Alumnus Magazine | Summer 2020

BULLDOG

STRONG

Campus community

unites in support

and service amid

COVID-19 pandemic

INSIDE Summer 2020

Community through Distance p. 15 | Leaders in Action p. 38 | Infinite Success p. 42 | A New Normal p. 54

Alumnus_Summer_2020.indd 1

7/31/20 1:48 PM

Table of CONTENTS

13

FEATURES

24 Class of 2020

Spring graduates show resilience and hope for their futures despite the

challenging end to their spring semesters

38 Leaders in Action

Task Force team guides MSU through COVID-19

42 Infinite Impact

Mississippi State’s unprecedented, comprehensive philanthropic

campaign achieves historic success as it wraps a decade-long run

49 Till the Cowbells Come Home

Bulldog Athletics readies playbook for post-COVID events and

student-athlete success

ABOVE: Two Mechanical

engineering students, Ryden Smith,

right, of Tuscaloosa, and Wesley

Cameron of Richton, work to

convert a truck toolbox into a UV

sterilization device at Mississippi

State’s Center for Advanced

Vehicular Systems. The device is

being used to sterilize masks for

MSU’s Longest Student Health

Center staff, filling a need during

the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Logan Kirkland


7/31/20 1:48 PM

SUMMER 2020 | VOL. 97 | NO. 2

PRESIDENT

Mark E. Keenum, ’83, ’84, ’88

VICE PRESIDENT

FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI

John P. Rush, ’94, ’02

15

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jeff Davis

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Sid Salter, ’88

EDITORS

Susan Lassetter, ’07

Harriet Laird

56

42

WRITERS

Vanessa Beeson, ’19

Amy Cagle

Camille Carskadon, ’12

James Carskadon, ’12

Nathan Gregory, ’08

Harriet Laird

Susan Lassetter, ’07

Allison Matthews, ’00

Sasha Steinberg, ’14

Melody Thurlow, ’90

Erica Way

DESIGNER

Heather Rowe

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Megan Bean

Logan Kirkland

Beth Wynn

DEPARTMENTS

02 Campus News

10 Discoveries

22 State Snapshot

54 Profiles

62 Alumni News

70 Giving Back

74 Class Notes

76 Forever Maroon

79 Back Story

59

COVER

When the COVID-19 pandemic

seemingly brought the world

to a standstill this spring, the

Mississippi State family united in

service to protect and support its

students, campus and communities

at large.

Photo by Beth Wynn

EDITORIAL OFFICE

P.O. Box 5325

Mississippi State, MS 39762

662.325.0630

slassetter@opa.msstate.edu

ADVERTISING

Jeff Davis

662.325.3444

jdavis@alumni.msstate.edu

Mississippi State University’s Alumnus

magazine is published three times a year by the

Office of Public Affairs and the Mississippi

State University Alumni Association. Send

address changes to Alumni Director, P.O. Box

AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526. Call

662.325.7000, or email cturner@advservices.

msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion,

national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal

opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Campus NEWS

BRIDGING

THE DISTANCE

Pandemic crisis highlights Bulldog spirit,

advances in distance education

By Susan Lassetter

At the beginning of March, just over 2,000

students participated in online classes at

Mississippi State University. By month’s end, that

number had swollen to more than 20,000 as MSU

found itself in an unprecedented situation due to

the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like institutions of higher learning across the

country, Mississippi State had just over a week

to make all of its face-to-face courses available

through online delivery. But unlike some other

institutions, Mississippi State had the resources

and expertise necessary to make this drastic

change as seamless as possible.

“There was such a

can-do attitude

expressed

on a number

of fronts very

quickly. Our Center

for Distance Education and

the university’s Information

Technology Services raised

their hands immediately to

say ‘let us help.’”

~David Shaw

2 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Provost and Executive Vice President

David Shaw attributed this success to the

dedication of the university’s faculty

and staff.

“There was such a can-do attitude

expressed on a number of fronts very

quickly,” Shaw recalled. “Our Center for

Distance Education and the university’s

Information Technology Services raised

their hands immediately to say ‘let us

help.’ They stepped up in that week of

preparation to expand the capabilities

of our technology and train hundreds

of faculty, staff and students on how to

use it.

“Susan Seal and her entire team in the

Center for Distance Education dropped

everything to really be there for the

faculty and share the experience they

brought to the table with how to do a

high-quality job in online education,”

he continued.

A service unit that coordinates all of

MSU’s online academic programs, the

Center for Distance Education oversees

more than 50 degree and certificate

programs, including nationally ranked

offerings in engineering, education

and business. At the beginning of the

semester, this involved roughly 250

faculty members teaching 432 online

courses. Within a week at the end of

March, they added more than 1,000

faculty members and 3,695 courses.

Seal credits much of the success of the

transition to the efforts of MSU Libraries,

ITS and the Center for Teaching and

Learning, as well as the Center for

Distance Education.

“I was proud of our team and how

they stepped up to quickly identify what

our faculty, staff and students would need,

and then worked late hours to provide it

as they made the transition to completely

online,” Seal said. “And the faculty

themselves, especially those who had

taught distance courses before, really came

together to help each other make the best

of this situation.

“Building a quality online class can

take months,” Seal continued. “So, you

were never going to create a true distancelearning

experience in a week’s time. But

by pulling together and building on our

combined experience in online teaching,

we were able to preserve the quality of

an MSU education. It’s not the same as

being able to hang around after class or

share social experiences like you do on

campus, but as an institution, we were

able to meet our educational objectives

thanks in part to the personnel and

infrastructure already in place.”

With more than 18 years of experience

in online learning, both at an academic

level and in an outreach capacity with

MSU’s Extension Service, Seal said she

sees distance education as the fulfillment

of the land-grant institution’s mission.

“Through online education, we’re

taking the university out to the people

who can’t come to campus, whether

because of location, career, family or, in

this case, public safety,” Seal said. “Being

able to support the university community

during this crisis will, I think, change

perceptions and open people’s eyes to the

capabilities of distance education.”

Shaw agreed, noting that, while it was

under non-ideal circumstances, having

all classes temporarily move online has

opened the door to possibilities that might

have otherwise not been available.

“The silver lining is that we will have

more opportunities in the future because

of this situation,” Shaw said. “Faculty

are seeing real advantages to some digital

approaches; deans and department heads

are brainstorming ways to create hybrid

course offerings; and everyone is learning

and developing new tools that will not

only advance online teaching but face-toface

courses as well.”

He noted that after announcing the

summer semester would be online only,

the university saw an increase in the

number of courses to be offered over

what was originally planned when it

“Through online

education,

we’re taking the

university out to

the people who

can’t come to campus,

whether because of

location, career, family or,

in this case, public safety.

Being able to support

the university community

during this crisis will,

I think, change perceptions

and open people’s eyes to

the capabilities of distance

education.”

~ Susan Seal

was to be face-to-face. There was also a

more than 35% increase in the number

of credit hours registered for by students.

Shaw said this is a testament to the

Bulldog family and shows how it’s the

people, not the proximity, that make

Mississippi State great.

“We’re never going to be a fully

online institution, but distance education

will continue to play an important

and growing role at MSU,” Shaw said.

“Throughout this crisis, our faculty

have demonstrated—whether through

Webex, email or text messages—that

they were still there for our students. And

the dedication of our faculty and staff

to make themselves available to support

our students, even if it was outside of

normal hours or traditional settings,

really shows the true Bulldog spirit. And

it’s those people and that dedication that

differentiates an MSU education from all

the rest.” •

ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU 3


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Campus NEWS

ESSENTIAL

IN SERVICE

MSU staff provide much-needed

services for Bulldog community

in midst of pandemic

By Harriet Laird

In response to COVID-19,

Mississippi State staffers have

worked diligently behind the

scenes to come to the aid of

students. From tracking down

laptops for those without

a computer to ensuring

they have food and other

essential items, MSU

employees have jumped

into action.

They are the unsung

heroes who’ve gone

above and beyond.

In a time of crisis,

Bulldogs can do

exceptional things,

and here are a few

shining examples.

4 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

MONTELLEO HOBLEY

Bully’s Closet and Pantry

At the time Montelleo Hobley drove from

the Florida Panhandle toward Mississippi

in 2017 to accept his first job in the MSU

Division of Student Affairs, he knew that

his life was about to change. What he didn’t

know was three years later he would have the

chance to dramatically and positively change

the lives of hundreds of students during an

unprecedented time.

Through his role as student services

coordinator, Hobley oversees Bully’s Closet

and Pantry. Prior to spring break, he and

the volunteers who staff the pantry had

helped about 250 students with clothing and

food since the free service began in January.

However, as the virus spread and shut down

businesses, restricted travel and forced MSU

to limit campus operations, more and more

students found themselves lacking basic

necessities.

With a sudden increase of about 200

additional students needing immediate help,

Hobley worked to ramp up BCP’s offerings.

“We added a click list, curbside service,

social media accounts that featured cooking

demonstrations, and even opened a new BCP

location at MSU-Meridian,” he said. “We

wanted to fill every need we could and supply

as many specific items as possible.”

Fresh vegetables, pet food, and more

health and hygiene products were among the

staples that Hobley began to include on the

digital order form now being used by BCP to

meet clients’ changing needs.

“I definitely have had to readjust my job,”

he said. “I’ve created a satellite workspace here

at BCP that’s separate from my main office in

Student Affairs, and the logistics of keeping

this service running have evolved.”

Hobley said the experience has changed

him as well.

“I feel more connected now to the

students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, store

owners and so many others,” he explained.

“I feel what a community is, what joining

together for a common cause is.”

PAUL HUDDLESTON

MSU Libraries

Paul Huddleston, systems administrator

for MSU Libraries, calls himself a “cog

in the machine” as he looks back on the

hectic weeks after spring break when

university administrators moved courses

completely online.

“I played a small part,” he said modestly

of his important role in equipping students

with the necessary technology to complete the

spring and summer sessions.

Prepping computers with the right tools

for students to effectively learn during the

pandemic has been a significant role change

for Huddleston, whose work in the past

mainly focused on keeping technology up-todate

for library employees and patrons.

Outfitting more than 250 donated

and purchased laptops suddenly became

Huddleston’s focus as the equipment filled

Mitchell Memorial Library’s basement

offices. Each one, he said, had to include

the Microsoft Office, Canvas educational

platform, a lockdown browser for testing,

virus protection, a virtual private network

and more.

“Along with these computers, we also

loaned students C Spire hotspots, camera

kits, tripods and camcorders—basically

anything we could provide to help them do

their work,” said Huddleston, who earned

bachelor’s and master’s degrees in information

systems from Mississippi State.

Huddleston was quick to praise the

various university divisions, departments,

offices and individuals who either donated

computers or purchased them.

“The university joined together as a

community to make the best out of the

situation that we could,” he said.

He also singled out his library co-workers

for stepping up. Faculty research, library

loan orders, archival scans, book checkout

and much more have continued, even if the

processes have been revamped.

“The payoff for us has been how

appreciative and thankful the students,

faculty and community members have been,”

he said. “We all have wanted to do what we

could to make the ‘new normal’ feel a little

more comfortable.”

BRENT CROCKER

Emergency Management

Emergency personnel constantly plan

for the next major disaster, but no one had

been trained to deal with a pandemic of the

scope and scale of COVID-19—not even

Brent Crocker, Mississippi State’s emergency

manager.

Regular training, according to Crocker,

usually covers severe weather, bomb

threats, active shooter situations or natural

disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes.

Pandemics are also included in national, state

and community emergency plans, but the

new coronavirus is like nothing most people

have ever experienced in their lifetime.

“Many agencies have plans for it, but with

this virus the plans didn’t play out as written

for most. Emergency workers are definitely

rewriting the book from this experience,” said

Crocker, who earned a bachelor’s in business

and master’s in information systems from

Mississippi State.

While the playbook may not have

included step-by-step instructions for the

university’s response, Crocker knew the first

priority was guaranteeing the safety and



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Campus NEWS

health of everyone on campus, and part of

that protection was setting up a quarantine

facility. Butler Guest House became a secure

location for housing anyone who showed

signs of the disease.

Crocker also became the point person

for working with employees and students

who were producing personal protective

equipment, or PPE, for distribution across

the state. Because of its research and

engineering capabilities, the university was

able to send PPE to the Mississippi Emergency

Management Agency, medical facilities,

numerous cities and counties, and even offices

on campus that needed them.

“Helping out in a time of need is

rewarding,” Crocker said, adding that he

hopes history shows how everyone pulled

together to make health and safety the

university’s primary focus.

“People were genuinely willing to help and

put aside who gets credit,” he said. “They care

about their university community.”

JAMES JANKOWSKI

MSU DINING SERVICES

Food service on a college campus usually

comes in high demand the Monday after

spring break, with MSU Dining staff glad to

see the familiar faces of the more than 22,000

students returning to the university with big

appetites.

Things were different this March.

“We would have been ready to ramp back

up,” said James Jankowski, Aramark resident

district manager. “All 22 eateries would have

been back in full operation, and our team of

500 employees would be buying, preparing,

cooking, serving and selling.”

Instead, when that Monday rolled around

this spring, only three dining locations

reopened as the university moved all courses

online for the remainder of the semester with

coronavirus spreading across the state and the

nation. Marketplace at Perry, Starbucks and

the POD in Colvard Student Union sustained

the few students who stayed on campus.

Jankowski said adapting to serving a few

hundred instead of thousands isn’t that foreign

to his team, which has quickly been able to

switch gears in situations when classes are

suddenly canceled or weather prevents events

from taking place.

“They have helped each other to make

things happen,” he said of the smaller staff that

took on more responsibilities and changed

duties to keep those on campus fed.

Over the summer, Jankowski spent much

of his time thinking about how MSU Dining

would move forward for the fall semester and

how to accommodate students in the new

environment after COVID-19. To-go orders,

pick-up locations, new offerings, speed of

service, adequate seating and the installation of

kiosks have been a few of his considerations.

“We want safety to be our top priority,

but we also want quality food service,” he

said. “Our biggest factor is looking at student

feedback and what they want next. Their

habits drive our direction.”

ANN SANSING

MSU EXTENSION

Summertime usually means children and

teens of all ages come to Mississippi State for

enjoyable and enriching experiences through

camps and other activities that keep their

curiosity and creativity thriving. Talents

are developed, personal growth occurs and

encouragement to explore takes these young

people to places they never thought they

could go.

The summer of 2020, though, didn’t

happen quite as planned for camp organizers

who struggled with how to offer programming

in the time of COVID-19.

As director of the Rural Medical and

Science Scholars Program at Mississippi

State, Ann Sansing knew she and other staff

members had to begin early to prepare for

the continuation of her curriculum, a 20-

year staple at the university and cornerstone

of the MSU Extension Service’s mission

of youth development. The program helps

rising high school seniors determine if they

want to pursue health-related careers and

shapes students’ interest and understanding of

medicine, health-related disciplines and other

STEM fields.

“This required a different level of thinking

and planning. Solely leaning on technology to

create that face-to-face atmosphere was now

dependent on a screen with personality,” said

Sansing who, in addition to being a Rural

Health Fellow, holds both a bachelor’s in

marketing and master’s in technology from

Mississippi State.

Quickly recognizing the importance of

moving summer programs online, Sansing

said school closings, the emergence of the term

“social distancing” and all-around feelings

about future uncertainty emerged as key

factors in changing to virtual learning.

The toughest part was planning for

physician shadowing and practical learning

like suturing techniques. She said these

hands-on activities were replaced with

medical simulation software, video instruction

technology and real-time videoconferencing

sessions. Sansing and her team even created

virtual roommates and counselors, so student

participants could experience teambuilding

activities, relationship building, mentorship

and program navigation.

“The inception took a different mindset

to maintain that personal connection and

mimic a face-to-face environment,” she said.

“Our staff envisioned obstacles and challenges

as opportunities. We were pushed out of our

comfort zones to think critically, embrace

change and ‘create’ in the unknown.”

Looking back at this summer’s successful

program, Sansing is a believer that educational

programs via online learning—whether

real-time or independent—rises to the same

excellence and commitment as face-to-face

learning environments.

“Change can offer opportunities to develop

new skills and techniques that will prove

profitable in the 21st century,” she concluded. •

6 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Mississippi State University and Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians leaders

came together in January to mark the founding of MSU’s Native American

Student Association. The new organization was founded by MSU students

and the university’s Division of Student Affairs to bring together and support

Native Americans on campus. MSU’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is

home to several diverse student organizations and promotes a climate

in which all cultures, especially minority and international students, are

appreciated as valued members of the campus community.

Mississippi State’s three hospitals affiliated with its College of Veterinary

Medicine were recognized for attaining the nation’s highest level of

veterinary care excellence. The university’s CVM Animal Health Center,

Veterinary Specialty Center, and Animal Emergency and Referral Center all

earned American Animal Hospital Association accreditation after a rigorous

review of the hospitals’ practice protocols, medical equipment, facilities

and client services. AAHA-accredited hospitals are recognized among the

finest in the industry and are consistently at the forefront of advanced

veterinary medicine.

Allen Barnes Van Pamel

Three Mississippi State students from Alabama were selected for the U.S.

Department of State-sponsored Critical Language Scholarship Program.

Recipients are Donielle D. Allen, a senior microbiology major from

McCalla, Alabama; Grace K. Barnes, a senior secondary education/English

education major from Madison, Alabama; and Rebecca M. Van Pamel, a

senior English major from Athens, Alabama. Allen and Van Pamel both

are students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Judy and Bobby

Shackouls Honors College. Barnes is a student in the College of Education.

Creative writing and

fiction are two of

Becky Hagenston’s

favorite subjects

to teach. With her

selection this year for

the highly coveted

Pushcart Prize, the Mississippi State

English professor is proving she’s got a

knack for these areas. Her short story “Hi

Ho Cherry-O” was originally published

in the spring 2018 issue of Witness

Magazine. Editors of that publication

then nominated the story for inclusion

in the Pushcart Prize’s 2020 edition,

featuring 72 authors from 47 presses.

Jervette R. Ward,

a Mississippi State

associate professor

of English, and Mia

Rodriguez of Milton,

Florida, a senior

English major serving

as editor-in-chief

of The Reflector,

represented the

university as 2020

William Winter

Scholars in February

at the 31st annual Natchez Trace Literary

and Cinema Conference.

Sofia Alvarez of

Belmont, junior

political science

major, is a University

of California,

Berkeley selection

as a Junior Fellow for the 2020 Public

Policy and International Affairs Summer

Institute. With a cohort of 30 fellows

selected from universities across the

nation, the fellowship includes courses

in economics of public policy analysis,

quantitative methods for public policy

analysis, and policy analysis and

communication.

Yucheng Liu, who

holds the university’s

Jack Hatcher Chair

in Engineering

Entrepreneurship

within the Bagley

College of Engineering, received the

2020 Forest R. McFarland Award

from Society of Automotive Engineers

International. The McFarland

Award is presented annually to SAE

members who have made outstanding

contributions to SAE Engineering events

through planning, development and

dissemination of technical information

via meetings, conferences and

professional development programs.

Mimmo Parisi,

founder of Mississippi

State’s National

Strategic Planning

and Analysis Research

Center (NSPARC),

is taking on a new

position as MSU’s

senior advisor for

European development.

NSPARC Deputy

Executive Director

Steven Grice is now

serving as the center’s interim executive

director.

Junior biochemistry

major Hannah L.

Scheaffer of Ruston,

Louisiana, has been

selected to receive

the prestigious Barry

Goldwater Scholarship. She is among

nearly 400 students from across the

country receiving the highly coveted

undergraduate award that encourages

pursuit of research careers in the natural

sciences, engineering and mathematics.

Scheaffer is pursuing a concentration in

science and a minor in French.

Freshman Mia C.

Robertson, a political

science major from

Starkville, won the

university’s first

individual national

championship in debate. She was named

overall season-long national champion

in her International Public Debate

Association division out of 305 qualified

debaters from 84 schools.

J. Alex Thomasson, a

precision agriculture

and cotton ginning

expert, is the new

head of Mississippi

State’s Department of

Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

Kari Babski-Reeves,

a three-time

Mississippi State

engineering alumna,

is the new department

head for industrial and

systems engineering within Mississippi

State University’s Bagley College

of Engineering.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

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8 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Giving + Getting

the most from your assets

When most people think about making a charitable gift, they think

of giving cash. While we welcome gifts of many kinds to help

support Mississippi State University, there are ways you can give and

benefit from a gift of other assets.

• You can avoid paying capital gains tax if you give appreciated assets.

• You will receive a charitable deduction for your gift which can lower your tax bill.

• You can make a gift today while preserving your cash for immediate or future needs.

• You and your family can receive benefits such as lifetime income.

• You may be able to make greater gifts than you ever thought possible.

For more information on how you can give and get the most from

your assets, contact the MSU Foundation Office of Gift Planning.

MSU is an AA/EEO university.

Wes Gordon, Director of Gift Planning

(662) 325-3707 | wgordon@foundation.msstate.edu



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Discoveries

States-of-Emergency

MSU agriculture, forestry, Extension and veterinary medicine

units help Magnolia State manage overlapping crises

By Vanessa Beeson, Nathan Gregory and Melody Thurlow

As a global pandemic bore down on

the world this spring, Mississippi

had its share of unique challenges.

In addition to the novel virus that causes

COVID-19, Mississippi also grappled with

the threats it faces every March and April,

namely severe weather that spurs tornadoes

and plenty of rain.

As a land-grant university, MSU bolsters

two of the state’s largest economic drivers—

agriculture and forestry. Research, extension

and teaching in the MSU Division of

Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine

support these two industries, which accounted

for $7.2 billion in total farm-gate value, with

an additional $15.5 billion value added to the

Mississippi economy indirectly in 2019.

Reuben Moore, the division’s interim

vice president, said that each unit within the

division played a distinctive role responding

to COVID-19 and carrying out essential tasks

that keep the state of Mississippi thriving.

“Our programming affects all

Mississippians—whether it be the food

supply, sustainable natural resources or

animal welfare—we’re here to ensure a

better quality of life for everyone in our

state. This is illustrated most often when

10 SUMMER 2020

our state is faced with uncertainty,” Moore

said. “Despite closures or crises, our

faculty strives to maintain continuity in

agricultural and forestry research along with

advancing knowledge through educational

programming. Our scientists are planting

research plots to address critical issues faced

by farmers and assisting those serving on

the front lines, particularly in a state of

emergency.”

He continued, “Even when many of

our researchers were working from home,

our agronomic, animal science, forestry,

fisheries, veterinary medicine and poultry

science professionals spent time with animals

and in fields or with clients who need our

professional expertise. We are here to educate

and serve the people of Mississippi, both

today and into the future.”

MSU Extension Service

Before the first cases of the coronavirus

in Mississippi were confirmed, health and

communications specialists with the MSU

Extension Service began working with the

Office of Agricultural Communications

to produce videos and news articles

addressing COVID-19 concerns ranging

from sanitization to talking with children

about the virus to coping with stress. They

also developed publications and digital

educational materials on business strategies,

finances, meal planning and resources for

local governments.

State leaders and health professionals were

already trying to contain the COVID-19

pandemic in the Magnolia State’s borders

when a worst-case scenario of overlapping

crises came to pass on Easter Sunday.

Widespread tornadoes in the southern half

of the state on Sunday, April 12, caused 14

fatalities, many injuries and catastrophic

destruction to residential, commercial and

agricultural property.

With Mississippi under two states of

emergency, the MSU Extension Service

became an integral part of the response.

MSU Extension is written into the

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s

Comprehensive Emergency Management

Plan as an essential agency.

Extension personnel are placed on standby

to assist MEMA, as well as the Mississippi

State Department of Health, Mississippi

Department of Agriculture and Commerce,

and the Mississippi Board of Animal Health,

when a state of emergency is declared. The


7/31/20 1:48 PM

organization’s functions range from caring

for animals and row crops to supporting the

mass care and feeding of children and adults

displaced or left without resources during or

after a disaster.

“While people have turned to Extension

for their educational needs for more than

100 years, they have also looked to us for

leadership, encouragement and stability

during emergencies,” said MSU Extension

Director Gary Jackson. “We’re perhaps best

known for our work as an education agency

supporting agriculture and 4-H, but we also

provide essential education in family and

consumer sciences, community development

and natural resources, and we do vital work in

all of these areas during disasters.”

Examples include the work of the

MSU Extension Office of Agricultural

Communications, which produced 150

media releases, educational publications,

blog posts, videos and social media graphics

between the beginning of March and the

end of May. Posts on MSU Extension and

Mississippi 4-H social media platforms

reached more than 950,000 users.

Extension’s Center for Technology

Outreach played a critical role in an ongoing

process of making internal trainings and

Extension programs for the public available

for online delivery. One-third of Extension’s

statewide educational programs are now

available online. The Extension Center for

Government and Community Development

assisted local and county governments as

they navigated their communities through

unprecedented challenges.

The response to the needs of small

businesses and agricultural producers and

Mississippi 4-H’ers included webinars on

stimulus funding, safe environments for

farmers markets and holding the state’s

annual 4-H Congress event virtually.

As for the poultry industry—Mississippi’s

largest agricultural sector—storms damaged

or destroyed more than 90 poultry houses,

while other facilities had to temporarily

run on generator power as the industry was

already coping with COVID-19 concerns.

MSU Extension poultry experts consulted

workers as they stepped up biosecurity

measures at their plants in response to the

pandemic. They used videoconferencing and

other digital media to provide guidance on

disaster recovery, bird welfare and grower safety.

The expertise of Extension faculty and

staff in forest management is also in high

demand after any weather event. Nearly

13,000 acres of private forestland in the

“Our programming affects all

Mississippians—whether it be

the food supply, sustainable

natural resources or animal

welfare—we’re here to ensure

a better quality of life for

everyone in our state. This is

illustrated most often when our

state is faced with uncertainty.”

~ Reuben Moore

southern half of Mississippi totaling almost

$15 million in value were damaged during

the severe weather event. Extension forestry

specialists responded by hosting webinars

for affected landowners on salvaging stormdamaged

timber.

College of Agriculture and Life

Sciences and the Mississippi

Agricultural and Forestry

Experiment Station

During the pandemic, much of daily

life has seemed to come to a halt for many

Mississippians. But come rain, shine, snow

or global health crisis, there are crops to plant

and animals to feed because the world still

needs agriculture to thrive.

Throughout the spring, vital planting

continued at the 16 MAFES branch stations

across the state. While pandemic-related

safety measures put restrictions on faculty

and staff movements, the main obstacle they

faced was a more familiar foe as wet weather

delayed many plantings.

Faculty, staff and students in the

Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry

Experiment Station had to take extra

health measures to minimize risks as they

capitalized on breaks in the rainy weather to

get personnel in the field. Still, John Blanton,

the unit’s interim associate director, said those

working on the farms remained diligent and

dedicated to providing the necessary efforts to

meet the needs of all researchers.

“MAFES and the Forest and Wildlife

Research Center have some of the best people

in the world who understand the importance

of agricultural and natural resource research.

They have sacrificed a great deal during this

pandemic to ensure that we continue to serve

all of our stakeholders,” said Blanton, who

is also head of the animal and dairy sciences

department in the College of Agriculture and

Life Sciences.

He continued, “Throughout the

pandemic, many of the technicians and

crews on campus and at research stations

have continued to come into work to make

sure that Mississippi’s agricultural research

enterprises continue to function, and many

more continue to work from home. I am very

proud of everyone’s efforts.”

That hard work has culminated in the

planting of approximately 3,870 acres of

row-crops like cotton, corn, soybean and

rice to forage and horticulture such as

fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and much

more across the Mississippi farmland that

makes up the MAFES experiment stations.

Crops for the MAFES official variety trials,

vegetable trials and research studies in

entomology, plant pathology, agronomy and

weed science all have been planted during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

While the crops were going in the

ground for various research purposes,

animals have continued to be cared for and as

an extension of that, milk from the Bearden

Dairy Research Center have been delivered

daily to the Custer Dairy Processing

Plant to make cheese.

In addition to the more than 420 Holstein

and Jersey cows at the MSU Dairy, the

Experiment Station also cares for 2,500 cows

in the MSU Beef Unit; 80 horses including

nearly a dozen newborn fillies and colts in

the MSU Equine Unit; nearly 2,800 broilers,

laying hens, turkeys and other fowl in the

MSU Poultry Unit and acres of aquaculture.

“Whether it’s caring for the herds at

the dairy and in the beef unit, the flocks

in the poultry unit or planting season at

our branch stations, the dedication of our



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Discoveries

personnel during this difficult time translates

to essential research that helps agricultural

producers in Mississippi and across the globe

keep food on our plates today and into the

future,” said George Hopper, recently retired

dean of the College of Agriculture and Life

Sciences and director of the Mississippi

Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

Hopper pointed out that while the work

has continued in the fields, the students in

the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

are quickly adjusting to the new landscape of

learning brought on by the pandemic.

“We have outstanding students and

faculty that have had to adapt to online

instruction on short notice,” Hopper said.

“I have never been prouder of our professors

who moved all instruction, including our

labs, to a virtual environment.”

He continued, “While this particular

challenge certainly hasn’t been easy, we

pulled together as a team to complete the

semester as we graduated a record number

of students across both the College of

Agriculture and Life Sciences and the

College of Forest Resources.”

College of Forest Resources

and the Forest and Wildlife

Research Center

In MSU’s College of Forest Resources,

faculty and staff joined with alumni to ensure

quality education and top-notch experiential

learning opportunities continue in the state’s

only nationally accredited forestry, wildlife,

fisheries and wood science program.

“We develop future leaders in natural

resources. Additionally, valuable research

continues in support of forestry and forest

products industries, and in wildlife and

fisheries recreation in Mississippi, which

generate $12.79 billion and $2.7 billion,

respectively, to the state’s economy,” said

Hopper who is also the dean of the College

of Forest Resources and the director of the

Forest and Wildlife Research Center.

Hopper explained that the college and

FWRC have continued to produce highquality

research but have worked differently,

alternating remote work, field collection and

laboratory work with flexible scheduling.

Examples of this work include a new study

on tracking vultures, enlisting help from

citizen scientists who have spent a large

12 SUMMER 2020

amount of time at home. Additionally,

scientists in the FWRC’s Center for Resolving

Human-Wildlife Conflicts released a feral pig

damage computer application that enables

local farmers to assess wild hog damage as

it happens. The Department of Sustainable

Bioproducts continues its work to explore

new uses of southern yellow pine lumber

which translates to greater income for

Mississippi’s private forest landowners.

Hopper said everyone across CALS,

MAFES, CFR and FWRC are doing all they

can with an unfailing sense of Bulldog spirit

in helping everyone who needs it.

“It’s our sense of Bulldog pride that

compels us to serve our community and help

everyone we can during this unprecedented

time,” Hopper said. “Whether that’s helping

train our students, helping producers make

the best decision with best farm and forestry

practices, or conducting basic sciences in

molecular biology, one thing is certain. We

are all doing our best to overcome this crisis.”

College of Veterinary Medicine

While the MSU College of Veterinary

Medicine’s mission is focused on educating

students, advancing research and providing

diagnostic and specialty veterinary services

to the region, the college has expanded its

focus during the COVID-19 pandemic to

share resources with medical personnel at the

state and local levels.

Five CVM research scientists in the

Department of Basic Sciences stepped up to

assist the Mississippi State Department of

Health with efforts to mitigate the ongoing

COVID-19 pandemic.

These scientists include research associates

Michelle Banes and Allen Shack; Dr. Wei

Tan, director of the CVM flow cytometry

facility; graduate student Liyuan Liu; and

post-doctoral researcher Dr. Nogi Park, all

skilled in molecular biology and currently

working in areas conducting infectious

disease research.

By making themselves available to

conduct COVID-19 diagnostic work on

human samples at the MSDH laboratory

in Jackson during weekends in May, they

provided the lab’s day-to-day employees the

opportunity for a needed respite. These five

scientists joined Dr. Lifang Yan, a CVM

faculty member at the Mississippi Veterinary

Research & Diagnostic Laboratory in Pearl,

who was already assisting the MSDH.

CVM also delivered personal protective

equipment to the university’s Longest

Student Health Center, and two ventilators

suitable for human use are on loan to OCH

Regional Medical Center in Starkville.

Additionally, the college remains in contact

with appropriate agencies and physicians and

emergency preparedness representatives at

the University of Mississippi Medical Center

in Jackson, MSU’s health center and OCH,

regarding their ability to assist in efforts to

care for the public should additional resources

and personnel be needed.

In addition to the college’s efforts helping

medical personnel, it remains committed to

its primary responsibility of educating those

entering the field of veterinary medicine.

The college also continued to provide

essential services during the COVID-19

pandemic to ensure that veterinary care is

available to agricultural and companion

animals. Throughout this process, they

adhered to CDC, MSDH, MBVM, as well as

state and university guidelines, to maximize

the safety of staff, clients and patients.

Both the Animal Health Center in

the MSU Wise Center and the Animal

Emergency and Referral Center in Flowood,

continued to treat all emergency and essential

cases, such as diabetic, gastric distress and

other such patients that could not wait weeks

for medical care.

College of Veterinary Medicine Dean

Kent Hoblet said he is proud of how the

college has responded to the crisis.

“This is an unprecedented situation that

has hit our country and many in our state

hard, and we all have to do our part to get

through it,” Hoblet said. “We are proud of

our partnership with state and local agencies

and health care facilities.

“We’re also proud of our graduating class

for the obstacles they overcame to complete

their degrees and realize the dreams they

worked so hard to reach for so many years,

and we know they are entering the field

well-prepared to meet the needs of animals

in our ever-evolving world,” he continued.

“We remain committed to meeting the needs

of both companion and agricultural animals

while protecting the health and well-being of

our faculty, staff, students and clients.” •


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Industrial and systems engineering doctoral student Abdullah Al Mamun of Bangladesh monitors the production of face shields by an MSU team making their first set for health care

facilities in Meridian. Using 3D printers and basic office supplies, the engineers and researchers are manufacturing 250 of the face protectors per week to be delivered to medical

professionals caring for patients with coronavirus.

LENDING A HAND

MSU researchers contribute to statewide COVID-19 response

By James Carskadon


brought most in-person activity

at Mississippi State to a halt,

administrators and faculty worked swiftly

to ensure the university could carry out its

educational mission remotely. With the

state and nation dealing with unprecedented

difficulties, carrying out the university’s

service mission was also paramount.

Throughout the university, faculty, staff

and students used a combination of unique

concepts and campus research infrastructure

to assist in the state’s COVID-19 response.

Using a design created by Mississippi

State engineers and 3D printers in Mitchell

Memorial Library, McCain Hall and the

downtown Idea Shop, members of the

university community produced face shields

to help address a shortage in personal

protective equipment for medical personnel

across the state. Over 1,000 of these shields

were distributed, first directly to Meridian

hospitals and then through the Mississippi

Emergency Management Agency.

“The donation of these face masks from

Mississippi State University helps ensure

our front-line staff remains safe while caring

for patients,” said Rush Health Systems

President and CEO Larkin Kennedy.

John G. Anderson, president and CEO

of Anderson Regional Health System, also

thanked MSU for the equipment donation.

“With PPE in short supply through our

normal procurement channels, innovation

has become a critical factor in making

sure our staff and patients are protected,”

Anderson said. “Many, many thanks to

MSU’s faculty and researchers for developing

a face shield that can be produced with easily

obtainable supplies.”

The effort began with MSU faculty

members looking for ways to help and

reaching out to the medical community,

said Carlton Young, professor of healthcare

administration at MSU-Meridian. The

design and production process was led by

Linkan Bian, the Thomas B. and Terri L.

Nusz Professor in MSU’s Department of

Industrial and Systems Engineering, who

worked with colleagues from the College of

Business and MSU Libraries to maximize the

number of shields made in a short amount

of time.

“Their expertise, public spirit and

passion truly embody the heart of

Mississippi State and our mission to serve

the people of Mississippi,” Young said. “Not

only did this benefit patients and health care

professionals but many MSU alumni who

are employed in health care.”

The face shield manufacturing was

one of many ways that MSU has put its

resources and expertise to use during the



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Discoveries

Mechanical engineering students Ryden Smith, left, and Wesley Cameron, right, converted a truck toolbox into a UV sterilization device at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems.

They delivered their first sterilizer to MSU’s Longest Student Health Center to help extend the life of personal protective equipment and made their design available online for others.

COVID-19 pandemic. From students

turning a truck toolbox into a UV mask

sterilizer to helping companies gather

important data as they transition to making

protective equipment to loaning ventilators,

MSU has continued to find ways to assist

with the statewide response.

“This has been a challenging time

for our state and our university, but I am

incredibly proud of the way our students,

faculty and staff have worked with local and

state officials to help solve problems,” said

Julie Jordan, MSU interim vice president

for research and economic development. “As

part of our land-grant mission, we’re here

to help Mississippi in the good times and

in the difficult moments. The way people

across campus have stepped up during this

pandemic is an embodiment of that.”

For two students working at MSU’s

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, the

spring semester included an unusual project.

Ryden Smith, a mechanical engineering

graduate student, and Wesley Cameron,

a spring 2020 mechanical engineering

graduate, converted a truck toolbox into

14 SUMMER 2020

a UV sterilization device for MSU’s John

C. Longest Student Health Center. The

device can sterilize 15-20 masks in minutes,

providing a fast and convenient way for

doctors, nurses and staff at the health center

to extend the life of their personal protective

equipment.

“I’ve been really honored with the

opportunity to work on this and help our

health care providers,” Smith said. “This

project is a great application of what we

learn in school because there’s not always a

standard solution.”

MSU made the design of the sterilization

device available for public use so more could

be built. The CAVS teams also made one for

the staff at the veterans’ home in Kosciusko.

With ventilators in short supply during

the early stages of the pandemic, MSU’s Paul

B. Jacob High Voltage Laboratory helped

the state by converting 550 ventilators

from battery to AC power. In the span of

a week, the ventilators were retrofitted and

shipped to the University of Mississippi

Medical Center in Jackson, where they could

be plugged into a wall instead of running

on battery power. Louisville-based Taylor

Machine Works assisted with the effort

by helping procure parts and converting a

portion of the ventilators.

MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine

has also contributed to the response, loaning

two ventilators to OCH Regional Medical

Center in Starkville. Additionally, CVM

researchers have spent time assisting the

Mississippi State Department of Health with

COVID-19 diagnostic work, helping the

state’s lead health agency handle the increase

in test samples to be processed.

As the focus shifts from immediate

production of equipment to other longterm

pandemic response needs, MSU will

continue to help in any way it can, Jordan

said. The university has formed a task

force to coordinate research efforts aimed

at mitigating the impact and spread of

COVID-19.

“These recent months have shown that

MSU researchers have a lot to contribute

to the COVID-19 response,” Jordan said.

“I know they will continue to be a valuable

resource as this situation unfolds.” •


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Art by CAAD

lecturer Rowan

Haug’s students.

Top left: Trisha

Harjono, Top

right: Erin Herald,

Bottom left: Aiden

Shrock

BUILDING

COMMUNITY

THROUGH

DISTANCE

By Sasha Steinberg

Mississippi State’s art and engineering curriculums are among many campus

programs known for providing hands-on learning opportunities that equip

students with career-ready skills. Though the mid-semester move to all online

classes this spring presented various challenges, faculty in these academic

areas were determined to keep students engaged from afar. Creativity,

resourcefulness and the support of colleagues, alumni and university leaders

helped these dedicated educators maintain the sense of “family” that students

have come to expect from the state’s leading university.

ART WHEN APART

The concept of community is integral

to the College of Architecture, Art and

Design experience at Mississippi State, and

art lecturer Rowan Haug was determined

to find a long-distance way to maintain

that with her students when they needed

connection the most.

Haug is a Starkville native who has

taught at Mississippi State since fall 2010.

She primarily teaches foundation courses,

which students take in their first two years

to lay the groundwork for concepts to come.

During the pandemic, she has been teaching

Design I, an introductory design course

for students across the college’s disciplines,

as well as 3D Design, an introductory

sculpture course.

“The art department has very few

online classes because most of our classes

are studio classes. They are taught for three

hours twice a week and include lectures,

demonstrations and very intensive oneon-one

troubleshooting, redirecting and

insistence on technique, which is difficult

to do online,” Haug explained. “I had not

used Canvas much prior to spring break of

this semester, so using that has been a big

change for me in the way I teach. I also set

up weekly Webex meetings, so we could all

come together to talk and they could ask

questions.”

Haug said the most difficult aspect of

face-to-face instruction to translate online

was the personal connection students and

faculty have in the art department.

“We’re always working together and

bouncing ideas off each other,” she said.

“We enjoy getting to know each other and

creating a level of comfort where we can

critique our work, so I had to figure out how

to best duplicate that environment online.”

Haug said each of her class projects

typically ends with a final, in-person critique.

At the beginning of the pandemic, she created

a private, searchable Facebook group for each

of her classes that provided a fun way for her

students to communicate, share photos of

their sketches and offer critiques. Haug also

used the platform to share interesting YouTube

videos and general inspiration to keep her

students enthusiastic and engaged.

“The learning and academics that take

place regularly are strong points for our

art department, but I think the bonds our

faculty and students have is one of the most



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Discoveries

important ways that we excel in terms of the

college experience,” Haug said. “I’m glad

that sense of connection seemed to still come

through online.

“The Facebook group was great for

pushing out a lot of information to my

students, and they could give feedback pretty

quickly,” she continued. “They were like

‘Can we keep that Facebook group open even

though class is over, so we can keep talking

to each other?’ I was like, “Yes, we have

succeeded!”

Haug said a major challenge of going

virtual was time. For her 3-D Design class,

she originally planned to have students pour

and carve plaster, but lack of time and tools

made that difficult. She decided to switch to

a completely different project that yielded

better results than when she conducted it in a

classroom setting.

“The project was based on the work of

British artist Andy Goldsworthy. He goes

out every day into nature and creates artwork

with found materials,” Haug said. “The idea

is to be alone in a quiet environment out in

nature, and I figured this project would work

well because students were already staying in

one place. The results I got for this project

were really nice and thoughtful overall, and I

think not having a lot of other things going

on helped students focus.”

Haug adapted another in-class project to

give her 3-D Design students a fun, creative

way to express themselves. She asked the

students to create wearable sculptures out of

repeated everyday items, like decks of playing

cards, plastic spoons and Q-tips. The results

were as interesting as the items used, she said.

“I told the students they could make

pieces inspired by the current state of affairs

if they wanted to, but it was not required,”

she explained. “Some students created social

distancing masks or wearable things that kept

people six feet away. Others just wanted to

do something fun or whimsical, and that was

fine too.

