital marketing, and strengthened outreach to high school counselors. This approach aims to position Millsaps as the premier choice, affirming that every student is in the honors college—and that’s why students choose Millsaps.