Who Chooses
Us Over I
McGehee graduates are empowered as active citizens and leaders, skillfully communicating and advocating for themselves and others.
Who Stays
True to Herself
McGehee graduates are honorable, acting with integrity and courage and holding themselves accountable for their actions.
Who Never
Stops Learning
McGehee graduates are curious learners, engaged in intellectual pursuits, and eager to understand and explore the world around them.
Who Transforms the World
Tina Nguyen '14
Resident Doctor
“Because of McGehee’s Honor Code, I hold myself and other people around me to a higher standard. I truly believe that others will treat you with respect if you are unwavering in your integrity, and in turn, I trust and respect people who demonstrate the same quality.”
Phoebe Fortenberry '15
Dentist
"At McGehee, I was encouraged to explore anything that piqued my interest—whether Mock Trial, sports, student government, or even musical theater. If I wanted to try something out, I was met with new opportunities and willing teachers. This diversification is something that you cannot find at bigger, co-ed schools. This variety of experiences taught me how to adapt and lead, skills I carry into my career today. "
Elizabeth Gainey '18
NASA JPL Summer Intern, 2nd Year Mechanical Engineering PHD Student at Auburn University
"I started running cross country my junior year with no experience. My first meet showed my inexperience but I was determined to improve. By senior year, my PR was 20:56, I placed 27th at state, and was McGehee’s 3rd best runner. This taught me discipline and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Whether it was earning Latin Honors at Alabama, becoming a sorority cabinet member twice, or interning at NASA, I learned that hard work leads to success."
Layne Nalty '15
Physician Assistant
“As a three sport varsity athlete, I ended up spending time with the athletic trainers which opened my eyes to the world of sports medicine and the varying careers that you can have. This sparked my interest into the medical field and thus where I have ended up as an orthopedic surgery PA.”
Sarah Emily “Em” Smith Givens '09
Design Director, Color at Cotopaxi
“McGehee gave me a space to be creative and explore, thanks to the freedom of an all-girls school.”
E. Lee Jahncke Mead '96
Principal Decorative Painter
“McGehee instilled a sense of self in me that I never question and it informs all of my decisions. I probably should have been afraid to be on my own path but I never have been.”
Ashley van wormer '04
Obstetrician Gynecologist
Looking back at McGehee, Ashley credits the faculty for shaping her journey, remarking, “From reviewing essays to discussing science experiments, McGehee’s teachers provided invaluable encouragement, challenge, and support. They cultivated my love for learning and inspired my growth beyond the classroom.”
Saira Saeed '88
Senior Advisor, Public Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State
“The McGehee trip to Washington inspired me to attend college in D.C. and pursue a career in government and international affairs.”
Lauren Trostorff Robinson '10
Founder of Vibrant Market & Wellness Advocate
“McGehee fostered an environment of discussion and curiosity. This really shaped and supported the way I look at the world and question what is put in front of me. I am a very curious person, and I think this is a very important quality, especially in today's world.”
Carter Jahncke Perrilliat '98
Graphic Designer
“McGehee gave me an environment to encourage me to push boundaries and open doors. It helped me foster my talents and find a career path to use them.”
Vivienne Lapeyre '18
Grad School Student at SCAD in Themed Entertainment
“McGehee’s approach to discussion based analysis in the humanities gave me the skills to not be afraid to come to the table with questions and to speak out about my creative ideas with confidence.”
Anne Kock '09
Client Services at Waters, Parkerson, & Co., LLC
"My classmates and teachers pushed me outside my comfort zone, empowering me to be the best version of myself."
KATHLEEN FRICK BIGGINS '78
Founder and President at C-Change Conversations
“To me the honor code represents self-accountability—that we are responsible for our actions not because of external pressure or judgment but because of who we choose to be. In today's world, where popularity and "likes" rule so much of society, and truth is often manufactured, it is critical to have an innate recognition of right and wrong and the confidence to do the right thing, even if our actions are unpopular.”
Naya Gros '18
Student-Athlete at The University of Minnesota
"McGehee taught me to be confident, bold, and independent. Not letting social norms hold me back from what I want."
Paige Sentino '17
MPH Student, Health Policy and Management, Columbia University
“Going to an all-girls school allowed me to find confidence in my voice and to never doubt myself. That, combined with the incredible faculty who always encouraged me to reach my full potential, is why McGehee has played a major role in the intellectual I am today.”
Carroll Gelderman '11
Entrepreneur, Co-Owner The Garden District Book Shop and The Chicory House
“During my 14 years at McGehee I developed a real sense of duty and a strong work ethic. Our teachers always made me feel like my work really mattered and even if it didn’t directly apply to the real world, the process would teach me something I could use later on. I came to deeply value community and teamwork at McGehee—no woman left behind, ever. McGehee students and faculty are so supportive of one another and this holds true even after you’ve graduated. I’ll never forget all of the support I’ve received from McGehee these early years of running a business (or two!).”
Margot Koch '17
Master of Health Administration Candidate at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
“With all the confidence in the world, I can say that I would not be the person I am today without McGehee. McGehee instilled confidence, bravery, determination, resilience, and kindness in me.”
Breon Wise '12
Medical Student - LSUHSC
“Attending McGehee allowed me to experience many opportunities I would not have the chance to experience anywhere else.”
Jessica Hernandez '15
U.S. Diplomat, U.S. Agency for International Development
“I’ve been a McGehee girl since kindergarten. Growing up in an environment that not only empowers girls and young women, but instills in them the tools and values to be great leaders, I learned to have confidence in myself and my actions, to never doubt the value I add to any room, and to pursue my dreams in the face of any and all obstacles.”
Emily Steele '14
Strategic Accounts Manager, Ekotrope
“Having served as Student Council President my senior year at McGehee, I still carry the lessons I learned with me throughout my professional and personal life. I strive to see all sides of a situation, listen thoughtfully, and reach a consensus with a team. At McGehee we often issued letters of reflection, and to this day, I remind myself that mistakes can provide us with the greatest learning opportunities.”
Catherine Acomb Richardson '07
Investment Associate, Bollinger Enterprises, LLC
Reflecting on her time at McGehee, Catherine shares, “McGehee provided me with an environment for tremendous personal growth and also made me part of a dedicated community. I'm proud to remain a part of that community and share the experience with today’s McGehee girls.”
Grace Lyman Caudill '10
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
“My roles as team captain of Cross Country and Track, as well as serving on Student Council were experiences that taught me that anything worth doing was worth doing with the utmost integrity and dedication. “
Darian Harris '12
Infectious Disease Epidemiologist
“Attending McGehee helped me develop a voice and grow as a woman; it gave me the confidence and skills to lead beyond the gates.”
Lynn-Chi Nguyen '21
Rice university, class of '25
“Though I am currently keeping an open mind as to what in medicine I specifically want to pursue, I am ready to use the education I gained at McGehee and will gain at Rice to provide a helping hand and expand research for marginalized groups-- such as women and minorities-- hopefully as a practicing physician one day.”
From Here, to There & Beyond