“It was fun to see the different takes,”

she continued. “We had students who made

some really emotional pieces and I wondered

if they would have done the same project if

they had been presenting it in a classroom

setting. I found that interesting.”

Haug said she has enjoyed opportunities

16 SUMMER 2020

to switch up her normal repertoire of projects

while challenging her students to think

outside of the box as well.

“It was good for me to shake up the way I

normally teach or work. It inspired me to be

more creative, understanding and flexible,”

she said. “My students also learned that you

have to roll with the punches. I think this

challenged their willingness to troubleshoot

and use their creative problem-solving skills

to figure things out, so that’s good too.”

ENGINEERING

ONLINE SUCCESS

Under normal circumstances, Isaac

Howard enjoys bringing undergraduate

students into the laboratory to gain

firsthand experience making asphalt,

concrete and other fundamental construction

materials. He’s a big believer in learning

by doing, giving demonstrations and

empowering students to be methodical

yet unafraid to experiment and adjust.

The longtime civil and environmental

engineering professor had to do just that to

bring his construction materials course to life

in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,

and he said the support of MSU colleagues

and alumni has played a big role in his online

teaching success.

“From guest lectures to research projects

to student support, we are very fortunate

that our construction materials program is

financially supported by dozens of private

groups, several of which are well-represented

with MSU alumni,” said Howard, the

CEE department’s Endowed Materials and

Construction Industries Chair. “Several of

our supporters serve on practitioner panels

that our students can give presentations to

about the work they’re doing. Being able to

directly engage with alumni and supporters

provides a very realistic learning environment

for our students.”

Though in-person engagement with

practitioners had to be put on hold due to the

pandemic, Howard said he was able to, with

quick thinking and colleagues’ assistance,

use resources made possible by alumni and

supporters to engage students long distance.

“I have access to a video camera that we

use to make a variety of educational videos

our students get to participate in, and this

high-quality equipment was made possible

by our supporters,” he said. “I used some

of those videos with educational content

appropriate for the COVID-19 environment

but I also was able to make use of another

resource within our department with help

from our IT group.”

Howard said he spent several days in

the college’s distance classrooms and labs,

demonstrating experiments that could be

shared in video form with his students. Missy

Runnels, a computer support specialist, and

Michael Lane, systems administrator in the

Bagley College of Engineering, recorded

the videos.

“In the college, we have an active distance

education program, and Missy and Michael

are part of our amazing IT group. They really

stepped up,” Howard said. “They took care

of setting the rooms up so I could record for

hours at a time. Having the ability to record

lectures in these nice classrooms and working

with dedicated, knowledgeable people like

Missy and Michael made it possible to send

the students one email with a link to these

videos, so they had what they needed for the

rest of the semester.”

Howard said he’s also grateful for his

teaching assistant Ashley Carey, who helped

him pilot a video assignment option for

students earlier in the semester. Among other

submission options like written reports,

students could use their cellphones to record

themselves speaking about a lecture-related

topic and upload the presentation to Canvas.

“Whether they were dealing with a nonideal

internet connection or other scenarios,

I wanted the students to understand they

could still do well in this class,” he said.

“We made sure to meet all accreditation

requirements and ensured the content was at

an appropriate level, while also giving them

more flexibility.

“A lot of engineering students may not

be as comfortable with public speaking, so

the phone presentation option helped them

become more confident by giving them a

way to privately practice and improve those

skills,” Howard explained. “I think this video

presentation option is something we could

incorporate more of in the future.”

Howard said he received multiple

emails from students, thankful for his swift


7/31/20 1:48 PM

response, thoughtfulness and flexibility

with assignments. Student evaluations

praised his and Carey’s creation of a

“phenomenal lab experience” that ensured

learning goals and objectives were

maintained in an online setting.

“The online portion of this class was a

dream,” one student wrote. “Dr. Howard

moved heaven and earth to have all lectures

and lab videos ready, to keep very open

and frequent communication, to keep the

standards of the class and department, as well

as consider the students.”

More than anything, Howard said he is

grateful for colleagues, alumni and others

who equipped him with the tools and support

he needed to be there for his students during

these challenging times.

“Without Missy, Michael and Ashley,”

Howard said, “my ability to respond to

COVID-19 would have been severely

affected. The same goes for alumni who

regularly support our program and those who

called me early in the COVID-19 time frame

to ask if I needed any additional assistance to

keep the program strong.

“Our students needed comfort. I wanted

them to understand I was there for them and

to help them see that this was going to be

OK if they would just try,” he said. “I’ve told

them many times that you’re either in control

of a project or the project is in control of you.

When they see you make the most of difficult

circumstances, it gives them the feeling they

can do it too.”

LESSONS IN RESILIENCE

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,

Joe Morzuch found himself teaching an

online class for the very first time. It was

a challenging experience, but the assistant

professor of art said it also was one of the

most worthwhile of his career.

“The leadership in the College of

Architecture, Art and Design and the

Department of Art has been amazing,” he

said. “Throughout all of this, our Department

Head Critz Campbell and Dean Angi

Bourgeois have been super supportive. I felt

very much like I was there for my students

in being flexible and accommodating, and

as a faculty member, I was definitely getting

that in return. We have a very caring and

Art by Joe Morzuch’s

and Rowan Haug’s

students. Top: Riley

Cutler, Middle:

Juliet Buckholdt,

Bottom: Retta

Maxwell

Isaac Howard’s

teahing assistant,

Ashley Carey,

grading video

assignment by

Jessica Lewis.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Discoveries

supportive program, and I’m really happy to

be here and be a part of that.”

Morzuch, who’s in his third year at MSU,

teaches foundation courses in the Department

of Art, the state’s largest undergraduate

studio art program. This semester, he taught

Drawing I and Drawing II, studio-based

courses where students normally thrive on

face-to-face communication.

“I had never taught online before and

mistakenly thought that would be difficult

because it’s not ideal for these types of

courses, but this was a great opportunity to

figure out how to do it,” said Morzuch, an

observational painter who works primarily

with still life, landscape and self-portraiture.

Providing resources and immediate

feedback to his students was an initial concern

in making the move online, but Morzuch

said the Canvas learning management system

helped alleviate that obstacle.

“When students are working in the studio,

I’m there to guide them and answer questions

in the moment,” he said. “One of the ways I

kept that immediacy of feedback going was

to set up everything in Canvas. I was able to

make available all of the resources—lectures,

demonstrations, PowerPoints—for new

material we were covering, but students also

could look back at what we had covered

previously in our face-to-face instruction.

“Showing works on historical and

contemporary artists and examples of student

work that fit the goals and objectives of the

assignment helped,” Morzuch continued. “It

was hard, but I was able to set up my studio,

so I could talk through and videotape demos

for my students. I also asked them to send

examples—either through Canvas or email—

of their works in progress with specific

questions or issues, and I could give them the

feedback they needed that way too.”

Morzuch said teaching students how to

present and archive their work was another

upside of this online instruction experience.

“So much of what we do as artists and

designers is going to be viewed through

digital platforms, so I wanted to make sure

my students understood the importance of

documenting their work well with good light

and editing,” he said.

Student engagement was a top priority

for Morzuch, and he wanted to be especially

considerate of students’ varying circumstances

and capabilities. Along with connecting to

students individually, he enjoyed conducting

group Webex meetings to maintain the closeknit

feel of the normal classroom setting.

“Our art classes are great because they

are workshop environments where students

collaborate all of the time. Through

Webex, I was able to establish that sense of

community and reaffirm to the students

that we were in this together,” he said.

“Each class set up a GroupMe, so they could

“One of things I love about

being an art teacher is

teaching students how to

open their eyes to the world

around them, think for

themselves, communicate

and stand by the choices they

make in creating a work of art.

Especially in times like this

where so many people may be

feeling powerless, uninspired

or just unsure of what to do, I

think this experience was very

empowering for my students.”

~ Joe Morzuch

send examples, troubleshoot and critique

each other’s work. I think being able to lean

on each other was helpful.”

Morzuch said he was excited to see

his students’ unwavering commitment

to their studies in the face of uncertainty.

He’s confident the autonomy, resilience

and creative problem-solving skills they’ve

developed will serve them well throughout

their MSU experience and future careers.

“The students stayed as invested and

involved as they were at the start of the

semester, and that was pretty awesome to see,”

he said. “I think that speaks a lot about our

students here at State; they’re hard workers.

One of the big life lessons that college—and

an art or design degree in particular—teaches

you is the importance of looking at a situation

from different angles and being constructive in

finding solutions. I think this whole situation

has been a good lesson for that.”

Morzuch said he was pleased with his

students’ resilience and creativity, particularly

those in his Drawing II class. In the normal

studio setting, students create drawings of

still life scenes Morzuch assembles using

an assortment of objects collected by the

department. With the move to online

classes, students were tasked with doing both

independently. Many used objects found

around their homes and Morzuch said it was

neat to see the narratives they told through

their art.

“One student who loves horror movies put

objects together in a way that evoked the feel

of an old-time horror movie. Another student

did a colorful pastel drawing of party favors,

like a party hat, banner of letters and fingernail

polish. It was pretty cool,” Morzuch said.

“One of things I love about being an art

teacher is teaching students how to open

their eyes to the world around them, think

for themselves, communicate and stand by

the choices they make in creating a work

of art. Especially in times like this where

so many people may be feeling powerless,

uninspired or just unsure of what to do, I

think this experience was very empowering

for my students.”

Morzuch said he found empowerment

of his own through participation in Online

Teaching 101. Offered by MSU’s Center

for Teaching and Learning, the free, fourweek

training course introduces faculty

and teaching staff to the best practices of

online instruction. He said the course,

which is taught via Canvas, showed him

the pedagogical differences of working with

students in the same physical space versus

at a distance.

“Online teaching is about making

resources available, and this course is showing

me how my role changes in that kind of

learning environment,” he said. “I’m used

to taking a more hands-on, direct approach

in the studio, but teaching online classes

requires me to become more of a facilitator

and guide for my students. Learning to see

things from this new perspective has been a

great experience.” •

18 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

STRONGER TOGETHER

Mississippi State’s Center for Teaching and

Learning had to adapt quickly with the spring

2020 move to online classes, but Director Michael

Seymour said his staff, like so many others on

campus, proved they were up for the test. After all,

staying tough when times get rough is what being a

Bulldog is all about.

“I think we were really a step ahead as a university

because of all the work that’s been done to promote

best practices over the years, including our Online

Teaching 101 certification course,” said Seymour, an

assistant professor of landscape architecture. “That

course is usually a small cohort of less than 30 people,

but the May class was up to 107.”

He credits center staffers Kris King and Amy

Barefield for aiding in the success of the larger

enrollment through their willingness to take on

additional work.

Seymour said at the beginning of the move

to online, the center shared with faculty a list of

experienced instructors who had completed Online

Teaching 101. The success of this has prompted

the center to explore a more formalized mentorship

process for the fall.

“A lot of people have been feeling a bit

disconnected and overwhelmed during this difficult

time and I’ve been really impressed overall by

the willingness of faculty to help one another in

this situation,” he said. “I think that Information

Technology Services, the Center for Distance

Education, and MSU Libraries all also play important

roles in fostering quality teaching, and we try to be a

good partner for them as well.”

Associate Dean Stephen Cunetto said MSU

Libraries rang true on its commitment to provide

faculty and students with the tools and services

they needed to stay on course throughout the

atypical spring semester. The library worked with

ITS, the Office of the Provost and other university

departments to secure and distribute laptops

and hotspots to help students completing their

studies away from campus. Access Services, Special

Collections, the Congressional and Political Research

Center, and the Digital Preservation and Access

Unit were instrumental in maintaining access to the

library’s physical collections that many students and

faculty rely on for education and research.

“Our faculty and staff understood that we needed

to do all that we could, albeit safely and in a different

way, to assist our students and faculty,” Cunetto said.

“They worked long hours and had to think outside of

the box to reinvent many of our services during this

time, and they definitely had the ‘can-do’ attitude and

a team mindset that allowed them to do this in such a

short amount of time.

“From working remotely to assist students with

the completion of their thesis or dissertation to 3-D

printing shields and making masks for the Golden

Triangle community to acquiring and providing access

to e-books for classroom use, our faculty and staff at

MSU Libraries went above and beyond to assist our

community, and I am very proud of them.” •

Our faculty and staff

understood that we

needed to do all that we

could, albeit safely and in

a different way, to assist

our students and faculty.

They worked long hours

and had to think outside

of the box to reinvent

many of our services

during this time, and

they definitely had the

‘can-do’ attitude and a

team mindset that allowed

them to do this in such a

short amount of time.”

~ Stephen Cunetto



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Discoveries

Daniel Carruth, associate director for advanced vehicle systems at MSU’s Center for

Advanced Vehicular Systems, is part of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization research task

group examining autonomous vehicle modeling and simulation tools. The group will

work through 2023 to determine standards for modeling and simulation tools, allowing

military and research personnel to more effectively develop algorithms that will allow

autonomous vehicles to navigate off-road and unknown terrain.

Ben Crider, an assistant professor of physics, is working

to advance his nuclear physics research and provide a

new summer school experience for Mississippi students

with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study is funded

with support from his National Science Foundation

Career Grant of more than $600,000.

Shawn P. Lambert, assistant professor in MSU’s

Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern

Cultures and research fellow at the Cobb Institute of

Archaeology, is partnering with researchers from the

Southern Arkansas University Research Station of the

Arkansas Archeological Survey and Southern Illinois

University Edwardsville seeking to combat sexual harassment during

archaeological field studies. The collaboration was awarded $300,000

from the National Science Foundation in support of research aimed at

preventing sexual harassment during undergraduate field-based courses.

Michael R. Nadorff, associate professor of psychology

and director of the Department of Psychology’s clinical

Ph.D. program, received nearly $1 million in federal

grant funds to prevent alcohol and tobacco addiction

in Oktibbeha County and prevent suicide among

college students.

K. Raja Reddy, research professor in the Department

of Plant and Soil Sciences, was honored by the

Mississippi Academy of Sciences for three decades

of scientific discoveries with the organization’s

Outstanding Contribution to Science Award.

Mark Woodrey, assistant research professor in MSU’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry

Experiment Station, based at the university’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in

Biloxi, has helped establish and co-lead the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network, or

GoMAMN, a new network of more than 100 wildlife scientists and land managers from

across the U.S. to monitor and aid birds along the Gulf of Mexico. The goal of the network

is to better understand the many bird species that frequent the Gulf Coast.

Mississippi State University researchers have patented and licensed a major advancement

in split Hopkinson pressure bar technology, significantly reducing the amount of space

needed for intermediate and high-strain rate testing. While conducting research on infant

head trauma, researchers at MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems needed a way

to conduct impact testing with biological materials. While a traditional Hopkinson bar

system, an apparatus commonly used for testing impact and strain on materials, would

have worked, it would have taken up hundreds of feet in length—space that was not

available at the bustling research center. However, CAVS engineer Wilburn Whittington,

with the support of colleagues Haitham El Kadiri and Hongjoo Rhee, was able to prototype

a serpentine bar that can accomplish the same task in only 20 feet of space.

Jesse Morrison, an assistant research professor, received

the Early Career Award from the American Forage and

Grassland Council. The award honors an individual

under the age of 40 who has made a significant

contribution to the forage and grassland industry.

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security identified the wood products industry as an essential critical

infrastructure workforce. Mississippi State has the only research program

in the state dedicated to expanding the service and use of wood products,

delivering research to the state’s forest industry—the state’s secondlargest

commodity. While the way the research is being conducted may

have shifted temporarily, MSU researchers ensured the important work

marches on and the university continues supporting vital industries during

the pandemic. Forestry in combination with forest products employs a

workforce of 69,000 individuals in Mississippi across four sectors—logging,

solid wood products, pulp and paper, and wood furniture.

More than $1.3 million was awarded to two Mississippi

State chemistry assistant professors by a prestigious

National Science Foundation program supporting

early-career achievement. Xin Cui and Colleen N. Scott

are being honored with CAREER awards by the NSF’s

Faculty Early Career Development Program, which

recognizes outstanding faculty exhibiting potential as

academic role models in research and education. The

award also is given for leadership in advancement of

departmental or organizational missions.

20 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

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State SNAPSHOT

22 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

KEEPING THINGS RUNNING: The dedicated janitorial,

maintenance and landscaping staff of Mississippi State

University have worked throughout the pandemic to

protect the safety of those on campus and ensure the

health and beauty of its buildings and grounds so that

when the Bulldog family is ready to return, the campus

will be the same welcoming place they love to call home.

Photo by Megan Bean



7/31/20 1:48 PM

CLASS

OF 2020

Shows Resilience

Despite Challenging

Final Semester

By James Carskadon, Photos by Beth Wynn,

Logan Kirkland & Submitted by Graduates

24 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

This May, graduation day at Mississippi State looked different

from years past. Humphrey Coliseum stood empty. There were

no lines of families waiting to take photos at iconic campus

locations. There were no hugs from advisers, no handshakes

from administrators and no in-person goodbyes between friends getting

ready to go life’s separate ways. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic

changed everything.

For the first time since World War II, and only the third time

in university history, Mississippi State didn’t hold an in-person

commencement ceremony. And much like those who received degrees in

1918 when the Spanish Influenza outbreak halted celebrations or those in

the early 1940s who graduated without pomp and circumstance during

wartime, this spring’s 3,300 graduates showed impressive perseverance in

uncertain times and are a vital part of the Bulldog family.

During a May 1 virtual graduation ceremony to recognize the newest

Mississippi State alumni, President Mark E. Keenum encouraged this

year’s graduates to remember the lessons from these difficult times while

navigating life’s challenges.

“My hope and prayer for each of you is that one day, you will be

able to share with your grandchildren or great-grandchildren how you

and your family overcame the many challenges through your courage

and faith, and how you never lost sight of the importance of education

in order to be ready for a bright future and your special purpose in this

world,” Keenum said.

The class of 2020 joins the ever-growing ranks of MSU alumni around

the world, which now includes over 149,000 people. Jeff Davis, executive

director of the MSU Alumni Association, commended graduates for

showing their Bulldog resilience during a difficult final semester.

“On behalf of our alumni from around the world, I want to

congratulate our newest graduates on achieving one of life’s major

milestones,” Davis said. “Even though your time on campus was cut short,

your degree and your connection to MSU will stay with you for the rest of

your life.”

Every graduate—whether they came to Mississippi State straight out

of high school, transferred from a community college, resumed education

later in life, completed an online program or came to MSU after years

working as a professional—leaves Mississippi State with memories

that will last a lifetime. While the institutional name on each degree is

common, the experiences of each individual are as diverse as the student

body itself.

This spring’s graduates hail from each of Mississippi’s 82 counties, 41

different states and 37 countries. At the institutional level, with 3,312

degrees awarded, they represent the largest spring graduating class in

university history. At the individual level, each degree represents years of

hard work, late nights, proud families and lifelong memories.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Manning

Jordan

Jake Manning

Jackson, Mississippi

Bachelors of Science, Biomedical Engineering,

Software Engineering

As president of the MSU Student

Association, Jake Manning was used to

meeting with campus administrators and

serving as a voice for the student body. But as

the COVID-19 threat escalated during the

spring semester, much of Manning’s time

and energy became focused on how MSU

could make the best of the situation for

the university’s students while maintaining

appropriate safety procedures.

Before his term as president ended,

the Jackson native was part of the

COVID-19 Task Force that met several

times a week to handle the everchanging

situation.

“Dr. Keenum said in every meeting

that we wanted to offer leniency and

compassion to students,” Manning

said. “My successor and I were able

to voice our concerns and give our

opinions, but we didn’t have to advocate

as much as we had to make sure we covered

everything. What about international

students? What about students without Wi-Fi at

home? It was doing everything we could

to make sure we thought about every

little nuance so that every student could

finish the semester.”

A Jackson Academy graduate,

Manning came to MSU in 2015

because of family ties to the university

and a desire to stay in state. However,

his sophomore year, he began to

wonder whether he should have sought

opportunities elsewhere. After getting

involved on campus and discovering the

many opportunities provided to MSU

students, Manning said he no longer

has second thoughts about becoming

a Bulldog.

“You can go get an education

anywhere, but you can’t build a family

like you do at Mississippi State,” he

said. “I stayed in Starkville after all the

classes were moved online, and I still

had meetings and stuff like that. But the

thing that was missing was the people,

and that made it hard. But it was hard

because we had something so good. I’m

thankful to have had something that

makes it hard to leave. It’s not just a

shoulder shrug and on to your next step,

and I think that’s a testament to Mississippi

State and what we all got from our time here.”

Kayla Jordan

Sweetwater, Alabama

Bachelor of Arts, History

Stephen D. Lee Scholar

Growing up in rural west Alabama, Kayla

Jordan said her mother tried to incorporate

history into every family vacation. If there was a

historic site to see, they would visit.

By her junior year of high school, Jordan was

working as a tour guide for the local historical

society. After high school, she studied at Coastal

Alabama Community College’s Thomasville

campus before enrolling as a history major

at MSU-Meridian. She said she chose MSU-

Meridian because of strong scholarship support

and tuition waivers, as well as its proximity to

her home in Alabama.

Among several accolades, Jordan was named

this year as the Meridian Division of Arts and

Sciences Outstanding Undergraduate Student.

This fall, she is beginning to pursue a master’s

degree in history at MSU’s Starkville campus,

where she will work as a teaching assistant.

“I really hate to leave MSU-Meridian, but

I’m looking forward to going to the campus in

Starkville,” Jordan said. “I had always hoped to

go to grad school, but I never thought I would

make it this far, so I’m very happy.”

She said she hopes to eventually earn a

doctorate and teach at the university level.

“I enjoy sharing history with people and

doing it in a way where people understand it and

enjoy it,” Jordan said. “I love being able to pass

that on to people.”

Jordan’s virtual graduation in the spring of

2020 is now a small part of history that she

will be able to share with her future students.

While there was disappointment in not having

a ceremony in Meridian, Jordan said it has not

dampened her sense of accomplishment.

“I really, really hoped to participate in a

graduation ceremony,” Jordan said. “At the same

time, I still know that I did it. I still can’t believe

I’ve gotten to this point.”

Skyler Caldwell

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

As an undergraduate student at William

Carey University, Skyler Caldwell gained a

passion for working with animals at Hattiesburg

Zoo and was able to work at a local veterinary

clinic for a year.

Those experiences led her to become part

of MSU’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine class

of 2020. From assisting with Vet Camp to

studying wildlife conservation in South Africa to

the many clinical experiences offered in MSU’s

26 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

DVM program, Caldwell said her time in the

program has prepared her for her next step as a

veterinarian.

“We get so much more hands-on experience

compared to other vet schools in the U.S.,”

Caldwell said. “I think it’s fantastic and part

of what makes Mississippi State grads a little

different than most.”

With vet school presenting many challenges,

Caldwell said she is thankful for the strong and

supportive relationships she had with her fellow

students, as well as the College of Veterinary

Medicine faculty and staff. Her peers voted her as

the person they would most like to care for their

own animals.

Caldwell’s final semester did not go as

planned, but she said students and clinicians

adjusted as well as they could to online topic

rounds and supporting animal care services with

a skeleton crew. It was another example of CVM’s

strong support for students that Caldwell said she

has witnessed over the last four years.

“For us, this graduation is the pinnacle of

everything we’ve been working for the last four

years,” Caldwell said. “We appreciate every effort

they made to recognize us. As a class, we’ve had

a lot of interesting challenges during our time.

We’ve always managed to come together and

figure it out. We’re a pretty resilient group

of people.”

Caldwell will stay at MSU as a rotating small

animal medicine and surgery intern. She plans to

specialize in small animal internal medicine.

Tony Coleman

Gulfport, Mississippi

Bachelor of Architecture

Tony Coleman’s interest in building things

and understanding how different parts work

together dates back to his time playing with

Lincoln Logs as a child. As he got older, he started

to notice the home designs in his subdivision, and

eventually found himself going through homes

under construction to see the framework and

other aspects needed to turn building materials

into a home.

Coleman said he knew he wanted to come

to MSU because the university is home to the

state’s only accredited School of Architecture and

offers an enjoyable campus atmosphere. During

his time in Starkville, as well as the fifth-year

studio program in Jackson, Coleman gained the

skills needed to become an architect and built a

strong support network. Among other accolades,

he earned the 2020 AIA Henry Adams Medal,

awarded by School of Architecture faculty every

year for “general excellence in architecture” to the

most qualified student.

“My favorite experiences at MSU have

revolved around the wonderful

people I’ve met and become friends

with,” Coleman said. “I stuck to

myself for the first two years, but

after that I grew more comfortable

and confident and became a much

more social individual. I can honestly

say that I wouldn’t be the person and

future architect I am today without

the support of my architecture

friends.”

Coleman said one of the hardest

parts of the final semester was no

longer being around his peers in the

program, who provided each other with

valuable feedback as they completed

their final projects.

“While I was able to finish my final

project, not being able to present it at

our final review in the presence of the

people I have leaned on and struggled

with and care so much for throughout

this journey honestly makes me want

to cry,” Coleman said. “Not being

able to physically be there during their

presentations and celebrate with them

afterward for the last time as a studio is

something we won’t get back.”

Following graduation, Coleman moved to

Dothan, Alabama, where he is now employed

by Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects. He hopes

to complete his licensure exam in the next two

to three years and one day have an ownership

stake in an architecture firm.

Michael Nattrass

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Doctor of Philosophy, Plant and Soil Sciences

When Michael Nattrass first came to

MSU in 2009 from Mississippi Gulf Coast

Community College, he expected to stay for

a couple of years, finish his undergraduate

degree in turfgrass management and move

on. He did finish that undergraduate

degree, but he ended up staying in

Starkville much longer than expected.

This spring, Nattrass finished his

dissertation and earned a doctorate in plant

and soil sciences under Professor Brian

Baldwin. In August, he will begin a new

position as an assistant professor of soils

agronomy at Tennessee Tech University.

“The Mississippi State faculty have

been very accepting of me this whole

time,” Nattrass said. “They encouraged me to

not give up and to keep going. I could knock on

anybody’s door and ask any question. That has a

broad impact on students.”

At MSU, Nattrass was able to visit

Coleman

Caldwell



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Gray

Nattrass

Washington, D.C., to advocate for agricultural

research funding on Capitol Hill, as well as

travel to professional conferences. In

2018, he was the Grand Champion

of the MSU 3-Minute Thesis

Competition. He was the 2020

recipient of the College of Agriculture

and Life Sciences’ Graduate Student

Research Award. He said he enjoyed

working with fellow graduate students

on their research projects and they

reciprocated by helping with his.

Nattrass participated in

commencement ceremonies when he

received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

When the time for this spring’s ceremony

came around, he watched the virtual event

while working, a different experience than

battling the traffic and crowds at previous

graduations. But he said getting the degree

is still just as meaningful.

“I really wanted my family to see me

walk at graduation,” Nattrass said. “It would

have been nice to have that experience,

but I’m very grateful for the degree and the

opportunity to pay it forward.”

Quinlan Gray

De Kalb, Texas

Bachelor of Music Education

Quinlan Gray originally toured Mississippi

State because it earned him an excused day off

from his Texas high school during the spring

semester of his senior year. Four years later, he

is back in Texas with a college degree in hand,

ready to begin his career as a music educator.

As Gray prepares to make an impact on

young people, he said MSU’s professors, and

especially the directors of the Famous Maroon

Band, have had a significant impact on him.

“The three directors all became mentors

to me,” Gray said of Elva Kaye Lance, Craig

Aarhus and Cliff Taylor. “They were a big

part of what I’ve learned as an educator.

They teach you so much more than music.

The band teaches you how to work with

other people, where to find your place.

I really don’t think I would be nearly as

prepared to be an educator if I wasn’t in

the band.”

During his time at MSU, Gray

has served as an Alumni Delegate and

College of Education Ambassador,

as well as chief justice in the Student

Association. He also spent two years

working part time with Starkville

Academy’s band. A personal highlight for

Gray was traveling with the MSU women’s

basketball pep band to Dallas, Texas, for the

Final Four in 2017. With the game happening

near his hometown, he was able to experience

MSU’s historic victory over the University of

Connecticut with family members and the band.

Gray was in the middle of a student-teaching

internship with the Tupelo Public School

District when classes were moved online. With

less time on campus because of his internship

in Tupelo, Gray made an effort early in the

semester to bring his friends together every

Friday for a big meal. In addition to graduation,

they were looking forward to having a big gettogether

at the end of the semester. Instead, they

were all home after spring break.

At home, Gray watched the virtual

graduation ceremony with his family by his side.

He told his family members that missing out

on this in-person graduation gives him a good

reason to get a master’s degree.

In the fall, Gray will begin working as an

assistant band director at Longview High School

in Longview, Texas.

“Mississippi State taught me how to be a

better person, not just a better teacher or a better

musician,” Gray said. “Not all colleges can say

that they teach you that. I took a leap of faith

coming here when I didn’t really know anybody

at all, and it was the best decision I ever made.”

A lifetime of memories,

with more to come

All of this spring’s graduates have been

invited to participate in the university’s fall

commencement ceremonies in December.

Other recognition and celebration opportunities

are also being planned.

Davis stresses that being a Bulldog does

not end once the degree is conferred, and

neither does the building of Maroon and White

memories. Whether it’s coming back to watch a

favorite MSU sport, bringing children to see the

historic campus, catching up with a professor

who made an impact, or connecting with one of

the 104 MSU Alumni Association chapters and

clubs around the nation, there are plenty of ways

to celebrate being a Mississippi State graduate

and be an active member of the Bulldog family.

“There are a lot of opportunities for

Mississippi State to be a part of your life,

regardless of where you live,” Davis said. “This

year’s graduates are going to be the mentors and

examples for the next generation of students

with what they do in their careers and their

lives. We want to share in their successes with

them. The alumni network is part of the value

of an MSU degree, and we’re fortunate to

have a very strong one. The class of 2020, and

everything they have overcome to get here, will

make it even stronger.” •

28 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

MSU President Mark E. Keenum recognizing 3,300 graduates and their families during the virtual spring commencement on May 1. Broadcasting statewide via MSTV and

online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the occasion represents only the third time in the land-grant university’s 142-year history that a traditional graduation ceremony has

not been possible, with the earlier times during the Spanish Flu pandemic and World War II.

CELEBRATING

THE CLASS OF 2020

ACCESS

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Karly Elizabeth Cuevas of Kiln, MS

Joseph Tyler Gall of West Point, MS

Benton Hawes Gibbens of Little Rock, AR

Spencer Manning Kirkpatrick of Tupelo, MS

Richard Keith Rozier II of Collierville, TN

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Jeffrey Dale Akins of Starkville, MS | BUS

Terri A. Bourrage of Meridian, MS | BUS

Leslie Ann Brewer of Lander, WY | BUS

Samantha McCain Clardy of Starkville, MS | BUS

Katelyn McKenzie Clem of Pascagoula, MS | BUS

Larita S. Copprue of Byram, MS | BUS

Lauren Renee Foreman of Long Beach, MS | BUS

Janette Michelle Gilliam-Avery of Pass Christian, MS | BUS

Bessie Mae Haughton of West Point, MS | BUS

William Scott Hudson of Meridian, MS | BUS

Shanna Elaine Isaac of Choctaw, MS | BUS

Tequilla Marie Jackson of Grenada, MS | BUS

Gregory Shane Lackie of Hamilton, MS | BUS

Fartilia Latricia Lane of Starkville, MS | BUS

Johanna Lee Lopez of Loveland, CO | BUS

Lauren Ellaine Lott of Southaven, MS | BUS

Brendan Michael Manders of Dyersburg, TN | BUS

Chadwick L. Martin of Fulton, MS | BUS

Jolynn McKinion of Philadelphia, MS | BUS

Victoria McNeal of Meridian, MS | BUS

Katie Elaine Mills of Philadelphia, MS | BUS

Joseph Louis Mullins of Booneville, MS | BUS

Memrie Allison Myrick of Hattiesburg, MS | BUS

Markeeta Outlaw of Starkville, MS | BUS

Christi Jackson Payton of Pearl, MS | BUS

Chivona Latrice Roberts of Utica, MS | BUS

Brynia Rhystacia Smith of Jackson, MS | BUS

Doris M. Smith of Lithonia, GA | BUS

Sidney Andrew Snapka of Columbus, MS | BUS

Nickolaus Allan Stafford of Starkville, MS | BUS

David Jonathan Stiles of Starkville, MS | BUS

Robert F. Thomas of Gulfport, MS | BUS

Austin Jack Townsend of Ocean Springs, MS | BUS

Gregory T. Walsh of Liberty, MS | BUS

Nikki P. Watkins of Carthage, MS | BUS

Jennifer LeVette Wilson of Jackson, MS | BUS

Robert Lee Wilson of Meridian, MS | BUS

Jonathan Ryan Yarbrough of Pearl, MS | BUS

ADKERSON SCHOOL OF

ACCOUNTANCY

Kentarrious Jermaine Adams of Benoit, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Gary Griffin Agent of Madison, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Elliott Elizabeth Allen of Madison, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Nicholas Spencer Allen of Long Beach, MS | BACC

Connor Cleveland Altman of Brandon, MS | BACC

Kyle Christopher Anderson of Ridgeland, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Margaret Elizabeth Boeye of Cumming, GA | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Taylor B. Bolton of Leakesville, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Anna Catherine Bostick of Hattiesburg, MS | MPA

Peyton Elizabeth Bowyer of Canton, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Jesslyn Claire Brewer of Myrtle, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Griffin Louis Brown of Germantown, TN | MPA

Sarah McKinley Buchanan of Jackson, MS | BACC

Eliza Gene Buckley of Bay Springs, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Breanna Michelle Burns of Kosciusko, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Anna Belle Butler of Jackson, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

April Leigh-Anne Callahan of Pontotoc, MS | MPA

Kaleigh Madison Callender of Murphy, TX | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Bailey Christian Campbell of Ripley, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Gerald Parker Cathey of Collierville, TN | BACC, Cum Laude

Haley Elizabeth Chisholm of Pontotoc, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Emma Madsen Chope of Pensacola, FL | BACC, Cum Laude

Haileigh Alexandria Cleveland of Chunky, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Deanne Elizabeth Coley of Jackson, TN | BACC, Cum Laude

Emilee Allyce Collins of Decatur, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Peyton Elise Conder of Nolensville, TN | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Carley Nichole Cook of Brandon, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Samantha C. Cornelius of Corinth, MS | MTX

Abigail Daines Cothran of Cordova, TN | MPA

Keshawndra M. Cummings of Maben, MS | BACC

Arielle Marie Dauber of Columbus, MS | MPA

Cameron Michael Davis of Columbus, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Patrick Cooper Davis of Hattiesburg, MS | BACC

Sloan O’Keefe Davis of Brentwood, TN | MPA

Adam Todd Dearing of Hernando, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Brittany Elise Dennison of Pensacola, FL | BACC, Cum Laude

Stephen Michael East of Eads, TN | BACC

David Alexander East of Eads, TN | MPA

Caroline McKenzie Edmonson of Clarksdale, MS | BACC

Eryca Lyn Edwards of Lexington, MS | BACC

David Edwin Ethridge of Meridian, MS | BACC

Ali Elizabeth Evans of Brookhaven, MS | MPA

Lauren Alexandra Evans of Bartlett, TN | MPA

Trevor Douglas Faulkner of Brandon, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Shea Marie Flanagan of Atlanta, GA | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Katherine Faulkner Flowers of Clarksdale, MS | MPA

Kara Dawn Forman of Liberty, MS | BACC

Walter Mcinnis Foster of Long Beach, MS | MPA

Emily Nicole Frady of Madison, AL | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Melanie Madison Franklin of Brookhaven, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Jacori Gandy of Starkville, MS | BACC

John Gregory Gibson of Fayetteville, AR | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Jordan Taylor Gill of Biloxi, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Allison Nicole Granberry of Columbus, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Ladarrion Cornelius Grant of Jackson, MS | MPA

Madison Elizabeth Gray of Madison, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Cassie L. Green of Meridian, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Kourtney Renee Green of Pass Christian, MS | BACC

Michael Thomas Groves of Madison, MS | MPA

Ethan Alexander Guynes of Ridgeland, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

William Stephen Hardy of Columbus, MS | MPA

Julianna Claire Harris of Sumrall, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Joseph Michael Hill of Southaven, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Millie Grace Hill of Corinth, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Hannah Leanne Honeycutt of Southaven, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Leah Elizabeth Howard of Columbus, MS | MPA

Jerrie Lynne Hubbard of Meridian, MS | BACC

Miranda Rae Humes of Coldwater, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Ann Mason Hunter of Mobile, AL | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Siwei Jiang of Starkville, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Catherine Britton Jones of Starkville, MS | MPA

Camryn Reese Kestenbaum of Madison, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Sarah Elizabeth King of Charlotte, NC | MPA

Jackson Brill Laurence of Fairhope, AL | BACC, Cum Laude

Morgan Elizabeth Little of Dyersburg, TN | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Kaleb Brian Lovertich of Brandon, MS | BACC

Cameron Michael Maddox of Starkville, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Margaret W. Maddox of Bruce, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Cynthia Liz Martinez-Alicea of Columbus, MS | BACC

Andrew Patrick McDavid of Madison, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Kelsey Margaret Moran of Wake Forest, NC | BACC

Bailie Gowan Morgan of Carthage, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Cecily Lynn Morris of Rutherford, TN | BACC, Cum Laude

Mary Carole Morris of Stanton, TN | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Jessica Morris of Starkville, MS | MTX

Samuel Thomas Mosley of Jackson, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Ann Kristen Mrozinski of Franklin, TN | MPA

Vy Thi Tuong Nguyen of Starkville, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Avery Nicole Palmer of Marietta, GA | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Laicon Elise Partain of Union, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Roshni Jigneshbhai Patel of Brandon, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Michael Riley Pierce of West Point, MS | MPA

Amelia Joy Pongetti of Tupelo, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Anna Theresa Purcell of Long Beach, MS | BACC

Anna Grace Ragland of Satartia, MS | BACC

Evan James Ratcliff of Brandon, MS | BACC

Abbey Grace Rhodes of Lexington, TN | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Austin Scott Richey of Tupelo, MS | MTX

Emily Grace Robertson of Starkville, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

McKenzie Shannon Robinson of Madison, MS | BACC

Dalton Glenn Ross of Petal, MS | BACC

Spencer Charles Sasser of Harrisville, MS | BACC, Cum Laude

Reagan Marion Scott of Pensacola, FL | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Landon Blaine Sellers of Jackson, TN | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Brian William Setser of Stafford, VA | BACC

David Craig Sheley of Sardis, MS | BACC

Madison Alyssa Shidler of Hernando, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Jordyn Chanel Shipp of Hernando, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Deegodage Sahan Lakshika Silva of Starkville, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Rebecca Adams Sistrunk of Jackson, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Jalisa P. Slater of Clinton, MS | MTX

Blake Edward Slaughter of Starkville, MS | MPA

Brandon Curtis Slovensky of Trussville, AL | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Tywanna Nykia Smith of West Point, MS | BACC

William Garrett Smith of Brookhaven, MS | BACC

Erica Rose Soldan of Olive Branch, MS | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

London Alexandra Steverson of Lexington, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Georgia Blake Stovall of Hattiesburg, MS | BACC

Olivia Renae Sweatt of Starkville, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Elizabeth McGivaren Tavoleti of Memphis, TN | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Gage Anthony Tegethoff of Ocean Springs, MS | BACC

Anne Elizabeth Thibodeaux of D’Iberville, MS | BACC

James Evan Thomas of Kosciusko, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Katharine Elizabeth Thomas of Alpharetta, GA | MPA

Sarah Katherine Todd of Lewisville, NC | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

Louis Franklin Touchstone of Raymond, MS | BACC

Nicklaus Grant Touchstone of Greenwood, SC | BACC

Landon Tubb of Biloxi, MS | BACC

Alexa M. Turner of Brandon, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Samantha Ann Vakos of Virginia Beach, VA | BACC, Cum Laude

John Houston Vaught of College Grove, TN | BACC

Madison Gabrielle Wadley of Collierville, TN | MPA

Kelby Colleen Westcott of Vicksburg, MS | BACC

Kathryn Grace Wheeler of Tupelo, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Paul Alston White of Meridian, MS | BACC

Brittney Lynn Winstead of Collinsville, MS | BACC

Emma Catherine Wiygul of Madison, MS | BACC, Magna Cum Laude

Sutton Steele Workman of Collierville, TN | BACC, Cum Laude

Taylor McKenzie Wynn of Pensacola, FL | BACC, Summa Cum Laude

BAGLEY COLLEGE OF

ENGINEERING

Kushal Acharya of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

William Luke Acuff of Columbia, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Shelby Caroline Adair of Starkville, MS | BS

Bradley Grant Adams of Nettleton, MS | BS

Naresh Adhikari of Starkville, MS | PHD

Meisam Adibifard of Baton Rouge, LA | MS

Nusrat Nur Afrose of Germantown, TN | MS

Samuel Lee Aiken of Fleming Island, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Nicholas Briant Alexander of Madison, MS | BS

Carter Joseph Allen of Gulfport, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Lynwood Floyd Allen of Mooresville, NC | BS

Wyatt David Allen of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Elisabeth Kristine Ama of Caledonia, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Alwyn Mari McKenna Ambrose of Decatur, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Dylan Garrett Amerson of Iuka, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Turner Morris Ames of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

William Andrew Anderson of Palm Beach Gardens, FL | BS

Aaron Robert Anspach of Saucier, MS | BS

Blake Thomas Appel of Mendenhall, MS | BS

Robert Zachary Ard of Petal, MS | BS

Mohammed Safayet Arefin of Starkville, MS | MS

Victoria Nicole Arroyave of Union, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brandon Terrell Ashe of Picayune, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Andrew Mitchell Atkinson of Selmer, TN | BS

Caleb Daniel Aultman of Raymond, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Joseph Paxton Austin of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Daniel H. Austin of Starkville, MS | MS

Tyler James Babb of Batesville, MS | BS

Lena Christine Baioni of Memphis, TN | BS

Kereikhan Bakhytkhanuly of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Brooke Olivia Balla of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Meredith Jordan Barnes of Gulfport, MS | BS

Spencer William Barnes of Madison, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jackson Richard Barrett of Arrington, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Leanne Locke Barrier of Starkville, MS | BS

Benjamin James Bartlett of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Michaela Corinne Bashour of Franklin, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Brian Frank Batinick of Plainfield, IL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Salem Mohammed Batiyah of Starkville, MS | PHD

Blake Dempsey Beach of Soso, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Catherine Beard of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Caroline Lee Bearden of Hoover, AL | BS

