Mississippi State Auditor Shad White spoke at the Ole Miss College Republicans’ first meeting of the school year on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
“Young people can make a huge difference in Mississippi, and I saw that when I was a College Republican here getting involved in campaigns,” White said. “One of the reasons I love coming back is to tell students to dig in, find policy areas or things that the government does or doesn’t do that you can sink your teeth into.”
White focused a lot on the importance of young people and their role in shaping a new landscape of Mississippi politics.
Ole Miss College Republicans President Cass Rutledge opened the event by addressing students who might not agree with the organization’s values or beliefs.
“If you’re an independent (or) if you’re a Democrat, you have a place,” Rutledge said. “Even if you disagree with us, if you stick around long enough you might make a friend.”
Sophomore biology major Hugh Lewis — who is not a registered member of the Ole Miss College Republicans — attended the event.
“I came to hear (Shad White) speak,” Lewis said. “My buddy invited me, so I’m here. It’s important for other students and other college Republicans to attend to spread awareness and to form a community.”
White detailed his journey to the office of state auditor, experience as an Ole Miss student and Rhodes Scholar and beginnings in state politics. White also offered career advice, drawing from an early moment in his Mississippi political career when he swept a room after a fundraiser.
“My advice to you is to pick up the broom and sweep through it,” White said. “Do the task you’re given because if you do that, and you do it well, your boss is going to give you the next slightly more important task.”
White also fielded questions from students and attendees about the future of Mississippi and its Republican Party.
“When we get people here who are experienced (and) who are in the very places that we’ll be in in 10 to 20 years, it’s an invaluable opportunity to learn (and) to shape our opinions and minds into what we would want them to become in the future,” College Republican Secretary and senior accounting major Graham Speed said.
