MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
INSIDE FALL 2025
p. 20 Campus Views
p. 30 Then & Now
p. 33 Why Give?
Volume 25 | Number 2
BOARD CHAIR
MSU FOUNDATION
Rodger L. Johnson
PRESIDENT & CEO
MSU FOUNDATION
John P. Rush
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Erica Way
MANAGING EDITOR
Kevin Tate
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sarah Tewolde
WRITERS
Sam Baker Shun Pounds
Kevin Tate
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Megan Bean
Benjamin Brooks
Grace Cockrell
Getty Images
Robby Lozano
Emily Grace McCall
Kevin Tate
Post Office Box 6149
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: 662.325.7000
Fax: 662.325.8426
msufoundation.com
Foundations is published two times per year by the Mississippi State University Foundation. Please send comments and questions to P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 or phone (662) 325-7000.
The Mississippi State University Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization that assists the university in accomplishing its goals and mission by cultivating and soliciting private support and ensuring stewardship for all contributions benefiting Mississippi State University. 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 Risk Management, 1221 Blackjack Road, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
07 11 33 22
PHILANTHROPY Cleveland Center
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Selected for 2025–2026
IMPACT OF ONE Dr. Edward P. Scott's support for students
WHY GIVE? Alumni gift to study abroad program
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Selected for 2025–2026
VIEWPOINT
Foundation President & CEO NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The Crossroads District
PHILANTHROPY
Cleveland Center THEN & NOW McCarthy Quadrangle
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
Madeline Blackburn in her own words
FOUNDATION FAVORITES
WHY GIVE?
Alumni gift to study abroad program
A complete list of our voluntary board 15 33 16 39 20
Jack McCarty shares his favorite items THE BULLDOG CONNECTION
CAMPUS VIEWS
Fall at MSU
IMPACT OF ONE
Dr. Edward P. Scott's support for students
ACHIEVEMENTS
Transformational gifts
FOUNDATION BOARD
Experience Every Moment
When we think back on our college days, it’s often not the big events we remember first. It’s the in-between times—morning walks across the Drill Field, cheering in the student section of a ballgame, or the shared stress before a big test. These seemingly ordinary experiences end up shaping us in ways we only appreciate later.
The bigger moments leave their mark as well. Internships in bustling cities, semesters spent abroad or opportunities to step into a leadership role for the first time—these aren’t “in-between” experiences, but they pass just as quickly. They leave behind lessons and memories that continue to guide our lives long after the moment itself has passed.
Both kinds of experiences—the everyday and the extraordinary—play a vital role in a student’s growth and achievement. They teach resilience, broaden perspectives, and build confidence. Together, they create the full measure of what it means to be part of Mississippi State. Beyond academics, the MSU experience is about learning who you are, discovering your passions, and building the relationships that will shape who you become. We’re preparing students to lead not only a successful career, but also a meaningful life.
At MSU, philanthropy makes these moments possible. Your generosity ensures that students have both the chance to take part in milestone opportunities and the resources to make the most of their everyday experiences. Every gift helps create moments that, when remembered, are not small or short-lived, but defining.
In this issue of Foundations, you’ll read about examples of this type of support. From Randy and Nina Cleveland’s investment that transformed an outdated engineering lab into a state-of-the-art student center that inspires connection and innovation, to Dr. Ed Scott’s dedication to helping students gain real-world experience through
JOHN P. RUSH, ‘94, ‘02
President & CEO | MSU Foundation
internships and Fred and Sarah-Jean Burke and Turner Wingo's commitment to broadening horizons through study abroad—each of these examples shows how private support enriches the student experience in ways that extend far beyond coursework.
College passes quickly, but its impact lasts a lifetime. Looking back, many of us realize that what seemed like ordinary times were actually shaping us in extraordinary ways. They gave us confidence, direction, and perspective —things you can’t always schedule, but which often arrive exactly when you need them. Thank you for giving our students the chance to make the most of their time at Mississippi State—and to carry those moments with them wherever life leads.
Cleveland Center to turn soft opportunity into tangible skill
By Kevin Tate
Aplace for Mississippi State University’s engineers to go between classes may become the site of their most valuable discoveries of all, thanks to the generosity and direction of Randy and Nina Cleveland, of Ft. Worth, Texas.