Ladarius Montrell Beason of Byhalia, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Rachel Elizabeth Bennet of Clinton, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

James David Bennett of Hernando, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kaitlinn Victoria Bennett of Moss Point, MS | BS

Justin Williams Berry of Alabaster, AL | BS

Richard Allen Berryman of Starkville, MS | BS

Christian Taylor Bevis of Chunchula, AL | BS

Nagadarshan Rao Bhounsly Janardhan Rao of Starkville, MS | MS

Crystal Michelle Biggs of Magnolia, MS | BS

Noah Lance Billingsley of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Alfredo Francisco Bird-Canals of San Juan, PR | MS

Cody Regnal Blackledge of Collins, MS | BS

Paul J. Blackwell of Pascagoula, MS | BS

Mason Alan Blakeney of Laurel, MS | BS

James Travis Blanche of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Reid Reagan Bond of Pascagoula, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Zachary Paul Boone of Brandon, MS | BS

Haley Christine Bradford of Vancleave, MS | BS

Ashley Ruth Branyon of Huntsville, AL | BS

James Nathaniel Breland of Laurel, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kelcey Rose Bremenkamp of Gulfport, MS | BS

Emily Kay Brennan of Pearl, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ivanna C. Brent of New Orleans, LA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jacob McKenzie Brewington of Starkville, MS | BS

Frank Mhoon Brinkley of Dennis, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Alicia Danielle Brown of Petal, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Ashton Mikel Brown of Jackson, MS | BS

Aygul Makana Brown of Yazoo City, MS | BS

Hunter Orion Brown of Easley, SC | BS

Karimah Anitra Brown of Huntsville, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Nykea Itiria Brown of Forest, MS | BS

Sidney Rosha Brown of Starkville, MS | BS

Collin Saxton Brown of Starkville, MS | MS

Kevin Reese Brune of Vancleave, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Catherine Louise Buchanan of Collierville, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Kendric Bullard of Leakesville, MS | BS

Andrew Bullington of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Taylor Brent Burch of Dyersburg, TN | MS

Jordan Blake Burks of Collierville, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Collin Dwight Burnham of Mendenhall, MS | BS

William Joseph Bush of Hernando, MS | BS

Kelley Nicole Byrd of Thomasville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sierra Dawn Byrd of Tappahannock, VA | BS

Isaac Lee Cagle of Selmer, TN | BS

Thomas Wesley Cameron of Richton, MS | BS

Aaron Troy Carraway of Bainbridge, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Jiana B. Carter of Madison, AL | BS

Tucker H. Carter of Saltillo, MS | BS

Jordan Vickers Caskey of West Point, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Charles Burt Caston of Jackson, MS | BS

Chandler Dean Causey of Collierville, TN | BS

Neil Stevenson Chadala of Starkville, MS | BS

William Reid Clark of Flowood, MS | BS

Brooke Ann Clarke of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Drew Alexander Clawson of Johns Island, SC | BS

John Russell Cobb of Hattiesburg, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ryan Michael Cobb of Germantown, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Glen C. Cockrell of Oro Valley, AZ | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Claire Cockrum of Niceville, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Laura Elizabeth Coleman of Clinton, MS | BS

Jacob Martin Collins of Moss Point, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Levi Dean Colquitt of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kyle Hunter Cone of Hattiesburg, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

McCaleb Liam Connor of Rome, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Martha Avelina Contreras of Starkville, MS | BS

Jackson Lamar Cook of Meridian, MS | BS

Timothy Hill Cook of Madison, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Brittany Noelle Corder of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Gray Gordon Cordes of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Alex Lee Cote’ of Jackson, MS | BS

Anna Elizabeth Crawford of Hoover, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Clayton Patrick Creager of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Charlie Tanner Crim of Madison, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

James Ray Criss of Clinton, MS | BS

Jacques Valois Crochet of Gulfport, MS | BS

Madeline Elise Crow of Kingsport, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

David Nicholas Cuevas of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Dylan Joseph Cuevas of Raleigh, MS | BS

Alexandria Bayleigh Cumbest of Lucedale, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Colby Graham Curtis of Slidell, LA | BS, Cum Laude

Blake Ashley Cutrer of Carriere, MS | BS

Vahid Daghigh of Starkville, MS | PHD

Aubrey Clinton Dallas of Moss Point, MS | BS

Hart McMullen Daniels of Vaughan, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kristopher Wayne Davis of Bay Saint Louis, MS | BS

Madelyn Leigh Davis of Olive Branch, MS | MS

Elizabeth Rose Dell’Orco of Kirkwood, MO | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jayson Scott Dempsey of Morton, MS | BS

Joseph Marvin Dendy of Brandon, MS | BS

Mason Alexander DeOrnellis of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Mitchell Thomas Dethloff of Humble, TX | BS

Santosh Dhakal of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Wellesley Jane Dittmar of Baton Rouge, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

James Nicholas Dollar of Diamondhead, MS | BS

Michael Edward Dollar of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Johnathan Christian Donoho of Columbus, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Matthew Howell Dorris of Crystal Springs, MS | BS

Isaiah James Dorsey of Helena, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Teri Elizabeth Doss of Paducah, KY | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Corwin James Drummond of Rockwall, TX | BS

Braden Thomas Duke of Pontotoc, MS | BS

John Dale Dumas of Magnolia, MS | BS

Durward Belmont Dunn of Fredericksburg, VA | MS

Mabry Katherine Dye of Carthage, MS | BS

Hannah Elizabeth Eakes of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Jacob Nathaniel Easley of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jennifer Barrett Easley of Starkville, MS | PHD

Efrem Onyekuehenwemene Egede of Kennesaw, GA | BS

Nicholas Richard Eldred of Slidell, LA | BS

Rachel Elise Emig of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Alexcia Danielle Ennis of Fayetteville, GA | BS

William Blake Evans of Nettleton, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kathryn Greer Fagan of Prattville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Renelle Elena Failla of Picayune, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Eric David Farmer of Toney, AL | MS

Caleb Nathaniel Farrar of Vicksburg, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Matthew Stephen Faulkner of Madison, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Zachary Thomas Caleb Fauver of Pontotoc, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kendall Jaron Fields of Augusta, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Megan Elizabeth Finney of Amory, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Austin Matthew Finney of Starkville, MS | MS

Claire Ann Fischer of Montgomery, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Avery Colton Fisher of Carthage, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ethan Drew Fisher of Athens, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sara Ann Wages Fisher of Madison, MS | BS

Braden McCoy Fitzhugh of Lena, MS | BS

Connor Barnett Flaherty of Baldwyn, MS | BS

Keith Flournoy of Vicksburg, MS | MENG

Steven Mitch Fortenberry of Sandy Hook, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Joshua Andew Fortune of Lawrenceville, GA | BS

Carly Jean Foss of Mchenry, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

John Daniel Grissom Foster of Tuscumbia, AL | BS

Joshua Wayne Foster of Florence, MS | BS

William Jacob Foster of Laurel, MS | BS

Deonante M. Frazier of Utica, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Darren Anthony Frey of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Gabrielle Nicole Fuller of Petal, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Gavin Hiser Funderburg of Madison, MS | BS

Althea Charis Furby of Canton, MS | MS

Thomas Willhite Gaines of Coldwater, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kierra M. Gallion of Shelby, MS | BS

Jonah Thomas Gandy of Madison, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hemant Ganti of Starkville, MS | MS

Rebecca Ann Garcia of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

David Thomas Gardner of Vancleave, MS | BS

Melanae Garrett of Cruger, MS | MS

Christopher Roland Garza of Clinton, MS | BS

Lucas Cole Gay of Bremen, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Nicholas Allan Geeslin of Olive Branch, MS | MS

Thomas Wesley George of Aberdeen, MS | BS

Delaney Jewel Gillespie of Loretto, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Andrew Barrett Gilmore of Roswell, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Lin Gong of Starkville, MS | PHD

Alexander Javier Gonzalez of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Robert Aaron Gray of New Orleans, LA | BS

Christopher Garret Green of Senatobia, MS | BS

Jake Thomas Griesmer of Collierville, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Alexander Stephen Griggs of Brandon, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jason Thomas Gunnell of Seminary, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rhet Osborne Hailey of Meridian, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Daniel Aven Hall of Mobile, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jesse Michael Hall of Picayune, MS | BS, Cum Laude

James Paul Hammer of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Nicholas Aaron Hampton of Brandon, MS | BS

Dalton Jacob Hanley of Clinton, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Travis Neal Hannan of Midland, GA | BS

Nolan Joseph Harrell of Summit, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Derrian Juwan Harrington of Starkville, MS | BS

Kennedy Leigh-Ann Harris of Starkville, MS | BS

Wesley Clay Harrison of Mathiston, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Turner West Harrod of Bremen, GA | BS

Robert Alexander Hartsell of Aiken, SC | MENG

Devin Riley Hedgepeth of Picayune, MS | BS

Samuel Masters Herrin of Madison, AL | BS

Brandon Patrick Herron of Biloxi, MS | BS

Bruce Oneal Hicks of Martin, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Daniel Quinton Hill of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Randy Perez Hill of Corinth, MS | BS

Philip Kaleb Hilton of Laurel, MS | BS

Austin Dale Hipps of Harvest, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Joel Luke Hitt of Columbia, MS | BS

Mark Richard Hodge of Lafayette, LA | BS

Louis Gaylord Hodges of Starkville, MS | BS

Nolan R. Hoffman of Clinton, MS | MS

Frank Allen Holiman of Jackson, MS | MS

Tanner Michael Holt of Southaven, MS | BS

Joshua Gabriel Hopkins of Daleville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Holly Xiao-Jun Howard of Diamondhead, MS | BS

Graham Alan Hubbard of Cordova, TN | MS

Kevin R. Huey of Long Beach, MS | BS

Michael Anthony Hughes of Yazoo City, MS | BS

Coleby Logan Hutchinson of Boyle, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jeremy Philip Irwin of Long Beach, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Tyler Shellman Irwin of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Brayden Chance Jackson of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William McLean Jackson of Monticello, MS | BS

Varsha Jain of Brighton, MA | PHD

William Robert Janowsky of Diamondhead, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Will Hunter Jarrell of Fulton, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Ty Hayden Jernigan of Hamilton, MS | BS

Alexandria Brooke Johnson of Huntsville, AL | BS

Benjamin Daniel Johnson of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jonathan Caleb Johnson of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Peyton Lee Johnson of Madison, MS | BS

Spencer Eugene Johnson of Byhalia, MS | BS

William Peyton Johnson of Milton, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Michael Lee Johnston of Brookhaven, MS | BS

Jason Michael Joines of Richboro, PA | MENG

Benjamin Kai Jones of Jonesboro, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Shameria Juanese Jones of Purvis, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Shelby Denise Jones of Columbus, MS | BS

Sarkis L. Kazandjian of Silver Spring, MD | MS

Gautam Kc of Starkville, MS | BS

Jennifer Michelle Keeter of Jackson, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Drew Elizabeth Kelley of Germantown, TN | MENG

William Kelley of New Fairfield, CT | MENG

Jackson Paul Kelly of Martin, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

William Michael Kelly of Urbandale, IA | PHD

Christina Kemp of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Madison E. Kendall of Meridian, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Gage Michael Kennedy of Kiln, MS | BS

Parker Bishop Kennedy of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

John Thomas Kerr of Starkville, MS | MS

Ikhlas Faheem Khan of Como, MS | BS

Kirk Randall Kinard of Starkville, MS | MS

James Shelton Kinnebrew of Vicksburg, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Caitlyn Paige Kleinschmidt of Starkville, MS | BS

Sravya Kodali of Saint Louis, MO | MS

Mohan Sri Krishna Kopuru of Starkville, MS | MS

Brian James Koren of Rolling Meadows, IL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Stanley James Koryta of Harvest, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Angelina E. Kottemann of Spring Hill, FL | MENG

Katelyn Joyce Kovach of Madison, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Jonathon Chase Kramer of Jackson, TN | BS

McKayla Lynn Kramer of Gulfport, MS | BS

James Ryan Ladd of Cleveland, AL | BS

Stanton Myles Ladner of Perkinston, MS | BS

Bryan Nelson Lagrone of Clinton, MS | MS

Mason L. Lambert of Saltillo, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Olivia Ann Lampkin of Pelahatchie, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Spencer Payne Lampkin of The Woodlands, TX | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Christopher Edward Lee of Bay Saint Louis, MS | BS

Michael Aaron Lee of Madison, MS | BS

James Elliot Leggett of Jackson, MS | BS

Kenneth C. Leggett of Gautier, MS | MS

Gage Powell Leifried of Meridian, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ali Lenfar of Starkville, MS | MS

Seth Lawrence Lenoir of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Daniel David Liffrig of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Dylan Gary Lightsey of Meridian, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Johnny Lin of Long Beach, MS | BS

Joel Martin Lindsey of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Jonathan Briggs Lindsey of Nesbit, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ethan Jared Lishen of Long Beach, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Colton Paul Little of Jackson, TN | BS

Qing Liu of Starkville, MS | MS

Timothy Blake Lowman of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kennedy Alexandria Lowther of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Eric Darnell Lucas of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Samuel Nathan Lucas of Memphis, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Anthony L. Luczak of Starkville, MS | PHD

Joseph Gee Shing Lum of Southaven, MS | BS

Nathaniel Clifton Mabry of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Abraham Sanad Mahdi of Starkville, MS | BS

Angelica Catherine Maiers of Starkville, MS | BS

30 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Benjamin Julian Malatesta of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Mounia Malki of Los Alamos, NM | PHD

Justice Samuel Mallett of Nesbit, MS | BS

Harish Kumar Manchukonda of Starkville, MS | MS

Jacob Scott Manning of Ridgeland, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Steven Thomas Marshall of Inverness, MS | BS

Stanley Keith Martin of Vicksburg, MS | PHD

Carlos Martinez-Mata of Pearl, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Juliana Martinez-Solano of Petal, MS | BS

Sarah Abbott Martinson of Huntsville, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Meshanna Deiandria Marzette of Jackson, MS | BS

Benjamin Matthew Mason of Slidell, LA | BS

Matthew Thomas Matrick of Brandon, MS | BS

Joshua Tyler McCoy of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Cary Daniel McCraine of Starkville, MS | MS

Cole Blair McCranie of Clifton, VA | BS

Samuel Aidan McDevitt of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

James Taylor McDonald of Tupelo, MS | BS

Mark Thomas McDonnell of Biloxi, MS | BS

Samuel Alexander McDougal of Brentwood, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Benjamin Clay McDowell of Jackson, MS | BS

William David McGee of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Emily McGinity of Bay Saint Louis, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Khalil D’Shon McGuire of Ellenwood, GA | BS

Megan Olivia McKenzie of Pearl River, LA | BS

Travis Richard McKnight of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Mary Elise McMinn of Collierville, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Nathan Andrew McMurray of Brandon, MS | BS

Jason C. McQueen of Wiggins, MS | BS

Samuel Andrew Meals of Waterford, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Andrew Bryce Mehta of Pensacola, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Jordan Lee Mercer of Walnut, MS | BS

Marcos Alex Merlin of Clinton, MS | BS

Savannah Marie Metz of Gulfport, MS | MS

Nicholas Alexander Michael of Starkville, MS | MS

Dylan Douglas Miley of Carbondale, IL | BS

William Brinson Miller of Woodland, MS | BS

James Howard Mitchell of Corinth, MS | BS

Austin Cole Moak of Wesson, MS | BS

Christina Maria Moffett of Gulfport, MS | BS

Robert Clayton Montgomery of Ft Worth, TX | BS

Schell Ann Montville of Buford, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Andrew Joseph Moore of Tupelo, MS | BS

Jessica Marie Moore of Harvest, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Tavis Deshaun Moore of Brookhaven, MS | BS

Claudia Maris Moorehead of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Eli Hampton Morgan-Barnes of Madison, AL | MS

Peyton Harrison Morris of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Amelia Ann Morson of Clarksdale, MS | BS

Matthew Riley Moss of Madison, MS | BS

Mohammed Ahmed Mousa of Starkville, MS | PHD

Clay Thomas Murphy of Woodstock, GA | BS

Matthew P. Murray of Vicksburg, MS | MS

Priya Ganesh Musale of Starkville, MS | BS

Andrew James Mussell of Buford, GA | BS

Chandler Jack Myers of Birmingham, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Hayden Myers of Lauderdale, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Paige Nicole Nachtman of Collierville, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Caitlin Paige Nash of Sheffield, AL | BS

Devin Blake Neal of Starkville, MS | MS

Claudia Renee Nelson of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Tyler Alexander Nix of Pontotoc, MS | BS

James Christopher Noblin of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Owen Alexander Walker Norris of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Emily Christine O’Connor of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ryan Edward O’Malley of Madison, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Jadan John Orgeron of Cut Off, LA | BS

Maroua Ouazzani Touhami of Starkville, MS | MS

Blake Thomas Paben of Ridgeland, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Madeline Alyce Pace of Marion, AR | BS

Yamiretsy Pagan-Albelo of Vicksburg, MS | MS

Nelson Edgardo Pagoaga of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Thomas Francis Paladino of Hazel Green, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jastej Singh Pandher of Clinton, MS | BS

Sophia Elena Parker of Natchez, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brandon Marshal Parks of Southaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

John Shelton Parks of Collierville, TN | BS

Haley Jo Parlette of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Shreyaben Dilip Patel of Perry, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Heather Nicole Patterson of Corinth, MS | BS

Sweta Paudel of Starkville, MS | BS

Kristopher Neal Penn of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Lauren Nicole Peterman of Gulfport, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Clifton Hopkins Peyton of Madison, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jonathan Emmett Philley of Starkville, MS | BS

Hunter Cape Phillips of Decatur, MS | BS

Van Thien Phung of Mississippi State, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

April Vanessa Pierce of Lucedale, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Tristan John Pisacane of Franklin, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Monica Marie Pistorius of Decatur, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Tyler Brett Polderman of Carriere, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jessica Lauren Pope of Terry, MS | BS

Joshua Thomas Poynor of Olive Branch, MS | BS

William Vincent Pratt of Madison, MS | BS

Kenneth Crumpton Presley of Oxford, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Peyton Price of Annapolis, MD | PHD

Arianna Lynn Pullen of Perkinston, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Hunter Gage Purvis of Gulfport, MS | BS

John Zachary Pyles of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jason Kyle Rakestraw of Blue Springs, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

James Andrew Randle of Memphis, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Cameron Collier Rawls of Madison, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Libby Catherine Reaves of Hernando, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jacob Franklin Reed of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Robert Dwyer Reed of Columbus, MS | BS

Matthew Allen Register of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Charley Carroll Rhea of Hoover, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Stephen M. Richard of Summit, MS | BS

Mckenzie Renae Robbins of Franklin, TN | BS

Madeleine Meilstrup Roberson of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Lauren Elizabeth Robertson of Starkville, MS | BS

William Ross Robertson of Peachtree City, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Dylan Michael Robicheaux of Gulfport, MS | BS

Khara Nichell Robinson of Starkville, MS | BS

Britain Alexandra Rohling of Fountain Inn, SC | BS

Matthew Val Romero of Kansas City, MO | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Anna Sue Rourke of Birmingham, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Edgardo Ruiz of Clinton, MS | PHD

Jonathan S. Ruoss of Madison, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ethan Buck Rushing of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Reed Stoker Rushing of Winona, MS | BS

Brittany Nicole Russell of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Matt Elan Russell of Thaxton, MS | BS

Michael Dylan Russell of Columbia, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Michael Methodius Rust of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Kendra Leigh Sanders of Belden, MS | BS

Reed Emil James Carter Sanders of Canton, MS | BS

Gideon Sarpong of Tehachapi, CA | PHD

David Neil Saucier of Starkville, MS | MS

Caroline Morgan Schaade of North Augusta, SC | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Chasse Sterling Sciple of Gulfport, MS | BS

Madeline Alexandria Seale of Bay Minette, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Kali Marie Sebastian of Burr Ridge, IL | MS

Mary Frances F. Segars of Birmingham, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Anna Lacy Sellers of Gulfport, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Clayton Alan Sewell of Belden, MS | BS

Haley Elizabeth Sexton of Madison, AL | BS, Cum Laude

James David Shaffer of Schriever, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

John Taber Shank of Gulfport, MS | BS

Sean Patrick Sheehan of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Zachary Ralph Shelly of Collinsville, MS | MS

Megan Elizabeth Shepherd of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Matthew Henry Shine of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Robert Alexander Shober of Starkville, MS | BS

Thomas Henry Showers of Gulfport, MS | BS

Ralph Joseph Sieja of Madison, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Caleb Christian Simmons of Saltillo, MS | BS

Jack Earl Simmons of Tupelo, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Luke Nathanael Simons of Franklin, TN | BS

Robert Louis Simpson of Long Beach, MS | BS

Gurdit Singh of Yazoo City, MS | BS

Dustin Edwin Slade of Gulfport, MS | BS

Karl Smink of Starkville, MS | MS

Dillon Cody Smith of Southaven, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rylee Brooke Smith of Dyersburg, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

James Slater Smith of Ridgeland, MS | MENG

Edwin Soto-Aponte of Grovetown, GA | MS

Jacob Russell South of Iuka, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Arthur Andrew Speegle of Jackson, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William Lane Spell of Lexington, MS | BS

Katie Lynn Spillers of Decatur, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Alexander Brantley Sprung of Atlanta, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Divya Srikakulapu of Starkville, MS | MS

Rebecca Ann Stewart of Owens Cross Roads, AL | MS

Timothy Hunter Stogner of Bogue Chitto, MS | BS

John Allen Stowers of Brandon, MS | BS

Jordan Cantrell Stremming of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Aryn Denise Strickland of Cordova, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Matthew Ray Studer of Owens Cross Roads, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Abhinash Subedi of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Chance Douglas Sumrall of Ovett, MS | BS

Skylar Brady Taggart of Pass Christian, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ishan U. Taldekar of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Thomas Taylor Tatum of Brentwood, TN | BS

John Dylan Teas of Grenada, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

James Ray Tedford of Batesville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Daniela Fernanda Tellkamp of Louisville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bryce Collin Temple of Brookhaven, MS | BS

Adam L. Tew of Simpsonville, SC | BS

Christopher Michael Thomas of New Albany, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Michael F. Thompson of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Lalith Kumar Thugudam of Starkville, MS | MS

Prajjwol Timilsina of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jason Michael Tomasi of Walls, MS | BS

MOUSSA TOURE of Starkville, MS | MS

Huy Andy Tran of Biloxi, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Claire Elise Travis of Baton Rouge, LA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Francisco Trejo Acevedo of Gautier, MS | BS

Kevin Van Trinh of Crestview, FL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Luke Jackson Tucker of Tupelo, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jonathan Baxter Turfitt of Bay St Louis, MS | BS

Cole Reed Turner of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS

Jesse Tutor of Pontotoc, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Margaret Elizabeth Tuttle of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

George Laskaris Tzotzolas of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Erin Laura Upshur of Columbus, MS | MS

Jason Scott Utley of Starkville, MS | BS

Lukas Alexander Vali of Starkville, MS | BS

Joaquin Rolando Valle of Biloxi, MS | BS

Haley Paige Van Drunen of Meridian, MS | BS

Dawn Rose Van Iderstine of Pensacola, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rachel Nicole Van Namen of Little Rock, AR | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lacey Elizabeth Venhaus of Breese, IL | MS

Michael Preston Violet of Dacula, GA | BS

Kaitlyn Thao-Nhi Vu of Huntsville, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Christian Jackson Wagner of Gulfport, MS | BS

Mary Elizabeth Walker of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Alexandra Elena Wallace of Tallahassee, FL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Derrick Grant Walley of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Monica Dawn Warren of Corinth, MS | BS

Russell Tyler Warren of Starkville, MS | BS

Zachary Lane Warren of Southaven, MS | BS

Andrew James Weaver of Dumfries, VA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Michael Anthony Webster of Lebanon, MO | BS, Cum Laude

Jonathan Peter Weeks of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Matthew Joesph Weicks of Madison, MS | BS

Allison Amelia Weissinger of Arnold, MD | BS

Tucker Alexander Welch of Clinton, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Todd Wendling of Saltillo, MS | BS

Warren Alexander Wheeler of Madison, MS | BS

Lauren Mariette Wientjes of Byhalia, MS | BS

Gabriel Thomas Wiggins of Brownsboro, AL | BS

Benjamin Charles Wilkinson of Simpsonville, SC | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Dalton Lee Williams of Collinsville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

James Anthony Williams of Biloxi, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Katherine Elizabeth Williams of Hattiesburg, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kayla Tyelise Williams of Madison, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Lindsey Catherine Williams of Mobile, AL | BS

Reginald Williams of Madison, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Warren Reed Williams of North Carrollton, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Nicholas Paul Willis of Olive Branch, MS | MS

Michael Joseph Williston of Athens, AL | MS

Charles Steven Wilson of Millport, AL | BS

Natasha E. Wilson of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Woodrow Neal Wilson of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Andrew John Windham of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Rikaiyah Simone Winters of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Matthew Bradley Wise of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Bailey R. Wofford of Starkville, MS | BS

Jackson Brody Wolfe of Roswell, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Ronni Nicole Wolfe of Vicksburg, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Richard Alan Woodfield of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Taylor Olivia Woodruff of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Dennis Kuen-Hung Wu of Starkville, MS | MS

Tyler Scott Wyckoff of Columbus, MS | BS

Zhangjin Xu of Chicago, IL | PHD

Ryan Andrew Yingling of Mississippi State, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Chandler Wilson Young of Covington, LA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Luliang Zhang of Starkville, MS | BS

Haydn Bailey Zimmerman of Tanner, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

& LIFE SCIENCES

Brittany Nicole Adams of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jeffrey Blake Adams of Huntsville, AL | BS

Layla Jaynell Adkisson of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Charles Nolan Ahlrich of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Heather Ann Alexander of Wildwood, MO | BS

Zachary Hunter Allen of Roswell, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Matthew R. Allred of Coppell, TX | BS

Dareen Bander Altayyar of Starkville, MS | MS

Tiffani Nicole Anderson of Pleasant Grove, AL | BS

Emilia Kell Armond of Pascagoula, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Catherine Hensley Avent of Water Valley, MS | BS

Callie Nicole Baker of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Shelby Claire Ballinger of Hollandale, MS | MS

Kayla Shea Bannister of Mt Pleasant, SC | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Clare Harmon Beckham of Nesbit, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Olivia Roth Benner of Danville, IN | BLA, Magna Cum Laude

Ashley Marie Beyer of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Austin Billingsley of Coldwater, MS | BS

Baylie Michelle Billiot of Carriere, MS | BS

Hannah Lindsay Blades of Madison, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Bailee Diane Boling of Starkville, MS | BS

Harrison Cole Bond of Dawsonville, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Hannah Nicole Bostick of Irondale, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

George Randell Bouler of Alligator, MS | BS

Karrigan Jane Bowers of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Ralyn Brooke Bowling of Raymond, MS | BS

Addison Noelle Braddock of Loveland, OH | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Arlie Strider Brandon of Charleston, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William Blaye Brasher of Oakland, MS | BS

Garrett Wayne Brewer of Collierville, TN | BLA

Shelby Leigh Brewer of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kayla Lynn Broster of Mount Carmel, IL | MS

Abiola Elizabeth Bruce Smith of Raymond, MS | MS

Timothy Boyd Bryant of Starkville, MS | BLA

Ravali Budavarthi of Starkville, MS | MS

Rylee Elizabeth Burchfield of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Harrison David Burford of Greenville, MS | BS

Sara Joanne Cagle of Smithville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Evan Scott Campbell of Ardmore, TN | BS

Amber Michelle Camper of Clinton, MS | BS

Carolina Anne Canestrano of Tampa, FL | BS

Tyler Lane Capps of Starkville, MS | BS

Victor Frank Carey of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Eva Rachel Carranza of Gulfport, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Amber Nicole Carter of Horn Lake, MS | BS

Clinton Tanner Case of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bailey Nicole Cavender of Lexington, SC | BS, Cum Laude

Cody Joe Chastain of Sharpsburg, GA | BS

Jessica Jolelia Chease of Clinton, MS | BS

Danielle Childers of Senatobia, MS | BS

Rebecca Carol Christian of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Madison Hope Christian of Millport, AL | MS

Matthew Blake Clem of Starkville, MS | BS

Shelby Lauren Cole of Flora, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Anajah Vanais Coleman of Clinton, MS | BS

Katherine Grace Connelley of Monticello, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Adam Joseph Connor of Memphis, TN | BS

Kaylee Suzzanne Cooper of Rienzi, MS | BS

Mallory Banks Cooper of Star, MS | BS

Lea Sierra Cornelius of Clinton, MS | BS, Cum Laude

William Gage Creel of Golden, MS | BS

David Nicholas Cuevas of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Samuel Matthew Czosek of Collierville, TN | BS

Shelby Elizabeth Daigle of Nashville, TN | BS

Cameron S. Dantzler of Hammond, LA | BS

Elton Lynn Datcher of Harpersville, AL | BS

Paige Katherine Davis of Moselle, MS | BLA

Amelia Lauren Davis of Mobile, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Anna Grace Davis of Brownsboro, AL | BS

Amberly Dennis of Starkville, MS | BS

Clara Morgan Diekman of Mooresville, NC | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Olivia S. Dinep-Schneider of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Harrison Edward Donnell of Slidell, LA | BS

Shawna Carlie Downs of Willow Spring, NC | BS

Benjamin Lee Draughn of Richton, MS | BS

James Harmon Duke of Hooks, TX | BLA, Cum Laude

Parker Wiltshire Dulaney of Clarksdale, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Rachel Leigh Dykes of Birmingham, AL | BS

Lacey Marie Dysart of Woodstock, VA | MS

Aven Wesley Edgeworth of Big Creek, MS | BLA, Cum Laude

Allie Lee Edwards of Diamondhead, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kazzie Nichole Ellenburg of Westville, FL | MS

Alexander Stephen Eskew of Gainesville, GA | BS

Nathaly Alexandra Espinoza of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Charles Andrew Eubanks of Lucedale, MS | BS

John Tucker Fant of Holly Springs, MS | BS

Justin R. Farmer of Ethel, MS | BS

Jacob Zachary Felkins of Lebanon, TN | BLA

Jacob Zachary Felkins of Lebanon, TN | BS

Sommer Nicole Fitzgerald of Carson, MS | BS

Hannah LeeAnn Ford of Weatherford, TX | MS

Akeelein Jarmel Rashaahn Forrest of Grenada, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ashley Nicole Forwood of Mobile, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Love Frey of Jackson, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Robert Montgomery Fuller of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Josie Nicole Gamble of Soso, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Todd Edward Garner of Wynne, AR | BS

Anna Beth Gaudin of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Catherine Olivia Gibson of Butler, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Julia Leanne Gibson of Arbyrd, MO | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Tiarra Isabella Gipson of Batesville, MS | BS

Adam Jackson Goldman of Nesbit, MS | BS

Candy R. Grant of Caledonia, MS | PHD



7/31/20 1:48 PM

John Tyler Graves of Ellisville, MS | BS

Alexis Morgan Greene of Murfreesboro, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Ashley Lorraine Greene of Starkville, MS | MS

Benjamin Haney Griffith of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Gregory Heath Grimes of Hartselle, AL | BS

Jacamria Tonai Gunn of Maben, MS | BS

Preston Michael Hahn of Oran, MO | BS

Dalton Lane Hall of D’Iberville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Vaughn Addison Hamill of Franklin, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Stephanie Nicole Haney of Salina, KS | PHD

Amanda Jeane Harfst of Pheba, MS | MS

Md Shamimul Hasan of Starkville, MS | PHD

Samantha Elizabeth Hawkins of Hattiesburg, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Bailey Sean Herring of Eupora, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Joseph Andrew-Lee Hester of Kosciusko, MS | BS

Charlsie Brienna Hicks of Leakesville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Caitlin Michelle Hidalgo of Amory, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Chelsey Raeanne Hill of Gulfport, MS | BS

Addie Inez Hitt of Mooreville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Dalton Clay Hodges of Lucedale, MS | BS

Hunter Garrett Holley of Nettleton, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Georgiana Olivia Hoover of Diamondhead, MS | BS

Alexandra Jane Hovan of Savannah, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bailey Ross Howard of Clinton, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Zhaoheng Huang of Starkville, MS | MLA

Anda A. Hubbard of Starkville, MS | BS

Mary K. Huff of Lexa, AR | MS

Dominique Rebecca Hull of Luling, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jenna Michele Hull of Hamilton, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Alyssa Lynn Hutcheson of Starkville, MS | MS

Robert Chaz Ingram of Starkville, MS | BS

Lauren Madison Irby of Meridian, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Hannah Noel Irwin of Moss Point, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Adriana Quintel Ivy of Verona, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Tessa Rosemarie Jarvis of Delmar, DE | MS

Michael Deantonio Jeffries of Memphis, TN | BS

Abigail Karren Jenkins of Bush, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kayla Caree Jenkins of Bentonia, MS | BS

Clinton Paul Jones of Senath, MO | BS

Harris Kirtland Kearney of Collierville, TN | BS

Curtis Champ Knight of Starkville, MS | BS

Emily Morgan Knight of Mobile, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kristen Cathy Kocher of Redding, CT | BS

Rebekah Rowan Lambert of Iuka, MS | BS

Nathan Daniel Lambeth of Bay Saint Louis, MS | MLA

Meredith Ashley Landis of Porter, TX | BS, Cum Laude

James Hunter Lane of Franklin, GA | BS

Jack O’Brien Langford of Lena, MS | BS

Grace Elisabeth Layton Langford of Starkville, MS | MS

William Curtis Larsen of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS

Margaret Elizabeth Lee of Biloxi, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jacinda Skye Leopard of Oxford, MS | BS

Millane Elizabeth Lewis of Brookhaven, MS | BS

Brint Alan Lindsey of Bolivar, TN | BS

Ryann Elizabeth Lipcon of Statesville, NC | BS

Brittany E. Lipsey of Leland, MS | PHD

Margaret Perry Loftin of Starkville, MS | BS

Kayley Victoria Loggins of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Anna - Elizabeth Loper of Collinsville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

David Figueroa Lopez of Byhalia, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

David Robert Mansfield of Columbia, SC | BS, Cum Laude

Samantha Rae Marshall of Starkville, MS | BLA, Summa Cum Laude

Alexandra Elizabeth Martin of Katy, TX | BS

Miranda Rene’ Martin of Dayton, OH | MS

Alexandra Christina Massaro of Tampa, FL | BS

Rebecca Anne Mazanec of Saint Louis, MO | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kayla Gracie Leeandra Maze of Arab, AL | BS

Joey Tyler McClain of Mathiston, MS | BS

Amber Christine McCord of Sugar Land, TX | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Hayden Brian McCord of Gurley, AL | BS

Eva Marie McCormick of Harrisburg, IL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rachel Hope McDaniel of Brookhaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brantley Lake McGee of Owens Cross Roads, AL | BS

Dax Patrick McGriff of Huntsville, AL | BS

Molly Elaine McKeown of Mississippi State, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Haley Dione McLain of Leakesville, MS | BS

Luke Edward McNerney of New Hebron, MS | BS

Addison Claude Meeks of Halls, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Sydney Salone Melton of Meridian, MS | BS

Madison Mertz of Mississippi State, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Abbie Melissa Metcalfe of Germantown, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Makayla A. Minton of Westminster, MD | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Reagan Marie Moak of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Wesley Gene Moore of Grenada, MS | BS

Adam Sharp Morgan of Mcdonough, GA | BS

Abigail Lynn Morrow of Perry, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Logan Reed Morton of Rienzi, MS | BS

Casey Michelle Moss of Bruce, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Noah Ruffin Myrick of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Roshumbria Jenee Nash of Kosciusko, MS | BS

Michael Paul Nattrass of Starkville, MS | PHD

Thomas Glendon Nazary of Carthage, MS | MS

Macey Andraya Nelson of Tylertown, MS | BS

Jonah Thomas Neville of Starkville, MS | MS

Taylor G. Newman of Helotes, TX | MS

Jesse Dwayne Newton of Eupora, MS | MS

Tiffany Kieu-Diem Nguyen of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Roberta Lee Nicholson of Nashville, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Taylor Paige Nix of Southaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hayes Jackson Norris of Madison, MS | BS

Olivia Grace Odom of Tomball, TX | BS, Cum Laude

Camden Dawson Oglesby of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hannah Lee Oliver of Stuttgart, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Caitlin Renee Ornatowski of Toney, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jonathan Nicholas Owens of Hamilton, MS | BS

Alexia Rose Parker of Madison, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lauren Abigail Parker of Hattiesburg, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Mary Katherine Parkes of Madison, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Warren Thomas Perry of Rienzi, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Leelawattie Persaud of Bronx, NY | MS

Anna Melinda Persell of Athens, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Thompson Parrish Pettway of Lookout Mountain, GA | BS

Michael Thang Hong Pham of Byram, MS | BS

Bethany Rebeccah Pickard of Summit, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Brian K. Pieralisi of Greenville, MS | PHD

Graham Davis Pierce of Lexington, MS | BS

Jesse Thomas Potter of Louisville, MS | BS

Levisky Powell of Cane Ridge, TN | BS

Marissa Kaytlyn Powell of Guyton, GA | BS

Cecily Kate Price of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Kanani Jill Price of Jonesboro, IN | BS

Leah Bethany Pylate of Starkville, MS | PHD

Jacob Edward Rabinowitz of Westfield, NJ | BLA

Anna Ryan Ragland of Bentonia, MS | BS

Susanna Catherine Ratcliff of Brookhaven, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Courtney Elaine Ray of Starkville, MS | BS

Trenton James Ray of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Katie Elizabeth Reed of West Helena, AR | BS

Cole Thomas Reesman of Dacula, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Shelby Nicole Richardson of West Point, MS | BS

Cameron Paris Roach of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kali A. Roberts of Kosciusko, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Thomas Cole Robinson of Hamilton, MS | BS

Anastasia S. Rogers of Pascagoula, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William D. Rogers of Corinth, MS | MS

Madeline Michelle Roth of Montgomery, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Erin Elizabeth Rushing of Silver Creek, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Christien Brione Russell of Louisville, KY | PHD

Peyton Rollins Ryals of Louisville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Savannah Renee Saczek of Starkville, MS | BS

Chase A. Samples of Ashland, MS | PHD

Ashley Michelle Sanders of Madison, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Clara G. Sanders of Tupelo, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Sydney Michelle Savage of Starkville, MS | BS

Emilee Abret Sawyer of Morton, MS | BS

Kody James Schexnayder of Terrytown, LA | BS

Blake Louis Schlitt of Oran, MO | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Patrick Evan Seal of Wiggins, MS | BS

Miriam Grace Seale of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Andrew Bailey Seals of Madison, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brittany Michele Semko of North Chesterfield, VA | BS

William Jacob Seward of Hurley, MS | BS

Kristina Brooke Seyfarth of Woodville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Milan Kumar Sharma of Starkville, MS | MS

Carson Jakeb Sharp of Water Valley, MS | BS

Katie Lee Shearer of Arlington, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brandon Louis Shelby of Laurel, MS | BS

Emma Riley Shinall of Acworth, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Madeline Grace Shirley of Corinth, MS | BS

Beth Noelle Shiyou of Diamondhead, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mark David Sikora of Starkville, MS | BS

Rylie Caitlin Simmons of Arlington, TX | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Caroline Sims of Montevallo, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bhupinder Singh of Columbia, MO | PHD

Taylor Nicole Skeen of Hernando, MS | BS

Courtney Renee Slattery of Houston, TX | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jailyn Adrianna Smith of Rosedale, MS | BS

Neil Wayne Smith of Walnut Grove, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Taylor Marlow South of Eupora, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hailey Victoria Spillers of Terry, MS | BS

Christian Sudduth Stanley of Mobile, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Jamison Loyd Stennis of Trussville, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

James Homer Stevens of Booneville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Steven Bennett Stoker of Grenada, MS | BS

Mary A. Stokes of Elba, AL | MS

Charles L. Stokes of West Point, MS | PHD

Lindsay Blake Streiff of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Arielle Grace Striplin of Hernando, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Asher Logan Sullivan of Nokesville, VA | MLA

Emily Erin Sykes of Iuka, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Sara Nicole Talley of Corinth, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Peyton Alyssa Taylor of Irvington, AL | BS

Andy R. Taylor of Nettleton, MS | MS

Hunter Ryce Theunissen of Hollandale, MS | BS

Kensey Maryssa Thomas of Starkville, MS | BS

Brooklyn Paige Thompson of Lagrange, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Chandra Samone Thompson of Vicksburg, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Leiana Marie Thornell of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Bethany Lynn Tillman of Schlater, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kezia Virellia To of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Thien Hong To of Brandon, MS | BS

Sydney Erin Toler of Collinsville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Nieko Miguel Torres of Riverdale, NJ | MS

Tyler Breck Towles of Leland, MS | PHD

Zachary Ray Treadway of Coldwater, MS | MS

Brian Michael Tribble of Wilmington, NC | MABM

Alexis K. Turnipseed of Mccool, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Elizabeth Paige Usery of Athens, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Zachary Thomas Varner of Pelahatchie, MS | BLA

Zachary Thomas Varner of Pelahatchie, MS | BS

Brooklyn D. Waldrep of Steens, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Blake Evan Waldrip of Southaven, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jamie Leann Walker of Wynne, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kalli Dawn Wardrop of Waynesboro, MS | BS

Lauren Marcella Waters of Dothan, AL | BS

Brittney Lane Watkins of Forest, MS | BS

Ember Lindsey West of Sumrall, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sadie Ann White of Byhalia, MS | BS

Ryan J. Whitehouse of Albany, NY | MS

Wilson Stone Whitener of Columbia, SC | BS

Leah Jane Widmer of Philadelphia, PA | BLA

Leah Jane Widmer of Philadelphia, PA | BS

Cody Lee Wilhite of Tylertown, MS | BS

Heather Diane Williams of Wildomar, CA | MS

Anna Elizabeth Wilson of Woodville, AL | BS

Dakota Lee Wood of Glen Burnie, MD | BS, Cum Laude

Leeza M. Woodard of Rienzi, MS | BS

Tierra Nichelle Woodard of Jackson, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Courtney Nicole Wynn of Hope Hull, AL | BS

Savannah Michel Yonge of Spring Hill, TN | BS

Wyatt Austin Young of Hernando, MS | BS

Brittany Lynn Zapata of Burlington, NJ | BS

Tony Joseph Zbysinski of Biloxi, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Haley Kathryn Zetterholm of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE,

