Contact: Bob Ratliff
A Mississippi State University junior from Jackson is a 2001 Excellence in Mississippi Scholar.
Kristi S. Holland recently received the $1,000 scholarship made possible by an alliance of state business and professional organizations. The honor is presented annually to students at MSU, Jackson State and the universities of Mississippi and Southern Mississippi.
A biological engineering major, Holland is a 1998 Hillcrest Christian School graduate and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Shearer. Following completion of a bachelor's degree, Holland plans to pursue a master's in biological engineering at MSU.
Holland is planning a career in the field of rehabilitation engineering, which involves technology-based solutions to barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Mississippi Scholars are selected from among majors in business, accounting, the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering or technology. The award also specifically targets students planning careers involved in the improvement of products, service or work life.
"The universities provided support for Excellence in Mississippi when it was formed almost two decades ago to improve the quality of products and service in the state," said scholarship chairman Frank Wiebe. "The scholarships are a way to thank the schools for that support."