The Randy J. Cleveland Engineering Student Center is located in what was once the materials testing lab between McCain Hall and Walker Engineering. Its workspaces and design make it the perfect home for individual study and group collaboration. Its place on Engineers Row along Hardy Road makes it an ideal spot for engineering students to land between classes. The comfort and convenience will help students get better use of the hours and days that make up their college career.
“Nina and I married the summer before my final semester at State,” Randy Cleveland said. “I had classes along Engineers Row and, when there’d be an open period or two between classes, the opportunities for what to do in that time were limited to things that weren’t necessarily useful. We lived in a married student apartment off campus, so I could go all the way out there, then come all the way back for my next class, or I could find somewhere to just hang out and try to study, but there was no clear
location for me to get together with other students. The student center is going to offer the opposite of that situation.
“It’s going to be a place for students to study, not just alone but in groups. It will have spaces intended to promote group collaboration. It’ll be a place where petroleum engineers and chemical engineers can interact with industrial engineers and mechanical engineers and so on.”
For Nina Cleveland, the project fulfills a dream to help one of the landmarks that watched over her in her earliest days with Randy. While Randy was attending class along Engineers Row, Nina was at work very close by as an administrative assistant in Lee Hall. From her parking spot along Lee Boulevard, she saw the materials testing lab every day. The lab was definitely showing its age as one of the oldest buildings on campus.
“I would look at the building and think, ‘This old girl needs some work,’” Nina Cleveland said, “and that was in 1983.”
I WOULD LOOK AT THE BUILDING AND THINK, ‘THIS OLD GIRL NEEDS SOME WORK,’ AND THAT WAS IN 1983.
By the time the idea was presented to the Clevelands in 2012, it needed some work indeed. The building’s listing on the state historic register kept it standing, but it had become seldom used. Today, its exterior renovation has adhered to its architectural roots, and its interior promises to be a spectacular asset to MSU’s engineers and the community as a whole.
“The architectural design team did a tremendous job in helping us create a state-of-the-art world class center,” Randy said. “The design and construction teams met several challenges involved in a major renovation of a historical building combined with a new building addition. The project itself was a perfect example of engineering success.”
“It’s just beautiful,” Nina Cleveland added.
College is a series of lessons in life, structured around a classroom schedule. Lectures and demonstrations, homework and labs are important, but other learning just as vital is available at the same time. While classroom
learning determines what an engineer will know, a student's ability to interact determines what they’ll be able to do. Practicing the former while developing the latter is the center's goal, along with fostering community and collaboration.
“In a time when enrollment is growing, having a place like this to get together means even more than it once would have,” said Dr. David Ford, dean of the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State. “Courses aren’t getting any easier, and the world isn’t getting less complex. Students working together is an important part of engineering. Nobody does it on their own.”
The center will be the place group projects are tackled, but it will also be a place that continuously fosters the development of engineers’ soft skills. The necessity and opportunity to interact, Cleveland hopes, will build the students’ interpersonal skills. The center will occupy about 7,800 square feet covering two floors. It will offer spaces in a variety of combinations and sizes, from offices to conference rooms, and it will include
Engineering students standing outside Cleveland Center with MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Randy and Nina Cleveland. Photo by Robby Lozano.
equipment for remote meeting capabilities. There will be two large open study spaces with flexible furniture for group or individual work, and one large project space with 3D printers and other pilot manufacturing tools.
“It’s a really neat space to have between classes,” Randy Cleveland said. “There’ll be a snack bar, a coffee bar, conference rooms, collaboration rooms and comfortable spaces where friends and colleagues can get together. It’s also designed so that if there’d be a reason to hold classroom sessions there, a professor can use it for overflow scheduling. It has a lot of different opportunities to collaborate, both for students among themselves, and for students, faculty and staff together.”
“I love that they brought in students to help suggest how the interior should be laid out and what it should contain,” Nina Cleveland said. “The things the current students wanted reflect the preferences of students who are, rather than students who once were. Ideas for the furniture in collaboration spaces, the inclusion of 3D printers for the students’ use, laptop computer docking locations and a number of small things that will make the useful space what we all want it to be were huge.
“We had ideas for what it should contain, but the main thing we wanted were enablers for students working together. Getting specific ideas from current students on their preferences was critical.”