ART & DESIGN

Justin Cortez Alexander of Meridian, MS | BFA

Hannah Lee Battey of Brandon, MS | BFA

Rayce Curry Belton of Perkinston, MS | BARC

Catherine Alexis Bennett of Columbus, MS | BFA, Cum Laude

Carson Elizabeth Brantley of Pontotoc, MS | BFA, Magna Cum Laude

Veronica Ashley Brashear of Madison, MS | BFA, Magna Cum Laude

Hunter Everett Bullock of Nolensville, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jonathon Bryan Burton of Starkville, MS | BS

Timothy Lawell Bush of Starkville, MS | BFA

Davis Linzy Byars of Tuscaloosa, AL | BARC

Kayla Louise Cauthen of Natchez, MS | BFA

Laura Kalyn Cole of Pearl, MS | BARC

Tony Darnell Coleman of Gulfport, MS | BARC, Magna Cum Laude

John Colton Cox of Brandon, MS | BS

Sydney Caroline Cozart of Tuscumbia, AL | BFA, Summa Cum Laude

Wesley Cordell Crenshaw of Irwinton, GA | BARC

Amelia Grace Dalton of Vicksburg, MS | BFA, Magna Cum Laude

Joey Sanford Deaton of Flowood, MS | BS

Steven Craig Dragoo of West Point, MS | BS

Carl Stephen Elkins of Lucedale, MS | BS

Jeremy Blake Farrar of Blue Springs, MS | BARC, Cum Laude

Robert David Fatherree of Brandon, MS | BS

Tatiana B. Flores of Forest, MS | BFA

Gregory Reid Goza of Flora, MS | BS

Blake Alexander Guthrie of Starkville, MS | BS

Damion Savon Hardy of Lawrence, MS | BARC

Peyton Anthony Harlow of Pelham, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Lindsey Anne Harper of Starkville, MS | BFA

Jessica Renae Hines of Hazel Green, AL | BARC

Caylee Lenay Hubbard of Starkville, MS | BFA

Matthew Charles Hudgins of Huntersville, NC | BARC

Baleigh Alyssa Hull of Collinsville, MS | BARC

Rosalind Grey Hutton of Tchula, MS | BFA

Joshua Todd Jacobs of Madison, MS | BS

Ryeley Karsons Jacobs of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Kacie Lynn James of Grenada, MS | BS

Laura Kay Jones of Laurel, MS | BFA

Garrett Bryce Jones of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Austin Lee Keaton of Soso, MS | BARC

Amanda Carole Kotecki of Arlington, TN | BARC

Alexandra Saba Ladewig of Pelham, AL | BFA, Magna Cum Laude

Anthony S. Lowe of Jackson, MS | BFA, Magna Cum Laude

Amber Necole Mabry of Ridgeland, MS | BFA

Susan Marie Marshall of Smithville, MS | BFA, Magna Cum Laude

Evan Stocker McElrath of Columbus, MS | BARC

Robert Laurence Montoux of Plano, TX | BS

Jacquelyn Victoria Mullins of Starkville, MS | BFA

Christopher Kyle Murphy of Vicksburg, MS | BARC

Demarques Terrell Nevels of Olive Branch, MS | BFA

Asher Evans Paxton of Murfreesboro, TN | BARC, Magna Cum Laude

Casey L. Pennebaker of Madison, MS | BS

Robert Albert Scott of Flowood, MS | BARC

Garrett Jackson Seal of Wiggins, MS | BFA, Cum Laude

Tyler Ashton Seal of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Christopher David Sharp of Waco, TX | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mimi Abbott Sheppard of Starkville, MS | BFA, Magna Cum Laude

Jordan Xavier Smith of Jackson, MS | BARC

Hunter Cade Smith of Starkville, MS | BFA

Lilah Searcy Smith of Florence, MS | BFA, Cum Laude

Mason Gregory Smith of Miramar Beach, FL | BS

Mitchell Jackson Smith of Madison, MS | BS

Jacob Lee Stovall of Senatobia, MS | BS

Julia Elizabeth Thompson of Starkville, MS | BFA

Victoria Ann Thompson of Spring Hill, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Mark Alexander Todd of Navarre, FL | BS

Jacob Nathaniel Turner of Memphis, TN | BARC

Jalyn Rose Wallin of Double Springs, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Katie Noel Ware of Savannah, GA | BFA

Charles Robinson Warlick of Jackson, MS | BARC

Jackson Stuart Warren of Hoover, AL | BS

Daniel Gerard Wikoff of Bay Saint Louis, MS | BARC, Cum Laude

Case Lawson Woodward of Madison, MS | BS

Justin Taylor Wright of Olive Branch, MS | BFA

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Safa Badr Salem Abdulqawi of Starkville, MS | BS

Anna Gale Alexander of Laurel, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Avis Aaliyah Alexander of Starkville, MS | BA

Danielle Alexander of Lake, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Catelyn Elizabeth Allard of Clinton, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Emily Elizabeth Allegrezza of Vestavia Hills, AL | BA, Cum Laude

Donielle Desiree Allen of Mccalla, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Maxwell Lee Allen of Noxapater, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Arwa Salem Alsaiari of Starkville, MS | MS

Carolyn Angelo of Louisville, MS | MA

Adrianna Danielle Aponte of Carriere, MS | BA

Julia Elizabeth Argroves of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Sophia Evans Armata of Birmingham, AL | BS

Luke William Armstrong of Flowood, MS | BA

Sarah Chrysten Armstrong of Starkville, MS | BA

Shelby Kate Arnold of Starkville, MS | BS

Amy Elizabeth Arrington of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Toni Alexandra Arroyave of Marco Island, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Sumudu Ayesha Athukorale of Starkville, MS | PHD

Mallory Jo Aughtman of Jefferson City, MO | BSW, Cum Laude

Mattie Taylor Baker of Bailey, MS | BS

Mary Webb Ballou of Bailey, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Nathan Barclay of Starkville, MS | MS

Caitlyn Elizabeth Barger of Gadsden, TN | BSW, Magna Cum Laude

Brantley Aaron Barksdale of Starkville, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Doris Lofton Barksdale of Starkville, MS | BS

Mae Elisabeth Barnes of Tupelo, MS | BS

Kevin Matthew Barnes of Starkville, MS | MS

Christian Jade Barnette of Starkville, MS | BA

Samantha Ann Beckham of Meridian, MS | BSW

Shronda Beeks of Amory, MS | BS

Taylor Grace Beerman of Southaven, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jonathan Belanich of Lindenhurst, NY | PHD

Blake Stewart Bell of Lexington, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Mary Elliott Benakovich of Gulf Shores, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Taylor Marie Bendell of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Katherine Jane Bender of Yonkers, NY | BA

Shaneyra Sharda Bennamon of De Kalb, MS | BS

Michael Todd Bennett of Starkville, MS | BS

Regan Moore Bernardoni of Walkersville, MD | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bailey Hanna Berry of Madison, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Brooke Elizabeth Berry of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Emily Kate Beyea of Brandon, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Avery McKee Billingsley of Saltillo, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Andrea Marie Black of Kosciusko, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Ethan Eryk Black of Fort Wayne, IN | BS, Cum Laude

Robert Gain Black of Navarre, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Timothy Jordan Blackwell of Brandon, MS | BA

Kiara Breshawn Davis Blackwell of Starkville, MS | BS

Susan Lynn Blackwell of Laurel, MS | BS

Bentley McClain Blair of West Point, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Dondreia Senia Blanchard of Tupelo, MS | BA

Mandalin Love Blanton of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Heather Blythe of Amarillo, TX | MS

Tori Ashley Boatner of West Point, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Robert Donald Boles of Rose Hill, MS | BA

32 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Akira Shantel Bolton of Columbia, MS | BA

Justin Lamar Bond of Allentown, PA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rachel Annette Bond of Jayess, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Vanessa Katherine Bond of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Amanda Elizabeth Boneau of Lake Jackson, TX | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kristopher Ashlock Boone of Watauga, TX | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Emily Morgan Boornazian of Downingtown, PA | BA

Amanda Shyann Boothe of Bassfield, MS | BS

Mary Catherine Boring of Nashville, TN | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Landon Scott Bounds of Union, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Jamie K. Bowen of Byhalia, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Emily Grace Box of Jackson, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Brianna Makayla Boyd of Okolona, MS | BA, Cum Laude

William Alan Bracken of Meridian, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Lauren Grace Brady of Byhalia, MS | BA

Rachel Ellen Brantley of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Catherine Jaye Bratton of Madison, MS | BS

Alyssa Michelle Breazeale of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sydney Laikan Breazeale of Philadelphia, MS | BSW, Magna Cum Laude

Khamaya Janea Brooks of Columbus, MS | BA

Zofia Tyler Broughton of Livingston, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Dominique M. Brown of Starkville, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Edward Calhoun Brown of Starkville, MS | BA

Caitlin Rose Brown of Safety Harbor, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Colton Miller Brown of Hamilton, AL | BS

Frederick Dionte Brown of Jackson, MS | BS

Jasmine Janae Brownlee of Vardaman, MS | BA

Nakayla Nashun Brownlee of Winona, MS | BS

Wesley Clay Bunch of Sturgis, MS | MPPA

Madeline N. Burdine of Houston, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Gerry Ann Burford of Camden, AL | BS

Austin Jarod Burl of Calhoun City, MS | BS

Julianna Hope Burnham of Cullman, AL | BS

Casey Leighann Busby of Saint Stephens, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Laura Bess Buskirk of Tupelo, MS | BSW

Ashli R. Butler of Columbus, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ashley Nicole Butler of Union, MS | BSW

Delaney Lauren Butts of Brandon, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Randa Elizabeth Byars of Steens, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Gracie Erin Byrne of Brookhaven, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Aubry Skyler Cabaniss of Diamondhead, MS | BS

Greyson Mosby Calhoun of Collinsville, MS | BS

Scott Edward Camilleri of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Hayden James Campbell of Olive Branch, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Margaretta Campbell of Meridian, MS | BAT

Sydney Dillon Canaday of Maylene, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Julia Ann Canfield-Phillips of Bartlett, TN | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Marissa G. Cannon of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Morgan Barrett Cantrell of Aberdeen, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Grace Anne Carlson of Signal Mountain, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Morgan Paige Carroll of Batesville, MS | BS

Stephanie Brooke Carter of Ocean Springs, MS | BA

Tyson Gregory Carter of Starkville, MS | BS

John H. Cartwright of Starkville, MS | PHD

Courtney Renee Carver of Lucedale, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Emily Brandon Case of Richmond, VA | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Nicholas Kent Casey of Vardaman, MS | BS

Sarah Camille Caveness of Marietta, MS | BS

Anthony Craig Cawthorn of De Kalb, MS | BS

Christopher Chatman of Magee, MS | BS

Julia Christian of Cordova, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Taylor Elizabeth Churchwell of Hernando, MS | BSW, Magna Cum Laude

Stephen Chase Clark of Biloxi, MS | BA

David Quentin Clark of Silver Creek, MS | PHD

Sarah Elizabeth Claxton of Memphis, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Tiara Lynn Clemmons of Starkville, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Nathan Ryan Cleveland of Dennis, MS | BA

Triston Paige Coats of Union, MS | BA

Kelly Diane Coble of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Lauren Nicole Cockrell of Magee, MS | BS

Joshua Daniel Coggins of Starkville, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Ashea Brianonya Cole of Greenwood, MS | BA

Zanisha Cole of Lamar, MS | BA

Annabel Lee Cole of Huntsville, AL | BS

Myranda Reshea Coley of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Amari Ifeanyel Collins of Memphis, TN | BA

Cecilia Catherine Collins of Biloxi, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Tiffany R. Collins of Meridian, MS | BSW

Lucas P. Comfort of Madison, MS | BA

Isabelle Nicole Comfort of Cordova, TN | BS

Julia Claire Concolino of Fayetteville, GA | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Cheyenne Elizabeth Conkin of Madison, AL | BA, Cum Laude

Omarr Shamire Conner of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Cara Grace Connors of Simpsonville, SC | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Paxton Kane Cook of Collinsville, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Rashon C. Cook of Starkville, MS | BS

Amarrah Nicole Cooks of Columbia, SC | BA

Hudson Phillips Coombs of Nashville, TN | BA

Allie Brooke Cooper of Carriere, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William Neal Cooper of Jackson, TN | MS

James David Cope of Sacramento, CA | PHD

Mariah Paige Corbell of Ida, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Charlotte Denise Corr of Franklin, TN | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Skyler Michelle Cox of Meridian, MS | BA

Robert Paul Craven of Apo, AP | BS, Cum Laude

Ray-Vernard Crusoe of Madison, MS | BA

Richenda Lashay Crutcher of Holly Springs, MS | BS

Joshua Quentin Cummins of Flowood, MS | BS

Shakylan Bernard Cunningham of Starkville, MS | BS

Kimberly Wayne Curtis of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Michael Tyler Curtis of Tiplersville, MS | BS

David Vincent D’Angelo of Brandon, MS | BS

Ashley Christine Dafoe of Thornton, CO | MA

Shannon Christen Dalene of Hixson, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Tyler Blake Daniel of Starkville, MS | MA

Ashlan Brooke Daniels of Cordova, TN | BA

Joshua Lashawn Dantzler of Columbus, MS | BS

Savon Dewayne Daughtery of Starkville, MS | BS

Kelsi Michele Davidson of Raymond, MS | BS

Arielle De’Jahna Davis of Starkville, MS | BS

Cayla Selena Davis of Starkville, MS | BS

Victoria Banks Davis of Starkville, MS | BS

Danielle Piper Davis of Fleming Island, FL | MS

Ana Alicia Dean of Brandon, MS | BS

Micah Ray Dear of Madison, MS | BA

Dottie L. Dearen of Mccool, MS | BS

John Byron Dennis of Brandon, MS | BA

Emma Caroline Denson of Decatur, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Haleigh Alece Denton of Morton, MS | BA

Krishna Dipakkumar Desai of Ridgeland, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Wesley Fox DeVaughn of Tupelo, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Brian Anthony DeVeau of Biloxi, MS | MS

Delani Alise Distefano of Franklin, TN | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Erica Valentina Dixon of Starkville, MS | BA

Autumn L. Dodson of Brandon, MS | BS

Julia Anne Domenech of Oak View, CA | PHD

Cassidy Leigh Doss of Hernando, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Gabrielle Reanna Doss of Fayette, MS | BSW

Tamoris Vontae Draine of Eupora, MS | BS

Nathan K. Drake of Starkville, MS | PHD

Michaela Ruth DuBose-Schmitt of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Grace Isabel Duggan of Jonesboro, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Renordna Christy Dukes of Meridian, MS | BSW, Magna Cum Laude

Kelsey Darnyelle Duncan of Marietta, GA | BA

Hannah Grace Dunlap of Belmont, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Danny R. DuPree of Amarillo, TX | BS

Jack Michael Eagan of Wautoma, WI | BS

Alyssa Kaye Easterling of Benton, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Whitney Brooke Eddy of Haleyville, AL | BA

Samuel Paje Edmonson of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Lauren Nicole Edwards of Madison, MS | BS

Tunisha Tyia Ellis of Newton, MS | BS

Clayton Riley England of Arab, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Maryasa Martin England of Hernando, MS | MPPA

Raana Victoria Esmaeili of Mccomb, MS | BA

Philemon Terrell Evans of Riverdale, GA | BA

Brian Evans of Powder Springs, GA | BS

Torrye Raymond Evans of Jackson, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lauren Jane Ezzell of Athens, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Olivia Grace Fahrmann of Orange Beach, AL | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Haden Christopher Felsher of Biloxi, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Isidora Rebecca Fereday of Summit, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Avery Kathleen Ferguson of Starkville, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Hannah Frances Feruglio of Germantown, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Brianna Nicole Fields of Tupelo, MS | BS

Evan D. Fierro of Madison, AL | BA

Nicholas Joseph First of Starkville, MS | BS

Mckenzie Kathryn Fish of Dacula, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brandon Michael Fisher of Vernon Hills, IL | BA

Savannah Nicole Fleming of Athens, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mia Elizabeth Fontenot of Gulfport, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Adeline Elizabeth Ford of Tuscaloosa, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Laken Gwen Fowler of Eupora, MS | BS

Austin Michael Franks of Iuka, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Alexandra Marie Freeman of Birmingham, AL | BA, Cum Laude

Jacob Bishop Freeman of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Joseph E. French of Starkville, MS | MS

Sarah Love Frey of Jackson, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Elise Ellen Fullwood of Madison, MS | BS

Thomas Alan Gammon of Southaven, MS | BS

Andrew McKinley Gardner of Corinth, MS | BA

Ashlee Brooke Garlington of Clinton, MS | BS

Peyton Leigh Garrison of Pinson, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Thomas James Garrison of Columbus, MS | BS

Madelynn Cynthia Garza of Bay Saint Louis, MS | BA

Brittany Paige Gaston of Semmes, AL | BS

Keaundra Nakayla Gavin of Jackson, MS | BA

Morgan Brooke Gay of Chelsea, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Nathaniel Bruce Gentry of Southaven, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Conne Alicia George of Starkville, MS | MS

Madison Renee Giammona of Las Vegas, NV | BA

Brooke Morgan Gibson of Biloxi, MS | BA

Lakendra Sierra Gibson of Terry, MS | BS

Annaliese Lee Gill of Moss Point, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Thomas Cole Gilman of Collierville, TN | BS

Michael Frederick Godley of Starkville, MS | BS

Ana Karen Gonzalez of Ocean Springs, MS | MA

Desiree Veronica Goodfellow of Gulfport, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Grace Shannon Goodman of Meridian, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Briana Kelsi Goudeau of Hammond, LA | BA, Cum Laude

Nathan Shay Gragg of Meridian, MS | BS

Lakesiah Keshay Green of Batesville, MS | BA

Emily O’Neal Green of Starkville, MS | MPPA

Taylor Elise Greer of Belden, MS | MA

Deion James Griffin of Byhalia, MS | BS

Grayson Sanders Griffith of Pontotoc, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Rebekah Lois Grisham of Starkville, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Chelsea Marie Grissett of Meridian, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Kenneth Wayne Groce of Memphis, TN | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Sabrina Lynn-Marie Guichard of Ocean Springs, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Molly Douglas Guillory of Cumming, GA | BS

Alizabeth Adam Guillot of Rayville, LA | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Preety Gurung of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

William E. Hagel VI of Horn Lake, MS | BS

Ian Baker Halbert of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Christian David Hall of Butler, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mya Sha’Kira Hall of Courtland, MS | BSW, Cum Laude

Sakidra Q. Hamilton of Tupelo, MS | BS

Madelyn Claire Hammond of Saltillo, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ashley Nicole Hannah of Saltillo, MS | BS

Elizabeth Ashley Hardgrave of Mandeville, LA | BS

Alexius Harley Hardin of Meridian, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Alycea Auntryce Hardin of Starkville, MS | BS

Maddox Lamar Hargett of Indianola, MS | BS

Hope Tierre Harrington of Louisville, MS | BS

Andrew Dennis Harris of Lauderdale, MS | BA

Brian Ernest Harris of Memphis, TN | MA

Michael Deion Harris of Starkville, MS | MA

Wesley Clay Harrison of Mathiston, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Joseph Andrew Harrison of Athens, GA | MPPA

Jordana Frost Hart of Meridian, MS | BS

David A. Hatfield of Huntsville, AL | MA

Ashley Catherine Hatton of Etta, MS | BS

Rhonda Renee Hearn of York, AL | BSW

Nicholas Blaine Hebert of Alexandria, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Kathryn Heifner of Huntsville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Terranecia La’Bria Henderson of Madison, MS | MPPA

Sara Madison Hendrix of Tupelo, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Alexis De’Cheryl Hendrix of Toomsuba, MS | BSW, Cum Laude

Amelia Ruth Henson of Philadelphia, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Olivia Rosemary Hernandez of Phoenix, AZ | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Connor Benton Herring of Starkville, MS | BA

Charles David Herring of Mount Olive, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Devon Laqua Herron of Greenville, MS | BS

Adrienne Nicole Hicks of Starkville, MS | BS

Denzel D’Juan Hicks of Columbus, MS | BS

Kayleigh Ashton Higdon of Pensacola, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Dontarious C. Higgins of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Trace Cobia Hilbun of Oxford, AL | BS

Rickie Lavorn Hill of Columbus, MS | BA

Rebecca Ann Hill of Fort Walton Beach, FL | PHD

Matthew Himel of Brooksville, MS | PHD

Alexis Morgan Hinson of Lakeland, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lydia June Hinton of Bay Springs, MS | BS

Giulia Elizabeth Hintz of Columbus, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Benjamin Wesley Hobbs of Griffin, GA | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Kayla T. Hoggs of Horn Lake, MS | BS

Noah William Holbrook of Denham Springs, LA | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Samantha Lynn Holbrook of Saint Charles, MO | BA

Emily Michelle Holland of Olive Branch, MS | BA

Christa Joyce Ann Holloway of Baldwyn, MS | BA

Robin Nicole Holly of Grenada, MS | BA

Kyra D. Holmes of Loganville, GA | BS

Melissa Anne Hopkins of Royal, AR | BS

Brandon Jermaine Horton of Jackson, MS | BA

Emily Jayne Hounshell of Franklin, TN | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Kallie Nichole Hubbard of Eupora, MS | BSW, Cum Laude

Jessica Nicole Hulsey of Lynn, AL | MPPA

Clay Matthew Hunker of Fishers, IN | BA

Lauren Elizabeth Hunt of Brandon, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Kierstynn Arielle Hunter of Arlington, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Crystal E. Hurt of Coldwater, MS | BS

Matthew Ryan Hutchison of Hampton, GA | BS

Christopher Lane Hynum of Vicksburg, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Adjoa D. Intsiful of Starkville, MS | MS

Kalee Analece Irby of Jackson, MS | BS

Reagan Cavender Irby of Brandon, MS | BS

Britnee Raynecia Isaac of Meridian, MS | BS

Abby Cannon Ivy of Columbus, MS | BSW

James Vincent Jackson of Bay Minette, AL | BA, Cum Laude

Ashlyn Shanyia Jackson of Prattville, AL | BS

Donald Wayne Jackson of Pearl, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Emberly Katelyn Jackson of Tupelo, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

James Howard Jackson of Starkville, MS | MS

Shelby Chartier Jaco of Huntsville, AL | BS

Kdarius Lamonte Jarrett of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Emily R. Jeanmard of Sumrall, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Ryan Daniel Jeffries of Starkville, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Scott Kenneth Jenkins of Sturgis, MS | BA

Randi Lorene Jenkins of Pass Christian, MS | BS

Tammie R. Jennings of Meridian, MS | BAT

Daja Tiara Jennings of Starkville, MS | BS

Gillian Kaye Jinkins of Mendenhall, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Hannah Nicole Johnson of Alpharetta, GA | BA

Jada Trece Johnson of Starkville, MS | BA

Lacee Deanna Johnson of Crawford, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Amanda Elizabeth Johnson of Rowlett, TX | BS

Bethany H. Johnson of Walnut Grove, MS | BS

Charles Philip Johnson of Tupelo, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jada Quinnise Johnson of Brandon, MS | BS

Jena Rachelle Johnson of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Karlee Machelle Johnson of Fairhope, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Brad N. Johnston of Glenmora, LA | MA

Breanna Yasmeen Jones of Raymond, MS | BA

Falon Adalia Jones of Forest, MS | BA

Kiara La’Shuntae Jones of Vicksburg, MS | BA

Anna Marie Jones of Decatur, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bailey Camille Jones of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Blake Randall Jones of Lawrence, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Christain Lajamees Jones of Macon, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Dontea Davis Jones of Mccool, MS | BS

Chartese Darnel Jones of Belzoni, MS | PHD

Kayla Marie Jordan of Sweet Water, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Rachael Morganne Jordan of Loxley, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Kristina Alexus Jordan of Starkville, MS | BS

Ty-Kia Tatiana Joseph of Grenada, MS | BS

William Arthur Joseph of Starkville, MS | MA

Justin Luke Josey of Starkville, MS | BS

Kendall Estelle Junker of Madison, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jolie Kate Kavanagh of Biloxi, MS | BS

Samuel Gillespie Kealhofer of Starkville, MS | MA

Ashley D. Kelly of Quitman, MS | BS

Mary Cecil Kimbrell of Inverness, MS | BS

Anfernee Kywon King of Fulton, MS | BS

Sean Mitchell Klaus of Collierville, TN | BS

Sarah Katherine Kuhn of Lake Wylie, SC | BA

Mary Madeline La Mastus of Cleveland, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Taylor Jenai Lairy of West Point, MS | BS

Robert W. Lamb of Starkville, MS | PHD

Christana Kay Landress of Buford, GA | MS

Tristan Gage Langlois of Mcdonough, GA | BS

Julia Kathleen Langnes of Alabaster, AL | BA

Kara M. Larson of Delton, MI | MA

Marisa Gabriella Laudadio of Starkville, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Morgan Rachel Lauher of Springfield, IL | BA, Cum Laude

Brenna Elise Lawrence of Spring Hill, TN | BS

Jacob Riley Lawrence of Lubbock, TX | BS

Hailey Michelle Lawson of Clarksville, TN | BS

Elijah Peerson Layman of Pompano Beach, FL | BA, Cum Laude

Parker Miller Lee of Southaven, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Seung Heon Lee of Starkville, MS | BS

Bailey Carmel Lehmann of Waterloo, IL | BS, Cum Laude

Ulufa Epifania Leilua of Hawthorne, CA | BS

Marisela Leon of Dyersburg, TN | BS

Genevieve Marcelle Leonard of Pensacola, FL | BS

Alexandra Harrington Leslie of Woodstock, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Anna-Katherine Nicole Lewellen of Collierville, TN | BA

Robert Frank Lewis of Montgomery, AL | BA

Frances Elaine Lewis of Jackson, MS | BS

Naomi Grace Lewis of Eupora, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kangqi Li of Starkville, MS | MS

Jase Lee Gonzales Lias of Southaven, MS | BS

Julee Ilana Lieberman of Vicksburg, MS | BA

Graham Walker Lightsey of Petal, MS | BA

Renada Deann Lilly of Choctaw, MS | BS

Lauren Leann Lindsey of Gardendale, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Sara Lizariturry Setien of Mississippi State, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Grant A. Long of Dallas, GA | BA

Kevin Michael Lovell of Starkville, MS | BS

Lauren Taylor Lucas of Louisville, MS | BA

Evan Kenneth Lund of Starkville, MS | BA

Caroline Nicole MacDonald of Murfreesboro, TN | MS

Luke Andrew Mackay of Starkville, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Ben Karl Mackin of Starkville, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Zadarius D’Anthony Macklin of Jackson, MS | BA

Yasiru Randika Perera Mahamarakkalage of Starkville, MS | PHD

Ceolia Griffin Marion of Pheba, MS | BS

Randeep Reddy Marri of Kosciusko, MS | BS

Sadie Katherine Marshall of Dekalb, MS | BS

Sarah Rae Marshall of Topanga, CA | BS



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Crista Alexis Martin of Greenville, MS | BA

Abigail Nicole Martin of Covington, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Semaj Cordell Martin-Redd of Brandon, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Abigail H. Mason of Rockmart, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Sara Taylor Mathis of Carthage, MS | BA

R’Najee Ariel Matthews of Okolona, MS | BS

Anna Brooke May of Collierville, TN | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Jessica Conerly Mayts of Tampa, FL | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Charlotte Ann McBride of Kosciusko, MS | MA

Emily Rita McCabe of Foley, AL | BS

Chalandria Arenette McCall of Cordova, TN | BS

Autumn Paisley McCann of Savannah, GA | BS

Clayton Scott McCann of Memphis, TN | BS

Zachary Michael McCarthy of Biloxi, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Nikayla Gabrielle McClelland of Clinton, MS | BS

Brandon Lee McClure of Meridian, MS | BA

Kayla Diane Mcconnell of Starkville, MS | PHD

Andrew Robert Mccormick of La Plata, MD | MS

Amye Faith McDonald of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Giulia Ronnette McDonald of Perkinston, MS | BS

Edward Kennon McGavran of Belmont, NC | BA, Cum Laude

Anna Elizabeth McGuire of Collierville, TN | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Tori Jorice Mcintosh of Meridian, MS | BS

Amber Nicole McKenzie of Quitman, MS | BS

Sarah Jessica McKinley of Tylertown, MS | BS

Jonathan Dewayne McKinney of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Madalyn Ann-Marie McMahon of Dekalb, MS | BS

Molly Elise McMahon of Summit, MS | BS

Autumn Diane McMillan of Philadelphia, MS | BA

Melanie Carol McMillan of Lake, MS | BS

Carr Eaton McMorris of Taylorsville, MS | BS

Keyunna Ja’Nay McNeil of Byram, MS | BS

Devain Price McQueen of Louisville, MS | BS

Amber Lynne Medlin of Leola, AR | BS

David Erich Mees of Knoxville, TN | BS

Kiara Natasha Merrill of Taylorsville, MS | BS

Katherine Elizabeth Mertes of Memphis, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Samuel Easton Michael of Booneville, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Angelique Carmela Mickens of Greenwood, MS | BA

Lee Gannon Miles of Brownsboro, AL | BA, Cum Laude

Abby Caroline Miles of Mcgehee, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Beau Bryant Miller of Meridian, MS | BA

Jonathan Duncan Miller of Starkville, MS | BA

Andrew Ryan Miller of Gulfport, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Lester Jeremiah Miller of Morrow, GA | BS

Kayla Denae Minor of Starkville, MS | BA

Meredith Suzanne Minshew of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Blaklie Elizabeth Mitchell of Rienzi, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jackson Moore Mitchell of Starkville, MS | BS

Madison Lee’Ellen Mitchell of Woodland, MS | BS

Maranda Leann Mitchell of Elkmont, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ashlee Jane Mitchke of Brandon, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Hannah Elizabeth Mizell of Hallsville, TX | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Alyssa Michelle Moncrief of Clinton, MS | BA

Braden Thomason Moore of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Jessie Wayne Moore of Houston, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Walter Thomas Moore of French Camp, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Mallorie Rachael Moore of Starkville, MS | BSW, Summa Cum Laude

Shelby Caroline Morgan of Meridian, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Amber Grace Morgan of Starkville, MS | MA

Naja T. Morris of Matteson, IL | BA

Hailey Brooke Morris of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Olivia Joy Morris of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Audrie Elizabeth Moses of Longview, TX | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Callie Elaine Moss of Theodore, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Danielle Eugena Moss of Acworth, GA | BS

Olivia Lakin Murtagh of Hattiesburg, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jason Michael Mustard of Bend, OR | MS

Aaron Richard Myler of Plum, PA | MS

Sarah Marie Myrick of Cartersville, GA | BA, Cum Laude

Lyndsi Parker Naron of Cleveland, MS | BA

Peyton Reid Neal of New Albany, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Nadiuska Aolani Nelson of Gautier, MS | BS

William Newman of Enterprise, MS | BAT

Savio H. Nguyen of Pass Christian, MS | BS

Jacob Hunt Nichols of Oxford, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sarai S. Niu of Chula Vista, CA | BA

Veronica Jean Norman of Fort Worth, TX | BS

Jennifer Marie Norris of Starkville, MS | BS

Zynekkia Lueteshia Nunnally of Corinth, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Matthew James O’Quinn of Hattiesburg, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Hannah Eugenie Oehlerts of Richardson, TX | BA

Theophilus Boluwatife Okunlola of Starkville, MS | MA

Kellan Kiora Osby of Arlington, TN | BA

Tyranni Outlaw of Starkville, MS | BA

Anna Marie Owens of Ridgeland, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

April Pace Alhashedi of Starkville, MS | BSW

Amanda Caroline Pankratz of Pearland, TX | BS

Bohyun Park of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Juan Marquez Parker of Moss Point, MS | BA

Sarah Grace Parker of Clinton, MS | BA

Chloe Rachel Parker of Smithville, MS | MS

Samantha Marie Parry of Meridian, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Stephanie Brook Parsons of Tishomingo, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Srushti Rakesh Patel of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Shelby Jo Patti of Hammond, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Mary Grace Payne of Cordova, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Cameron Bradley Peets of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

George Edward Penniman of Savannah, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Caitlyn J. Penton of Mclain, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Destiny De’Anna Perkins of Holly Springs, MS | BS

Daniel Alan Permenter of West Point, MS | BA

Jordan Donovan Perry of Nashville, TN | BA

Matthew Hunter Perry of Madison, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Stephanie M. Perry of Senatobia, MS | BS

Hannah Susanne Phillips of Nesbit, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Alie Katherine Phillips of Pensacola, FL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ariel Lanae Phillips of Memphis, TN | BS

Logan Scott Phillips of Starkville, MS | BS

Carly Lorraine Pippin of Carthage, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Deshawn Raheem Pittman of Vossburg, MS | BS

Walker Ellis Plunkett of Aberdeen, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Alec Hayden Plunkett of Amory, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Daniel Antonio Ponce of Hernando, MS | BA

Mary Caitlin Poulos of Biloxi, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hannah Grace Pounds of Brookhaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Rebecca Ann Poynor of Olive Branch, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Shelbie Blair Prather of Starkville, MS | BA

Miranda Caitlin Prather of Guntown, MS | BS

Hannah Rene Pray of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Macenzie Elizabeth Preston of Owens Cross Roads, AL | BS

Cody Mathew Benson Prewitt of Starkville, MS | BA

Eddie Price of Canton, MS | BS

Brett Ryan Prill of Bellevue, NE | BA

Sara Elizabeth Pritchard of Germantown, TN | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Katelyn Sue Provine of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Megan J. Raden of Starkville, MS | MS

Mariah Randall of Adolphus, KY | BS

Alliene Fisher Randle of Fulton, MS | BA

Madison Reece Rawdon of Spring Hill, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kaley Marie Read of Naples, FL | BS

Claire Elizabeth Reed of Madison, MS | BSW, Cum Laude

Stewart Allen Reese of Fort Pierce, FL | BS

Cade James Reesman of Dacula, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Audrey Leigh Reid of Starkville, MS | MS

Laci Delamar Renfroe of Brookhaven, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Micheal Andrew Reynolds of Choctaw, MS | BAT

Kimberly Lynn Reynolds of Ellisville, MS | BS

De’Aris Jazmon Rhymes of Starkville, MS | MA

Wesley Amanda Richards of Memphis, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lamerica Antonette Richardson of Starkville, MS | BS

Ramon Antonio Richardson of Pascagoula, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Maggie Mae Henderson Rider of Ashland City, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jamari Allen Riptoe of Jackson, MS | BS

Kathleen Elisabeth Ritter of Starkville, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Liz Elaina Roark of Enid, MS | BA

Daniel Kevin Robinson of Marietta, MS | BA

Angelica K. Robinson of Potts Camp, MS | BS

Jesse Anna Robinson of Scobey, MS | BS

Dillon Christopher Rodriguez of Essex, CT | BA

Mary Amelia Rodriguez of Milton, FL | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Caleb Lawrence Roedel of Starkville, MS | BS

Peyton Harrison Rogers of Brookhaven, MS | BS

Taylor Janee Rogers of Starkville, MS | BS

Arlonda Jonell Rollings of Starkville, MS | BA

Mikenzie Ann Rosamond of Clinton, MS | BS

Justice Aaliyah Rule of Byram, MS | BS

Morgan Kelsey Runyan of Picayune, MS | BS

Sommer Meladi Rush of Philadelphia, MS | BSW

Shelby Nicole Russell of Canton, MS | BS

Sylvia Margaret Russell of Starkville, MS | BS

Alyssa Joy Sanders of Southaven, MS | BS

Ella Louise Schalski of Marion, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Helen Claire Schwartz of Biloxi, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Erin Elizabeth Scoggin of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Kristopher Malik Scott of Birmingham, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Danielle Nicole Scott of Fort Worth, TX | BS

Jessica Taylor Scroggins of Starkville, MS | BS

Ryan Patrick Semmes of Starkville, MS | PHD

Bailey Ann Sennett of Acworth, GA | BA, Cum Laude

Miranda McHale Sennett of Maylene, AL | BS

Cynthia Nicole Shadburn of Corinth, MS | BS

Anna Kirksey Sheffield of Marietta, MS | BA

Mary E. Shelby of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Abby Eileen Shelton of Litchfield, IL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Cierra Chantel Shinault of Cordova, TN | BS

Christina C. Shoemaker of Morton, MS | BSW

David Henry Sides of Birmingham, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Rylie Caitlin Simmons of Arlington, TX | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Miriam Hannah Sisk of Booneville, MS | BS

Christopher Stone Sisson of Columbus, MS | BS

Dustin Daniel Skelton of Olive Branch, MS | BS

David James Skrmetta of Biloxi, MS | BS

Austin Malone Slater of Biloxi, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Elijah Emile Smith of Natchez, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Tate Olivia Smith of Purvis, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Jamie Alexander Smith of Tupelo, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kathi Michelle Smith of Houston, MS | BS

Teana Smith of Meridian, MS | BS

Justin Benjamin Smith of Columbus, MS | PHD

Erin Danyelle Snelling of Little Rock, AR | BA, Cum Laude

Courtney Leeanne Sones of Carriere, MS | BA

Joseph A. Soto-Guerrero of Suwanee, GA | BS

Cori Johanna Speights of Mexia, TX | PHD

Javontae D. Spivey of Forest, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Jordan Hailey Spradlin of Pascagoula, MS | BA

Yashaswin Sridhar of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Ryan Stachowiak of Vancleave, MS | BA

Christopher Owen Stacy of Oxford, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Alleah Nicole Stamatis of Jacksonville, FL | BS

Wyatt Houston Stamm of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Justin Ross Steffens of Vancleave, MS | BS

Olivia Marie Steil of Brandon, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Mariah Jayne Stevens of Starkville, MS | BA

Alayna N. Stevens of Mathiston, MS | BS

Camille Christine Stevenson of Colleyville, TX | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Darby Sue Stielstra of Franklin, TN | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Jacob Alexander Stone of Robertsdale, AL | BS

Kimberly Gail Stone of Spring Hill, TN | BS

Amber Lynn Stoudenmire of Clarksville, TN | BS

Stone Hargrove Strankman of Huntsville, AL | BA, Cum Laude

Lindsay Blake Streiff of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Truli Dawn Xiujin Strickland of Corinth, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Karli Dianne Stringer of Sumrall, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Anna Marie Stutzman of Crystal Springs, MS | BS

Elliott Christine Suddoth of Leland, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Zehavi D’ Undra Suggs of Collierville, TN | BS

Jessica Marie Surma of Eupora, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Samuel Jacob Sweeting of Southaven, MS | BS

Mary Katherine Swindoll of Hernando, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Noah Franklin Tackitt of Fulton, MS | BS

Ahmad Taninah of Starkville, MS | MS

Victoria Payton Tanner of Alabaster, AL | BA

Lacie Alise Tarver of Wesson, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Leigh Constance Taylor of Johns Creek, GA | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Britney Lee Taylor of Titusville, FL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jennifer Lynn Taylor of Carthage, MS | BS

Lindsay Makina Taylor of Oceanport, NJ | BS

Anna Elizabeth Tedford of Clarksdale, MS | BS

Cameron Dru Temple of Brookhaven, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Alyssa Leann Tessier of Hernando, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Olivia Vanzandt Thaggard of Meridian, MS | BA

Austin Ray Thelen of Tinley Park, IL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Willa Mae Thomas of Conehatta, MS | BA

Tiffany Nicole Thomas of Brandon, MS | BS

Curtis Alexander Thompson of Florence, NJ | BA

Lauren Paige Tice of Hollandale, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Emily Lynn Tingle of Vicksburg, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Sara Beth Tinsley of West Point, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Heather Michelle Tolar of Columbia, MS | BA

Jimmie William Toler of Pass Christian, MS | BS

Mary Emmeline Tompkins of Biloxi, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Jamie Gail Topp of Southaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Amber Brooke Travis of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Ellen E. Tribble of Starkville, MS | BS

Cynthia La’Shay Triplett of Louisville, MS | BS

Emily M. Trussell of Sallis, MS | BS

Chardae Mariah Tryon of Corpus Christi, TX | BA

Laci Joy Tubertini of Leland, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hollie Trent Tucker of Starkville, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Emma Madison Tucker of Tallahassee, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Ethan Kyle Tucker of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Siena R. Turner of Pembroke Pines, FL | BA

Shelby Renee Turner of Sallis, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kylie Rae Tuttle of Ocean Springs, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

John Christopher Tyler of Water Valley, MS | BS

Meredith Susan Tyre of Starkville, MS | BA

Kelsey Alana Valeri of Braselton, GA | BA, Cum Laude

Noah Frederick Van Hartesveldt of Grand Rapids, MI | MS

Rebecca Marie Van Pamel of Las Vegas, NV | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Courtney Ann VanPelt of Anchorage, AK | BSW

Ansley Dell Vaughn of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Adrienn Veisz of Starkville, MS | BS

Kaitlin Diane Voda of Miami Shores, FL | BA

Natalene Vonkchalee of Ridgeland, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Cameron Christopher Walker of Old Hickory, TN | BA

Katherine Leigh Walker of Mississippi State, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Alexis Nichole Walters of Bellevue, OH | BS

Kelly Elise Waltman of Tomball, TX | BA

Mia Anthonett Walton of Gulfport, MS | BS

Abbey Lynn Warbington of Marietta, GA | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Hunter Chase Ward of Halls, TN | BS

Taylor Jane Ward of Blue Mountain, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Samantha Shannon Warren of Forest, MS | BS

Juliet Rose Warriner of Brandon, MS | BS

Jaida Dornae Washington of Flora, MS | BS

Gavin Everett Wasson of Winfield, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Megan Ruth Watkins of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Joinay A. Watts of Jackson, MS | BA

Alexis Taylor Watts of Birmingham, AL | BS

Sarah Frances Webb of Saltillo, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Britton Lee Webb of Saltillo, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Elizabeth Windham Webb of Saltillo, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Andrew William Weddle of Saltillo, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Steven Hunter Welch of Saucier, MS | BS

Taylor Grace Welch of Florence, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Searra Nicole Wells of Pearl, MS | BS

Marion Marie Welsh of Ridgeland, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Devin Nathaniel Welton of Iuka, MS | BS

Madison Grace Wheat of Starkville, MS | BA

Anna Catherine Wheeler of Torrance, CA | BA

Alex Steven Wheeler of Columbus, MS | BS

Holli Ruth White of Fulton, MS | BS

Weston Robert Whitehead of Amory, MS | BS

Alex Robert Whiteman of Biloxi, MS | BA

Carsen Grace Whitten of Madison, MS | BA, Cum Laude

Katiana Deralin Wight of Starkville, MS | BSW

Andrew Lamar Wilbourn of Starkville, MS | BA

Kelcie Victoria Wilding of D’Iberville, MS | BS

Twiggy Calloway Wiley of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Hallie Dupont Williams of Port Orange, FL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jonathan Tyler Williams of Starkville, MS | BS

