Dr. Ethel Young Scurlock is dean of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, associate professor of English and African American Studies, and Senior Fellow of the Luckyday Residential College. Scurlock became a faculty member at the University of Mississippi in 1996 and has taught honors courses for over 16 years.
Prior to being named dean, Scurlock was also director of African American Studies. She is a native of Memphis and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Tennessee and M.A. and Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University of Ohio. Scurlock has published numerous articles and reviews of African American literature in signal publications.
Her excellence in teaching is notable, being named the College of Liberal Arts Teacher of the Year in 2003, UM Humanities Teacher of the Year and the Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher Award in 2011.
A 2013-14 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program Fellow, Scurlock has also been recognized by the Mississippi House of Representatives for her work to promote diversity. She is the wife to Carlos Scurlock and the mother to two daughters, Jasmine and Janelle Minor. She also serves as pastor of churches in Oakland and Batesville.
Scurlock recently answered a round of questions to provide insight into her background and why she chose to work for Ole Miss. Below are her answers.
What is it like to be trailblazer?
Scurlock: I don’t see myself as a trailblazer, I just look at myself at someone doing hard work. I just keep my nose to the grindstone and don’t think about the title or the position; just the work that needs to be done. I want to show up and give 100 percent and make sure many come after me.
How do you juggle the workload of it all?
Scurlock: The key to it all is a good support system. I have incredible staff, wonderful family and friends. I keep good people around me that remind me that I don’t have to do it all and that are willing to help me carry the load.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Scurlock: Working with students. I love helping students live their dreams and finding ways to help them maximize their potential. I also love donor and alumni engagement; trying to think of ways to re-engage people in the community; and thinking of ways to commit their time, talent and treasure to the university.
What advice would you give a young Black professional trying to navigate their higher education career?
Scurlock: Work hard, don’t allow others to talk you out of a place you know you’re supposed to be in, and finally work from a place of purpose. Your purpose can never be your title, it has to be bigger than that.
Why Ole Miss?
Scurlock: Something bigger than me; there’s something powerful about this place. I have fallen in love with Mississippi and the potential of Mississippi. I love the natural resources, the genuine love and the sense of community. Two of my favorite cities are Charleston and Coffeeville.
In closing:
Scurlock: Don’t worry about what’s next, because what’s next always takes care of itself. The right thing at the wrong time becomes the wrong thing. Purpose will pursue you!