Get2College Welcomes New Members to Advisory Council for 2026–2027 School Year
The 2026-2027 council includes educators, higher education and community partners, and, for the first time, a student representative.
Get2College, a college access program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF), is pleased to welcome two new members to the Get2College Advisory Council for the 2026-2027 school year. These additions bring valuable student and educator perspectives, strengthening the council’s work to expand postsecondary access and support student success across Mississippi.
Originally established to bring together leaders from across education, workforce, and college access, the Get2College Advisory Council continues to evolve to reflect the diverse voices and experiences that shape postsecondary access in Mississippi. The 2026-2027 council includes educators, higher education and community partners, and, for the first time, a student representative who provide insight, share expertise, and help ensure Get2College programs and services remain responsive to the needs of students and communities statewide.
Joining the council is Trevor Tory, a graduate of Terry High School from Byram, Mississippi, who will attend the University of Mississippi this fall as a finance major. Throughout high school, Trevor was involved in band, where he played bass guitar and trombone, while also developing a passion for serving others through community service and volunteer work. As he navigated the college-going process, Trevor experienced firsthand the impact of Get2College’s support, including guidance with college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and preparing for the transition from high school to college.
Also joining the council is Dana Buchanan, College and Career Readiness teacher at Southeast Lauderdale High School in Lauderdale County School District, where she has served students for the past 11 years. With 23 years of experience in education, Dana is dedicated to helping students explore postsecondary opportunities and prepare for successful futures through intentional college and career planning. Her experience connecting students with postsecondary pathways and career exploration brings valuable perspective to the Advisory Council. Combined with her firsthand knowledge of the opportunities and challenges students face as they prepare for college and careers, she offers practical insight that will help inform the council’s work.
The Get2College Advisory Council is one way WHEF ensures its statewide college access work remains informed by the experiences of students and the professionals who support them.
“The strength of our Advisory Council comes from the diverse experiences our members bring,” said Shannon Grimsley, assistant director of training and professional development for Get2College. “Dana’s experience helping students prepare for college and careers, combined with Trevor’s firsthand perspective as a recent student navigating the college-going process, strengthens our ability to serve students, families, and communities across Mississippi.”
The 2026-2027 Get2College Advisory Council includes representatives from K-12 education, higher education, college admissions, financial aid, career coaching, and student leadership from across Mississippi:
- Jennifer Hall, Greenville High School, School Counselor
- Abiola Ayanfalu, South Mississippi Planning and Development District, Career Coach
- Lori Prather, Clinton High School, CTE Teacher
- Jamie Missimer, Pearl River Community College, Director of Financial Aid
- Jody Lowe, University of Mississippi, Director of Admissions
- Patrick Lovette, East Central Community College, Director of Admissions and Records/Registrar
- Monica King, Morgantown Middle School, Counselor
- Shonique McLaurin, Brookhaven High School, Principal
- Dana Buchanan, Southeast Lauderdale High School, College and Career Readiness Teacher
- Trevor Tory, University of Mississippi, Student Representative
Together, their expertise strengthens Get2College’s ability to provide relevant, student-centered resources and support to Mississippians pursuing education beyond high school.
To learn more about Get2College and its statewide college access work, visit www.get2college.org.