Kenya Lavella Williams of Greenville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Keturah Santier Williams of Houston, MS | BS

Vernonjae Scottlin Williams of Bay Minette, AL | BS

Imelda Dionne Williams of Ridgeland, MS | BSW

Alexandria Leah Williams of Lansing, MI | MS

Dakota Lee Williamson of Brandon, MS | BA, Magna Cum Laude

Christen Dakota Williamson of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Morgan Michele Willingham of Pelham, AL | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Gates Prewitt Willson of Madison, MS | BA

Audrey Denise Wilson of Pheba, MS | BA

Madison Renee Wilson of West Point, MS | BS

Elizabeth Grace Wingate of Brentwood, TN | BA

Hannah Reese Winters of Ellerslie, GA | BS

Herbert Wise of Davenport, FL | BA

Kristopher Lee Witcher of Coldwater, MS | BA

Tracy Bronson Woodruff of Corinth, MS | BA, Summa Cum Laude

Keandra Dapree Woods of Southaven, MS | BS

Nylan L. Woods of Jackson, MS | BS

Latravion Marquez Woody of Tiplersville, MS | BS

Aren Elaine Worrell of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rongrong Wu of Starkville, MS | MS

Xiu Zhu Xu of Starkville, MS | PHD

Autumn Dream Yarbrough of Walls, MS | BS

Ismail Hakki Yigit of Starkville, MS | PHD

Brooke Allison Younce of Foley, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Gracyn Kallie Young of Medina, TN | BA

Amy Katherine Young of Kailua, HI | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kaitlynn Young of Forest, MS | BS

William Caleb Younger of Steens, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Eryk Andrew Yunk of Belvidere, IL | BA, Cum Laude

Hailey Ryan Zerbel of Covina, CA | BS

Gabrielle Marie Zgunda of Starkville, MS | BA

Andrew Cordell Zittrouer of Johns Creek, GA | BS

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

John Harrison Adams of Santa Fe, TX | BBA

Wyatt Maxwell Adcock of Brandon, MS | BBA

Auria Elizabeth Agrinzoni of Owens Cross Roads, AL | BBA

Samuel Kellis Allen of Noxapater, MS | BBA

Elizabeth Arlene Amalfitano of Bellmore, NY | MBA

Sloan Katherine Amos of Columbus, MS | BBA

Darby Leeann Anderson of Forney, TX | BBA

Rachel Marie Anderson of Keene, NH | BBA

Deandra Monique Andrade of Starkville, MS | BBA

Russell Jefferson Applewhite of Amory, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Andrew R. Ashe of Pontotoc, MS | BBA

Sarah Elizabeth Ashley of Hazlehurst, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

William Hunter Bailey of Brandon, MS | BBA

Bailey Elizabeth Barnes of Marrero, LA | BBA

Reid Latham Barnes of Yazoo City, MS | BBA

Grace Elisabeth Barr of Madison, AL | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Anna Christian Bass of Clarksdale, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Bryce Charles Batenhorst of Omaha, NE | MBA

Clare Paschal Baumhauer of Pascagoula, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Andrew Ray Beaman of Franklin, TN | BBA

Slade Odis Beech of Lucedale, MS | BBA

Blake Lancaster Bell of Bay Saint Louis, MS | BBA

Brooklyn Taylor Bell of Franklin, TN | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

34 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Taylor Dion Bell of Laurel, MS | BBA

Phillonta K. Belle of Biloxi, MS | BBA

Juan Pablo Benavides of Greenville, MS | BBA

Brooke Hartley Benninghoff of Charlotte, NC | BBA, Cum Laude

Liam Michael Benson of Auburn, ME | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Ashley Annette Benton of Carriere, MS | BBA

Mason Scott Berkowitz of Biloxi, MS | BBA

Bryce Dunn Berry of Crystal Springs, MS | BBA

Jack Robert Bishop of Brandon, MS | BBA

Rebekah Joy Bisson of Sturgis, MS | MBA

Preston Lee Black of Hendersonville, NC | MBA

Laura Beth Blailock of Summit, MS | BBA

Joseph Clayton Blount of Philadelphia, MS | BBA

Margaret Elizabeth Boeye of Cumming, GA | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Jake Deshun Bohannon of Dekalb, MS | BBA

Brooklyn Malorie Bolton of Red Bay, AL | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Catherine Boring of Nashville, TN | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Carley Elizabeth Bowers of Collierville, TN | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

John Patrick Box of Calhoun, GA | BBA

Kyle Wayne Boyken of Meridian, MS | BBA

Maria Victoria Bracamonte Larios of Pembroke Pines, FL | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Madison Linzey Bradford of Pelahatchie, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

William Rish Bradford of Southaven, MS | BBA

Ebony Denise Bradley of Beaumont, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Brooke Renea Bridges of Brandon, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Anna Gabrielle Bringle of Collierville, TN | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Margaret Ruth Brinkley of Batesville, MS | BBA

Tiffani L. Briscoe of Philadelphia, MS | BBA

Grace Erin Broder of Charlotte, NC | MBA

Dominique M. Brown of Starkville, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Marlin Braxton Brown of Maben, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Andrew F. Brown of Katy, TX | MBA

Walker Patton Brown of Columbus, MS | MBA

Blake Gregory Bulinski of Olive Branch, MS | BBA

Kyle Anthony Burke of Apex, NC | MBA

Olivia Leeann Burton of Brandon, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Bethany Leigh Buse of Mantachie, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Melissa Danielle Butler of Philadelphia, MS | BBA

Toby Andrew Butler of Caledonia, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Cameron Ilona Caldwell of Memphis, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Jackson Monroe Caldwell of Tupelo, MS | BBA

Christopher Daniel Call of Atlanta, GA | MBA

Nicholas David Campbell of Decatur, IL | BBA

Julia Ann Canfield-Phillips of Bartlett, TN | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

John Frederick Carlson of Signal Mountain, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Collin Ray Carpenter of Pace, FL | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Destiny Cheyenne Carter of Walnut Grove, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Joshua Franklin Carter of Canton, MS | MBA

George Peyton Cathey of Collierville, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Darby Lynne Chaney of Collinsville, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Griffin Cameron Childers of Cordova, TN | BBA

Sydney Elizabeth Chrislip of Brandon, MS | BBA

Paul Daniel Chubb of Scottsboro, AL | BBA

Matthew Houston Clark of Starkville, MS | BBA

Caleb Lyle Clay of Meridian, MS | BBA

Avery Dean Cobb of Acworth, GA | BBA, Cum Laude

James Nicholas Cobb of Madison, MS | MBA

Justus Kyle Cochran of Lucedale, MS | BBA

Annaleigh Cole of Trussville, AL | BBA, Cum Laude

Kelly Ann Coleman of Pheba, MS | BBA

Kenish Quayana Coleman of Mound Bayou, MS | BBA

Mila Marie Combs of Signal Mtn, TN | MBA

Andrea Compper Banguillot of Starkville, MS | BBA

Julia Claire Concolino of Fayetteville, GA | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Cheyenne Elizabeth Conkin of Madison, AL | BBA, Cum Laude

Kristen Marie Connolly of Santa Monica, CA | MBA

Ke’Darrion Damon Cook of Magnolia, MS | BBA

Kenneth Foster Cook of Madison, MS | BBA

Landon Myles Cook of Collinsville, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Amanda Michelle Cook Campbell of Newton, NC | MBA

Alec Keenan Cooper of Arlington, TN | BBA

Thomas Fulton Cooper of Columbus, MS | BBA

Dominic Michael Correale of Germantown, TN | BBA

Tyler Woodruff Cosby of Starkville, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Shan Michael Cothern of Terry, MS | BBA

Joseph Anthony Couser of Chapin, SC | BBA

Jamie Grace Crout of Madison, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Justin Andrew Crowley of Maben, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

David Meyer Crystal of Jackson, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Jordan K. Danberry of Conway, AR | MBA

Albany Leanne Davis of Newton, MS | BBA

James D. Davis of Springfield, VA | MBA

Chayse Dreux Delcuze of Diamondhead, MS | BBA

Parker Dale Dial of Scooba, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

John Anthony Dickson of Terry, MS | BBA

Jackson Daniel Dillehay of Nashville, TN | BBA

Shaneshia Shunta Dixson of Lexington, MS | BBA

Noah James Douglas of Tupelo, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Bradley Valton Douglas of Sumrall, MS | MBA

Laura Elizabeth Dowe of Midland, GA | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Katie Renee Dufour of Bailey, MS | BBA

Khaleb Duhon of Picayune, MS | BBA

Sarah Talbot Duke of Pelham, AL | BBA

Timothy James Durham of Southaven, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Christina Michelle Durr of Magee, MS | BBA

Maya Alexandria Easter of Olive Branch, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Reagan Lee Edwards of Diamondhead, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Robert Matthew Edwards of Houston, MS | BBA

Mary Caitlyn Ellis of Tupelo, MS | BBA

Abigail Lee Erwin of Adamsville, TN | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Nelson Kenneth Fabrizius of Germantown, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Charles Wyatt Farrior of Decatur, AL | BBA

Josie Lynne Favre of Seminole, FL | BBA

Matthew Evan Fells of Prattville, AL | BBA

Marlin Fields Ferguson of Columbus, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Victoria Paige Ferguson of Houston, MS | BBA

Michael William Ferrer of Covington, LA | BBA

William Gallagher Fessler of Starkville, MS | MBA

Elijah Grant Fisher of Brandon, MS | BBA

Gracie Marie Flippo of Amory, MS | BBA

John Alexander Floyd of Booneville, MS | BBA

Jazlynn Arianna Franklin of Tupelo, MS | BBA

Amanda Leigh French of Ocean Springs, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Sebastian Alejandro Freyre Aguirre of Starkville, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Abdul-Razzaq Farag Gaber of Starkville, MS | BBA

Morgan L. Gamble of Mccalla, AL | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Pavia M. Gooch of Winfield, IL | MBA

Drake Douglas Gordman of Columbus, MS | BBA

Ronald Bryan Goss of Germantown, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Kara Elizabeth Gould of Flower Mound, TX | BBA

Peyton Joshua Gowen of Brandon, MS | BBA

Kenneth Drew Graham of Meridian, MS | BBA

Mallorie Elizabeth Gray of Madison, MS | BBA

Chelsea Renee Green of Pachuta, MS | BBA

Nikolas John Green of Roswell, GA | BBA

Terrence Alvin Green of Southaven, MS | BBA

Alexis Savannah Greenlee of Starkville, MS | MBA

Jackson Wyatt Greer of Cordova, TN | BBA

Graham J. Gremillion of Long Beach, MS | BBA

Dlana Nicole Griffin of Meridian, MS | BBA

Sara Nicole Grisham of Baldwyn, MS | BBA

Jefferson Bayless Guenther of Memphis, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Margaret Barnett Gunn of Birmingham, AL | BBA, Cum Laude

Tyler Douglas Hancock of Hattiesburg, MS | PHD

Afshin Hariri of Laguna Hills, CA | MBA

Toby Bryce Harrell of Forest, MS | BBA

Olivia Claire Harris of Lake, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Katelyn Elizabeth Harrison of Mize, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Devin Harvey of Millersville, MD | MBA

Thomas Alexander Heath of Olive Branch, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Amelia Catherine Hein of North Wales, PA | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Taylor Bree Hendrickson of Pass Christian, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Erin Ashley Henry of Germantown, TN | BBA

Xavier Dejong Herrien of Gulfport, MS | BBA

Katherine Marie Hess of Ridgeland, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Nicholas A. Heth of Mountain Home Afb, ID | MBA

Amanda Margaret Hill of Bude, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Eva Lauren Hill of Madison, MS | BBA

Maxwell Hamilton Hill of Colorado Springs, CO | MBA

Diamond Prenia Hilliard of Memphis, TN | BBA

Kyle Michael Hillyard of Vancleave, MS | BBA

Hannah Nicole Hilton of Starkville, MS | BBA

Tyler Ward Hinson of Meridian, MS | BBA

Giulia Elizabeth Hintz of Columbus, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Alexis Morgan Hirsig of Hales Corners, WI | BBA

Carly Elizabeth Hitchens of Decatur, IL | BBA

Benjamin Wesley Hobbs of Griffin, GA | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Jonathan Holifield of Mccomb, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Elizabeth Holliman of Tupelo, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Kiana Gervia Holmes of Tylertown, MS | BBA

Kendall Ann Hudnall of Huntsville, AL | BBA

Jacob Edward Hughes of Belden, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Gabrielle Diane Humphrey of Sarah, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Lincoln Bryce Hunter of New Madrid, MO | BBA, Cum Laude

Ja’Kaiya Renae’ Hynes of Clinton, MS | BBA

Zachary Stuart Irby of Hattiesburg, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Marjorie Norelle Iscoa of Starkville, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Mary Hannah Jarman of Greenwood, MS | MBA

Caleb Jefferson of Starkville, MS | MSIS

Ryan Daniel Jeffries of Starkville, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Helen Claire Johnson of Coldwater, MS | BBA

Tiffaney Johnson of San Diego, CA | BBA, Cum Laude

Jonathan Franklin Jones of Collierville, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Stephen Christian Jones of Troy, OH | BBA

James Davis Josey of Starkville, MS | BBA

Graham McCormick Joyner of Flowood, MS | BBA

Meredith Renee Kardokus of Franklin, TN | MBA

John Patrick Keeler of Jackson, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Kenneth Jarrett Keyton of Lawrenceville, GA | BBA, Cum Laude

Justin Walker Kimbrough of Houston, MS | BBA

William Patrick Kindred of Starkville, MS | BBA

Michael Caleb King of Brookhaven, MS | BBA

Jordan Alexandria Kirk of New Albany, MS | BBA

John McGee Koester of Memphis, TN | MBA

Daria Koksal of Shreveport, LA | MBA

Emelyn Rose Kurtycz of Southaven, MS | BBA

Christalin Grace Lacour of Brandon, MS | BBA

Tyler Joseph Ladner of Pass Christian, MS | MBA

Julia Kathleen Langnes of Alabaster, AL | BBA

Morgan Rachel Lauher of Springfield, IL | BBA, Cum Laude

Blake Todd Lawrence of Franklin, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

James Markham Lawton of Land O Lakes, FL | MBA

Brien Mykel Lewis-Carter of Lawrenceville, GA | BBA

Kelly Rosalia Linley of Aberdeen, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Chandler Lee Lipscomb of Ocean Springs, MS | BBA

Laurie Maegan Lloyd of Olive Branch, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Matthew Austin Loeffler of Collierville, TN | BBA

Christopher Bradley Lowe of Starkville, MS | BBA

Turner Pratt Lucas of Ruleville, MS | BBA

Danielle Elizabeth Lyons of Ocean Springs, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Luke Andrew Mackay of Starkville, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Daniel William MacLaren of Austin, TX | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Cameron Michael Maddox of Starkville, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Seth Roberts Male of Madison, MS | BBA

Thomas Patrick Mallory of Columbus, MS | MBA

Sara Elizabeth Martin of Pontotoc, MS | BBA

Elizabeth P. Martin of Hoover, AL | MBA

Odalis Oriana Martinez Boquillon of Mississippi State, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Analicia Janay Maxwell of Mckinney, TX | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Michael J. McAuley of Tucson, AZ | MBA

Byron Charles McClendon of Brandon, MS | BBA

Ethan Tyler McCoy of Little Rock, AR | BBA

Christopher Brian McDaniel of Arlington, TN | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Carlee Ann McDonald of Raymond, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Cynthia Claire McGehee of Madison, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Jere Sheffield McGuffee of Germantown, TN | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Owen Michael McGuire of Pensacola, FL | BBA

Taylor Ethan McKnight of Ecru, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Michael Benjamin McLain of Philadelphia, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Joshua Perry McManus of Oxford, MS | BBA

Zachary Thomas Meadows of Birmingham, AL | BBA

Andrea Alberto Melchiorre of Starkville, MS | MBA

Rebecca Diane Meussner of Parsons, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Allison Marie Michaels of Piedmont, SC | BBA

Bruno Vincent Milanese of Biloxi, MS | BBA

Jes Charles Miller of Spring, TX | BBA

Tara Nicole Miller of Alabaster, AL | BBA

Steven Craig Miller of Laurel, MS | MBA

Michael Clayton Mills of Picayune, MS | BBA

Stephanie Dawn Mimbs of Meridian, MS | BBA

Alexandria Celeste Mizelle of Lucedale, MS | BBA

Jacob Bowen Mlsna of Starkville, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

John Gregory Moore of Ridgeland, MS | BBA

Nicholas Brady Moore of Brandon, MS | BBA

Garhett Jackson Moseley of Huntsville, AL | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Alyssa Nicole Myers of Long Beach, MS | BBA

Mallory Leann Myers of Flowood, MS | BBA

Matthew A. Nash of Southlake, TX | MBA

Conner Lee Nason of Woodstock, GA | BBA

Alex Jordan Nations of Bogue Chitto, MS | BBA

Craig Neko Nave of Scooba, MS | BBA

Jerlicia Shaqual Neely of Aberdeen, MS | BBA

Nicholas Eli Newton of Knoxville, TN | MBA

John Evan Nichols of Cartersville, GA | BBA, Cum Laude

Stephanie Nigrinis of Horn Lake, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Kayla Marie Nobles of Moss Point, MS | BBA

Travis Samtwan Norals of Hazlehurst, MS | BBA

John Oliver Hall Norris of Huntsville, AL | MSIS

Anthony Keith Novillo of Van Alstyne, TX | BBA

Devontae D. Oliver of Biloxi, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Gabriela Danielle Ortiz of Bailey, MS | BBA

Patrick McKain Ortlepp of Collinsville, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Alejandro Ozornio of Meridian, MS | MBA

Zachary Burns Pace of Decatur, AL | BBA

Ilse Padilla-Tello of Kosciusko, MS | BBA

Jessica Brooke Parker of Little Rock, MS | BBA

William Raines Parrish of Flowood, MS | BBA

Kelsey Hope Patterson of El Dorado, AR | BBA, Cum Laude

James Russell Payne of Fulton, MS | BBA

John Christopher Penuel of Woodstock, GA | MBA

Tristan Joseph Pertuit of Tampa, FL | BBA

Michael Moore Pettit of Tupelo, MS | BBA

Clifton Hopkins Peyton of Madison, MS | MBA

Charlton Wesley Phillips of Madison, MS | BBA

Ryan Alexander Phillips of Starkville, MS | MBA

Steven Paul Pico of Saucier, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Jordan Robert Pierce of Ooltewah, TN | MBA

Anna Lynn Pilecki of Greenwood, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Ryan Woods Pitalo of Bay St Louis, MS | BBA

Charles Danny Plunkett of Starkville, MS | BBA

Adam Harlander Poganski of Sauk Rapids, MN | BBA

Olivia Ander Pongetti of Tupelo, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Laterika Arnell Presley of Columbus, MS | BBA

Brett Ryan Prill of Bellevue, NE | BBA

Jared James Pullen of Brandon, MS | BBA

Taylor Leigh Ransom of Altamonte Springs, FL | MBA

Jacob John Ray of Jackson, MS | BBA

Jacob Steed Ray of Olive Branch, MS | BBA

Nicki Lee Reeder of Kiln, MS | MBA

Taylor Mack Reeves of Gautier, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Reilly Marie Reeves of Madison, MS | MBA

Amanda Lee Remke of Birmingham, AL | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Anastasia Rentouli of Starkville, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Justin Brock Rentz of Coldwater, MS | BBA

Luke Anthony Restall of Canton, GA | BBA

Luke Jared Reynolds of Shubuta, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Kertese Catera Richard of Lamar, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Brice Christian Richardson of Meridian, MS | BBA

Evan Cole Rideout of Columbus, MS | BBA

Blair Alaina Robinson of Quitman, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Grant Thomas Robinson of Madison, MS | BBA

Matthew Jon Rogers of Biloxi, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Montana Kae Rogers of Richland, MS | BBA

Andrew Ryan Roux of Olive Branch, MS | BBA

Justin Michael Ruiz of Olive Branch, MS | BBA

Charles Haden Rumsey of Ocean Springs, MS | BBA

James David Runnels of Toomsuba, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Hayden Glenn Sanders of Brandon, MS | BBA

Madison Clark Sanders of Gulf Shores, AL | BBA

Shyicambree N. Sanders of Artesia, MS | BBA

Victoria Leigh Sanders of Forest, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Walker Louis Sayle of Collierville, TN | MBA

Jailyn Tiara Sayles of Pearl, MS | BBA

Joachim May Schmidt of Biloxi, MS | MBA

Alexander Kennedy Seaton of Adamsville, TN | BBA

Sangbeom Seo of Starkville, MS | BBA

Nathan John Seymour of Arlington, TN | BBA

Tarek Shaaban of Spring, TX | MBA

Joshua Baker Shank of Savannah, TN | BBA

Scotty L. Sharp of Sturgis, MS | BBA

David Henry Sides of Birmingham, AL | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Brett Everett Siegrist of Overland Park, KS | MBA

Hali Marie Sills of Sikeston, MO | BBA

Cathy Janet Sims of Meridian, MS | BBA

Helen Peake Sims of Meridian, MS | BBA

John Alexander Sims of Madison, MS | BBA

Jonathan Caleb Singletary of Mandeville, LA | BBA, Cum Laude

Brady Tyler Sistrunk of Starkville, MS | MBA

Dylan Thomas Sliwinski of Gulf Shores, AL | BBA

Benjamin Parker Smith of Lauderdale, MS | BBA

Brandon Adam Smith of Senatobia, MS | BBA

Candace Nia Smith of New Orleans, LA | BBA

David Halston Smith of Madison, MS | BBA

John Matthew Smith of Germantown, TN | BBA

Joseph Eugene Smith of Lucedale, MS | BBA

Steven Elliot Smith of Snohomish, WA | MBA

Paul Wesley Snellgrove of Oxford, MS | BBA

Mary Catherine Sobiesk of Hattiesburg, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Luke W. Spencer of Saint Charles, IL | BBA

Kristen Denae Sprayberry of Carthage, MS | BBA

Ryan Michael Stacker of Duncan, SC | MBA

John Neil Stanback of Columbus, MS | MBA

Kristen R. Stedman of Eads, TN | BBA

Justus Nathanael G. Steele of Meridian, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Gianni Seville Stennis of Columbus, MS | BBA

Kory James Stephens of Madison, MS | BBA

Peyton Curtis Stewart of Jackson, MS | BBA

Ann Douglas Stone of Tupelo, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Kaitlin Creeth Stone of Starkville, MS | BBA

Bradford Morris Stringer of Jackson, MS | BBA

Payton Reece Stringer of Bay Springs, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Harold Joseph Sullivan of Hoover, AL | BBA

Patrick Joseph Sullivan of Eagan, MN | MBA

Rebecca Eden Sullivan of Eagan, MN | MBA

Zavien Jamez Sutton of Brandon, MS | BBA

John G. Swann of Chunky, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Jacob Allen Swartz of Columbus, MS | BBA

Rebecca Tackett of Mooreville, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Rebecca Marie Talmadge of Fredericksburg, VA | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Lara Rose Tanner of Hazel Green, AL | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Ansley Leyton Tapscott of Cullman, AL | BBA, Cum Laude

Malcum Rashad Tatum of Charlotte, NC | BBA

Tyler Edward Tatum of Madison, MS | MBA

Austin Ray Thelen of Tinley Park, IL | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Claire M. Thomas of Collierville, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Gregory Lynn Thomas of Clinton, MS | BBA

Connor Stephen Tinkle of Ball Ground, GA | BBA

Luke Morehouse Toler of Oxford, MS | BBA

Laney Van Tran of Brandon, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Corey Nicholas Trice of Hamilton, MS | BBA



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Alex Thai Trinh of Huntsville, AL | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Alden Elizabeth Turner of Gainesville, GA | BBA

Allison Mikaela Vick of Philadelphia, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Hannah Gayle Wagner of Gulfport, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Bailey Langston Walhood of Olive Branch, MS | MBA

Samuel Wallace of Brent, AL | MBA

Brandatavis Breshawn Ward of Jackson, MS | BBA

Marcus Allyn Ward of Houston, MS | BBA

Brady Keith Warden of Cullman, AL | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Trevor Glenn Wasden of Helena, AL | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Di’Arica Karie Washington of Olive Branch, MS | BBA

Temeira Aaliyah Ashani Washington of Yazoo City, MS | BBA

William Parks Watson of Tallulah, LA | MBA

Charles Patrick Webb of The Woodlands, TX | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Andrew William Weddle of Saltillo, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Jeffrey C. Welch of Lexington, KY | BBA

Reagan Simine Welden of Meridian, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Andrew James Williams of Haddock, GA | BBA

Austin C. Williams of Ocean Springs, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Jakarta S. Williams of Starkville, MS | BBA

Jet Logan Williams of Ocean Springs, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Jonathan David Williams of Fort Wayne, IN | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

Joshua Swilley Williamson of Brandon, MS | BBA, Cum Laude

Marilyn Jane Wilson of Starkville, MS | BBA

Trey Michael Witkowski of Peachtree City, GA | BBA

Grant Michael Wolfe of Starkville, MS | BBA, Magna Cum Laude

James Steven Womack of Brandon, MS | BBA

Sydney Christian Wooten of Vicksburg, MS | BBA

Jessica Diane Word of Booneville, MS | BBA

Alexandra Doran Workman of Puryear, TN | BBA, Cum Laude

Trenton Connor Yawn of Hattiesburg, MS | BBA

Tykeidra Laray Young of Pinson, AL | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

Madison Nicole Zuber of Ocean Springs, MS | BBA, Summa Cum Laude

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Emma Danielle Abessinio of Starkville, MS | MS

Alexis Gabrielle Alexander of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Regina Michelle Alexander of Starkville, MS | BS

Kelsey Kymyuana Allen of Byram, MS | BS

Maresha Evett Allen of Dallas, TX | PHD

Jinna Alston of Rose Hill, MS | BS

Lillian Samler Ames of Madison, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kaylee Reese Anderson of Union, MS | BS

Laura Elizabeth Anthony of Brandon, MS | EDS

Madeline Ivy Arbogast of Purcellville, VA | BS, Cum Laude

Tyler Miguel Armistad of Caledonia, MS | MATS

Harrison Taylor Armour of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Alana Brooke Atkison of Forest, MS | BS

Amanda Josephine Austin of Winona, MS | MS

Thomas Ryan Axton of Amory, MS | BME, Summa Cum Laude

Amy Rachel Azwell of Maryland Heights, MO | BME, Summa Cum Laude

Sophia Bailey-Suggs of Columbus, MS | PHD

Tyler James Barnes of Starkville, MS | BS

Baylee Ann Barnette of Ponte Vedra, FL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Tevin Tyrone Baskin of Stamford, CT | MS

Britny Lucretia Bassett of Petal, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kristina Michelle Battaglia of Clanton, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Sydney Nicole Baucum of Decatur, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Matthew Ralph Beasley of Walnut Grove, MS | BS

Brittany Nicole Beauchamp of Kosciusko, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Skylar Dean Belton of Perkinston, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Erinn Lee Benge of Columbus, MS | BS

Valerie Anne Berg of Southaven, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Danielle Renee Bergeron of Vancleave, MS | MATS

Patti Elisabeth Berryhill of Smithdale, MS | BME, Summa Cum Laude

Tanner Elizabeth Bevill of Fulton, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sadiedra J. Black of Philadelphia, MS | MS

Jennifer Blair of Sumrall, MS | BS

Olivia Hope Blansett of Mooreville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kelly Nicole Blary of Miami, FL | BS

Brett Patrick Boland of Cuba, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jacob Hayden Bolton of Milan, TN | BS

Richard Austin Bouchillon of Tupelo, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jasmine S. Bowie of Clarksdale, MS | BS

Brandon Tyler Bowles of Starkville, MS | BS

Brandy Rose Box of Bruce, MS | BS

Leah Ann Boyd of Madison, AL | BME, Summa Cum Laude

Jaylen Calandrias Boyd of Bailey, MS | BS

Jamal Marquez Braddock of Ripley, MS | BS

Charity Kate Bradford of Jasper, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Meredith Ann Bradford of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Victoria Aimee Bradley of Columbus, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brittany Rose Brady of Pelahatchie, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Alana M. Branch of Cordova, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lindsi Nicole Breaux of Greenwood, MS | BS

Kaylin Renee Brennan of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Rachel Claire Broom of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Baylee Elise Bryant of Summit, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Damion Cade Bryant of Brandon, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Conner Randall Buchanan of Philadelphia, MS | BS

McKenzie Lea Buckner of Pontotoc, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Erin Beth Burchfield of Bessemer, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William Austin Burdine of Houston, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Krystal Justina Burton of Picayune, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Karoline Hope Butler of Laurel, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Taylor Nicole Buxton of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Aaron Tyler Cagle of Ackerman, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Samuel Jonathan Cain of Kosciusko, MS | BS

Reilley Rose Calder of Mississippi State, MS | BS

Chance Levan Carden of Maben, MS | MATS

Bethany E. Carraway of Wesson, MS | BS

Anna Kate Carter of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Courtney Elizabeth Carter of Mccomb, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Carmen Lindsay Carter of Jackson, MS | MS

Brett Allen Causey of Clinton, MS | BME, Summa Cum Laude

Dylan Alexander Ceide of Southaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Jennifer Reagan Chambers of Saltillo, MS | BS

Amanda Taylor Chambliss of Gulfport, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Faith Mae Chamness of Jackson, MS | MATS

Ketara Evaone Asairyia Chapel of Temple, TX | MAT

Camille Janai Charleston of Naperville, IL | MS

Annette Pamela Chickaway of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Leah Clark of Duck Hill, MS | MATS

Jennifer Leanne Clay of Noxapater, MS | BS

Katherine McRae Clay of Meadville, MS | BS

Christopher Alan Clifton of Starkville, MS | BS

Krislyn Monique Clinton of Biloxi, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

James Nicholas Cobb of Madison, MS | MS

Shadaria Laquantas Coffey of Calhoun City, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Anthony Gabriel Coffman of Auburn, IL | BS, Cum Laude

Dustin Levi Coker of Lumberton, MS | BS

Lauren Elizabeth Cole of Daphne, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Katherine Collins of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Stacie D. Collins of Philadelphia, MS | PHD

Grace Aneta Compton of Oneonta, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Meagan Nicole Cook of Gautier, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Daniel Hal Cooper of Corinth, MS | BS

Macy Laray Cooper of Hamilton, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Hailey Olivia Corbett of Southaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Amanda Grace Corey of Meridian, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Reagan Faith Cothern of Jackson, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Elizabeth Lauren Counts of Vicksburg, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

John Donald Cousar of Booneville, MS | BS

Christy Lynn Covington of Columbus, MS | BS

Lyndsey Loring Cowart of Vicksburg, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Christian Haven Cox of Clinton, MS | BS

Hannah Taylor Cox of Hattiesburg, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Levi Michael Cox of Booneville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Nathan Thomas Cox of Tupelo, MS | BS

Robert Benton Cox of Jackson, MS | BS

Bettye Jo Crenshaw of Chunky, MS | MAT

Ryan Andrew Crone of Old Hickory, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Adyson Elizabeth Crowe of Clinton, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Desmond Lamar Cunningham of Aberdeen, MS | BS

Emma Rachel Dahl of Franklin, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Bailey Marie Daughtry of Pace, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Keelin Tychun Davison of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Camryn Bailie Dees of Tomball, TX | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Wesley Tanner Dement of Greenwood Springs, MS | BS

Justin Beau Develle of Flora, MS | BS

Rachel Suzanne Dixon of Wauchula, FL | BS

Mallie Nell Donald of Edwards, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Karli Elizabeth Dorsett of Saltillo, MS | BME, Magna Cum Laude

Corey Dashun Dorsey of Tylertown, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Cameron Blake Douglas of Vardaman, MS | BS

Matthew Jacob Driskill of Morton, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Elizabeth Elaine Duncan of Houston, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Emily Lauren Duncan of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Natalie Ann Duncan of Plattsmouth, NE | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Clover Rayeann Eakes of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Allyn Claire Edmonson of Madison, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jesse Kyle Edwards of Pelahatchie, MS | BS

Miranda Carrie Edwards of Flowood, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jacqueline B. EGDORF of Water Valley, MS | MAT

Alicia Lee Elliott of Cantonment, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Nicholas Pierce Elrod of Brandon, MS | BS

Jordan Travis England of Calhoun City, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William Jacob Ethridge of Collinsville, MS | BS

Stephanie Danielle Everett of Madison, MS | BS

Emily Lauren Ezell of Newton, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Madeline Claire Ezelle of Morton, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Andrew Vincent Fandel of Belden, MS | MS

Davis K. Faulkner of Helena, AL | MS

Zachary Kade Feather of Buckatunna, MS | BS

Wyatt Edward Felt of Franklin, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kaylee Alexandra Ferguson of Dekalb, MS | MS

Olivia Lena Feruglio of Germantown, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Hannah Katherine Finch of Madison, MS | MATS

Eric Fisher of Colorado Springs, CO | MS

Riley Savely Floyd of Corinth, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Hannah Elizabeth Flynt of Huntington, TX | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Miriah Angelil Ford of Louisville, MS | BS

Monique Judy Foster of Kirkwood, MO | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kevin O’Neal Frazier of Raymond, MS | MS

Michael Cole Freely of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kasey R. Freeman of Ellisville, MS | BS

Cristina Grace Friend of Sumrall, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Meredith E. Friloux of Tupelo, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kent David Friloux of Tupelo, MS | MS

Chantorri Renee Gallion of Greenwood, MS | BS

Rylie Katherine Gant of Benton, MO | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Lindsey Kathryn Garcia of Thomasville, AL | BS

Miguel Luis Garcia of Kosciusko, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Caroline Garrard of Jackson, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Victoria Hope Gates of Collinsville, MS | BS

Victoria Samone Joy Gathings of Houston, MS | BS

Cora Noel Geno of Booneville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Supreete Ghosh of Starkville, MS | MS

Mary Everett Giles of Madison, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Morgan Lindsey Gill of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Terrell Justin Gilmore of Tupelo, MS | BME, Cum Laude

Jordan Lee Ginn of Pearl, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Netykianna Zakia Gladney of Louisville, MS | BS

Amber Nichole Godwin of Hamilton, AL | BS

Sarah Creagh Goings of Birmingham, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jacob Thomas Golden of Carthage, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Leigh Ashton Goldman of Enterprise, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kristen Bailey Googe of Meridian, MS | BS

Ivy Goring of Encino, CA | MS

Margaret Lenzee Grant of Biloxi, MS | MAT

Quinlan Xavier Gray of De Kalb, TX | BME, Summa Cum Laude

Ronnie Lavelle Gray of Brooksville, MS | BS

Payton Lee Grogan of Meridian, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Hannah Reagan Grubbs of Brandon, MS | BS

Bryson Rendell Gunn of Maben, MS | BS

Anna Guntharp of Pontotoc, MS | EDS

Tavonta Scott Hadley of Tupelo, MS | BS

Sarah Elaine Hagwood of Meridian, MS | MS

Hannah Carolyn Hall of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Allison Ann Hallmark of Brentwood, TN | MS

Kady Ann Hand of Madison, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Peyton Elizabeth Hardin of Brandon, MS | BS

Regan Nichole Harrell of Brandon, MS | BS

Jada Nicole Harris of Meridian, MS | BS

Rushunna Mishell Harris of Canton, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lauryn Taylor Hartness of Nashville, TN | BS

Kaylyn Lee Harvey of Lake, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kinsey Blake Haynes of Gallion, AL | MAT

Emileigh Lauren Hearn of Terry, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Donald J. Heath of Jackson, TN | BS

Anna Grace Hemphill of West Point, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Crystal T. Henry of Utica, MS | PHD

Timothy C. Herlong of Lauderdale, MS | MAT

Alyssa Marie Hickey of Ridgeland, MS | BS

Kristin Leigh Hicks of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Chyna Jenaya Hill of Beaumont, MS | BS

Noah Christopher Hinkley of Mendenhall, MS | BS, Cum Laude

William Cole Hodgins of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Michael Gage Hogan of Cropwell, AL | BS

Paxton Holmes of Morton, MS | BS

Riley Grace Holmes of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Savanna Reed Holmes of Grenada, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brendan Tyler Hooper of Brandon, MS | BS

Kayla Michelle Hough of Eupora, MS | BS

Travis Jordan Houston of Las Vegas, NV | MS

Alyssa Brooke Hovater of Hernando, MS | BS

Shaye L’Herisson Howell of Shreveport, LA | BS, Cum Laude

Cass Marie Hudson of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Connor Holland Hudspeth of Tupelo, MS | BS

Meng Te Hung of Starkville, MS | PHD

Damian Wayne Hurd of Englewood, CO | BS

Kaylie Marie Hyde of Diamondhead, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Taylor Morgan Jenkins of Vero Beach, FL | BME, Cum Laude

Lindsey Nicole Jenkins of Ellisville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Taylor Mackenzie Johnson of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kristian Johnson of Columbus, MS | MATS

Steven Brian Johnson of Wildwood, MO | MS

Camille Middleton Jones of Inverness, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Davie Lee Jones of West Point, MS | BS

Dennon Ray Jones of Starkville, MS | BS

Tyler Lydell Jones of Madison, MS | BS

Daniel Kirby Joyner of Alamo, TN | BME, Magna Cum Laude

Taylor Grace Kelly of Calhoun, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Hamza Nasir Khan of Booneville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Tierra Chandre Kilbert of Littleton, CO | EDS

Sara Delaney Kilgore of Newton, MS | BS

Matthew Connor Killen of Wiggins, MS | BME, Magna Cum Laude

Kendall Paige Kimberlin of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kellie Denise Kimery of Falkner, MS | BS

Timothy Hunter King of Southaven, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Tracie A. King of Union, MS | BS

Dena Robison Kinsey of Clinton, MS | PHD

Kelsey Ryan Kirk of Muscle Shoals, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Samuel Grant Kirksey of Mantachie, MS | MAT

Carl L. Knight of Natchez, MS | BS

Melissa Anne Knight of Montgomery, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Amanda Sue Knight of Philadelphia, MS | MAT

Jena Marie Koren of Olive Branch, MS | MATS

Britta Irene Kramer of Huntsville, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Nicole Eva Erica Kreitel of Columbus, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Maxine K. Krol of Mississippi State, MS | MS

Sarah Ann Ladnier of Saucier, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kandace C. Lasiloo of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Lindsay Grace Lauderdale of Blue Mountain, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Justin Nguyen Le of Flowood, MS | BS

Lenon Jace Leachman of Calhoun City, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Madeline Michele Leblanc of Union, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Savanna Renee Lee of Shreveport, LA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Aaron Lee of Columbus, MS | PHD

Alexa N. Lewis of Rose Hill, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Ross Gray Lewman of Bogue Chitto, MS | BS

Jillian Mae Lloyd of Cumming, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Amy Caroline Loftin of Red Banks, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

James Blake Loper of Olive Branch, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kelly Elise Lopez of Frisco, TX | BS

Leah Marie Lott of Meridian, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Leah N. Lott of Virginia Beach, VA | MS

Kathryn B. Lucas of Lawrence, MS | BS, Cum Laude

John R. Luck of Starkville, MS | MS

Elizabeth Marie Lynam of Knoxville, TN | BS

Callie Lane Lyon of Greenwood, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kathryn Hope Mackey of Columbus, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Matthew Joseph Mackey of Meridian, MS | BS

Tracy Denise Mallett of Sallis, MS | MS

Emily Brooke Malone of Greer, SC | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Madison Brooke Mann of Hickory, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Billy Jared Marshall of Sebastopol, MS | BS

Madison Leigh Martin of Brownsville, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Margaret Anne Martin of Woodstock, GA | BS

Stephanie Alaina Mason of Walls, MS | BS

Jared Scott Massey of Decatur, MS | BS

Megan Leigh Mauney of Ripley, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Emily Louise Maxime of Mobile, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Lauren Elizabeth Mayfield of Long Beach, MS | BS

Kelley Cassandra Mazzola of Starkville, MS | MATS

Aerial Journey Mccalister of Corinth, MS | MATS

Meredith Allyn McCaskill of Sunflower, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Manda L. McClure of Ackerman, MS | MATX

Grace LeighEllen McCommon of Southaven, MS | BME, Magna Cum Laude

Lynnette Rachelle Mccoy of Booneville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Stephanie M. McCrary of Pelahatchie, MS | MATS

Valerie M. McDonald of Corinth, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bristina Alana McElhenney of Union, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Farah Alexis McGaughy of Saltillo, MS | BS

Kevin Michael McGill of D’Iberville, MS | BS

Robert Lake McGough of Starkville, MS | BS

Meghan Elizabeth McGowan of Milton, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Elizabeth Yvonne McInnis of Jackson, MS | PHD

Alexa Kay McKinnion of Meridian, MS | BS

Meredith Anne McLaurin of Tupelo, MS | BS

Kenley Madison McMullan of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Madison Lynn McRight of Iuka, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Elizabeth Meyer of Madison, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Ragan Danielle Middleton of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Synthia Damron Ming of Caledonia, MS | MS

Emily Victoria Mitchell of Cumming, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Katherine Holcomb Mitchell of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Caroline Ayn Mitchell of Biloxi, MS | MATS

Megan Leigh Moffett of Collinsville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Samantha Lauren Moffett of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Yasmin Ziyad Monayair of Starkville, MS | BS

Benjamin Jared Moore of Corinth, MS | BME, Summa Cum Laude

Haley Morgan Moore of Brandon, MS | BS

Makenzie Ann Moore of Harvest, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Marleigh Rose Moran of Vancleave, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lindsey Nicole Newman of Rienzi, MS | BS

Joshua Adam Nichols of Covington, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Kristen Simmons Nichols of Starkville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Breann Leigh Nicholson of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Heather Marie Nieto of Waveland, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Alaina Clayton O’Bryant of Winona, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Morgan Leigh O’Callaghan of Saltillo, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sydney Aiden Ogletree of Carthage, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Tristan Cain Orman of Oxford, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Ashley Brooke Orr of Mc Call Creek, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Eric Thomas Orsini of Starkville, MS | BS

Madison Bradi Oswalt of Mantachie, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jared Taylor Ousley of Starkville, MS | BS

