In 2026 Melvin Oakes, a 1956 graduate of Hinds, was selected Alumnus of the Year. He was nominated by Martha Gillespi Ferguson, a fellow student at Hinds and close friend. John Murphy and Greg Sitz kindly wrote letters supporting the nomination. After selection, Hinds sent a team to Austin to interview Mel. I would like to thank Sydney Manna, Alumni Coordinator and her staff, for their work making this event happen. I also appreciated the extra efforts of Karin Meadows, Director of Public Relations, videographer Patrick Wiggins and Angie Foote, photographer who kindly came to our home in Austin for photos and an interview. The interview is included below, simply click on the picture.
Melvin Oakes and Matt Jones, VP of Advancementat Hinds Community College
Click the photo above for video of interview with Mel Oakes by Hinds team:
Sarah, Mel and Mardie Oakes
Sarah Oakes, Mel Oakes, Durham Deifell and Mardie Oakes
L to R: Bettye and Donald Oakes, Jay Rufner, Sarah Oakes, Stuart Oakes, Melvin Oakes, David Oakes, Mardie Oakes, Christian Oakes, Durham Deifell, Jim and Twyla Oakes.
Matt Jones, Mark Jimerson Jr. (Young Alumnus of Year), Melvin Oakes, Vicksburg Medical Foundation (Alumni Service Award) (?)
Melvin Oakes, acceptance speech.