Randy Cleveland graduated from Mississippi State in 1983 with a degree in petroleum engineering and went to work for Exxon, USA. The Newton County native spent more than 35 years in the oil and gas industry, where he succeeded to progressively larger and broader roles. He served as President of XTO Energy, Inc. following its merger with Exxon Mobil in 2010 and retired in 2019 as ExxonMobil’s Vice President of North and South America.
I’VE ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR HELPING STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE THEIR WAY IN THE WORLD.
were very blessed,” he said. “I’ve always had a passion for helping students and young people make their way in the world. I spent a lot of my time at ExxonMobil interacting with the young engineers we had come work for us. The passion for spending time with our young engineers, developing their leadership traits and molding them into realizing their potential is really the core drive behind our creation of the student center.”
Listening with a patient ear and an open mind helped Cleveland excel in his leadership roles. He and his fellow leaders at ExxonMobil had gone to a great deal of trouble to hire the best engineers they could find. Using those employees’ knowledge and ideas effectively meant making sure they knew they were being heard. Sometimes their ideas were adopted, sometimes they were incorporated, sometimes they were rejected, but always they were heard — a fact that made them more than willing to follow Cleveland’s decisions and learn from his experience.
“If you have to pound the table to get your point across, the problem is more likely yours than theirs,” he said. “That’s why developing people skills is vital, and for engineers especially. MSU’s engineering graduates have the knowledge to solve the problems they face, but developing their soft skills gives them the ability. That combination is a key enabler to success and that’s what we want this student center to help create.
“It’ll be where industrial engineers meet chemical engineers, and where someone from Argentina meets someone from Decatur, Miss. It’ll be where the rare opportunities to help people develop in the soft skills space can happen pretty routinely.”
Those opportunities are the focus of how the facility’s space will be applied.
“We approached this not so much as a hangout or a clubhouse, but as a facility geared toward student success,” said Dr. Robert Green, associate dean of academics at MSU. “It’s a place for students to help each other thrive.”
“I had a wonderful, successful career and Nina and I
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
SELECTED FOR 2025–2026
Mississippi State University has selected 19 new Presidential Scholars for the 2025-26 academic year, bringing the program’s total to 117. The students are recognized as outstanding undergraduates and recipients of the university’s most prestigious scholarships.
Presidential Scholars are exceptional students with strong academic skills, creativity and a drive for success. They choose to attend MSU to pursue their goals as part of the Shackouls Honors College.
Made possible through endowment-level gifts, the Presidential Scholarship provides financial support for four years of undergraduate study. In addition, scholars receive a one-time educational enrichment scholarship for study abroad opportunities, internships or other qualified academic pursuits, as well as an undergraduate research fellowship award and mentoring opportunities.
To qualify, applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 30 or SAT score of 1360, along with a minimum 3.75 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. Recipients are expected to maintain at least a 3.4 GPA in their academic majors.
Presidential Scholars have opportunities to interact with members of the land-grant institution’s extensive research faculty and participate in the honors college’s summer study program at Oxford University in England, among other enhanced learning experiences.
SCHOLAR REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE
1. Minimum ACT score of 30
2. Minimum SAT score of 1360+
3. Minimum high school GPA of 3.75
4. Recipient expected to maintain an overall 3.4 GPA in academic major
2025-2026 new scholars with MSU President Mark E. Keenum. Photo by Kevin Tate.
KADENCE ANDING
Brandon, Miss.
Computer Science
Charles & Pat Lee Presidential Endowed Scholarship
LAUREN EDWARDS
Friendswood, Texas
Biomedical Engineering
Hassell Franklin Presidential Endowed Scholarship
GRACIE HOPKINS
Tupelo, Miss.
Business Administration
Bobby P. & Barbara M. Martin Presidential Endowed Scholarship
BROOKE DENNIS
Brandon, Miss.
Kinesiology
Bobby P. & Barbara M.
Martin Presidential Endowed Scholarship
MICHAEL GREEN
Melbourne Beach, Fla.
Political Science
Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship
MARGARET KEITH
Birmingham, Ala.
Undeclared
Ottilie Schillig Presidential Endowed Scholarship
ANN DINKEL
Mobile, Ala.
Political Science
Ottilie Schillig Presidential Endowed Scholarship
ANNA HINMAN
Madison, Miss.
Biological Sciences
Mark & Cindy Jordan Presidential Endowed Scholarship
DAVID MANLEY
Oxford, Miss.