Hannah Alyss Owen of Summit, MS | BS, Cum Laude

August Claire Parker of Heidelberg, MS | BS, Cum Laude

36 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Marlee Gail Parkes of Louisville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Carmen Maryanna Perkins of Hamilton, MS | BS

Ariel Yvonnte Perry of Starkville, MS | MS

Olivia Grayson Phillips of Germantown, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Kendall N. Pickens of West Point, MS | PHD

Anna Maria Pierce of Meridian, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Gerold Trevor Pinson of Crystal Springs, MS | BS

Brittany Jaudon Plunkett of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jared T. Potter of West, MS | BME, Magna Cum Laude

Ashtan RayAnn Prather of Brookhaven, MS | BS

Deja Danae Price of Meridian, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Shavonn Lanise Pruitt of Meridian, MS | MS

Ryan Curtis Pugh of Flowood, MS | BS

Abbey Katherine Ragan of Germantown, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Michael Raines of Guntown, MS | BS

Antonina Rakhmatova of Starkville, MS | MS

Merill Jane Ray of Pelham, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Martha Elizabeth Rayner of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Brooke Michelle Reynolds of Starkville, MS | MATX

Hannah Nicole Rhodes of Pelahatchie, MS | BS

Kara Marie Rhodes of Kosciusko, MS | BS

Peyton L. Rhodes of Pelahatchie, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jamie Kimberly Richards of Boca Raton, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Sara Hays Rimmer of Brandon, MS | BS

Margaret Adelle Robinson of Huntsville, AL | BS

Lisa Nicole Robinson of Starkville, MS | MS

Shaquinta F. Robinson of Starkville, MS | MS

Elizabeth Marisha Rosenbach of West Hills, CA | MS

Emma Christine Rucker of Nolensville, TN | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hannah Marie Ruckner of Manassas, VA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

William Henry Sanders of Meridian, MS | MATS

Enrick Santos of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Abbie Lea Scott of Carthage, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Peyton Leigh Scrivner of Starkville, MS | MS

David M. Seabaugh of Walshville, IL | BS, Cum Laude

Sarah Grace Senn of Nashville, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Mary Frances Sessions of Natchez, MS | BS

Dana Elaine Seymour of Starkville, MS | PHD

Claire Olivia Shannon of Little Rock, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Gwen Sharp of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Alex Tate Shepard of Carthage, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lyn Aubry Shepard of Northport, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Bryce Jaray Shirley of Columbus, MS | BS

Savannah Rae Shirley of Myrtle, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Sasha Renee Shurden of Starkville, MS | BS

Joseph Lee Simpson of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Kristi R. Sims of Toomsuba, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Megan Elizabeth Skelton of Cleveland, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Brandi Lauren Smith of Tishomingo, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Carmen Lynn Smith of Booneville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Clevontaie Alviequesz Smith of Mccomb, MS | BS

Haylee Victoria Smith of Louin, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Tanner Brooke Smith of Brandon, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jennifer Michele Smith of Starkville, MS | MS

Abigail Catesby Snow of Moss Point, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Rachel Ann Sollie of Meridian, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Destinee Sarina Soto Medrano of Palmdale, CA | MS

Callie Elizabeth Spain of Lamar, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Gabrielle Mclain Sparnecht of Philadelphia, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Christian Taylor Speeney of Dallas, GA | BS, Cum Laude

Keyauna Charrese Spencer of Starkville, MS | BS

Brianna Suzanne Spragio of Biloxi, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Brittany Alexis Stansel of Austin, TX | MS

Jenna Maryann Starks of D’Iberville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rachel Marie Steinwinder of Biloxi, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Janice Nacole Stidman of Macon, MS | EDS

Kelly Elaine Stockton of Hernando, MS | BS

Rebecca Ann Stokes of Louisville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Rachel Abigail Storey of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Justin Gregory Stovall of Senatobia, MS | BS

Steven Michael Strehle of Starkville, MS | BS

Elizabeth Sanford Strickland of Jackson, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Mitchell Clark Strider of Sumrall, MS | BS

Elizabeth Caroline Struna of Starkville, MS | EDS

Katherine Elizabeth Suchanick of Nashville, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Laura Graeber Sullivan of Destrehan, LA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hillara Katelyn Summerford of Golden, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Abby Michelle Taggart of Pearl, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Michael Langhston Tate of Macon, MS | BS

Austin Noel Tello of Vicksburg, MS | MS

Breanna Nikhol Temple of Starkville, MS | MS

Isaiah Keith Thompson of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Kinsey Faye Thornton of Biloxi, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brady Lee Thrash of Walnut Grove, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Lauren Dawn Tidwell of Sturgis, MS | BS

Payton Michelle Tillman of Long Beach, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Susan Hope Tipton of Brandon, MS | PHD

Madeline Olivia Tisdale of Summit, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Kelsey Rene Totty of Saint Louis, MO | BS, Cum Laude

Nekia Renee Travis of Biloxi, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Ryan James Travis of Madison, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Savannah Marie Nicole Trice of Shannon, MS | EDS

Abby Wood Triplett of Ackerman, MS | MS

Kelci Nicole Tucker of Columbus, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Hayden Dale Upperman of Starkville, MS | BME, Cum Laude

Lina Blake Vegas of Mantachie, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Taylor Allen Wagner of Biloxi, MS | MATS

Dylan Anthony Waldrip of Hernando, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Lindsay Ruth Walker of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Mercedes Kierra Walker of Pascagoula, MS | BS

Maricus Antwan Walker of Starkville, MS | MS

Aurora Christine Walsh of Beaverton, OR | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Timothy J. Washington of Yazoo City, MS | MS

Abby Marie Watson of De Kalb, MS | MS

Aleah Denise Watt of Starkville, MS | BS

Alexa Shea Watts of Taylorsville, NC | MS

Cydni Tara Weathersby of Mendenhall, MS | BME, Magna Cum Laude

John Michael Weeks of Madison, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Holley Victoria Weil of Meridian, MS | BS

Karla Lummus Weir of Newton, MS | PHD

Paxton Brooke Weisbrod of Cumming, GA | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Joshua Trey Weith of Mooreville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Callie Lenox Wells of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jonathon Cole West of Hamilton, MS | BS

Margie G. Westmoreland of Hamilton, MS | PHD

Karilyn Taylor White of Birmingham, AL | BS

Kenneth Franklin White of Olive Branch, MS | BS

Morgan S. White of Gainesville, GA | MS

William Mitchell Whitfield of Perkinston, MS | BS

Mariah Jade Whitlock of Okolona, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Brenna Lilly Whitton of Newtown, CT | MS

Olivia Danielle Wilbanks of Corinth, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Nicholas Alexander Wilkins of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Cole O’Neil Williams of Smithville, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Elizabeth Renee Williams of Bartlett, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Olivia Isabella Williams of Pensacola, FL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Tiffany Leigh Williams of Little Rock, MS | MAT

Ariel Ray Williamson of Collinsville, MS | MATS

Amanda Layne Wilson of Arlington, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Allison Maria Windham of Booneville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Landrie Jordan Witcher of Plantersville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Claire Elizabeth Wiygul of Amory, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Darbie Elizabeth Woods of Vicksburg, MS | BME

Micah Brooke Woods of Duck Hill, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Hannah Lane Wootton of Ridgeland, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Antwon Xavier Word of Plantersville, MS | BS

Sally Lynn Worst of Brooks, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Maggie Elizabeth Worthy of Gore Springs, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Benson George Wright of Water Valley, MS | BS

Brian Logan Wright of Pascagoula, MS | BS

Austin Trae Yelton of Phenix City, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Anna Caitlyn Young of Brandon, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Patricia LeeAnn Youngblood of Clarksdale, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Derrick Dewayne Zimmerman of Monroe, LA | MS

Kristina Grace Zouboukos of Jackson, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

COLLEGE OF FOREST

RESOURCES

Ram Kumar Adhikari of Starkville, MS | PHD

Samuel Drew Akers of Huntsville, AL | BS, Cum Laude

John Conner Almond of Starkville, MS | MS

Owen Karl Andrews of Lake Zurich, IL | BS

Blake Alan Bagwell of Birmingham, AL | BS

Kyler Crane Barnett of Golden, MS | BS

Craig Dewayne Bell of Eupora, MS | MS

Elise Jordan Benson of Guntown, MS | BS

Alison Dawn Berger of Jonesboro, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jacob Edwin Breeden of Vicksburg, MS | BS

Sara Gabrielle Burran of Brandon, MS | BS

Jamie Michelle Cantey of Collinsville, MS | BS

Marly Gabriela Carmona Uzcategui of Madison, MS | MS

Kacy Ann Chapman of Starkville, MS | BS

Alison Brooke Childs of Calhoun City, MS | BS

Darcey Alyce Collins of Bauxite, AR | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bojan Cosovic of Starkville, MS | MS

Joni Marie Creel of Lucedale, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Russell Cole Wayne Davis of Elaine, AR | BS

James Dylan DesRochers of Madison, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Gabrielly Dos Santos Bobadilha of Starkville, MS | PHD

Natasha Ann Drotar of East Falmouth, MA | MS

Charles Hilton Dye of Birmingham, AL | BS

Bradley Wayne Ezekiel of Pace, FL | BS, Cum Laude

Michael Edward Falls of Tuscaloosa, AL | BS

Austin Shea Gentry of Pontotoc, MS | MS

Payton Keeler Gilmore of Sulligent, AL | BS

Mallory Taylor Grady of Olive Branch, MS | BS

David Reid Grant of Pace, FL | BS

John William Griffin of Philadelphia, MS | MS

Mackenzie Ann Gunn of Starkville, MS | MS

Dylan Alan Hann of Doddridge, AR | MS

Branden Lee Hannah of Saint Petersburg, FL | BS

Raven Danielle Hartley of Carrollton, AL | BS

Austin Grant Hartman of Collinsville, MS | BS

Bryan Patrick Herron of Senatobia, MS | BS

Lilly Grace Hill of Brighton, TN | BS

Savannah Kathe Holcombe of Simpsonville, SC | BS

Daniel Zane Holder of Booneville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Ty Gregory Lollar of Haleyville, AL | BS

John Andrew Lowery of Laurel, MS | BS

Ryan Anthony Lurk of Yorkville, IL | BS

Alison Marie Marchant of Coldwater, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Audrey Katherine McCrary of Starkville, MS | MS

Jazmine Ajetta McGinnis of Daphne, AL | MS

Haley Alyssa Moore of Philadelphia, MS | BS

William Morgan Nettles of Fayette, MS | BS

Zachary Tyler Nettles of Pelahatchie, MS | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Leigh Ellen Noe of Amory, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

David M. Norris of Vicksburg, MS | MS

Kelly Marie Olson of Alpharetta, GA | BS

Samuel Eli Patrick of Tupelo, MS | BS

Joseph Lee Patterson of Star, MS | BS

Evelyn Marie Perrigin of Starkville, MS | BS

Allison McHenry Purdue of Powder Springs, GA | BS

Kiera Meg Reardon of Mandeville, LA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Madeline Elizabeth Redd of Brandon, MS | BS

Tyler Wesley Rogers of Madison, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Preston Thomas Clark Rushing of Cherokee, AL | BS

Taylor Elizabeth Saucier of Starkville, MS | BS

Nathan Alexander Schroeder of Starkville, MS | BS

Samantha Kay Seamon of Prattville, AL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Anusha Shrestha of Hilliard, OH | PHD

Caleb Till Simnicht of Hattiesburg, MS | BS

Dalton Blake Smith of Parrish, AL | BS

Robert McKibbon Smith of Atlanta, GA | BS

Nicholas Ramsey Sprinkle of Fairhope, AL | BS

Lucas Cole Stewart of Philadelphia, MS | BS

Elliot Carrington Stockett of Jackson, MS | BS

Emily Carole Stolz of Diamondhead, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jennifer Michelle Sublett of Pensacola, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

James Dalton Sullivan of Pearl, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Daniel Roane Taylor of Pass Christian, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Thomas M. Terral of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Ryan Thomason of Starkville, MS | BS

Kelsey Lynn Torres-Schroeder of Starkville, MS | BS

Adam Carter Wade of Scooba, MS | BS

Joseph Cole Walters of Soso, MS | BS

Autumn Rana Watrous of Gardendale, AL | BS

Geneva Mae White of Mantee, MS | BS

Lauren Elizabeth Whitmire of Old Hickory, TN | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Bayley Michelle Wilmoth of Ocean Springs, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Emily Faith Wilson of Chatom, AL | BS, Cum Laude

Corey Dalton Yarber of Starkville, MS | BS

Marcus F. Young of Tampa, FL | BS

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY

MEDICINE

Brandie Rae Amos of Starkville, MS | DVM

Paige Nicole Anderson of Starkville, MS | DVM

Harlie Barkley Arndt of Florence, AL | DVM

Ethan Lane Baggett of Killen, AL | DVM

Carol Louise Baker of Jackson, MS | DVM

Catherine Hunter Barton of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Jason Robert Belcher of Quitman, MS | DVM

Heath Alexander Belk of Jasper, TN | DVM

Barbara Blair Bennett of Spearsville, LA | DVM

Katie Claire Bibb of Starkville, MS | DVM

Samantha May Blossom of Eglon, WV | DVM

Lauren Michelle Bonee of Powell, TN | DVM

Thomas Joseph Brady of Columbia, SC | DVM

Breanna Caitlin Brown of Jane Lew, WV | DVM

Whitney Nicole Brown of Moore, SC | DVM

Cassandra Joelle Cain of Starkville, MS | MS

Mary Beth Caldwell of Columbus, MS | BS

Skyler Hensarling Caldwell of Starkville, MS | DVM

Martianna Marissa Cameron of Jackson, MS | BS

Christopher Brian Campbell of Hattiesburg, MS | DVM

Kelsie Marie Campbell of Starkville, MS | DVM

Kellen Aline Choate of Summit, MS | DVM

Krystle Dawn Clayton of Potts Camp, MS | DVM

Erin Carol Close of Berkeley Springs, WV | DVM

Acacia J. Cooper of Pearl, MS | DVM

Gianna Angelina Covelli of Charleston, WV | DVM

Ronald Blake Crawford of Starkville, MS | DVM

Harry Cridge of Starkville, MS | MS

William Byrn Crosby of Parsons, TN | DVM

Brandon Scott Dailey of Sherwood, AR | DVM

Joquarius Keith Dancy of Meridian, MS | BS

Madison Marie Dunlap of Taylor, MS | DVM

Kristin Renee Ellis of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

McKenzie Morgan Ethridge of Starkville, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Elissa Beth Eyrich of Long Beach, MS | DVM

Kristen Suzanne Frank of Murrieta, CA | DVM

Julianna Frum of Starkville, MS | MS

Matthew Thomas Garrett of Memphis, TN | DVM

Mary Allison George of Memphis, TN | DVM

Carly Rae Glinski of Rockford, MI | DVM

Amanda Morgan Goodson of Brandon, MS | BS

Jillian Marie Greenwood of Brandon, MS | BS

Kody Wayne Griffin of Tilly, AR | DVM

Macy Elizabeth Hanson of Goodlettsville, TN | BS, Cum Laude

Katie Elana Harris of Starkville, MS | BS

Jordan Taylor Hatfield of Mississippi State, MS | MS

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hennessey of Starkville, MS | DVM

Anne Elise Kristine Hertl of Hernando, MS | DVM

Gracie Mikayla Holbrooks of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Jordan Nicole Holding of Starkville, MS | BS

Rachel Kelly Holman of Menifee, CA | DVM

Emily Wednesday Hopson of Starkville, MS | BS

Anna Olivia Hubbell of Fort Worth, TX | DVM

Alexis Gabrielle Hughes of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Samantha Mae Hughes of Hookstown, PA | DVM

Jenna Hoden Krizak of Starkville, MS | DVM

Rebecca Dawn Leach of Starkville, MS | DVM

Emily Kate Lloyd of Aiken, SC | DVM

Alexandra McClure Loftis of Charleston, SC | DVM

Jeremy Alan Long of Hiram, GA | DVM

Robert Thomasson Loper of Starkville, MS | DVM

Whitney Anne Maloney of North Little Rock, AR | DVM

Jessica Janet Matta of San Juan, PR | DVM

Bridget Siobhan McDerby of Madison, AL | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Sarah McNair of Richland, MS | DVM

Alexandria Dianne Moore of Houston, MS | DVM

Maj Elizabeth Morgan of Texarkana, TX | DVM

Jalin Ashley Myrick of Starkville, MS | DVM

Jessica Gayle Nelson of Woodbridge, VA | DVM

James Nichols of Starkville, MS | PHD

Eric Orozco of Brandon, MS | MS

Caitlyn Elizabeth Outlaw of Hot Springs, AR | DVM

Bridgit Abigail Patten of Platteville, CO | BS, Magna Cum Laude

Kelsie Nicole Penny of Starkville, MS | DVM

Elizabeth Virginia Peterson of White Oak, TX | BS

Carly Elizabeth Pierson of Newton, NJ | DVM

English Simone Pratt of Starkville, MS | BS, Cum Laude

Brooke Christianne Quick of Morton, MS | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Courtney Michelle Ransom of Russellville, AL | DVM

Logan Christopher Real of Cape Coral, FL | DVM

Malorie Schwartz Rice of Ponchatoula, LA | BS

Laurel Shannon Riebock of Starkville, MS | BS

Reece Watts Robertson of Madison, MS | DVM

Bastiana Mulckhuyse Rodebaugh of Clear Brook, VA | DVM

Gabrielle Marie Ruble of Parkersburg, WV | DVM

Jaime Kristen Rutter of Hanover, PA | DVM

Juliana Maria Santiago of Hermitage, TN | DVM

Jessica Nicole Saunders of Hurricane, WV | DVM

Margaret Mary Saverance of Florence, SC | DVM

Haleigh Brooke Schreckengost of Princeton, WV | DVM

Alexander Paxton Shealy of Starkville, MS | DVM

Jessica Elaine Sherman of Starkville, MS | DVM

Kimberly Marie Simpson of Anaheim, CA | DVM

Thad Ellis Skinner of Union, MS | DVM

Abigail Lynette Small of Ocean Springs, MS | BS

Brooke Taylor Smith of Waterford, VT | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Diana Solito of Nesbit, MS | BS

Ashley Breann Ross Stephens of Starkville, MS | DVM

Ellen Ashley Tarrant of New Albany, MS | DVM

Madison Leigh Taylor of Sandy Springs, GA | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Alexis Renee Tentler of Highland Village, TX | DVM

Sarah Frances Thurmond of Starkville, MS | BS

Kelsey Marie Traylor of Chester, VA | DVM

Hannah Elizabeth Urig of Starkville, MS | DVM

Taylor Doyle Vernon of Niceville, FL | BS, Summa Cum Laude

Megan Marie Violand of Moorpark, CA | DVM

Amanda Joy Waddle of Hattiesburg, MS | DVM

Thomas Chase Waldrip of Southaven, MS | DVM

Amber M. Walker of Warminster, PA | DVM

Kiley Miranda Walker of Cabot, PA | DVM

Christina Thomas Weise of North Augusta, SC | DVM

Michael Austin Whitmon of Mantachie, MS | DVM

Carley Alise Wigley of Petal, MS | DVM

Jessica Lynne Wigley of Williamsburg, VA | DVM

Amy Lynn Wilcosky of Seminary, MS | DVM

Rachel Marie Wilson of Pearl, MS | DVM

Joshlyn Martin Winstead of Lexington, MS | DVM

James Lucas Yates of Starkville, MS | DVM

Jessica Sumner Zehr of Jackson, MS | DVM

Tara Nadine Zentner of Alburtis, PA | DVM



7/31/20 1:48 PM

MSU President Mark E. Keenum speaking with senior campus leaders and key personnel. The group met regularly while practicing social distancing guidelines to assess

the COVID-19 threat and guide the university through changes dictated by the pandemic.

LEADERS IN ACTION

Task Force team guides MSU through COVID-19

By Sid Salter

Like the rest of the nation,

Mississippi State University had

not encountered the onslaught of a

true global pandemic since 1918-19

when the worldwide outbreak of the so-called

“Spanish Influenza” claimed 9,232 lives in

Mississippi. Sadly, 38 students at what is

now MSU died during that outbreak with an

estimated 1,200 students infected with the flu.

Against that historical backdrop, modernday

MSU President Mark E. Keenum and

key members of the university’s leadership

team were called into action when the World

Health Organization declared a global health

emergency in late January due to the novel

coronavirus.

COVID-19 usually triggers a respiratory

tract infection and can impact the sinuses,

nose, and throat in the upper respiratory

tract and the windpipe and lungs in the

lower respiratory tract. The disease spreads

through person-to-person contact and is

believed to be airborne. Infections can range

from asymptomatic to life-threatening,

depending on age and underlying individual

health histories.

Events spiraled downward in February

and the WHO formally declared a global

pandemic on March 11. By April, more

than 1 million global patients had tested

positive for COVID-19 and over 100,000

died. By July, more than 11.3 million global

COVID-19 cases had been diagnosed with

over 532,000 deaths—and both numbers

were still growing by the day at the time of

publication.

Keenum and his leadership team were

tasked with seeking and complying with

guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, the Mississippi State

Department of Health, the Mississippi Board

of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning

and state elected officials including Gov. Tate

Reeves and the leadership of the Mississippi

Legislature. There was also the need to

maintain cooperation with Oktibbeha County

and City of Starkville governments and first

responders as the pandemic grew and spread.

Commenting during the early days of

MSU’s COVID-19 response, Keenum said

to his colleagues, “Since Mississippi State

first engaged in assessment of impacts of the

coronavirus and planning for operational

changes by our leadership team, the one

constant has been that there are no constants.

“Information is changing and taking on

different nuances on an almost hourly basis,”

he continued. “With guidance from federal

and state leaders, from global and national

medical and epidemiological advisers, and

from our own capable students, faculty and

staff, MSU’s leadership team has taken this

evolving information and is developing a

measured response. Yet make no mistake, this

is a new and unprecedented challenge playing

out on a massive scale.”

A RAPID RESPONSE

MSU established a webpage for

COVID-19 resources in February,

when there were still no known cases in

Mississippi. The university began to restrict

38 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

employee travel and screen university

stakeholders returning from travel to places

where the virus was present.

By March 11, travel restrictions increased,

and the university began to plan for a

transfer to online classes should conditions

warrant. Days later, the university announced

that classes were suspended for the week

after spring break, March 16-22, as MSU

continued to monitor the potential impacts of

COVID-19. Keenum instructed the faculty to

begin preparing to move all classes online for

the rest of the semester.

Mid-March saw the university comply

with the shelter-in-place order from the

governor, and the university made the painful

decision to postpone commencement. As the

crisis continued, MSU moved all summer

classes to online delivery.

Through all the developments, Keenum

maintained regular meetings with his

leadership team, the MSU COVID-19 Task

Force, faculty, student leaders and the IHL

board—all conducted while observing social

distancing and other CDC guidelines.

The MSU leadership team was tasked

with a myriad of challenges, complexities

and contradictions. First and foremost was

Keenum’s charge to his leadership team to help

make decisions that safeguarded MSU students,

faculty and staff. Second was his insistence

that every possible step be taken to help MSU

students stay on their academic paths.

Third, Keenum reminded the leadership

group that MSU was committed, even in

times of crisis, to the concept of shared

governance with leadership of both the Robert

Holland Faculty Senate and the MSU Student

Association.

WORKING TOGETHER

TO PROTECT THE MSU

COMMUNITY

With those guiding principles reinforced,

the leadership teams deliberated on diverse

topics. The challenges ranged from the

financial stability of the institution to

enrollment impacts to human resources

policies for faculty and staff, immediate needs

of students remaining on campus, technology

and other concerns regarding the move to

online delivery of academic content, and

dozens of other mission-critical topics.

Vice President for Student Affairs Regina

Hyatt led the MSU COVID-19 Task Force

and served with MSU Provost and Executive

Vice President David Shaw on the 16-member

Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning’s

Safe Start Task Force as the state’s university

system considered opening campuses in

a safe and effective manner. Mississippi

Commissioner of Higher Education and

MSU alumnus Alfred Rankins Jr. appointed

Shaw to chair the IHL task force.

Shaw pointed to faculty and student

input into the planning processes at both the

state and campus levels as critical to crafting

solutions, particularly at MSU.

“The partnership between administration

and faculty in a shared governance approach

is a hallmark of Mississippi State, and

challenging times such as this make it critically

important that we use every avenue possible to

foster dialogue,” Shaw said.

Hyatt, who also chairs the standing

MSU Crisis Action team, said the planning

process at both the campus and state levels for

COVID-19 has been extremely challenging.

“The COVID-19 crisis is different than

any other type of crisis we’ve faced,” she

explained. “Instead of something that lasts a

few hours or even a few days like a weather

event, this has continued to impact every facet

of our day-to-day university operations for

days, weeks, months.”

MSU Student Association President

Tyler Packer, who succeeded Jake Manning

midway through the COVID-19 outbreak in

Mississippi, said his service on the COVID-19

Task Force has been educational in ways he

never imagined.

“From the moment I was inaugurated as

Student Body president, the year was set to

be one that was very different,” Packer said.

“Normally, the president would be spending

the summer welcoming future Bulldogs and

making sure that they are ready for their

first semester on campus. Instead, I have

been working daily with the university’s top

leadership to help coordinate our response

to COVID-19 while planning for the fall

semester. The meetings have been very

productive, and I was so incredibly grateful to

have a seat on the task force to advocate for

the needs of our students.”

Brent Crocker, the university’s emergency

manager, said the COVID-19 Task Force

sessions have been difficult but positive in that

they highlight the university’s strengths.

“Being involved in the COVID-19 Task

Force provides me with a great amount of

information and helpful resources,” Crocker

said. “The group meets regularly to discuss

the current situation and develop a path

forward. We can outline our priorities, divide

responsibilities and develop plans.

“I learned how dedicated the leadership at

Mississippi State is to the safety and well-being

of the university community,” he continued.

“Serving on these working groups helped

me stay informed of the university’s current

situation and what everyone was working on.

These groups have helped us focus our work

and combine our efforts. The regular online

meetings gave everyone an opportunity to

get together while staying in our offices or at

home. Everyone feels comfortable enough to

voice concerns or share new ideas.”

PLANNING FOR

CHALLENGES TO COME

Vice President for Finance and

Administration Don Zant is responsible, along

with his staff, for both “the fiscal and physical

aspects of campus.”

“On the fiscal side, the challenges have

been trying to maximize revenue and funding,

including CARES Act Funding, FEMA and

student tuition, while also trying to forecast

the impact of the crisis on enrollment, sports

revenue, housing and appropriations,” Zant

said. “On the physical side the challenges have

been trying to boost the morale of essential

employees that must be here every day to

maintain, clean and sanitize; and, make sure

they had the proper protective equipment and

are adequately supplied.”

Interim Vice President for the Division of

Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine

Reuben Moore admitted encountering worries

that kept him up nights, but also that he

found reassurance in watching the hard work

of his colleagues in DAFVM.

“My vision for the future is that we

will be facing a new normal,” Moore said.

“We have learned from this experience that

we can be productive in different ways—

more video conference meetings, more

educational content delivered online. The

use of technology will only increase. We will

be developing more ‘how-to’ videos which is

a preferred learning method of our younger

generations.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

“We will continue to emphasize more need

for grants and contracts so that our budget

can be supplemented with the overhead,”

Moore continued. “More technology will

be used in our two colleges along with new

teaching methods that can be effective with

less classroom time. We will continue to

have students on campus because a college

education is much more than just learning the

material taught in classrooms. It is learning

soft skills like leadership, how to work

together to accomplish something, how to

get along with others, problem-solving and

conflict resolution to name a few.”

MSU Vice President for Development

and Alumni John Rush is also looking to

the future and how Mississippi State will

overcome the financial uncertainty brought on

by the pandemic.

“During my tenure with the MSU

Foundation, I’ve witnessed severe events that

have impacted the MSU family in different

ways—the 9/11 attacks and the dot-com

bubble burst, Hurricane Katrina and the

financial collapse of 2008-09,” Rush recalled.

“During these terrible times, we found that

there were pockets of alumni who were not as

impacted, and they rallied to support MSU

and our students.

“The fiscal years coming out of Katrina

and 9/11 were some of the largest in terms of

support in our history at the time. However,

this pandemic coupled with the oil market

collapse has led to greater instability across

sectors of the market,” he added. “Additionally,

we’ve never faced a scenario where our staff

could not actually visit our alumni and discuss

opportunities to move MSU forward from

this. We are blessed that many of our staff have

been with us for over a decade and have long

relationships with donors.

“As a result, we are able to have open

conversations via technology about gifts

to MSU,” Rush continued. “Typically,

technology does not allow for the human

“Information is changing

and taking on different

nuances on an almost

hourly basis. With guidance

from federal and state

leaders, from global and

national medical and

epidemiological advisers,

and from our own capable

students, faculty and

staff, MSU’s leadership

team has taken this

evolving information and

is developing a measured

response. “

~ Mark E. Keenum

connection needed but due to these long

relationships, we are able to advance past

those limitations.”

SECURING DIGITAL

SPACES

The security of MSU’s online academic

effort has been vital to the COVID-19

response. MSU Chief Information Officer

Steve Parrott explained, “MSU was prepared

in many ways for the pandemic with a cyber

security-conscious workforce and a significant

number of faculty and staff who travel and

work remotely. This was something that has

not happened overnight but rather is a security

awareness culture we have tried to cultivate at

Mississippi State University over time.

“A remote workforce highlights the

importance of two-factor authentication,”

Parrott continued. “Two-factor authentication

adds a second layer of security when

logging into MSU systems. The first factor

is something you know, your NetID or

password. The second factor is something you

have, your mobile device or a security token.

On July 24, 2017, ITS enabled two-factor

authentication for faculty and staff, and on

January 15, 2019, two-factor authentication

was made mandatory for all students.”

MOVING FORWARD

MSU Extension State Health Specialist

David Buys likewise expressed confidence as

the university seeks to move forward into the

“new normal”—whatever that might be.

“Being a part of not just seeing ‘the

sausage being made’ but also ‘making the

sausage’ at some level has been a remarkable

learning and leadership experience,” Buys

said. “I’ve learned a lot about the value of a

multidisciplinary team and the importance

of meaningful meetings with a solid agenda,

mutual respect for what everyone brings to

the table, and the importance of frequent

and open communication. What’s more,

the opportunity to sit at a meeting table

with Dr. Keenum at the helm is a humbling

experience.”

Hyatt said she sees challenges looming

but is hopeful for a return to the “student

experience” that makes college special.

“There is much work to be done in the

realms of teaching and learning, campus life,

business functions, athletics, health and safety

considerations—and within these broad areas

a whole list of questions about how to do

these things safely, efficiently and affordably,”

she said. “There are many questions, too many

options and few answers.

“My vision for moving forward is to be

able to make decisions that are in the best

interest of our students and their success and

40 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

well-being,” she continued. “I want a student experience

filled with the kinds of programs, services and activities

that enrich their lives. I want our faculty to work from a

position of confidence and not fear and reasonableness

and with grace and flexibility.”

At press deadline for Alumnus, MSU plans to return

to full campus operations and in-person instruction in

August 2020. To do so, the safe operations plan will

promote healthy operations and mitigate some risks of

COVID-19 infection and spread among our students and

employees. university has created the Cowbell Well health

and safety awareness campaign to engourage behaviors

proven to limit the spread of disease. MSU has also

outlined plans for screening, testing and contact tracing.

Screenings are non-intrusive health checks on a

consistent basis, and will include temperature checks

and self-reported health questionnaires based on CDC

and Mississippi State Department of Health suggestions.

Screening activities will be facilitated by the new

Everbridge Safety Connection platform, a mobile system

that will allow for contact tracing and can provide realtime

notifications.

Though use of this technology is only required for

residential students, its use is highly encouraged for the

whole university community as the information it provides

will allow health professionals to reach more people faster

in the event of a confirmed exposure. Designed to protect

individual user privacy, the app will alert participants if

they have been in close contact with a person who has

reported a positive COVID-19 test.

This application will be used in addition to

temperature check-in stations. All residential students will

be required to complete a temperature screening every 24

hours along with the self-reported health questionnaire.

Non-residential students will be strongly encouraged

to complete a temperature screening and health

questionnaire daily.

All employees will be required to conduct a selfscreening

daily prior to coming to work. This should

include an at-home temperature check and a review

of potential symptoms of COVID-19 including cough,

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills,

muscle pain, sore throat, and a new loss of taste or

smell. A self-screening tool is available on the CDC’s

website for employees who prefer it to the Safety

Connection platform.

Testing for COVID-19 has been and will continue to

be facilitated through the Longest Student Health Center.

PCR nasal swab is currently the standard for diagnosing

acute infections and is considered the most accurate at

this time.

Where screening indicates a spread of COVID-19,

community testing may be required. The Longest

Student Health Center can facilitate additional types of

COVID-19 testing when medically necessary. •

MEMBERS OF THE MSU

COVID-19 TASK FORCE:

Jeremy Baham, Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs

Jason Barrett, Assistant Extension Professor, Water Resources Institute

Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of Students

David Buys, Extension State Health Specialist

Annika Campbell, Assistant Director, Office of Study Abroad

Brent Crocker, Emergency Manager

John Cohen, Director of Athletics

John Dickerson, Assistant Vice President, Enrollment

Randy Follett, Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Ra’Sheda Forbes, Associate Vice President, Multicultural Affairs

Daniel Hale, Business Administrator, Longest Student Health Center

Carla Huston, Director, CVM Enhanced Clinical Education

Regina Hyatt, Vice President for Student Affairs

Brandon Jolly, Associate General Counsel

Mary Ann Jones, Associate Professor, Library

Julie Jordan, Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development

Mark E. Keenum, MSU President

Joan Lucas, General Counsel

Mary McLendon, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Sports Medicine and Performance

Reuben Moore, Interim Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry,

and Veterinary Medicine

Elizabeth Gregory North, Head, Agricultural Communications

Tyler Packer, President, Student Association

Steve Parrott, Chief Information Officer

Jordan Ramsey, Associate Director, Alumni Association

Andrew Rendon, Director, Assessment Office, Student Affairs

Rebecca Robichaux-Davis, Professor, Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education

John Rush, Vice President for Development and Alumni

Peter Ryan, Executive Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

Sid Salter, Chief Communications Officer

Susan Seal, Executive Director, Center for Distance Education

Nancy Siegert, Chief Human Resources Officer

David Shaw, MSU Provost and Executive Vice President

David Smith, D.V.M., Professor, CVM Pathobiology and Population Medicine

Kyle Steward, Executive Director, External Affairs

Cliff Story, M.D., Executive Director, University Health Services

Lee Weiskopf, Director, University Governmental Support

Don Zant, Vice President for Finance and Administration

The Mississippi State University Safe Return booklet can be found at

www.msstate.edu/safe-return-booklet.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

INFINITE IMPACT

$1.07

BILLION

TOTAL RAISED

Campaign achieves historic success

By Amy Cagle

A decade has passed since Mississippi State University

boldly launched an unprecedented comprehensive

campaign that would become the most ambitious in the

institution’s 142-year journey. Now, MSU is making history

with the Infinite Impact Campaign as it concludes with

more than $1.07 billion in private support, including

$285.2 million raised in planned gifts, distinguishing the

university as the first institution in Mississippi to realize this

monumental landmark of philanthropic support.

Infinite Impact began in July 2010 with a $600 million

goal sought by the calendar end 2018. In an outpouring

of support, MSU exceeded its initial goal three years ahead

of schedule as nearly 52,000 benefactors, of which 20,500

were first-time contributors, made commitments. Because

of this overwhelming support, in April 2016, the MSU

Foundation board of directors and MSU President

Mark E. Keenum formally extended the campaign’s goal

to $1 billion, the largest goal ever set forth by the university.

As leadership forged ahead with Infinite Impact,

spreading the message through alumni, friends, parents,

faculty and students, there was a shared desire to build

on the institution’s achievements and positively impact

every aspect of university life. In particular, the campaign

name Infinite Impact reflected the strength of MSU’s

eight academic colleges and their collective number,

which turned horizontally, gave symbolic meaning for

the university’s quest—infinity. It is through its academic

colleges that MSU accomplishes its mission with its core

people—dedicated and talented students and creative and

esteemed faculty.

Over its course, Infinite Impact revolved around five

central themes—success, discovery, outreach, globalization

and experience. And MSU made great strides with

these overarching concepts as it pursued gifts for areas

universitywide, including the academic colleges, the Judy

and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, MSU Libraries,

MSU-Meridian, and athletics.

The success of this historical campaign could not

have been possible without the philanthropic support

of 72,747 dedicated alumni, friends, corporations and

other organizations. It is evident through these gifts that

Mississippi State is a valuable asset to the state of Mississippi

and the nation. Mississippi State is an exceptional place

where students gain a unique combination of academics and

outstanding professional preparation and where high-caliber

faculty place top priority on teaching students. And an

institution that places an active, integral role in the quality

and economic growth of its home state and nation.

42 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

PRIMARY CAMPAIGN GOALS

$626.5

Million

Annual & Programs Support

$121.4

Million

Facilities Support

$78

Million

Faculty Support

$247.4

Million

Scholarship Support

$4.4 Million $6.5 Million

2016/2017 2019/2020

Impact in Scholarship Awards

72,747

Campaign Donors

Including

37,009

New Donors

46

New

96

Total

Chairs &

Professorships

Universitywide

18.2%

Average Alumni

Participation

(Over Infinite Impact)

$285.2

Million

Total Deferred

Commitments



7/31/20 1:48 PM

A CLOSER LOOK AT INFINITE IMPACT

Support for Scholarships

• New endowed scholarships were increased by 75%. From

the beginning of Infinite Impact until present, the number

of endowed scholarships has grown from 1,038 to 1,815.

Furthermore, endowed scholarship assets grew from $102.3

million to $179.2 million in FY19.

• The Promise Student Support Program is designed to

offer financial and mentorship assistance to students from

economically challenged backgrounds. The program

depends on private support for its success, and campaign

gifts have totaled $7.8 million for this effort. To date,

1,326 students have been accepted into this program, and

580 have graduated.

• The Presidential Endowed Scholarship program is one of

the most competitive programs at MSU. The scholarship

award provides financial support and mentorship to

students over their four-year educational experience. Funds

raised for this program totaled $6.9 million.

• The Compass Scholars program provides awards to

students who are proven high achieving academic

performers in high school or community college. MSU

annually matched funds raised up to $500,000 for this

program. In all, $2.1 million was raised for the program.

• The Legacy and Loyalty Scholarships began with a

partnership with MSU Athletics. These awards are given to

academic achieving students. Funds raised up to $500,000

a year were matched by the Bulldog Club. Campaign gifts

totaled $10.7 million for this program.

• Gifts in support of the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching

Program (METP) bring scholarships to future educators in

Mississippi. The scholarship has awarded 105 students the

opportunity to succeed. In addition, 67 graduates are now

teaching across the state of Mississippi because of METP.

• Universitywide scholarship support for Infinite Impact

totaled $247.4 million.

Support for Faculty

• During Infinite Impact, the number of endowed positions

in the form of chairs and professorships, which assist in

retaining and recruiting high-caliber faculty members,

increased by 88% raising the number to 96.

• The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences gained the

Milton Sundbeck Professorship in Southeastern Cattle

Management in the Department of Animal and Dairy

Sciences for research and the development of sciencebased

solutions for cattle producers in the state and region

to enhance their profitability. During the campaign, the

college raised $10 million for eight endowed positions and

other faculty support.

• The College of Architecture, Art and Design secured the

Mark S. Jordan Endowed Professorship to advance the

mission of the School of Architecture and its nationally

accredited program. At campaign’s end, the college tallied

$1.2 million for endowed positions and other faculty support.

• The College of Arts and Sciences secured its first

endowed professorship position—the Dr. Donald L. Hall

Distinguished Professorship in Biological Sciences. The

holder of the position will mentor and challenge students

extensively and further the college’s groundbreaking

research. Another endowed position, the George

Bishop Professorship in Geosciences, will be part of the

Department of Geosciences, a recognized Center of

Academic Excellence in Geospacial Sciences. The college

raised $5 million in campaign gifts for three endowed

positions and other faculty support.

• The College of Business secured the Jack R. Lee Endowed

Chair in Financial Institutions and Consumer Finance

that provides students real-world insights. The position

serves as a significant resource for the state of Mississippi

and the nation regarding research, consultation and

outreach in the increasingly complicated financial sector.

Overall, the college raised $10.4 million for eight endowed

positions and other faculty support.

• The College of Education received its first professorship,

the Dr. Susan McLaren Brooks Endowed Elementary

Education Professorship to provide a mentor and adviser

for elementary education majors. Over the campaign, the

college raised $2 million in faculty support.

• The James Worth Bagley College of Engineering received

its first endowed professorship that encourages diversity

among faculty. The Dr. Oswald Rendon-Herrero

Diversity Professorship works closely with the college’s

Office of Diversity to further cultivate an environment of

inclusiveness and academic excellence. Additionally, the

college gained the Mary Lyn and Niles Moseley Endowed

Chair of Cyber Security in the Department of Computer

Science and Engineering to conduct research and work

with the university’s Center for Cyber Innovation. During

the campaign, the college raised $31.4 million to establish

18 endowed positions and other faculty support.

44 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

Brandi Karisch, Sundbeck Endowed Professor

Presidential Scholars

Promise Student Support Program



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Taylor Solid Mechanics Laboratory

Angus Dawe, Hall Endowed Professor

Richard A. Rula Engineering and Science Complex

46 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

• The College of Forest Resources gained the Taylor

Chair for Applied Big Game Research and Instruction

that ensures the training of tomorrow’s leaders in

wildlife biology while supporting meaningful research

for landowners. Another endowed position, the James

C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Upland Bird Ecology,

supports conservation efforts in waterfowl, wetland and

upland gamebird ecology and plays a crucial role in

understanding population declines of species like quail

and turkey across their native range. The college raised

$10.1 million for four positions and other faculty support

during the campaign.

• The College of Veterinary Medicine secured funding

for faculty positions. The Terri Nusz Endowed Equine

Professorship supports efforts to educate CVM students,

interns and residents; serves the clinical needs of horse

owners and referring veterinarians; and represents MSU at

a national level. Another position, the Dr. P. Mikell Davis

and Mary Cheek Hall Davis Endowed Professorship in

Beef Cattle Herd Health and Reproduction Management,

focuses on advancing beef cattle production in the state

and the Southeast. At campaign’s end, the college tallied

$5.7 million in campaign gifts for three endowed positions

and other faculty support.

• Universitywide faculty support for Infinite Impact totaled

$78 million.

