Mississippi College unveils Gayle Long Wicker Wellness Center

MC President Blake Thompson, right, visits with Gayle Long Wicker and her husband, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, shortly after the naming ceremony for the Gayle Long Wicker Wellness Center at Mississippi College Oct. 25.

For years, the Baptist Healthplex at Mississippi College has served the Clinton community as a place of instruction, recreation, fitness and healing.

The building that houses the Healthplex was formally named the Gayle Long Wicker Wellness Center on Friday, Oct. 25, as part of the 2024 MC Homecoming festivities.

A two-time Mississippi College graduate, Gayle Long Wicker is one of the Christian University’s most distinguished alumna. Wicker was the first female to be elected student body president, and she was the University’s first female admissions counselor. In 1996, she was appointed to MC’s Board of Trustees.

“It is an extreme honor for us to have the Gayle Long Wicker Wellness Center on the campus of Mississippi College,” MC President Blake Thompson said. “From her student days until today, Gayle has served our University in a variety of capacities with such commitment to our mission.

“We are grateful for her and all she does to support MC.”

Wicker is a past recipient of the Department of Communication’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award and was the University’s selection for the Order of the Golden Arrow in 2008.

The Gayle Long Wicker Wellness Center at MC houses the Baptist Healthplex, MC’s Physician Assistant Studies program and clinics.

The Baptist Healthplex is a premier fitness center that offers fitness classes, personal training and aquatics. Features include a walking and running track, aerobics studios, pickleball and racquetball courts, weights and a functional fitness area. The Baptist Healthplex has served as the leading provider of health and fitness to the Mississippi College community and the residents of Clinton and surrounding areas since 1997.

The Physician Assistant Studies program at MC is one of two PA programs in Mississippi and the only one in central Mississippi. The program features a 30-month program of study leading to a Master of Science in Medicine degree.