Mechanical Engineering
Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship
Ocean Springs, Miss.
Animal & Dairy Science
Dean & Turner Wingo Presidential Endowed Scholarship
FAITH HOOPER
Ponder, Texas
Biomedical Engineering
Charles & Pat Lee Presidential Endowed Scholarship
JACKSON MORRIS
Madison, Miss.
Biological Sciences
Hal & Linda Parker Presidential Endowed Scholarship
NICOLE DRUMMOND
INDIRA
Pascagoula, Miss.
Psychology
Ottilie Schillig Presidential Endowed Scholarship
LAWRENCE STANLEY
Madison, Miss.
Civil Engineering
Hal & Linda Parker Presidential Endowed Scholarship
St. Charles, Mo.
Mechanical Engineering
Ottilie Schillig Presidential Endowed Scholarship
GEORGE TURNER
Houlka, Miss.
Computer Science
Mickey & Babs Holliman
Presidential Endowed Scholarship
COOPER
Meridian, Miss.
Accounting
G.V. Sonny Montgomery
Presidential Endowed Scholarship
ALIVIA
Danville, Ala.
Music Education
Ottilie Schillig Presidential Endowed Scholarship
Olive Branch, Miss.
Biomedical Engineering
Ottilie Schillig Presidential Endowed Scholarship
NODAL
ALEX PRUDHOMME
RANSIER
WILEY
BRAXTON SHARP
Madeline Blackburn
Class: Senior
Major: Communication/Public Relations
Hometown: New Albany, Miss.
When I was adopted in 2004, the sound of cowbells rang through the Memphis airport welcoming me home. From that moment forward, the spirit of Mississippi State became an inseparable part of my identity. I was raised in the traditions of a Bulldog: to listen with compassion, to be unwaveringly reliable, and to love and serve my community. When it came time to choose a college in 2022, my heart was set on Mississippi State. Nowhere else felt like home.
During my freshman year, I immediately sought out ways to make an impact on campus and get involved. In spring 2023, I was selected as a member of Alumni Delegates, a prestigious group of students dedicated to building connections between current students and alumni. Opening my acceptance letter is still one of my most cherished memories. That envelope opened the door to meaningful friendships with others who share my passion for service, school spirit and authentic connection. We’ve built lasting friendships through late-night event planning, cheering on the Bulldogs on game days and heartfelt conversations that last far beyond meetings. Now, as the 2025 Alumni Delegates president, I’m honored to lead a group that connects Mississippi State’s legacy with its future.
My involvement in the Delta Gamma fraternity, the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Bulldog Mentor Program has expanded my community involvement. These organizations have connected me with friends who are driven, compassionate and challenge me to grow and strive for excellence in every area of my life.
Academically, MSU has strengthened my passion for communication and public relations.
Receiving the Earl Love Guyton Scholarship and Janice Nicholson Scholarship has been pivotal in easing financial burdens and allowing me to focus fully on my education and campus involvement. I would not be able to attend MSU without this financial support. As someone who loves to learn, the opportunity to take Mass Media and Society and Women and Literature, two of the most interesting classes of my undergraduate experience, has shaped my future academic studies. Now, as a senior, I am inspired and equipped by MSU’s dedicated professors and resources to pursue a master’s in media and communication studies to research and advocate for adoptees affected by China’s one-child policy.
As I look forward to my senior year at MSU, I carry with me not only a strong academic foundation but also the lasting friendships and spirit that define Mississippi State. A spirit that first welcomed me home with cowbells, continues to guide my journey today and will undoubtedly echo through every chapter of my future.
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT 01
MISSISSIPPI LIVE WEATHER
The deservedly popular meteorologist Matt Laubhan has recently launched his own weather service dedicated only to our state. Matt’s coverage is so popular that the Mississippi Live Weather app reached the top of Apple’s app chart when it launched in July (even beating The Weather Channel). Joining Matt are Gabe Mahner and Maggye McCallie, both MSU meteorology graduates.
JACK MCCARTY
CLIMATE FIELDVIEW
With the summer we had, every drop of rain was valuable. The Climate FieldView app lets you create a boundary around your home or property and track how much rain falls (or doesn’t fall) on your set location.
PARKMOBILE
If you’re planning a quick or extended visit to Starkville, it’s essential that you download Parkmobile. Much of public parking in Starkville, as well as several lots on MSU’s campus, can be accessed through this app.
