MC School of Business Announced Scottie and Jana Parrish as 2023 Distinguished Alumna of the Year.
The MC School of Business recognized Scottie ‘86 and Jana Parrish ’85, ’92 as 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the Year. The husband-and-wife duo has crafted considerable careers in the financial industry.
“We are so proud to recognize Jana and Scott as our Alumni of the Year recipients and are justly proud of their success,” said Marcelo Eduardo, dean of MC Business. “What makes their selection so special for us is that not only are we recognizing two very accomplished professionals, but they are two of our graduates whose love and dedication for MC and the business school has been and is extraordinary.
“Jana’s involvement with our very successful mentorship program is an example of her dedication to MC Business, and Scott has been instrumental in connecting our entrepreneurship initiatives with support from key financial institutions such as Regions.”
Jana Parrish said she and her husband are honored to be recognized by the School of Business.
“It is very humbling when an institution you love and admire so much bestows an honor on you,” said Jana Parrish, who was a Dean’s Scholar and a member of the Mortar Board, Kappa Delta Pi, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities while an undergraduate. “It is especially meaningful that Scottie and I share this honor as we have been married partners in life and in our support of MC for over 37 years.”
The pair credit MC Business for helping prepare them for success in the financial sector.
“The School of Business at MC taught me facts and figures, but more importantly, taught me how to think for myself and question the status quo while acting with compassion for others,” Jana Parrish said. “The two most important things I learned while in M.B.A. school at MC were endurance and resourcefulness. Learning follow-through skills and how to search for answers and ideas have served me well.”
“One of the greatest lessons learned while I was at MC was what Dr. Bo Roberts always told his students – we could do anything with hard work and dedication,” said Scottie Parrish, who played trumpet in the marching band and was an MC cheerleader. “I still carry that with me to this day.”
After obtaining his B.S.B.A. with an emphasis in management from MC, Scottie Parrish joined Trustmark National Bank in Jackson and became Northpark branch manager and vice president. He graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Banking and, following stints at Bankplus in Ridgeland and AmSouth Bank in Jackson, spent 10 years at BancorpSouth as a vice president and commercial lender in Jackson and Madison. He moved to Renasant Bank in Madison before landing at Regions Bank in Madison as senior vice president and commercial lender, where he recently retired.
Jana Parrish found similar success in banking compliance. After earning her M.B.A. at MC, she served as a trust officer at Union Planters Trust and Asset Management in Jackson before joining Pinnacle Trust Company in Madison, where she rose to executive vice president of compliance. Recently, Jana transitioned to the role of Director of Accounting at But God Ministries.
Both have maintained close ties to their alma mater. Scottie Parrish serves on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors – he was president of the board in 2018 – and, as an M Club member, is involved with MC Athletics. Jana Parrish is a mentor in the Women in Business Mentoring Program and has served as an Alumni Support Team Leader. They are both actively involved with the Mississippi College Foundation.
“We rarely decline an opportunity to help our University or to return to campus for an event,” Scottie Parrish said. “Each time we leave campus after attending a function, we always comment to each other that our time at MC is always well spent.”
What is their message to today’s business students? Make the most of your time and opportunities at Mississippi College.
“Don’t take lightly the education you are getting at MC,” Scottie Parrish said. “In today’s world, more than ever, the strong Christian education you are receiving is the most important thing you can obtain and take with you into the world. Integrity is very important – always do the right thing.”
“Not everyone gets the quality education from caring and supportive professors available at MC,” Jana Parrish said. “You will experience instances later in life where you will be glad you have a firm foundation in Biblical business principles, because they will be tested.
“The older I get, the more grateful I am for the education I received at Mississippi College.”