Support for Facilities

• The Old Main Academic Center was built to expand

classroom and study spaces for a growing university.

The building, used by an estimated 11,000 students

on its busiest days, provides an exceptional teaching

and learning environment with some 20 classrooms, an

auditorium and other areas.

• Recognized nationally for its veteran-friendly campus,

MSU used contributions to build Nusz Hall, a home

for the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s

Veterans and service center for the community. Including

dependents, the university’s veteran community comprises

some 2,980 students.

• The newly opened Partnership School is a collaboration

between MSU and the Starkville Oktibbeha School

District. The school will serve the local community

and MSU while creating a long-term impact on the

education of sixth and seventh graders. The school will

be an innovative research site for current and future

educators. Private support helped to provide the needed

construction cost.

• The True Maroon fan experience has been reenergized

with Nusz Park at Dudy Noble Field. Many studentathletes

can better train for competition at the Leo Seal Jr.

Football Complex for indoor practice, the Mike Sanders

Track Complex for men’s and women’s track teams, and

the under-construction Mississippi State Tennis Pavilion

indoor complex for men’s and women’s practice.

• Financial support of the MSU Center for

Entrepreneurship and Outreach housed in the College of

Business provides valuable assistance for business start-ups,

competitions, student and faculty travel, guest speakers,

and additional administrative and operational support

to promote and enhance programming and outreach as

a universitywide resource. Beyond the center, The Idea

Shop, which consists of the Turner A. Wingo Maker

Studio and the MSU Retail Product Accelerator, are

operated by the College of Business with the College of

Agriculture and Life Sciences’ School of Human Sciences,

giving the Starkville community a place to promote

entrepreneurship in the marketplace.

• The Richard A. Rula Engineering and Science Complex

will house the Department of Civil and Environmental

Engineering. The complex will provide offices, classrooms,

teaching, research and chemistry labs, and high bay areas,

encompassing a cutting-edge learning and research facility

for science and engineering students studying in the

Bagley College of Engineering.

• The Dr. A. Randle and Marilyn W. White Health

Professions Resource Center in Harned Hall is a new

academic service housed in the College of Arts and

Sciences. The center is dedicated to offering experienced

guidance for undergraduate and graduate students and

MSU alumni who aspire to gain entry into a health

professional school.

• The Taylor Solid Mechanics Laboratory in Carpenter Hall

assists with training the next generation of mechanical

engineers through endowment-level support. The lab

houses state-of-the-art equipment, enabling mechanical

engineering undergraduates to gain hands-on experience

with modern material-testing techniques.

• An endowment provided for the renovation and upgrade

of the Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences

Pharmacy that accompanies the College of Veterinary

Medicine Animal Health Center. The pharmacy

assists the college daily, as it dispenses prescriptions for

teaching-hospital patients and provides drug information

consultations for faculty, staff and students, as well as

veterinary practitioners and community pharmacists.

• Universitywide support for new facilities and

improvements for existing facilities through Infinite

Impact totaled $121.4 million.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Support for Programs:

• More than $1 million has been secured for an

endowment to perpetually support MSU’s Phi Beta

Kappa Chapter. The realization of this long-sought goal

to shelter a chapter for this prestigious honor society

came in 2018, enhancing the university’s national

reputation.

• A Study Abroad Excellence Endowment in the Judy

and Bobby Shackouls Honors College assists with travel

expenses for full-time honors students who participate

in the Shackouls Summer Study at the University of

Oxford in England.

• An endowment for a precision agriculture certificate

program enables student participation in field research

and related environmental factors, crop inputs,

equipment, and IT software and hardware. The

certificate program stems from the joint collaboration

within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with

partnerships in the Bagley College of Engineering, the

Geosystems Research Institute, the university’s extension

centers and stakeholders from industries.

• Many contributors continuously infuse the Mississippi

4-H Youth Development Program with annual support

for the development of tomorrow’s leaders. By

investing, contributors provide valuable resources

and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for students that

foster important outreach and service and keep the

organization relevant for today’s participants from

across Mississippi, ages 5-18.

• MSU Libraries was gifted the largest privately owned

Abraham Lincoln collection in America, allowing

the university to pair it with the Ulysses S. Grant

Collection. These state-of-the-art museum exhibits on

the 16th and 18th U.S. presidents make Mississippi

State one of only six universities in the nation to house

a presidential library.

• A number of contributors have gifted land and

timberland, creating Legacy Forests within the MSU

Bulldog Forest in the College of Forest Resources

to provide research and education opportunities for

students and faculty. Campaign gifts of real estate and

timberland are benefiting areas across the university.

• A new kinesiology program in the College of

Education is now housed in the Kress Building at the

MSU-Meridian Downtown Campus. The studentfocused

learning environment prepares students

at a high level to enter and make an immediate

contribution to the local workforce and prepare for

more advanced health care areas.

• The campaign brought support for mass-timber

designs in the College of Architecture, Art and Design

to educate School of Architecture students about the

value of building with wood through the design of a

proposed state-of-the-art wood structure for public

outreach and education. Additional support assists

the College of Forest Resources’ Department of

Sustainable Bioproducts with travel, research, conference

participation and hosting, and other activities that

further work with cross-laminated timber and masstimber-related

technology.

• The College of Veterinary Medicine received support

for the purchase of a second mobile unit, along with

support that helps cover many of the expenses incurred

as personnel of the Mobile Veterinary Clinics pay regular

visits to 20 North Mississippi animal shelters where

MSU veterinary students spay and neuter homeless

animals and learn as they help communities.

• Universitywide program support for Infinite Impact

totaled $626.5 million.

THE LEGACY OF

INFINITE IMPACT

There is truly no end to Infinite Impact’s

legacy at Mississippi State. Infinite Impact

strengthened the connection of contributors

by capitalizing on the desire of alumni and

friends to both assist and inspire fellow

Bulldogs and people everywhere through

their giving.

Building on that momentum, MSU will

continue to seek resources to further

enhance its trifold mission of teaching,

research and service, as well as its stature

and reputation. Day in and day out,

mutually beneficial partnerships with

alumni, friends and corporations can expand

shared capabilities and resources. There will

always be a place for philanthropy at MSU,

and Infinite Impact will be remembered as

a pivotal chapter in the continued pursuit

of excellence. •

48 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

TILL THE

COWBELLS

COME HOME

Mississippi State Athletics

readies playbook for

post-COVID sports

By David Murray

Mississippi State University athletics is not

merely a part of life. It is a way of life.

So as campus life resumes, MSU will be ready to play

and Bulldog fans eager to cheer—a message athletics

director John Cohen wants to ring cowbell-clearly.

“There’s a comfort, a love for your institution,”

Cohen said. “I really believe intercollegiate athletics and

love of your school is incredibly comforting.”

Perhaps the most comforting word Bulldog faithful

can hear, after an unprecedented public health crisis hit

pause for athletics, is that games will again be played.

Though much remains unsettled as higher education

everywhere adapts, college sports will play its part in

restoring institutional life at Mississippi State and to the

state of Mississippi.

“When we go through these situations, it really tests

our appreciation level for what we have,” Cohen said.

“When you don’t have sports, the appreciation grows.”

The situation that tested the state and nation in

spring 2020 was like nothing experienced in many a

Mississippi State generation. Not since the mid-20th

century had international events brought college life and

thus sports to a full stop. School was not merely out but

campus closed down.

Fortunately, the semester was completed at safe

distances, although graduation’s traditional rites were lost

to the Class of 2020. Sports ceased entirely with senior

seasons never to be finished.

“This has been a real educational experience for all of

us,” Cohen said.

Indeed, the university and athletic department alike

have learned unexpected lessons that should bode well

for Bulldog futures.

As Cohen said, “Any leader knows you’re going



7/31/20 1:48 PM

“It’s a little bit like the Ron Polk playbook. What

it attempts to do is deal with every situation that

can happen in the game of baseball. You’re trying

to create a playbook.”~ John Cohen

to have these tests that come up with important

situations. We didn’t know this was going to

happen. But we spend a lot of time dealing in

the unknown. We are preparing for any type of

environment surrounding intercollegiate athletics.”

Preparation is the key. Mississippi State is

preparing to re-open for Bulldog business on

whatever schedule is ultimately set for all fall

and winter sports. While the obvious

priority is resuming education and

scientific study at the state’s

largest and premier

research institution,

putting Bulldogs back

on the field, court and

course is assuredly a

public service.

“I had a friend say

that when they come

into town, when they get

about 10 miles outside

of Starkville, they can

feel their blood pressure

lowering,” Cohen said.

If this sounds odd since

games get hearts pumping

and thumping, the former

Diamond Dog coach and now

administrator knows well how

playing ball soothes State

spirits everywhere.

“I hate to see that taken away,” Cohen

said. “You want that restored. Students need

that, alumni need that, fans need that. I’m really

hopeful that will be restored.”

In fact, Mississippi State has been preparing for

just this almost from the hour winter and spring

sports stopped. Once 2019-20 athlete and teams’

immediate needs were addressed, thoughts turned

to a new and unsettled athletic calendar.

“It’s challenging,” Cohen explained. “Everybody

wants to know what we’re going to do. We’re all

saying we don’t make decisions, the virus does.”

At the same time, Mississippi State decides

when all is good to go without being pressured

into premature action by peers. Like Kylin Hill

hitting that hole, or a young Cohen clubbing a

breaking ball, the key is correct timing.

“How do you know you’re right? You wait

longer than everyone else,” Cohen said.

The great news is Mississippi State athletics

could afford to wait, thanks to tough decisions by

past directors.

“I really credit Larry Templeton, Greg Byrne

and Scott Stricklin, all of whom were committed

50 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

to putting funds away so we could have

resources for a rainy day,” Cohen said. “Now,

there has been a monsoon. Every part of

Bulldog athletics is going to be affected.”

The hardest hits are loss of NCAA

Tournament distributions and refunding

baseball ticket and seating revenues.

“But I will say our athletic department is

in as good a situation as we can be financially,”

he continued, “because we’ve been willing to

put funds away for a situation like this.”

This surprises some. Though Bulldog

athletics budgeting topped $105 million

for 2019-20, with roughly 70% coming

from Southeastern Conference and NCAA

resources, MSU runs a lean and mean

operation. Cohen and predecessors resisted

the temptation to spend every cent, even on

desirable items and personnel.

“We’ve made conscious decisions to put

funds away,” Cohen said. “No question, we

have some big projects in front of us.”

Those projects include a $50 million

renovation of Humphrey Coliseum, and a

less-pricey but much-needed addition to the

south end zone of Davis Wade Stadium.

“But my first goal is to take care of our

staff and student-athletes, and having some

reserves helps us do that,” Cohen stressed.

Also helping ease the fiscal sting is strong

support. Fans have held up their end of the

Bulldog bargain for decades, in both great

years and bad seasons. Crisis has not crimped

their consistent contributions. In fact,

when State revised the season ticket renewal

schedule for spring circumstances, April 15

became one of the best sales days yet.

“I’m excited we’ve done well with our

season ticket sales,” Cohen said. “It’s a real

credit to MSU, and I can’t say enough how

appreciative we are of our fans.”

This includes quite a few fans who chose

not to have their baseball monies refunded

but instead credited toward 2021.

This firm faith in university and Bulldog

programs allows MSU to get back on track.

At least, as soon as the SEC and NCAA give

the go-ahead for kickoff. Cohen called it all

“a little bit of a race against the clock”

in getting ready to get really ready. He said

no one is going to analyze the situation

more or deeper than SEC Commissioner

Greg Sankey.

“He’s going to look at it from angles other

people won’t.”

Or won’t want to, if say SEC country is

in the COVID-19 clear, but other areas are

locked down.

“I think it’s reasonable to assume different

geographical regions are going to be ahead of

others in terms of getting back to some sense

of normalcy,” Cohen said.

Normalcy has different meanings to

different groups. Conferences, networks,

“Every college student

suffers from not being

able to get in their routine,

whether it’s going to the

Sanderson Center or

working on a research

project. And we’re one

of the great research

institutions in the country.”

~ John Cohen

bowls, cities and entire states have so much at

stake in college sports and particularly college

football returning to normal.

For Cohen, though, there is one

constituency that counts above all others—

the student-athletes. They look to coaches,

Cohen and MSU President Mark E. Keenum

for encouragement and the opportunity to

do what they love. If college athletics is a

comfort, for Bulldog student-athletes it is

life itself.

“That’s not just the case with athletes,”

Cohen said. “Every college student suffers

from not being able to get in their routine,

whether it’s going to the Sanderson Center

or working on a research project. And we’re

one of the great research institutions in

the country.”

Still, the director’s direct charge is getting

Bulldogs back in action—on and off the fall

fields, that is.

“This is what they look forward to,

the opportunity to practice and compete,”

Cohen said. “As a former student-athlete,

if you would have taken away not just the

opportunity to play the game but to just

practice baseball, I know the 21-year-old

version of myself would have problems

dealing with this. That’s why I’ve been so

impressed with the resiliency of our studentathletes

when I’ve been part of a group

meeting with every single team.”

These Bulldog teams have seasons to

practice for and play in. And as for fans to

cheer them on to victories, Mississippi State

spent months honing an approach to regular

seasons likely kicking off under irregular

conditions. University, Starkville city, and

state of Mississippi officials have done their

homework.

This begins with the basics of any

campus game day: safe yet efficient entry to

Davis Wade Stadium; operating concession

stands and maintaining rest facilities;

servicing suites and boxes; and entertaining

prospective players. Then, what about the

extraordinary?

What happens when a capacity SEC

crowd, a lightning alert and social distancing

policies collide? Or any other condition fans

don’t expect, but campus officials now must

anticipate?

“We’re trying to cover every possible

thing that can happen,” Cohen said. So

perhaps it ought not surprise that this former

outfielder seeks cues from his legendary

coach in making a 2020 season fan-plan.

“It’s a little bit like the Ron Polk

playbook,” Cohen said. “What it attempts

to do is deal with every situation that can

happen in the game of baseball. You’re trying

to create a playbook.”

Well, it’s certain no contagion would

rattle old No. 1. This generation of coaches,

staff and administration has faced unique offfield

challenges and will put Bulldogs back

on eventual 2020 schedules. Even though

teams don’t sport the university seal, its script

“Learning, Service, Research” summarizes

it well. Mississippi State has learned from a

crisis, researched solutions and will continue

serving stakeholders and audiences.

“The psychological part of it, it’s so hard

to not bring back something that people

look forward to,” Cohen said. “If you learn

from this to make our university better, our

athletic department better, it makes us

all better.”

So, yes. Bulldogs will be playing again.

Playing to win.

It is a way of life, after all. •



7/31/20 1:48 PM

Leach & McCray-Penson find

their fit with Bulldog Programs

By David Murray

Before and besides the COVID-19 crisis,

Mississippi State University Director of Athletics

John Cohen faced what in normal years would count

as dual crises. MSU unexpectedly had to replace a

pair of coaches for high-profile teams.

Now, while new head football coach Mike Leach

and Nikki McCray-Penson, who took the reins of

MSU women’s hoops, lost some coaching time to the

virus, both are already winning big for the Bulldogs.

In fact, the January presentation of Leach,

college football’s most intriguing personality and a

consistent success story, was the biggest “victory” of

the football winter. Plenty of programs have pursued

the “Pirate” over Leach’s explosive career, but he has

dropped anchor in Bulldog Country.

“This one, I couldn’t turn down,” Leach said.

“I’m excited about this next step, this next chapter,

and to be a Mississippi State Bulldog.”

So is McCray-Penson. Having achieved almost

everything a women’s basketball star could on the

court, and as a rising sideline star, she is excited

about her next chapter as the newest head coach in

the Southeastern Conference.

“I’m so grateful and blessed for this incredible

honor to lead MSU women’s basketball,” the former

Tennessee all-everything guard said.

Cohen has not simply hired the right persons. He

believes these are the perfect personalities for the

respective programs.

“Mississippi is unique in so many ways, and finding

the right fit for Mississippi State is important,” Cohen

said. “I think both coaches are great fits for Mississippi

State, and for different reasons.”

Different definitely describes Leach. Architect of

and leading advocate for “air raid” offense, he won

big at Texas Tech and Washington State, neither an

easy address for success. His all-attacking style is a

profound change from Mississippi State’s traditional

pace. Fans are thrilled and foes fearful of what this

Bulldog buccaneer brings to the SEC.

“We’re going to do

some things here that

are different. And we’re

proud of that because

we expect our results to

be different,” Leach said.

“We’re going to have a lot

of fun together, I can tell

you that.”

The program McCray-

Penson inherits is completely

different than the Mississippi

State teams she beat all four

years, by an average 28 points,

as a Lady Vol. Now, her new

employer regularly defeats her

alma mater, and Bulldog teams

own SEC Championships and are

NCAA Tournament fixtures.

“This is a national brand with

a storied tradition and outstanding

community,” McCray-Penson said.

“I’m confident and so happy to be part

of the Bulldog family, and I can’t wait

to get started.”

Bulldog fans hope Leach’s first

season opens on time and in style, with a

proverbial cutlass in one pirate’s paw and

a real cowbell in the other.

“The cowbell represents a lot of pride

that personifies this place,” Leach said.

“You feel it, and the commitment to football

the state of Mississippi has and the entire

Southeastern region. I wanted to be a part

of it.”

Now both coaches are taking leading parts

in Bulldog Country. The former coach who

hired them is certainly sold.

Or as Cohen said, “I would want my kids to

play for Nikki McCray-Penson and Mike Leach.” •

52 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM



7/31/20 1:48 PM

PROFILES

K-12 EDUCATORS FIND WAYS TO CONTINUE TO

TOUCH LIVES IN TIMES OF GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS

By Camille Carskadon

Sonya Adkins never thought

she’d invite over 60 high

school students into her home.

Still, this past March, she

began doing just that, albeit

virtually, Monday through

Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

54 SUMMER 2020

A NEW NORMAL

An educator for 10 years, Adkins, who

is also a student in the educational specialist

program at MSU’s College of Education, first

heard of the new coronavirus during Newton

Municipal School District’s spring break.

Even then, the high school biology and

chemistry teacher didn’t realize that it would

completely change how she would teach

her students.

She explained that teachers typically

use spring break to regroup and mentally

prepare for end-of-the-year state assessments

and finals. The last thing she expected to do

during that time was to move her classes,

which rely heavily on hands-on learning,

entirely online.

“I never expected not to see my school

babies again,” Adkins explained. “It has

been a challenge to incorporate the inquiry

side of biology with limited resources at

home. We’ve had to adapt by watching video

demonstrations instead of hands-on activities.”

Adkins said she was grateful both she

and her students love technology. They


7/31/20 1:48 PM

“For the first time, I’ve

felt at peace because

I know that if the students

can handle school

during this pandemic,

they can make it

through whatever higher

education throws at

them. I am very, very

impressed by how hard

they’ve all worked.”

~ Anna Oswalt

were already using many online accounts to

supplement learning, which made their transition

less challenging.

Anna Oswalt was also quick to rise to the

challenges presented by the pandemic. As an

English teacher at Monroe County School

District’s Advanced Learning Center, a mother

and an MSU graduate student, she was used to

the daily challenges that life threw at her. But after

the governor ordered all schools to move to virtual

learning in March—giving her just one week to

move her dual-credit classes online—she knew

she’d never faced a challenge quite like this.

“It never fails that when I’m in a Zoom

meeting with my students, my 5-year-old runs up

to me and whispers that she needs to go potty,”

Oswalt, who is pregnant with her second child,

explained with a laugh.

Her students, high school juniors and seniors,

took it in stride. Oswalt said she is grateful that

they are so understanding that this hectic time is

hectic for everyone, including the teachers who

usually have it together.

BRIDGING THE

DIGITAL DIVIDE

Oswalt explained the biggest challenge

to teaching students online is the technology

disparity that many students across Mississippi

face. While it’s no secret that not all homes in

Mississippi have access to Wi-Fi, having enough

devices in the house might pose a bigger problem.

When she first heard that schools might transition

to distance learning for the rest of the semester, she

began to wonder how that would be possible. She

knew that not every student would have the means

to learn online.

“I wanted to figure out not only if they had

internet, but because of the number of people in

their family, if they had enough access to devices,”

Oswalt said. “So I, along with my colleagues,

gathered the data to present to our administration.”

Oswalt, who also holds bachelor’s and master’s

degrees from MSU, is currently pursuing an

educational specialist degree. She credits that

program with giving her the foresight to anticipate

what challenges lay ahead for her students. She

explained that since enrolling in the teacher

leadership program, she has learned to identify

needs that arise within her school and address them

with support from her fellow lead teachers and the

administration.

To combat the technology gap facing some of

her students, Oswalt was able to loan her classroom’s

Chromebook laptops to students who lacked

internet-accessible devices. Paper packets were still

available to students just in case their internet went

down and they were unable to access Canvas, the

school’s cloud-based learning management system.

Some of Adkins’ students experienced the

same disparity. Since they lacked devices, access to

the internet or both, some students had to resort

to accessing the Google Classroom with their

cellphones. It also meant those without internet

often couldn’t participate in any classroom Zoom

meetings. When the administrators at Newton

High School realized there was a need, they were

able to provide electronic devices to those families

that could access the internet.

LOOKING TO

THE FUTURE

Oswalt said she isn’t sure how the next school

year will look.

“You know as much as we know,” she said with

a laugh.

The bright spot of the pandemic, if there is

one, is that she already has a lot of her instructional

materials online. She said she believes that all the

work teachers have put into taking their classes

online shouldn’t go to waste. If schools do meet

face-to-face, the digital assets might still be useful

for students who were absent or for supplemental

instruction. Still, she is planning for every possible

outcome.

“What I am really thinking is that I may just

have more of an online approach next year because

I have a lot of online stuff already. I think it could

be useful no matter what format I end up teaching

in,” Oswalt explained.

Similarly, Adkins is preparing for whatever

this school year may bring. She explained that

her bright spot is how her experience as both

student and teacher during the pandemic taught

her the need to adjust lesson plans to her students’

individual needs. She hopes to continue to

implement this in future classes whether she is

teaching face-to-face or online.

Though she hopes she’ll be back in the

classroom, Adkins said she realizes that many safety

measures need to be taken before face-to-face classes

can work. But regardless of what comes next, both

teachers say they know their students can handle it.

“I’m just so proud of my students,” Oswalt

said. “For the first time, I’ve felt at peace because I

know that if the students can handle school during

this pandemic, they can make it through whatever

higher education throws at them. I am very, very

impressed by how hard they’ve all worked.” •



7/31/20 1:48 PM

PROFILES

MSU ALUMNI-LED

BLUE DELTA JEAN CO.

PROVIDES COMFORT

IN MORE WAYS

THAN ONE DURING

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

By Sasha Steinberg, Photos Submitted

News of the COVID-19 pandemic

left Blue Delta Jean Co. CEO Josh

West with two choices—indefinitely

shut down the company’s Tupelo factory

or find a way to keep the doors open,

keep employees working and keep

serving the community. It took a lot

of planning and hard work, but the

entrepreneur said the decision was

a no-brainer.

“We decided to start making personal

protective equipment, particularly face

masks, because there was a need and

we knew we had the talent under our

roof to make this product,” said West, a

Tupelo native who earned a master’s in

public policy and administration from

MSU in 2006. “With help from federal

protection programs, we’ve also been

able to hire more people to help make

masks, and interestingly, we actually

have more people in our factory today

than we did pre-COVID.

“When you’re doing something to

help, you feel fulfilled,” he continued.

“Being able to keep a lot of people

employed and help the people who

need masks during this time has been a

blessing for us.”

Founded in 2012 by West and fellow

2006 MSU graduate Nick Weaver,

Blue Delta Jean Co. specializes in

American-made custom raw denim.

56 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

~

Since its inception, the apparel design and

manufacturing operation has grown from one

sewing professional to more than 50 employees.

Among them are Chief Design Officer Johnson

Benjamin, a 2011 MSU landscape architecture

graduate; and designers Michelle Jean and Brennan

Byrne, who both graduated in 2019 with fashion

design and merchandising degrees. West said he is

grateful to members of the “BDJ family,” including

employees and customers, who have remained loyal

throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve had a lot of people call in and order, and

our customers have been so understanding about

us limiting our jean production to focus on making

face masks to help meet the demand,” West said.

“Customers said they’re happy with what we’re doing

and just want to support us, so that’s been great.”

In early March, Blue Delta switched to 25%

daily jean production to devote the remaining 75%

of daily production to face masks—about 15,000-

20,000 a day—to support health care providers

on the COVID-19 frontlines in Mississippi and

across the country. West said BDJ’s largest customer

has been the state of Mississippi, including the

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the

University of Mississippi Medical Center and

North Mississippi Medical Center. The company

also has sold masks to help first responders in

Memphis, Tennessee, and fire departments

in New Orleans, Louisiana.

West said the most challenging aspects of

shifting from jean to face mask production have

been safely reconfiguring the factory’s physical

layout and acquiring the type and volume of raw

materials needed to make safe, effective masks.

“Mississippi State stepped up in a big way early

on when we were designing mask prototypes,” he

said. “We found a non-woven fabric produced here

in Tupelo that we wanted to use for the masks,

but we needed to test the material for its filtering

capabilities. We knew MSU had research labs, so

we called for help.”

West specifically contacted Eric Hill, director of

MSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach,

who connected him with researchers at the

university’s Institute for Clean Energy Technology.

“Mississippi State bent over backward to help

us. They opened up the lab the next day to do

testing for us and several times after that,” West

recalled, speaking of MSU ICET Director Charles

Waggoner and John Wilson, chief test engineer.

“They have helped us in every way, not only with

testing but just helping us learn and understand

what we were doing because we’ve never worked

with these types of products before. Mississippi

State helped us get that product to where we knew

it was going to help people before we even made

our first mask.”

West said safety also was key in protecting

employees throughout the pandemic. BDJ sought

assistance from Relias Healthcare in Tupelo to

implement various safeguards, including installation

of temporary walls to section off the factory’s

workstations. Sewing machines have been spaced

out to ensure social distancing and employees

undergo temperature checks upon entering the

factory and throughout the workday. The staff is

also required to wash hands upon entering and

exiting the factory’s manufacturing area. Personal

protective equipment, such as gloves, hairnets, face

“Mississippi State

stepped up in a big

way early on when

we were designing

mask prototypes,”

he said. “We found

a non-woven fabric

produced here in

Tupelo that we

wanted to use for

the masks, but we

needed to test the

material for its

filtering capabilities.

We knew MSU had

research labs, so we

called for help.”

Josh West


hit Mississippi, Blue Delta

Jean Co. wasted no time

converting its high-end blue

jean manufacturing floor into

a socially distant, sewing space

for creating personal protective

equipment. Founded by MSU

alumni, the company worked

with MSU researchers to ensure

the efficiency of the masks which

have been distributed to frontline

workers across the country.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

~

~

PROFILES

“At Blue Delta,

we’re always trying

to develop talent

for the future, and

we wouldn’t be able

to do what we do

without Mississippi

State being there for

us as an amazing

resource.”

Josh West

masks and medical gowns, have been provided

and must be worn in the work area as well.

“Our top priority is ensuring that we have a

healthy workforce to assist in this effort, and we’re

grateful to Relias Healthcare for helping us put

those safeguards in place, so we can keep working

to help those in need,” West said. “It’s been a lot

of work—six, 12-hour days per week—to produce

the volume of masks needed, but it’s neat to

see our team work together on a completely

different product.”

This servant leadership mentality is something

West said he learned from two of his “favorite

professors ever”—Marty Wiseman and Joe Adams.

Former longtime director of the university’s

John C. Stennis Institute of Government and

Economic Development, Wiseman taught West

the importance of “getting the job done in a way

that’s going to help your fellow man.” West said

Adams, a former MSU lecturer in political science

and public administration, often used the quote

“Happiness smells like sweat.” West said he uses

this quote as daily inspiration, proudly displaying

it in a frame on his desk.

“Having these two professors alongside me was

helpful in graduate school, and that ‘get it done’

mentality they taught me has definitely helped in

life and business,” he said. “At Blue Delta,

we’re always trying to develop talent for the

future, and we wouldn’t be able to do what we

do without Mississippi State being there for us

as an amazing resource.”

West said he is particularly grateful for

the ongoing support of the School of Human

Sciences’ fashion design and merchandising

program and the College of Business’ Center for

Entrepreneurship and Outreach.

“Our co-founder Nick and I serve on one

of Charles Freeman’s advisory boards in fashion

design and merchandising, and we’ve had four

interns that have come through that program,

two of which we hired right when they finished

school. The design talent pool that State has is

directly impacting our business for the good,”

West said.

“Eric Hill and Jeffrey Rupp with the

entrepreneurship center at State also have been

awesome in getting us into classrooms to interact

with students and talk about what we do,” he

continued. “There are some really sharp students

in that entrepreneurship program that I would

hire tomorrow. During COVID and normal

times, being able to access that talent has been

really good for us.” •

MSU SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Success in business is all about relationships,

and Mississippi State University’s Small Business

Development Center has thrived on this

principle for nearly four decades.

“It’s a real joy to help people by providing

information to guide them in starting or

expanding their business, and the main way we

do that is through free, one-on-one business

counseling,” said Chip Templeton, the center’s

director. “Dean Sharon Oswald really believes

in our center, one of the many, many wonderful

things going on in the College of Business.”

Funded in part through a cooperative

agreement with the U.S. Small Business

Administration and with offices at both MSU’s

Starkville and Meridian campuses, the SBDC

assists business owners across Choctaw, Clay,

Kemper, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Monroe,

Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha and

Webster counties. Small business owners and

entrepreneurs can submit a counseling request

58 SUMMER 2020

form, read success stories from around the state

and access other resources on the statewide

SBDC’s website.

“When you’re in business

for yourself, there are

rules you have to know

and you have to know

how to improvise when

you have the freedom

to make choices.”

Chip Templeton

“When you’re in business for yourself, there

are rules you have to know and you have to

know how to improvise when you have the

freedom to make choices,” Templeton said. “We

think you’ll be more successful if you come to us

for a personable, confidential conversation.”

Templeton, who earned a bachelor’s in

marketing from MSU in 1977, said he typically

encourages clients to complete three workshops

that the center offers. Designed to provide a

“toolbox of information” prior to counseling,

these workshops cover different topics, such

as how to write a business plan, including a

36-month cash flow projection.

“You never know when a crisis is going to

hit and no two crises are alike, so it’s important

to plan as much as possible,” Templeton said.

“Sometimes, just thinking out loud and being

able to ask some general questions is all people

need before talking to bankers, accountants,

lawyers and others who can help answer more

specific questions about loans and things

like that. If you’re outside of our 10-county

footprint, we encourage you to contact an

SBDC and see if they can help you wherever

you are in your business.” •


7/31/20 1:48 PM

MSU HEALTH CENTER

CHIEF HELPS KEEP

CAMPUS, COMMUNITY

BULLDOG STRONG

By Allison Matthews, Photos by Logan Kirkland

When Dr. Cliff Story first

learned of the novel

coronavirus impacting

China in January, he said he knew

it would be prudent to prepare for

a “worst-case scenario.” As more

information came forth, he began

planning with colleagues at the John

C. Longest Student Health Center,

where he serves as a physician. He

also is director of MSU’s University

Health Services and has helped

lead the institution’s preparedness

and response efforts during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Story, board-certified in

family practice, said medical

training includes the study of

pandemic scenarios, but the novel

coronavirus—with its many variables

and unknown factors—has made

2020 a year like no other.

“Since the earliest days, when we

began discussing this on campus,

I have been calling this a unique

moment in time,” Story said.

“No one alive, in my opinion, has

experienced anything like this.

“As physicians, we’ve had

guidelines, studies, and previous

experiences when it comes to treating

individuals or populations, but we

have not had a global pandemic

with rapid spread, overwhelmed

medical systems, high morbidity and

mortality, and generally minimally

known information about an illness,”

he added.

“We’ve literally been writing

the rules to a game we’re playing

in real time,” Story continued.

“Except it’s not a game—it’s a highstakes

matter that has life or death

implications, as well as extreme

economic and financial outcomes

that affect an entire population,

and really the world.”

In the early weeks of the spring

semester, Story asked Nancy Ball,

nursing supervisor at the Longest

Student Health Center, to acquire

additional personal protective

equipment, including N95 masks,



7/31/20 1:48 PM

PROFILES

Dr. Clifton Story, director of MSU’s University Health Services and a physician at the Longest Student Health Center, gives a health update during an online forum.

The information session is part of the university’s efforts to provide up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic, along with support to the Bulldog community.

surgical masks, gowns and sanitizer, so the

university would have needed supplies to

protect students, patients and staff. Even

then, Story said he didn’t imagine the

upheaval of daily life that would unfold as

weeks went by.

“I did anticipate that hoarding would

occur. I told family, friends and clinic

employees not to hoard, but to make sure

they had the things that they normally need

like medications and supplies,” Story said.

“I warned them that society would become

stressed and it might be difficult to find

things that normally would be easy to find.

“As time went on, it seemed the rules

and the guidelines and the emergence of the

disease changed daily—sometimes several

times in a day,” he continued. “My advice

was to do what we needed to prepare, and

not to rely on the government or others to

step in and save us.”

Story has been part of a team of

university administrators leading MSU’s

efforts to protect students and employees and

to orchestrate universitywide operating plans

throughout the crisis. He also is serving on a

task force comprised of medical professionals

representing the 14 universities of the

“As time went on, it seemed the

rules and the guidelines and the

emergence of the disease changed

daily—sometimes several times in

a day. My advice was to do what

we needed to prepare, and not to

rely on the government or others

to step in and save us.”

~ Cliff Story

Southeastern Conference to guide the SEC

as it makes decisions related to the return of

athletic activities.

Story emphasized that doctors and other

health care workers cannot solve this crisis,

and neither can the government.

“It’s going to take us as a community

working together as a whole,” he said.

“It’s going to be a communitywide effort

of everyone using their different skills or

abilities, whether that is making masks,

delivering food or simply doing their part

with social distancing.”

Story has worked with other Longest

Student Health Center physicians, nurses

and staff to ensure the clinic takes every

health precaution possible, implementing

appropriate processes and strategies to

maintain a safe environment. Frequent

sanitizing, screening and separation of

patients, and assigning evaluation of

potential coronavirus cases to only two

providers to limit exposure of all other

employees have been among steps taken to

minimize risk.

And Story has reached out to his Bulldog

family to utilize specialized skills and talents

outside of the health clinic. When he

expressed a need for enhanced sterilization

60 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:48 PM

processes, his request made its way to

two mechanical engineering students—

Ryden Smith of Tuscaloosa, Alabama,

and Wesley Cameron of Richton—who,

under the leadership of researchers at

MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular

Systems, developed a sterilization device

using UV light and a conventional

truck toolbox.

“These students created something

that benefits us in the clinic and

community and highlights their

specialized abilities,” Story said.

He said faculty, staff and students

from across the university continue

innovating ways to help the state and

nation respond to the crisis.

Story anticipates that as progress

is made toward beating the virus and

society begins to return to normal,

there will be some long-term changes

and most people will adopt a “new

normal,” including a permanently

stronger focus on hygiene habits that

are among the most effective strategies

in fighting infectious disease.

“I’ve washed my hands more in the

last few months than in the previous

20 years,” Story said with a laugh.

Thankfully, Story said MSU and the

Longest Student Health Center have

seen far fewer positive test results for

COVID-19 than many other areas. But

he expects it will be months before data

begins to give more clarity to many of

today’s pressing questions. Despite the

unknowns, Story stays grounded with a

focus on the known facts and tries not

to get bogged down in questions that

can’t be answered right now.

“We need to maintain the course,

and there’s plenty that we do know,”

Story said. “We are fortunate to be at

a university where people are pitching

in across campus to work together.

I’ve always thought that the MSU

community works together probably

better than any other university.

“Mississippi State University—as a

group of people—is banded together

to work through this,” he continued.

“Every person is a key cog in the wheel

to keep us going.” •

STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES

PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS

Mississippi State has prioritized the

health and safety of the campus

community throughout the COVID-19

pandemic, but medical leaders know that

combating the virus isn’t the only aspect

of ensuring wellness.

The distress caused by an abrupt change

to schedules and social norms, as well

as financial impacts, isolation and other

factors, has posed a particularly trying time

regarding mental health issues.

Just as the Longest Student Health

Center treats the gamut of physical

needs, Mississippi State’s Student

Counseling Services treats a wide variety

of mental health issues.

Ty Stafford, clinical services coordinator

and a licensed psychologist, said the unit

has maintained its services—free to all

MSU students—throughout the spring

and summer by moving to a secure online

platform.

“But I’m glad we are able to offer a

service that is, in nearly every way, the

same as what we offer in the office. And

whether students are in Ocean Springs

or Hernando, we’re still meeting with

them,” he explained. “I think students

have been pleased.”

In addition to supporting students

throughout the pandemic, counseling

services has also increased its offerings

of online workshops for faculty and staff

to include topics and issues arising from

the global health crisis to help faculty

and staff.

Stafford shared these mental health tips for anyone feeling mental-health stress while

complying with new public health and safety recommendations:

• Social distancing does not mean social isolation. Even if you can’t physically be

together, schedule talks with friends and family members. Staying in touch can

make a world of difference.

• Stay active. It can be easy to become sedentary while spending more time at

home, but any kind of exercise, including simple routines that work well at home,

can have physical and mental benefits. Meditation and mindfulness exercises also

can help reduce anxiety.

• Maintain boundaries between work and home. It can be easy to answer emails

at midnight while telecommuting. Instead, be intentional to distinguish between

professional and personal time in your schedule.

• Give yourself permission to take special care. Do not be hard on yourself. Give

yourself permission to struggle at times when things are difficult.

• Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Find a friend, clergy member or mental

health professional to talk with. That is what we’re here for and this is what we do.

Stafford said while Student Counseling Services provides mental

health services for students, other campus resources are open

to the wider community. MSU’s Psychology Clinic offers services

through the university’s Department of Psychology with online

access available to help community members gain mental health

assistance during the pandemic and beyond.



7/31/20 1:48 PM

ALUMNI News

Dawgs in

This spring, when daily life seemingly ground to a halt due to the global

COVID-19 pandemic, Maroon and White faithful sprang into action. More

than 149,000 members strong, the Bulldog family across the globe united

in service to support frontline workers as they faced long hours and

uncertain circumstances.

LEAKE CO.

CHAPTER

CARTHAGE, MS

(RIGHT) Members

of the Leake County

Chapter of the Alumni

Association helped

feed day-shift workers

at the Baptist Medical

Center in Carthage by

delivering more than

two dozen pizzas.

62 SUMMER 2020

SWMS CHAPTER LIBERTY, MS

(ABOVE) The Southwest Mississippi Chapter of the

Alumni Association, which includes Liberty, McComb

and Tylertown, provided lunch for the staff of Liberty

Clinic at Field Memorial Community Hospital in

honor of National Nurses Week in May.


7/31/20 1:49 PM

LAWRENCE-

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

CHAPTER

PRENTISS, MS

(LEFT) The Lawrence-

Jefferson Davis Alumni

Chapter delivered pizza

and snacks to the staff

of Lawrence County

and Jefferson Davis

Community hospitals.

MS GULF COAST CHAPTER BILOXI, MS

(ABOVE) Board members from the Mississippi Gulf

Coast Alumni Chapter, which includes Bay St. Louis,

Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula, treated the staff of AMR

Ambulance Service to Mississippi State-themed cookies

during National EMS Week in May.

OKTIBBEHA CO. CHAPTER

STARKVILLE, MS

(ABOVE) The Oktibbeha County Chapter board

brought barbecue plates to the emergency room staff

at Oktibbeha County Hospital.

CENTRAL MS CHAPTER

JACKSON, MS

(LEFT & ABOVE) The board of the Central

Mississippi Chapter, which includes the greater

Jackson area, donated reusable cloth face masks

to its local VA hospital, as well as other medical

centers in the area.



7/31/20 1:49 PM

ALUMNI News

RESOURCES & SERVICES FOR SUCCESS

The MSU Career Center and MSU Alumni Association have

partnered to provide Mississippi State alumni a repository

of resources to assist them in their career exploration and

job search. These resources can be accessed by visiting

alumni.msstate.edu/CareerResources.

64 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:49 PM

MSU CAREER CENTER

SERVICES FOR ALUMNI

• Connections, online career

management system

• Job postings

• On-campus interviews

• Additional job post/search software

• Career fairs

• Web resources

• Resume critiques

MSU alumni who graduated within the last two

years have access to all of the services above

as well as individual appointments with a

career center coordinator.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

WEBINARS

The MSU Career Center has developed

a series of career management webinars

covering a wide range of topics including:

• Resume tips

• Cover letters

• Interviewing tips

• Making the most of LinkedIn

• Virtual do’s and don’ts

• Utilizing Connections and CareerShift

• Other job search tools and resources

EXTERNAL JOB

POSTINGS HUB

Career Center staff have researched and

compiled an extensive list of job posting sites

organized by industry to give you a centralized

hub to search and apply for additional career

opportunities.

HIRE A DAWG

Interested in hiring MSU students and alumni

and also recruiting at MSU? Get the word

out about opportunities at your company

to talented Bulldogs located around the

world. Register your organization as an

MSU employer.

• Interview MSU students on campus

and virtually

• Post jobs on MSU Connections

to recruit MSU students and alumni

• Recruit students at career fairs and

campus recruiting events

CAREER DOCUMENT

LIBRARY

The MSU Career Center has developed a

wide variety of documents covering:

• Personal branding

• Networking

• Job search strategies

• Professional documents

CAREER RESOURCES

FOR ALUMNI

Career Center staff have curated a variety

of online resources to assist alumni with

the following:

• Salary research

• Occupation and company research

• Graduate school research

• Online and lifelong learning

• Job search tools and resources

MSU CONNECTIONS

Your Career Center alumni account provides

access to Connections, our online job board.

Within Connections, you can conduct job

searches, scroll through job postings and sign up

for interviews for positions for which you qualify.



7/31/20 1:49 PM

ALUMNI News

SMITH WINS DELEGATES’ TUITION DRAWING

The MSU Alumni Association raised

over $17,000 in contributions during

the most recent Alumni Delegates

tuition drawing. Initiated in 2013 by

the association’s student organization,

Alumni Delegates, the drawing is

open each fall and spring semester to

any underclassman enrolled full time

at MSU. Samuel J. Smith of Puckett,

a sophomore finance major, received

free, full-time tuition for the fall 2020

semester. His winning ticket was drawn

from 4,580 purchased by parents of

eligible students. Funds raised by the

Alumni Delegates, beyond the cost of

the in-state tuition for Smith, support

scholarships and priority programs

within the association. The Spring 2021

drawing will take place this fall. For more

information, please contact the MSU

Alumni Association at 662.325.7000 or

email jramsey@alumni.msstate.edu.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

HONORS ESTEEMED

FACULTY

The Mississippi State University Alumni Association honored three

MSU faculty members in May for their commitment and service to

the Bulldog family as part of the university’s 2020 Faculty Awards

and Recognition Program. The program is sponsored annually by

the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President with the

university’s Alumni Association.