GOODREADS
For all my fellow bookworms, think of Goodreads as your personal literary concierge. The app keeps track of what you’ve read and recommends which book to pick up next. I have to give credit to MSU alumna Susanne Boyd Purvis for adding this to my app library.
RADIO
If you’re old-school like me, music streaming services just don’t beat your favorite local radio station. My go-to local radio apps are KWEM and Kudzu 104.9.
Also, the Varsity Network app lets you listen in to virtually any local college sports broadcast, including Neil, Matt and our Bulldog radio team.
A proud alumnus and executive director of development for the MSU Foundation, enjoys sharing more than just investment advice with alumni and friends. His passion extends to sparking people’s interest in a range of topics from entertainment to news. Here’s a sundry of Jack’s latest “top picks” that he hopes all Bulldogs will pass along to others.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Whether you need a stocking stuffer or something more substantial, here’s a few items I’ve found that would make even Santa proud.
FINE LEATHER GOODS
Tennessee-based Colonel Littleton makes some outstanding products that I use every day. I have to recommend pocket journal no. 23 for anyone who needs to jot things down here and there.
FOR HER
Susan Shaw, Campus Book Mart (Starkville) and Kyle Cavan jewelry each offer great MSU-themed charms and more. Additionally, Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Goods has an expansive range of gift options, including the classic “Spode Woodland” China collection.
FOR HIM
02 KEEPING CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL 03
When it comes to menswear, you can’t go wrong with a quality golf polo. Anything from Peter Millar or Johnnie-O will do the trick. In Mississippi, I’d stop by Old Waverly (West Point), Annandale (Madison) or the MSU Golf Course to find a winner.
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new fountain, made possible by Dean and Lauran Wingo, located in front of Hilbun Hall. MSU is always changing, but this is just one of several recent additions that have truly made our beautiful campus shine even more. I encourage you to contact our MSU Foundation team if you want to personally support MSU’s campus beautification program through a memorial tree, bistro table or outdoor study space.
EATING YOUR WAY ACROSS THE GULF COAST 04
No matter the season, a cuisine tour of the gulf coast is never a bad idea. If you need some suggested reading while making the journey, The Seafood Capital of the World: Biloxi's Maritime History by Edmond Boudreaux is a topical page-turner.
CHERYL’S STEAKHOUSE
Ocean Springs, Miss.
Before heading east on your tour, this Ocean Springs staple will give you your beef fix. Nearly everything on the menu is grilled, and you’ll likely be greeted by Cheryl herself. Be on the lookout for Anthony and Tonya Wilson, two proud gulf coast Bulldogs who first took me to Cheryl’s.
SUNSET POINTE AT FLY CREEK MARINA
Fairhope, Ala.
Making your way into Alabama, Sunset Pointe offers a curated selection of waterside fare, which includes their famous gulf snapper throats. Guy Fieri visited in 2017 and named it his favorite restaurant in Alabama.
FISHERMAN’S CORNER
Pensacola, Fla.
My first of two Pensacola recommendations is a dive spot just under the Theo Baars bridge that parttime Pensacolian Michael Hatcher introduced me to. From gumbo to fried oysters, Fisherman’s Corner has something for every palate. You can’t go wrong with New Orleansstyle bread pudding after your meal.
JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE
Pensacola, Fla.
Bookend your coastal tour with another steakhouse, this one named after Andrew Jackson. Just off Plaza Ferdinand, Jackson’s Steakhouse has an impressive menu, featuring the Old Hickory steak with fried green tomatoes and blue crab. David Hall, MSU Foundation board member and quite the foodie, gave me the recommendation for Jackson’s.
BEFORE YOU THROW IT ON THE GRILL 05 06 A PRESIDENTIAL ADDITION TO YOUR LIBRARY
It’s tough to beat throwing your favorite piece of meat on the grill for a football Saturday or Sunday. Apart from a few of my own recommendations, I’ve consulted with Wes Gordon, our senior director of gift planning and resident grill master, to give you a few sauce and seasoning options for your next cookout.
KILLER HOGS VINEGAR
Made in Mississippi, this precise blend was named the top vinegar sauce at the 2016 Memphis in May BBQ World Championships.
