Ethel native Marcus McGehee, a 2007 graduate of Silliman Institute, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication during a commencement exercise on May 18.

During his career on the LSU Track and Field team, McGehee emerged as one of the premier pole vaulters in the Southeastern Conference while earning a pair of All-SEC honors.

McGehee set an indoor personal record at the SEC Indoor Championships with a clearance of 17 feet, 7 1/2 inches to earn his first career All-Conference selection with a second-place finish overall.

As an LSU Tiger, he posted the fifth-best performance in program history with his effort at the SEC indoor meet.

McGehee earned the right to compete at the NCAA Indoor-Championships for the first time in his collegiate career and recorded three personal-best records during the 2011 season.

He also set a new lifetime best outdoors with a clearance of 17'7" to win the Pole Vault at the LSU Alumni Gold.

McGehee moved into the number eight spot on LSU's all-time outdoor performance list with his personal best performance.

He earned his second All-SEC honor of the season with a clearance of 17', 4 1/2" en route to a runner-up finish at the SEC Outdoor Championship.

He was also a 2011 and 2012 pick for the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

In addition, McGehee performed community service work during his summers at LSU by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, visiting several childrens' units at various hospitals and completing a 2011 internship at Marucci Bats Company in Baton Rouge.

While at LSU, he assisted in coaching several high school track and field teams including his Alma Mater, the Silliman Institute track team.

During his high school tenure, McGehee competed in the Mississippi Private School Association at Silliman Institute and was District, South State and State Champion in the pole vault during his junior and senior seasons at Silliman.

In 2007, McGehee also set district and state records in his speciality; records he still holds.

McGehee is the son of Marlin and Carrie McGehee of Ethel and the grandson of Ewin Lea McGehee of Jackson and Virginia Osborn of Ethel.