Recipients of the MSU Alumni Association recognition are:

• Reuben Burch, assistant professor in the James Worth Bagley

College of Engineering’s Department of Industrial and Systems

Engineering, recipient of the MSU Alumni Association’s

Graduate Teaching Excellence Award.

• Donna Gordon, associate professor in the College of Arts

and Sciences’ Department of Biological Sciences, recipient of

the MSU Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduate Student

Mentor Award.

• Holli Seitz, assistant professor in the College of Arts and

Sciences’ Department of Communication, recipient of the MSU

Alumni Association’s Early Career Undergraduate Teaching

Excellence Award.

66 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:49 PM

Alumni Association announces incoming national leaders

T

he MSU Alumni Association welcomes a new

national treasurer and a slate of new and returning

directors for its national board. These individuals

began terms July 1.

Riley Nelson of Vicksburg enters into a three-year

term as treasurer. He earlier served as Mississippi Central

3 Region director. Prior to that, he held leadership roles,

including multiple terms as chapter president, with

the Warren County Chapter. At MSU, he is a member

of the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy

Advisory Council. He earned two degrees from the

school, a 1999 Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy and

a 2001 Master of Taxation. In his career, Nelson is a

managing partner with May and Company LLP.

Other national officers continue in the second half

of their terms. They are: Sherri Carr Bevis of Gulfport,

a 1986 Bachelor of Arts in communication graduate,

as national president; Patrick White of Spring, Texas, a

1990 Bachelor of Arts in communication graduate, as

vice president; and Brad M. Reeves of Jackson, a 2002

Bachelor of Business Administration in management of

construction and land development graduate, continues

as immediate past president.

Along with incoming officers, the association

welcomes the following directors to its national board.

L-R: Brad Reeves, Riley Nelson, Sherri Carr Bevis, Patrick White

Taylor Flowers (’13) of Marks will serve as

Mississippi North 1 Region director. She is active

with the Quitman County Alumni Chapter

leadership team, assisting with chapter events

and activities and serving as part of the Alumni

Recruitment Network.

Zwan Landfair (’93) of Olive Branch will serve

as Mississippi North 1 Region director. He is

active in the Alumni Recruitment Network,

serves on the Black Alumni Advisory Council

and currently co-chairs MSU’s Black Alumni

Weekend 2020.

Will Bowlin (’01, ’09) of Boonville will serve

a second term as Mississippi North 2 Region

director. Before relocating to Prentiss County, he

was an active member and chapter president in the

Union County Alumni Chapter.

J.D. Wood (’02) of Tupelo will serve as Mississippi

North 2 Region director. He earlier served the Lee

County Alumni Chapter in a variety of leadership

positions and currently serves as president.

Jimmy McPherson (’95, ’98) of Starkville will

serve his second term as Mississippi North 3

Region director. He has been active with the

Oktibbeha County Alumni Chapter, including

previously serving as past president and

representing the Alumni Association at various

send-off party events.

Stratton “Strat” Karatassos (’74) of Starkville

will serve as Mississippi North 3 Region director.

He recently retired after a 43-year career with

MSU Athletics, having been a fixture at Alumni

Association events. He remains active with

the Oktibbeha County Alumni Chapter post

retirement.

Adrienne Morris (’05, ’07, ’10) of Columbus will

serve as Mississippi North Region 3 director. She

serves the Lowndes County Alumni Chapter as

president, having earlier been vice president, and

serves on the Black Alumni Advisory Council. At

MSU, she has been an advisory board member

of both the communication department and

Montgomery Leadership Program.



7/31/20 1:49 PM

ALUMNI News

Herbert Clark (’81) of Rolling Fork will serve

a second term as Mississippi Central 1 Region

director. He is a longtime volunteer, having served

as president of the Sharkey-Issaquena Alumni

Chapter since 1984.

Matt Mahan (’04) of Kosciusko will transition

to Mississippi Central 2 Region director. Mahan

previously represented the Mississippi North 2

Region. He has served both the Jones County and

Lee County alumni chapters as a volunteer and led

the Jones County Chapter as president.

Nathan Cummins (’02, ’03) of Clinton will serve

as Mississippi Central 3 Region director. He is

active with the Adkerson School of Accountancy,

the Warren County Alumni Chapter, and

established the Cummins Family Endowed

Scholarship at MSU benefiting students in the

Adkerson School of Accountancy.

Theressia McAlpin (’77, ’98) of Pearl will serve

a second term as Mississippi Central 3 Region

director. She is a longtime volunteer with various

leadership roles in the Central Mississippi Alumni

Chapter, including chapter president, and she is

active in the Alumni Recruitment Network.

Dwanda Moore (’96) of Ridgeland will serve as

Mississippi Central 3 Region director. She is a

longtime volunteer with the Central Mississippi

Alumni Chapter, serving in various leadership roles

including chapter president. Moore also serves as a

member of the Black Alumni Advisory Council.

Fred Monsour (’02, ’05) of Meridian will serve a

second term as Mississippi South 1 Region director.

He is a longtime volunteer and past president of

the Lauderdale County Alumni Chapter who has

been influential in raising funds for the chapter’s

scholarship.

Jonathan Jackson (’10) of Hickory will serve as

Mississippi South 1 Region director. He is active

in the Newton County Alumni Chapter as student

recruiting chair and with the Alumni Recruitment

Network. He also participates with the annual

MSU alumni band reunion.

Celeste Carty (’79) of Brookhaven will serve a second

term as Mississippi South 2 Region director. She has

been active in the Lincoln County Chapter in various

leadership roles, including past president, and she has

been active in the Alumni Recruitment Network.

Lynn Twitty Burwell (’80) of Gulfport will serve a

second term as Mississippi South 3 Region director.

She has been active in the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Alumni Chapter, the Alumni Recruitment Network

and she is a past president of the former Harrison-

Stone Alumni Chapter.

Richard Cannon (’86) of Ocean Springs will join

the board as Mississippi South 3 Region director.

He is a past president of the Jackson County

Alumni Chapter and was instrumental in founding

the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter. He was among

the 2018 MSU Alumni Association Distinguished

Service Award recipients.

Stephen Woo (’94, ’95) of Cordova, Tennessee,

will serve as Out-of-State Region 2 director. He

is a longtime Alumni Association and Memphis

Maroon Club volunteer. He was honored among

the 2019 MSU Alumni Association Distinguished

Service Award recipients.

Stephanie Williford (’72) of Mobile, Alabama,

will serve a second term as Out-of-State Region

3 director. She has served the Mobile, Alabama

Alumni Chapter for many years, including a

term as president. She was among the 2009 MSU

Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award

recipients.

Paige Roper of Franklin, Tennessee, who

attended the university, will serve as State of

Tennessee director. She has been active in the

Nashville, Tennessee Alumni Chapter in a variety

of leadership positions, involved with alumni

recruitment activities and volunteers with the

Music City Marathon.

Crystal Vincent (’05) of Wylie, Texas, will serve

as State of Texas director. She was active in the

Birmingham, Alabama Alumni Chapter and serves

as co-chair of the Black Alumni Advisory Council

and Black Alumni Weekend 2020.

The Alumni Association was founded June 17,

1885, by the first three graduating classes of then

Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College.

A full-service organization, the association now

includes 104 chapters and clubs. Mississippi State

currently has more than 149,000 living alumni.

For more information about the MSU Alumni

Association, contact Jeff Davis, executive director,

at 662.325.7000 or jdavis@alumni.msstate.edu. •

68 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:49 PM

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7/31/20 1:49 PM

GIVING Back

New board leaders, members

in place for MSU Foundation

By Amy Cagle

For nearly six decades, the MSU

Foundation has assisted the university in

attracting support from private sources.

In 2020, an impressive slate of loyal alumni

are serving as leaders of the 48-seat board

while 10 other alumni are beginning new

terms as members.

Incoming officers with new one-year

terms that began in January include three

alumni returning to offices they initially held

in 2019. They are: D. Hines Brannan of

Atlanta, Georgia, as board chair; Anthony L.

Wilson of Gulfport as vice-chair; and Mike

M. McDaniel of Houston, Texas, as treasurer.

70 SUMMER 2020

A Woodville native, Brannan earned a

bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in

1970 and an MBA the following year, both

from MSU. He is a retired managing director

of Accenture, one of the world’s largest

management consulting firms.

Fellow Mississippi native Wilson hails

from D’Iberville. He earned an electrical

engineering degree in 1987 from MSU

and later an MBA from the University of

Southern Mississippi. He currently serves as

chairman, president and CEO of Mississippi

Power Company.

McDaniel, who holds a 1979 bachelor’s

degree in mechanical engineering from

MSU, is a native of Cleveland. He is

currently the president of Saber Power

Services LLC, having earlier been CEO of

M3 Resources LLC.

Rounding out the remaining board

officers are MSU personnel. John P. Rush,

vice president for development and alumni,

is the board’s president and CEO; Janet H.

Carraway, executive director of finance, is

chief financial officer; and Jack McCarty,

executive director of development, serves

as board secretary. All are proud MSU

graduates.


7/31/20 1:49 PM

New members beginning inaugural threeyear

terms in 2020 are:

George H. Bishop of Sealy, Texas

A 1958 petroleum geology graduate,

Bishop is founder and president of

GeoSouthern Energy Corporation, which

has grown into one of the largest, privately

held producers of oil and gas in the country.

He was awarded an honorary Doctor of

Public Service by MSU in 2019.

Frederick V. “Fred” Buie of

West Des Moines, Iowa

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees

in industrial engineering he earned from

MSU in 1978 and 1991, respectively. Buie

is president and CEO of Keystone Electrical

Manufacturing Company. He has served the

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering’s

Department of Industrial and Systems

Engineering advisory board and was named a

2008 Distinguished Engineering Fellow.

Francis C. “Franc” Lee of Flowood

He is a 1989 banking and finance

graduate of MSU and president of Tower

Loan. He was the College of Business

Alumnus of the Year in 2012.

Laurie R. Williams of Madison

She is a 1979 MSU communication

graduate who later earned a Juris Doctor

from the University of Mississippi. Williams

is director of membership and growth – all

plans – for Molina Healthcare of Mississippi.

She has served the College of Arts and Sciences

deans/directors advisory board and was

selected as the college’s 2015 Alumni Fellow.

Six alumni who have previously served as

members are returning to the board in 2020

for new three-year terms.

George W. Bryan Sr. of West Point

A 1967 Bachelor of Business

Administration graduate of Mississippi State

University, Bryan is owner of Old Waverly

Golf Club. For the College of Business, he

was an Alumni Fellow in 1992 and Alumnus

of the Year in 1996. He has served the dean’s

advisory board for the college since 2008.

Randy J. Cleveland of Fort Worth, Texas

A 1983 petroleum engineering

graduate, Cleveland is the retired vice

president of Americas for ExxonMobil

Production Company. For the James Worth

Bagley College of Engineering, he was a

Distinguished Engineering Fellow in 2008

and the college’s Alumnus of the Year

in 2019.

Mark S. Jordan of Canton

A 1976 landscape architecture graduate,

Jordan is a real estate developer with Mark

S. Jordan Companies. He was the College of

Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumnus of the

Year in 2011.

Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz of Houston, Texas

A 1982 MSU petroleum engineering

graduate, Nusz is CEO and board chairman

of Houston-based Oasis Petroleum, which

he co-founded. For the James Worth Bagley

College of Engineering, he was named

a Distinguished Engineering Fellow in

2002 and honored as Alumnus of the Year

in 2013.

William A. “Lex” Taylor III of Louisville

A 1977 general business administration

graduate, Taylor is chairman and CEO of the

Taylor Group Inc. and president of Taylor

Machine Works Inc. He was the College of

Business Alumnus of the Year in 2007, and

he has served multiple terms on the college’s

deans/directors advisory board.

Douglas T. “Doug” Terreson of

Point Clear, Alabama

A 1984 petroleum engineering graduate,

Terreson is head of Energy Research for

Evercore ISI. He was the James Worth

Bagley College of Engineering Alumni

Fellow in 2001. He also holds an MBA from

Rollins College.

Also joining the board, by virtue of

position, are Sherri Carr Bevis of Gulfport,

president of the MSU National Alumni

Association board of directors, and David

Abney of Atlanta, Georgia, president of the

MSU Bulldog Club. Bevis earned a 1986

communication degree from MSU and

currently serves the Mississippi Office of the

Secretary of State as assistant secretary of state

for external marketing. Abney, a friend of the

university, is executive chairman of the United

Parcel Service (UPS) board of directors.

Chartered in 1962, the MSU Foundation

administers most of the campus-based

fundraising activities and endowment funds.

More on the MSU Foundation’s work can be

found at www.msufoundaton.com. •

Brannan

Wilson

McDaniel

Bishop

Buie

Lee

Williams

Bryan

Cleveland

Jordan

Nusz

Taylor

Terreson

Bevis

Abney



7/31/20 1:49 PM

2021 Destinations*

February

• Wonders of the Galápagos Islands

Embark on an

ADVENTURE

with the MSU Alumni Association

March

• The Pride of South Africa

• Great Trains & Grand Canyons

• Brazilian Spotlight

• Edinburgh & The Castles of Scotland

• Ireland during St. Patrick’s Day

April

• Kentucky Derby

• Aegean Glories

• Dutch Waterways

• Legends of the Nile

June

• Flavors of Chianti

• The Great Journey Through Europe

• Glaciers & Blooms of Alaska (MSU SEC Cruise

Ambassador: Mr. Rockey Felker)

• Easy Company: England to the Eagle’s Nest

July

• Cape Cod & The Islands

• Circumnavigation of Iceland

• National Parks & Lodges of the Old West

• Toronto to Vancouver by Rail

August

• The Majestic Great Lakes

• Black Hills & Legends of the West

September

• Northern Lights & The Wildlife of Northern

Manitoba

• Yosemite, Death Valley & The Great Parks of

California

October

• Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

• Ancient Greece: An Agean Odyssey

• Ramblas & Rivieras

• National Parks of the Southwest

November

• The River Seine to the Beaches of Normandy

December

• Holiday Markets Cruise along the Festive Rhine

River

alumni.msstate.edu/travel

*All trips and dates subject to change.

Visit our website for the most current information.

The MSU Alumni Association annually sponsors trips across the globe through

the Traveling Bulldogs program. Itineraries are booked through 2021. Explore

our website for more information at alumni.msstate.edu/travel or contact the

Alumni Association at (662) 325-7000.


7/31/20 1:49 PM

State to You is a new video series that will bring MSU

to you and keep you connected and informed through

virtual tours highlighting campus locations and local

alumni businesses.

Alumni.msstate.edu/statetoyou

Bulldog Bites is a new virtual speaker Series that

will feature MSU Faculty, Staff, Researchers, and

Alumni sharing their work, expertise, and impact

on a wide range of topics.

Alumni.msstate.edu/bulldogbites



7/31/20 1:49 PM

CLASS Notes

1970s

A debut novel by David

Armstrong (B.S., M.S.

political science, ’73,

’74) has been released by

The Wild Rose Press. “The

Rising Place” is described as

an “extraordinarily touching

work of historical fiction.”

Set in Mississippi, the story unravels as a

complicated tale of unrequited love, betrayal

and murder through the discovery of hidden

letters from World War II.

William “Bill” Gardner (B.S. finance,

’74) is a member of the doctoral advisory

committee for St. Edward’s University in

Austin, Texas. With more than 40 years of

experience, he has worked in banking, higher

education, industrial gas and chemicals,

electric utility and high-tech semiconductor

design and manufacturing. He has published

articles for Human Capital Institute and

Forbes, for which he has been a contributor

since 2017. He is a member of the Forbes

Coaches Council, a Center for Creative

Leadership Certified Coach and is affiliated

with the International Coaching Federation.

Lynn Phillips-Gaines

(B.A. communication,

’78) has been named

to multiple national

top financial advisors

lists for 2020,

including the Forbes

Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Top 200

Women Wealth Advisors lists for the third

and fourth consecutive years, respectively,

and Barron’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors

list for the fifth consecutive year. Now

managing more than $200 million in

client assets, she joined the financial

services industry in 1982, opening her own

practice—Phillips Financial—in 1984.

1980s

Randy Cleveland

(B.S. petroleum

engineering, ’83) was

named 2019 Alumnus

of the Year by East

Central Community

College in Decatur. He

recently retired as vice president Americas of

74 SUMMER 2020

ExxonMobil Corp. after a 35-year career with

the company. Longtime supporters of MSU,

he and his wife have established an endowed

professorship and endowed scholarship. They

were also instrumental in reestablishing the

university’s petroleum degree program. He has

served on the MSU Foundation board and the

Dean of Engineering Advisory Council.

Jeffrey Greer (B.S. electrical engineering,

’84) has retired after 35 years of Creditable

(Federal) Service. Following his graduation

from MSU, he was part of the Q & RA

Engineering program within the Department

of the Navy where he helped rebuild an F-14

“Tom Cat,” engineered the Navy shipboard

weapons security system and modernized

the Naval Command Control System and

Naval Combat Support Systems, which he

would later migrate to global systems for use

by multiple services for the Department of

Defense. He also earned level IV certification

from the Defense Acquisition University in

advance program management. For the past

16 years he worked with the Department of

Treasury modernizing systems used by states,

third parties and taxpayers.

Billy W. Stewart (BET

engineering, ’84) was

honored with President

Emeritus status by

the East Central

Community College

board of trustees, which

also voted to rename the New Women’s

Residence Hall in his honor. He served as the

college’s eighth president from 2012 until his

retirement July 2020. In 2019, he received the

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Shirley B.

Gordon Award of Distinction presented to

college presidents who have shown strong

support of student success on their campuses.

Joe Sawyer

(B.A. landscape

architecture, ’86)

has been named vice

president at Barge

Design Solutions, a fullservice

design firm with

offices in five states. He will continue his work

as Barge’s manager of Landscape Architecture

and is a licensed professional landscape

architect in the states of Tennessee, Georgia,

Alabama and Ohio. He is a member of the

American Society of Landscape Architects

and the SportsTurf Managers Association.

1990s

Brent Bailey

(B.S. biological

engineering, ’94)

was elected Mississippi

public service

commissioner for the

Central District. He

previously worked with the 25x25 Alliance

and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation

mobilizing support for sustainable energy

solutions and natural resource conservation.

He played football for MSU from 1991-93 as

a deep snapper.

John Walker (B.S.

accounting, ’94) has

been named to the

executive committee

of the Public Relations

Society of America’s

Counselors Academy,

which is dedicated to helping PRSA members

succeed by promoting collaboration and

professional development. He is managing

partner of Chirp PR in Atlanta, which he

founded in 2017. He previously worked

for Walt Disney Company, and Ketchum

and Edelman. He currently sits on the

advisory board for the MSU Department of

Communication.

Stevie Watson

(B.S., MBA, Ph.D.,

business, ’95, ’96,

’06) is now dean

of the School of

Agriculture, Business

and Technology at the

State University of New York – Morrisville.

He previously served as dean of the School of

Business at Edgewood College in Madison,

Wisconsin, and held positions with Bryan

Foods before joining academia.

Brandon O. Gibson (B.S., M.S.

agribusiness, ‘96, ’97) was appointed

Chief Operating Officer for the State

of Tennessee by Gov. Bill Lee. Gibson

previously served as senior adviser to the

governor. Prior to joining the governor’s

administration, she spent more than four

years on the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

Cindy Simpson (B.A. interior design, ’96)

was named co-regional managing principal

of the South Central Region for Gensler, an


7/31/20 1:49 PM

Know a Bulldog who has news or a recent promotion? Send an email to alumnus@msstate.edu.

architecture, design and

planning firm based in

Texas. She takes on this

new role in addition

to continuing as comanaging

director of the

Dallas office. In addition

to her numerous leadership roles within the

company, she is also a member of the advisory

board for Mississippi State’s College of

Architecture, Art and Design, and was named

an Alumni Fellow in 2019.

David E. Gray (B.S. electrical

engineering, ’97) was named a finalist

for the Management Excellence Medal,

part of the 2020 Samuel J. Heyman Service

to America Medals which recognize the

unsung heroes in federal government who

make contributions to the health, safety and

prosperity of America. Gray, who works

for the Federal Aviation Administration,

managed the government’s transition of the

National Airspace System from ground-based

radar to satellite tracking of aircraft, making

flying safer and more efficient.

John F. Marszalek III (Ph.D. education,

’98) has released a new book through

the University Press of Mississippi. Titled

“Coming Out of the Magnolia Closet:

Same-Sex Couples in Mississippi,” the book is

described as an intimate portrait of what gay

life looks like in the rural South.

Bart Gregory (B.S.

agronomy,’99) was

named Mississippi

Sportscaster of the Year

by the National Sports

Media Association. He

is an assistant athletic

director for annual giving at Mississippi

State and can be heard on many Bulldog

sports broadcasts including radio, television

and podcasts.

2000s

Todd Matthews (B.S. forestry, ’00) was

named forest management chief for the

Mississippi Forestry Commission. He has

been with the commission for more than 17

years and most recently served as assistant

forest management chief and coordinator for

the Forest Stewardship Program and Forest

Health Program.

Kimberly Neal (B.A.

English, political

science, ’02) was

selected secretary of

the board of directors

of the Baltimore,

Maryland chapter of

the Association of Corporate Counsel. She

is general counsel for The Children’s Guild

Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated

to transforming how America educates and

cares for its children through education,

behavioral health, and national training and

consultation services.

Brian K. Burnes (B.S.,

M.S. agronomy, ‘03,

’06) was appointed

as the Eighth Circuit

Court Judge. He was

the assistant district

attorney in the Eighth

Circuit Court District, which covers Leake,

Neshoba, Scott and Newton counties.

Elizabeth Crisp (B.A. communication, ’06)

is now a Washington, D.C. correspondent,

focusing on the White House and Congress,

for Newsweek. She previously reported for

the New Orleans Advocate and Times-

Picayune, the Clarion-Ledger, the St. Louis

Post-Dispatch and USA Today. While at

State, she served as editor of The Reflector.

Josh Doty (B.A. English,

‘08) has a book scheduled

for November release from

UNC Press. “The Perfecting

of Nature: Reforming Bodies

in Antebellum Literature”

explores how understanding

the human form changed

during the 19th century. He is an assistant

professor of English at St. Mary’s University.

William Craven (BACC, ’09) was promoted

to member at Cozen O’Connor, a full-service

law firm with offices around the world.

His practice focuses on national litigation,

insurance coverage and regulatory matters.

2010s

Brent Gregory (Ph.D community college

leadership, ‘10) has been named the ninth

president of East Central Community College

in Decatur, replacing fellow MSU alumnus

Billy W. Stewart who retired in November

2019. He previously

served as vice president

for student affairs at

Southwest Mississippi

Community College in

Summit, where he was

also Title IX coordinator

and supervised the offices of counseling,

recruiting, financial aid, campus housing,

campus police, college publications, disability

services, student activities and judicial affairs.

He previously served as associate vice president

for enrollment management at Mississippi

Delta Community College in Moorhead. He

is a member of the Southern Association of

Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Committee for SMCC Reaccreditation,

the American Association of Community

Colleges, the Proposals Task Force Learning

Management System, and the Mississippi

Association of Community and Junior

College’s Legislative Appreciation Planning

Committee.

Chase McPherson

(B.B.A business

information systems,

’12) was named vice

president of Trustmark’s

main office in Tupelo.

He is a graduate of the

Southeastern School of Consumer Credit,

the Mississippi School of Banking and is a

graduate student in the School of Banking at

Louisiana State University.

Lisa Swenson (M.S. geosciences, ‘17)

received the 2018 Presidential Award for

Excellence in Mathematics and Science

Teaching. It is the highest award given by the

U.S. government for teachers of science and

mathematics in grades K-12. She is a sixthgrade

science teacher at Isidore Newman

School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Birth

Announcements

Charlotte Elizabeth Carskadon was born

May 8, 2019 to James (‘12) and Camille

(‘12) Carskadon of Starkville.

Erin Olivia Lassetter was born July 26,

2019 to Michael and Susan (’07) Lassetter

of Starkville.

William O. “Witt” Vaughan IV was born

Dec. 28, 2019 to Will (’13) and Katelyn

Ussery Vaughn of Little Rock, Arkansas.



7/31/20 1:49 PM

Forever MAROON

Eustace Andrew “Drew” Allen II (B.S.

business administration, marketing; ’74)

68, Gulfport — He was a member of Sigma

Chi fraternity while at State. Following

his graduation, he returned to Gulfport to

join his father in the family business, Allen

Beverages. He became president and CEO

in 1991. He was a board member for the

Mississippi Gulf Coast Business Council,

The Peoples Bank of Biloxi, The Peoples

Bank Holding Company, the Salvation

Army, Great Southern Gold Club, People

Against Litter and The Word at Work. He

was also a board member and president

of the Mississippi Soft Drink Association;

past president of the advisory board for the

College of Business at Mississippi State;

past member and treasurer of the Harrison

County Tourism Board; and commissioner of

the Port of Pascagoula. He was awarded the

Others Award by the Salvation Army, and

the Silver Beaver and Pine Belt Distinguished

Citizen Award by the Boy Scouts of America.

He was named Bottler of the Year by the

Mississippi Beverage Association. Under

his leadership, Allen Beverages was named

North American Pepsi Bottler of the Year

and Beverage World magazine’s Bottler of the

Year in 2014. The Rotary Club named him

a Paul Harris Fellow, and he was honored by

Mississippi State University as one of the Top

100 in 100 commemorating the centennial of

the College of Business. — March 19, 2020

Betty Latimer Black (B.S. music education,

’74) 69, Tupelo — A member of the Famous

Maroon Band while at State, she later served

as office manager for the MSU Choral

program. She also was an active member of

the MSU Alumni Association at all levels,

serving as national president in 2007.

During this time, she and her husband Mike

temporarily moved to Starkville where she

was active in the Rotary Club serving as

secretary. — March 2, 2020

Shirley Burrell (B.S. basic business education,

’63) 80, Gautier — A Bulldog cheerleader

while at MSU, she married the late Ode

Burrell Jr., a standout football player both at

State and later with the Houston Oilers. She

taught public school for more than 25 years

before retiring.— April 23, 2020

W.C. Cannon (B.S. marketing, ’66) 77,

Starkville — A retired general contractor, he

76 SUMMER 2020

enjoyed the outdoors, music, Bulldog sports

and spending time with his family.

— March 31, 2020

James Kimball “Jim” Harrison (B.S.

mechanical engineering, ’58) 84, Greenville

— He worked at the NASA-Marshall Space

Flight Center for 38 years moving from the

Space Sciences Lab to Program Development.

He was awarded the NASA Exceptional

Achievement Medal for leadership as

manager of the first fully successful tether

mission in space. Following his career with

NASA, he worked as a consultant for Alpha

Technologies. — March 9, 2020

Thomas Boswell Kennard (attended)

101, Starkville — A native of the Oktoc

Community southeast of Starkville, he

attended Mississippi State as an agricultural

engineering major, leaving a semester before

his graduation to take over duties at the

family dairy farm. He was a member and

past president of the Oktoc Community

Club, a member of the board of directors of

the Cooperative Creamery of Starkville, and

a member of the national board of directors

of Dairymen Incorporated. His dairy farm,

Oktoc Jerseys, became one of the leading

exhibitors and sources of registered Jersey

cows in the country. Having grown up in

the shadow of campus, he was a lifelong

supporter of Mississippi State University and

celebrated his 100th birthday by throwing

out—under his own steam–the first pitch at

Dudy Noble Field before the Dawgs faced

Texas A&M. — March 30, 2020

Gordon Blackmon Kimbell Jr. (B.S.

agriculture and animal husbandry, ’51) 93,

Tyler, Texas — He served in the U.S. Navy

from 1943-47, achieving the rank of 2nd

class quartermaster. His service included

being part of the commissioning crew of the

USS Lizardfish and deployment within the

Pacific region. His honors from the military

include the American Area Campaign Medal,

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine

Liberation Medal, Submarine Combat Pin,

Good Conduct and World War II Victory

Medal. A certified professional mechanical

engineer, he worked with Kraft Foods Inc.

for 36 years, earning the position of plant

engineering manager. He was an active

member of the Marvin United Methodist

Church, the World War II Submarine

Veteran’s Association and the Boy Scouts of

America. He volunteered in his community

with the Salvation Army Food Bank and

Community Bible Study Fellowship.

— Jan. 21, 2020

Thomas Minyard (B.S., M.S. civil

engineering, ’80, ’88) 61, Greenwood —

He spent more than 30 years with the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers designing systems

of locks and dams on the Mississippi River.

He served as engineering and construction

division chief of the Memphis District before

retiring in 2014. He joined a firm in the

private sector before ultimately rejoining the

Corps of Engineers in 2016. — May 3, 2020

Walter J. “Duke” Olson III (B.S. business

administration, ’68) 77, Jackson — He

came to MSU after serving in the 101st

Airborne Division. He was manager of the

Bulldog baseball team during the era of

coach Paul Gregory and was a member of the

Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Following his

graduation, he was hired by Merrill Lynch as

the youngest broker in the company’s history.

He was later named chief investment officer

for Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance

where he remained until his retirement. He

served on the advisory board for finance

and economics in the College of Business

at MSU and was selected in 2015 to its Top

100 list, which commemorated the first

hundred years of the college. He established

two endowed scholarships—one in his name

and one named after his wife Shirley, who he

married at the Chapel of Memories in 1969.

The recipients of these scholarships are firstgeneration

college students in the College of

Business who are working their way through

school, as he knew firsthand the challenge

those students face. — Nov. 5, 2019

John Leslie “Les” Prichard (B.S. business

administration, ’53) 90, Meridian — An

Eagle Scout, he joined the Navy following

his graduation from Starkville High School.

After being stationed in Kodiak, Alaska

for one year, he returned home to enroll at

Mississippi State University where he was a

member of Kappa Sigma and the golf team.

Following his graduation, he spent two

years as a naval officer before attending law

school at the University of Mississippi. He

later joined the FBI and was stationed in

Los Angeles for two years before returning


7/31/20 1:49 PM

Know someone who should be remembered in Forever Maroon? Send an email to alumnus@msstate.edu.

to Mississippi to join the new Floyd, Cameron

and Deen law firm. He was a partner with

the firm Deen, Cameron, Prichard and Young

and continued to practice “of counsel” with

Bordeaux and Jones after his retirement.

— April 6, 2020

Joe Robertson (B.S. business, ’75) 65, Madison

— During his career in banking and finance,

he held leadership positions with Ford Motor

Credit, Unifirst Bank for Savings, Security

Savings and Magnolia Federal Bank. He retired

from BancorpSouth in December 2018 as

senior vice president of the real estate group

for the Jackson region. The Home Builders

Association of Jackson awarded him the Lifetime

Achievement Award and Associate of the Year.

He was a life director of the National Association

of Home Builders board of directors and was

inducted into the Mississippi Housing Hall

of Fame in 2019. He also volunteered with

many civic and professional organizations,

including service as the president of the Madison

Ridgeland Rotary Club. — Oct. 3, 2019

Jesse Eugene “Jeep” Simmons (B.S. education,

’48) 97, Belden — He served as a bomber

pilot during World War II before attending

Mississippi State where he was president of the

Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, a cheerleader

and Mr. Mississippi State in 1948. He retired as

In memory of James McCullough

James Leonard “Coach” McCullough (B.S.

education, ’49; M.Ed. ’53; Ed.D. secondary

education, ’69) 95, Germantown, Tennessee

— A veteran of the Marine Corps, he served

in the South Pacific during WWII. Following

his discharge, the Corinth native returned to

Mississippi and enrolled at MSU on a football

scholarship. He was an athlete and student

coach until his graduation at which time he

began a coaching and athletics administration

career that took him to East Mississippi

Junior College, Northeast Mississippi

Junior College, Columbia High School and

Brookhaven High School.

In 1954 he returned to State, working as

an assistant coach and athletic academic

counselor while pursuing a graduate degree.

He left coaching after earning a doctoral

degree from MSU and joined the continuing

education program. He retired in 1989 as

district manager of Elanco, a division of Eli Lily.

— April 9, 2020

John Binion “Ben” White, II (B.S. marketing,

’61) 80, Bastrop, Texas — A member of Kappa

Alpha Fraternity while at State, he began his

career with the Texaco Oil Company following

his graduation. In 1973, he joined the U.S.

Department of Energy and later moved to the

U.S. Department of Transportation working

in the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration, where he was noted for his

work in developing the 1980s public service

announcement campaign featuring crash test

dummies Vince and Larry. He retired from the

federal government in 1994. He was a certified

Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America in

Poplarville. — Feb. 14, 2020

Jo Corley Woods (friend) 82, Picayune —

A native of Jackson, she was owner of Jo’s

Hallmark for 25 years and City Stationery.

She was a faithful member of the First Baptist

Church of Picayune and a loyal supporter of

Mississippi State from which her late father,

Silas “Si” Corley (’25) and late husband Earl

Glade Woods (’60) graduated. She was dedicated

to The Partners in Leadership for Pearl River

County. She served as president of the Picayune

Junior Auxiliary and Civic Women’s Club.

— Jan. 13, 2020

dean of continuing

education at

Mississippi State.

Following his

retirement,

McCullough

remained in

Starkville, serving

on the advisory

board of the MSU

Department of

Military Services and as a consultant on

accreditation by the Southern Association

of Colleges and Schools. An active member

of the Bulldog Club and the M-Club, he

received the Distinguished American Award

from the Mississippi State University chapter

of the National Football Foundation, the Leo

Seal Award and was a Patron of Excellence at

MSU. — August 1, 2019

Remembering

the Adcocks

Lawrence “Larry” and Patsy

“Pat” Adcock, who celebrated

65 years of marriage in 2019,

died within 10 days of each

other from complications of

COVID-19. Larry, who was

86, and Patsy, who was 83,

died March 29 and April 8,

respectively, in Indianapolis,

Indiana.

A native of Cleveland, Larry

joined the U.S. Air Force

following his high school

graduation and served in Korea

before coming to Mississippi

State, where he earned a

bachelor’s degree in chemical

engineering in 1959. He married

Pat (Pinter) of Union in 1954,

and the couple raised three sons

and one daughter.

Larry was an executive with

Dow Chemical, serving in

Louisiana, Texas, Michigan and

The Netherlands, and Pat made

sure any location felt like “home”

for the family. A civic-minded

couple, they were active in

numerous civic and philanthropic

organizations.

Larry and Pat were also proud

supporters of Mississippi State

University. He was named a

Distinguished Engineering

Fellow by the university in 1991,

and they are noted contributors

of the Legacy of Leadership

Program.



7/31/20 1:49 PM

78 SUMMER 2020


7/31/20 1:49 PM

Back STORY

WITH CHARLES WAX

I joined the Department of Geology

and Geography at MSU in January

1978, the year of the university’s 100th

anniversary. In 1979, I developed and first

taught Introduction to Meteorology, the

first meteorology course offered at MSU.

The development of MSU’s now nationally

recognized meteorology program and the

establishment of distance learning in the

department are closely linked.

Observing that many television

weathercasters were not trained

meteorologists, I convinced the

Department of Communication to

require the intro to meteorology course

for its broadcast majors in 1980. In 1986,

we developed distance learning courses

targeting TV weathercasters, and the highly

successful Broadcast Meteorology Program

was born, leading to a certificate for inservice

TV weathercasters.

We borrowed $30,000 from the

College of Arts & Sciences and bought a

camcorder, several VCRs and lots of VHS

tapes, then set up a recording studio in

a storage closet. The courses were filmed

with the camcorder and reproduced the

tapes at night and on weekends with six

VCRs cabled together. The tapes had to

be changed every hour, and each course

required about a dozen cassettes for each

student. It was an incredible feat to get

the courses ready for distribution to the

students through U.S. mail. The first

distance courses began in fall 1987 with

about 25 students enrolled in each class.

I became department head in 1989,

and with money from distance-learning

tuition, we reinvested in the program, paid

an enormous postage bill, and repaid the

$30,000 to the college—quite a return on

that investment as the program became a

remarkable success. In those years, about

75% of TV weathercasters in America

were from MSU’s program. Building on

that success, our first distance-learning

degree-granting program was started in the

early 1990s as the operational meteorology

program was targeted toward active-duty

Navy and Air Force meteorologists.

MSU President Malcolm Portera and

his administration strongly supported our

distance-learning initiatives and allowed

us to use more of the tuition money to

keep expanding the distance programs.

In the late 1990s, we targeted in-service

science teachers and developed the Teachers

in Geoscience master’s degree program.

We switched from VHS tapes to DVDs

and used the MSU Television Center to

professionally produce the courses, but we

were still using the U.S. mail to deliver and

return the DVDs.

During the 1999-2001 renovation of

Hilbun Hall, we built a new studio with

video streaming capabilities. By this time,

the programs were enrolling hundreds of

students each semester.

The methods our department used to

Charles Wax, 1987, in his Hilbun Hall office.

deliver distance-learning coursework were

novel and effective, impacting many faculty

members and thousands of students over

the years. Being familiar with the effort

required to deliver education through

distance learning, I know how challenging

it was for students and faculty to finish

the 2020 spring semester online. The

university is due a lot of credit for making

such an effort to serve the students.

Charles L. Wax, Professor Emeritus, served

as a professor and head of the Department of

Geosciences. He was the state of Mississippi’s

climatologist for 35 years, 1978-2013. He

was awarded the University Honors Council

Outstanding Faculty Award in 1985 and the

Robert E. Wolverton Legacy Award in 2016.

He also served as president of the American

Association of State Climatologists. He earned

a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University

and holds master’s and doctoral degrees from

Louisiana State University.



7/31/20 1:49 PM

Back STORY

RESPONSES

Back STORY

Fall 2019

WILLIAM JEFF HALL

(B.S. ELECTRICAL

ENGINEERING, ’84)

“I remember back in the school

years 1982-84 when I was in

Army ROTC at State and my

assignment was to be the head

of the student security detail at

home football games at Davis

Wade Stadium. We wore khakis,

white shirts and maroon ties.

The detail was to check tickets

of those leaving and wanting to

reenter and to assist with things

like that. I recall during one

game that under the bleachers

or in those primitive restrooms

the mascot Bully came in to take

off his dog head and have a rest.

He was covered in sweat from

that heavy outfit. Another game

I was talking to fellow ROTC

cadet Jerry Don Dickerson

down in the end zone where he

was seated in the old bleachers.

Years later I learned that Jerry

was one of those killed in the

Pentagon when the plane hit

on Sept. 11. Day games at the

stadium were usually quite

warm, but the spirit of the State

fans was always high and the

cowbells sounded loudly even

though at the time they were

officially banned.”

YVETTE MARTIN MOTT

(B.S. ELEMENTARY

EDUCATION, ’60)

“From my earliest childhood

memories, all I heard was

80 SUMMER 2020

Mississippi State. My dad, Nate

Semmes Martin, of Meridian,

graduated in agriculture in 1917

and played football and baseball

from 1914-17. Ole knotty pine

‘Tough Nut.’

“I graduated from Opelousas,

Louisiana, high school and

received a majorette scholarship

with Thomas West’s Famous

Maroon Band in 1956. It was one

of the greatest thrills of my life

to perform on the field at Davis

Wade Stadium where my dad

had played. It was one of my

dad’s greatest thrills to see his

daughter walk across that same

field as Homecoming Queen in

1957 on his 40th reunion. He had

lived on the third floor of Old

Main, and it was a sad sight to

see it burn in January 1959.

“I met Donald Mott, an SEC

championship basketball player

with the great Bailey Howell and

neighbor Kermit Davis. Mott

graduated with a master’s in

math and agricultural economics

in 1959, and we married at

the end of my junior year. We

moved to Houston, Texas,

where he became Tenneco’s

first computer programmer.

He retired from Tennessee Gas

Transmission in Middleton,

Tennessee, after 35 years.

“We had two big football player

sons and built a shopping center,

Tennessee Street Plaza, in 1970,

which I still manage. I taught

baton, dancing, aerobics and

swimming in my fitness center,

Studio 7, for 30 years off and on,

and marched with the Alumni

Band during Homecoming for

several years.

“Thanks for the memories.

Geaux State!”

MARVIN R. TURNIPSEED

(B.S. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY,

’56; M.ED, ’63)

“The parade field looks as

pretty now as it did back in

the fall of 1952 when I was a

first-semester freshman. Every

physically able student was put

into ROTC, either Army or Air

Force. I was assigned to the

Army ROTC. On Tuesdays, we

put on our uniforms and all went

onto the parade field at 1 p.m.

and paraded for one hour. Our

student commander had our

platoon going through various

military moves and obeying

military commands. The regular

Army teachers were scattered

over the area observing our

student commanders because

they were being prepped to

become regular Army officers

upon graduation. Our student

commander had us marching

in a four-row column when he

was stopped by the regular

Army teacher for making some

corrections. We kept marching

and were leaving our student

commander, a senior named

Barney. When the teacher

finished with him, he looked

around as we were going into

the side of another platoon.

The proper command he

was supposed to give us was

“Platoon Halt!” Instead, he

yelled “Who!” We all stopped.

Barney and most of us came off

the farm and knew what that

meant, even though we were

not supposed to obey nonmilitary

commands.”

Content has been edited for

length and style consistency.

alumnus@msstate.edu

Alumnus Magazine

P.O. Box 5325

Miss. State, MS 39762


7/31/20 1:49 PM

Members of Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band wait to board university buses on their way to a performance in

this undated photo from the University Archive. Please help us learn more about this photo or share your memories

of the university’s musical groups and their performances by submitting your remembrances to the magazine. Please

include your major(s) and graduation year(s) as some responses may be published in print or online with the next issue.



7/31/20 1:49 PM

NON-PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAID

MISSISSIPPI STATE 39762

PERMIT NO. 81

P.O. Box AA

One Hunter Henry Boulevard

Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526

www.alumni.msstate.edu

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

TILL THE

COWBELLS

COME HOME

As cities, states and institutions

across the country wrestle

with the repercussions of the

COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi

State University’s athletics

administration has readied a

playbook to keep Bulldog sports

competitive, safe and ready for

fans’ return.

p. 49


7/31/20 1:49 PM

Alumnus Magazine | Summer 2020

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