CAVENDER’S
ALL PURPOSE GREEK SEASONING
Made in northwest Arkansas, this is my go-to seasoning for chicken.
MAFES STEAK & RIB SEASONING
MSU’s own blend is a triedand-true dry rub for any cut of beef you’ve got.
ELY’S
For a finer-ground version of Shapley’s, check out Ely’s seasoning. It’s made by the same folks who also offer a “Hail Steak” seasoning, perfect for any Bulldog.
SHAPLEY’S
MSU Alumnus Mark Shapley has a top-notch seasoning that tastes great on just about anything.
I’m staying close to home for my always-anticipated book recommendation. Exporting Reconstruction: Ulysses S. Grant and a New Empire of Liberty by MSU faculty member Dr. Ryan P. Semmes takes a deep dive into how Grant viewed America as a vehicle of freedom for the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Semmes is the director of research for the U.S. Grant Presidential Library, which just received a lead gift from Bryan and Cindy Wilson to help fund its future.
CAMPUS
VIEWS
Stretching Your Limits
Dr. Scott’s support for student internships in honors program
By Shun Pounds
Chance favors the prepared mind —Louis Pasteur
This adage reflects Dr. Edward P. Scott’s outlook on life and his approach to philanthropy. The Mississippi State University alum has dedicated nearly 50 years to the medical field, earning numerous honors and achievements, including board certifications in internal medicine, hematology, and transfusion medicine. Now, through a generous gift to the Student Internship Support Fund in the Shackouls Honors College, he is helping a new generation of students seize life-changing opportunities.
Dr. Scott’s connection to MSU began early. His father, Edward Fulton “Ed” Scott, was a professor in MSU’s physics department, while his mother, Frances, taught
fifth grade at Sudduth Elementary School before leaving to teach in MSU’s English department. She later transitioned to the continuing education department, where she served as coordinator of independent study. Because his parents were MSU professors, Scott’s family lived in faculty housing until he was 16, initially in a duplex next to Harned Hall, where Hilbun Hall now stands, and later in a residence on Magruder Street.
His early exposure to Bulldog culture and its academic rigor instilled discipline along with a steadfast ethic for hard work and a driving curiosity. These values formed the foundation of his life and career.
“It is hard to describe how enriching growing up in the campus community was,” Scott said. “I only fully realized it after I was much older and hopefully more mature. Growing up knowing many of my professors was both a challenge and an opportunity, as they also knew my parents, so I felt under an extra obligation to attend classes, pay attention to lectures, and hopefully achieve good grades.
“My parents’ friends and the parents of my friends were nearly all faculty members, and all were welleducated but never pretentious. Many moved here from other states and other countries, and learning about their experiences in those places opened my eyes to the larger world. My life would have been less rich without those exposures.”
Scott graduated from MSU in 1970 after only three years with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. He then completed his medical training at the University of Mississippi in 1973. During his career, he served as the CEO and medical director of the Mid-South Regional Blood Center, now known as Lifeblood, from 1986 to 2009. Then, he acquired a biotechfocused subsidiary of the blood center and founded Key Biologics. Dr. Scott expanded Key Biologics into a leading supplier of biological products used by the cell and gene therapy industry.
When Scott learned about the Cursus Honorum curriculum in the honors college, he saw an opportunity to invest in a resource that challenges students with rewarding experiences.
In this curriculum, honors students engage in a modern-day “path of honors” inspired by the ambitious learning ethics of ancient Rome. This path includes transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary coursework, study abroad opportunities, advanced disciplinary studies, and a senior thesis. When combined with internship experiences, the curriculum prepares students for graduate school and careers as well as for thoughtful, globally minded leadership.
“Structured education helps prepare you for career decisions later in life,” Scott said. “Those who go through the Cursus Honorum have the high expectation to one day become leaders in their area of experience. Hopefully, my gift can help make that possible.”
Internships are a key component of the curriculum, as they are essential for giving students an edge as they begin their careers, especially in job markets where they compete against candidates with similar skills. In such situations, hands-on experience from internships helps students stand out.
With the rising costs of education and living expenses, internships are often seen as a luxury some students cannot afford.
Dr. Thomas Anderson, dean of the Shackouls Honors College, elaborates on this issue and explains why resources like the internship support fund are so crucial.
