A fresh new voice!

Rust Alum Honored for Religious, Social, Civic and Educational Contributions

August 2, 2010

 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, the City of Columbus and the Honorable Mayor Robert Smith of the City of Columbus honored Rust College alumnae Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, dean of undergraduate studies at Jackson State University last month for outstanding contributions to religious, social, civic and educational endeavors.

The home girl, high achiever has had an honors trek lifestyle. An honored graduate of R.E. Hunt High School, Leggette earned her bachelor of arts degree in English from Rust College in 1966, the master of science degree in reading from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Ph.D from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Active in church from childhood, Leggette served as secretary of Sunday School, a member of the choir and the Baptist Student Union. She performed in many Easter, Christmas, and special occasion programs, and she worked in the community in youth groups and city activities.

Leggette is a member of Forward Lookers Federated Club, where she served as a three-term president, the secretary, and currently, as the chaplain. In Federation, she has served as Fourth District president and currently serves as the president of the Southeastern Association of Colored Women's Clubs and Youth Affiliates.

 She is an active member of Beta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she has been honored for her commitment to service and leadership.

A dedicated member of the LeFleur's Bluff Chapter of the Links, Inc., she serves as secretary and chairs the Handbook committee. She also holds membership in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and several other professional and educational organizations.

She is a strong supporter of HBCUs with finances, attendance and service and has been honored by her alma mater for outstanding achievements and honored with the outstanding designation from NAFEO.

Leggette is a frequent consultant, evaluator and presenter for educational, social and religious organizations. She is a program specialist and has developed successful programs at the elementary, secondary, community college and college levels and authored a number of grants to support student success.

She is listed in over 10 Who's Who publications and was recently listed in the Inaugural edition of Who's Who in Black Mississippi.  She has authored articles and publications in college reading and has been featured in several publications on

first-year students.

Leggette traveled to Zambia, Africa, in July, 2009 to serve as a project specialist in training elementary school teachers and evaluating classroom instruction in action.

A member of Sweet Home Church of Christ (Holiness) USA, she serves as the women's Sunday School teacher, chair of the Budget Committee and the Pastor's Anniversary Program.

Leggette is the mother of two adult children, Junoesque Leggette Jacobs and Chan E. Leggette, and grandmother of Sylvia Saralyn Leggette.