Michael Watson: Serving and giving back
(Today in Mississippi) – The son of a preacher, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson was pulled in two seemingly different vocational directions when he was younger.
Because of his father’s profession, Watson wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps with the ministry. However, public service was also strongly calling him.
“I recall the time in 5th grade when (teacher) Mr. Gaines asked us to write down what we wanted to be when we grew up. That’s when the Lord’s still, small voice planted the idea of a career in public service in my heart,” Watson, 48, said recently to Today in Mississippi.
The wise words of a friend cleared up any possible conflict when he told Watson, “You can minister from any profession you choose.”
That conversation eventually led to a career that has spanned three terms in the state senate and — currently — two terms as Secretary of State.
A native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Watson has lived in Mississippi his entire life, except for a brief period in Baton Rouge when his father was in Bible college. A Pascagoula High School graduate, Watson earned a business administration degree and a law degree from the University of Mississippi. While in the Legislature representing District 51 in Jackson County, Watson opened his own law firm where he focused on business and construction law. Following three terms in the senate, Watson was elected as Secretary of State in 2019.
I’ll never forget a time in elementary school when Jimmy Colmer came to visit our class to talk about his career. As a young boy, having a ‘real live’ attorney take the time to visit with our class was so impactful. I knew if I was ever in a position to give back the same way he did for us, I would.
Watson and his wife, Lauren, have three daughters — Gracie Pierce, Annie, and Cora Beth.
The father of three has a passion for youth leadership, a zeal born from a visit to one of his classrooms when he was young.
“I’ll never forget a time in elementary school when Jimmy Colmer came to visit our class to talk about his career. As a young boy, having a ‘real live’ attorney take the time to visit with our class was so impactful. I knew if I was ever in a position to give back the same way he did for us, I would,” Watson said.
One of the ways he gives back to youth is his participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program. The program includes a Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. — paid for by the participating electric cooperatives — for high school juniors from all over the state.
The program teaches the students leadership skills, an opportunity to meet state lawmakers in Jackson as well the state’s congressional delegation in the nation’s capital. The program also teaches students about how electric cooperatives work and operate including a co-op’s role in the community they serve.
“As a preacher’s kid and former youth minister, I have always had a heart for service and young people. Through my role as a senator and the Secretary of State, I have been fortunate enough to be invited to speak to this group of leaders on almost an annual basis,” Watson said.
Watson said he is always amazed at the thoughtful, in-depth questions the delegates to the Cooperative Youth Leaders program ask.
“Students are often dismissed for lack of engagement, but I’m here to tell you, we have some of the best and brightest right here in our state. Whether it’s ways to get involved, how toimprove race relations, or combatting brain drain, our youth are actively looking for ways to make Mississippi and each other better,” Watson said.
Watson also runs a youth leadership program in the Secretary of State’s office.
The Secretary of State’s Student Ambassador program is a unique opportunity where students with a passion for leadership and state government are equipped to return to their schools as proponents of voter education and civic awareness. Through regular interactions with Watson, other leaders from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, state and local officials, and business and industry leaders, students who complete the program receive a first-hand account of state government in action, establish a network of like-minded peers from across the state, and experience the processes which ensure Mississippi is a better place for generations to come.
When asked about the stories of former leadership students from both programs that stand out to him, Watson said there are many worth remembering.
“While I could tell you story after story of students who have gone through the program and then continued on to an honors college, an internship in Washington, D.C., or even crowned Miss USM, the most impactful was a student who opened up to me and said she never had anyone try to help her or invest in her. When I can make a small difference in someone’s life or change the trajectory of their future, that’s what it is about!”
Watson also said he loves how both leadership programs cross connect.
“Since this is the fourth year of the Ambassador program, I have met several students at the Cooperative Youth Leaders program who have expressed interest in applying for the ambassador program. These students are being mentored and have their cups filled not just once or twice but year after year. I’m confident in Mississippi’s future knowing these students will be leading the way,” he said.
Still, there is his main job as Secretary of State, ensuring voting and elections statewide are fair. The elections division is one of eight divisions he is responsible for, including business service and regulations and the public lands division.
Watson said the hardest part of the job is balancing his work life and family life.
“I have a wife and three beautiful girls at home. I often feel the strain of being present for my family while ensuring I’m giving the people of Mississippi 110%,” Watson said.
Public service is the job he was meant for, he said, because he loves helping people.
Watson said he also loves to give back.
“When I think of all the mentors who poured into me and made me the person I am today, I am thankful I have the opportunity to give back in a little way.”