“Often, the most transformative internships are unpaid or underpaid, which means MSU students have to balance the high-impact experience against the cost of taking on the internship over a summer or semester,” Anderson said. “Support from a fund like this is often the only way our students can even consider competitive internships, especially given the costs of travel, housing and living expenses.”
Shackouls Honors students have interned around the world in various fields, from political internships in Washington, D.C., or Jackson, Mississippi, to communication internships with non-profit organizations in Tennessee and Florida. In the past, an honors college student interned at the American Consulate in Vienna and the Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center in India. While these are transformative opportunities, the associated costs of these internships are often prohibitive for students.
Recognizing this, the honors college established the support fund in 2022 to provide students with the resources they need, allowing them to select the best internships for their growth rather than turning down opportunities due to cost.
The Student Internship Support Fund in the Shackouls Honors College supports honors students from any major at MSU by helping cover the costs of room, board, travel, food, and other living expenses associated with an internship. This support enables students to confidently compete for prestigious yet low-paying or unpaid internships that are fundamental to their career development and readiness.
Gifts to the support fund empower honors students like Starkville native Makenzie Stone. Currently a graduate student in MSU’s MBA program, last year, she was a senior in communication with a concentration in public relations. With a desire to one day work in nonprofit management and event coordination, she was excited to learn about an internship opportunity at the Industry Relations and Philanthropy Department at the Country Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee. However, given the significant costs associated with relocation and housing, prospects looked grim.
STRUCTURED EDUCATION HELPS PREPARE YOU FOR CAREER DECISIONS LATER IN LIFE.
“Many places in Nashville do not offer short-term leases on apartments or long-term stays on rental units,” Stone said. “The
DR. EDWARD P. SCOTT Founder, Chief Medical Officer | Cellero
housing in Nashville can get expensive quickly, and this was by far the biggest cost I would incur.”
Fortunately for Stone, the support fund covered her living expenses in Nashville almost entirely, allowing her to focus on her work.
“My internship experience not only helped me gain a deeper understanding of what working in the non-profit/ philanthropy space is like but also revealed the vast number of opportunities available in that field,” Stone said. “I spent my summer meeting with people in the Nashville area who also work in this space. I learned a great deal about how the entertainment industry can support non-profits and how they can empower one another. This internship was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and it will benefit me tremendously in the future.”
Dr. Scott’s gift is an investment in students like Stone. It also serves as a heartfelt tribute to MSU for all the university has given him and for what it can offer to future students who take advantage of its offerings.
“I would be pleased,” Scott said, “if a student who benefited from this fund one day realized how a specific experience, a concept they learned, or someone they met
THIS INTERNSHIP WAS A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CHANCE, AND IT WILL BENEFIT ME TREMENDOUSLY IN THE FUTURE.
during their internship, became the spark that changed their life for the better.”
By supporting the Student Internship Support Fund, Scott continues a lifelong commitment to helping others succeed, not through chance, but by preparing their minds to meet challenging opportunities head-on.
Graduate student Makenzie Stone attends the CMA Awards Ceremony as part of her internship. Photo submitted.
MSU unveils mixed-use development featuring boutique hotel, cultural landmark
By Kevin Tate
Acomprehensive master plan has been recently completed for a new 15-acre district featuring a boutique hotel, restaurants and retail stores on the land between the MSU campus and the Cotton District, developers announced Aug. 20. It is to be named the Crossroads District.
The Crossroads District will feature and be anchored by a 122-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel. Construction of the hotel is set to begin in October, and plans call for it to open in the summer of 2027.
The driving force behind the master plan is Mississippi State University, in collaboration with West Side Funds Inc., a for-profit affiliate of the Mississippi State University Foundation. The area has been granted qualified resort status by the Mississippi legislature, clearing the way for thoughtful development and strategic growth.
“This transformative project is about creating an exciting, vibrant hub that reflects the spirit of Mississippi State University while providing incredible opportunities for entertainment, innovation, and collaboration,” MSU President Mark Keenum said. “We
are proud to deliver a development that will serve our students, faculty, staff, alumni, local community, and state of Mississippi for generations to come.”
Restaurants, retail and residential developments along University Drive have long made the area attractive. Increasing the number of businesses in those economic sectors, and doing so along a street that joins the campus to the city, make for an ideal fit.
