By The People’s Paper MS
WESSON, Miss. — For Charles Nelson and Jessica Senter, their time at Copiah-Lincoln Community College became part of something much bigger than a college education.
This week, Co-Lin will honor both alumni for the impact they have made since leaving campus.
Nelson will receive the 2026 Alumnus of the Year Award, while Senter will be named 2026 Young Alumna of the Year during Co-Lin’s Homecoming festivities Thursday, Oct. 8.
The two will be recognized during the Alumni Awards Reception at 3:15 p.m. in the Thames Center on the Wesson Campus.
From a Co-Lin Basketball Scholarship to a 55-Year Career
A native of Monticello, Nelson began his college journey at Co-Lin on a two-year basketball scholarship while studying pre-engineering.
His path eventually took him to Louisiana State University, where he earned an engineering degree and began a 55-year career in the construction industry.
Nelson also served 14 years with the Army National Guard’s 106th Engineering Battalion.
His professional career included 34 years with H.A. Lott Inc., where he began as a field engineer and eventually served as president from 1986 to 1995.
He later joined Gilbane Building Company as a senior project executive, helping oversee major construction and renovation projects across seven states.
But Nelson’s legacy extends beyond the buildings and projects associated with his career.
He became known for mentoring others and serving his community. He served as president of AGC Houston in 1993 and was later named an Honorary Lifetime Member.
He also spent 12 years coaching youth football and baseball and served as chairman of deacons at Tallowood Baptist Church.
Nelson and his wife, Ladonn, married in 1965. They have two children and two grandchildren.
Senter Turns Co-Lin Experience Into a Career of Service
Senter’s Co-Lin experience also helped shape the person and professional she would become.
While on campus, she was involved in student life as a Colette, Trailblazer and member of Phi Beta Lambda. She also represented her class on the Homecoming Court.
After graduating from Co-Lin, Senter transferred to Mississippi State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.
She later earned a master’s degree from Belhaven University and is now pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration.
Today, Senter serves as director of outreach and engagement for the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, where she works with organizations across the state to improve the lives of children and families.
Her commitment to leadership also extends beyond her professional role.
Senter is a member of Leadership Greater Jackson’s 38th cohort and serves on the board of the Copiah-Lincoln Band and Colette Alumni Association.
She credits her time at Co-Lin with helping build the confidence, relationships and foundation that continue to influence her career and commitment to serving others.
Senter and her husband, Devonte, live in Jackson with their dog, Onyx.
A Homecoming Celebration
Nelson and Senter will be honored alongside Co-Lin’s 2026 Hall of Fame recipients during the Alumni Awards Reception Thursday afternoon.
The recognition is part of a full slate of Homecoming activities on the Wesson campus.
The celebration will continue into Thursday evening when the Co-Lin Wolf Pack hosts East Central Community College at 6:30 p.m. at Stone Stadium.
For two alumni whose Co-Lin experiences helped shape their paths, Thursday offers a chance to come home, reconnect and be recognized by the college community that helped them get started.
Read more local stories from The People’s Paper MS at thepeoplespapersms.com.