“We’re expanding some of the most attractive elements of our community, focusing closely on the parts that bring people here, and bring people together,” said John Rush, president and
WE ARE PROUD TO DELIVER A DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL SERVE OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, ALUMNI, LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
CEO of the MSU Foundation. “It will be something new students will want to be part of, and something alumni will be excited to return to. This development really does represent a tremendous leap. Not many college communities will ever get to found and grow an exciting district like this, with opportunities like these, in a location as perfectly situated as this.”
PHASE I: A LANDMARK PREMIER HOTEL
Hotel Madelon, as it will be known, is being designed to celebrate the legacy of MSU and the culture of Starkville. Named in honor of the university’s original fight song, the hotel will be positioned on a prime site along University Drive. It will include a full-service restaurant showcasing local flavors, a rooftop bar offering campus views, and an overall design that will attract both visitors and locals.
Tribute Portfolio hotels are known for their story-driven designs, offering boutique experiences rooted in the personality and history of their destinations. Hotel Madelon will combine MSU’s traditions, Starkville’s arts and culinary scenes, and the region’s rich cultural heritage into its design and guest experiences.
The hotel will be managed by Charlestowne Hotels, a leading hospitality management company known for operating distinctive, award-winning properties across the country. Charlestowne brings decades of experience in collegiate hospitality to the role.
DEVELOPMENT TEAM, PARTNERS
The project is being spearheaded by West Side Funds Inc. in partnership with CAP Development Group, Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors, Cooper Carry Architects, KTGY, The Saturday Crowd, U3 Advisors, CBRE Hotels Advisory, CPLA Design+Planning, Thompson Placemaking, Charlestowne Hotels, Neel-Schaffer Engineering, Rich Perspectives and Walker Consultants.
“By uniting an extraordinary team of nationally recognized experts in hospitality, planning, and design, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind development that will inspire and uplift both Starkville and MSU,” Rush said. Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill echoed this enthusiasm. “This partnership represents a defining moment for Starkville,” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.”
Architectural rendering of the new Crossroads District in Starkville.
FUTURE PHASES: A HUB FOR INNOVATION, CULTURE, COMMUNITY
As the development progresses, future phases will establish a multi-faceted district offering year-round amenities for students, faculty, staff, residents, and visitors. Key highlights include:
• Entertainment District: A hub with local restaurants, curated retail shops and dynamic entertainment venues that seamlessly connect the campus, Cotton District, and downtown Starkville, bridging the town and gown relationship.
• Cultural & Historical Landmarks: The development’s cultural centerpiece will include a new home for the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, bolstered by an ongoing private fundraising effort through the MSU Foundation. This facility will showcase MSU’s distinction as one of only six universities nationwide to host a presidential library, further enriching the cultural significance of the district.
• Seamless Connectivity: A planned pedestrian land bridge over Highway 12 will provide direct and safe access between the university and the development, enhancing walkability for students, residents and visitors.
• Residential Living: On-site housing options, including unique faculty and staff residences, will add energy and year-round vibrancy to the district while supporting adjacent retail and dining establishments.
• Innovation and Research Hub: State-of-the-art office and innovation spaces will attract researchers, startups and businesses, leveraging proximity to MSU’s world-class Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.
• Convenient Parking: A 700-space parking garage is planned to be located on the north side of University Drive near the district.
STRATEGIC VISION FOR GROWTH, COMMUNITY
The district’s location ensures unparalleled proximity and walkability to the MSU campus. It also creates a premier destination for the 3.5 million visitors drawn to Starkville annually for events, conferences and tourism.
For a video overview of the plan and to download photography for publication, visit www.msucrossroads.com.
McCarthy Quadrangle
On the same spot that Babe McCarthy and his Bulldogs won numerous SEC championships on the hardwood, a new aptly-named academic area will define a new quarter of MSU’s campus.
When the J. Charles Lee Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building was first opened in 2008, it may have seemed peculiar to have the front of the building be hidden by McCarthy Gymnasium, which was mere feet from its front steps. However, MSU’s campus master plan was a step ahead as the Lee Building now opens to a grassy green space flanked by the brand-new Jim and Thomas Duff Center. The Duff Center, consisting of 102,578 square feet, now houses the MSU Department of Kinesiology and the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, which includes MSU’s Autism and Developmental
Disabilities Clinic and Disability Resource Center programs. Fittingly enough, MSU Kinesiology occupied the space in McCarthy Gym before construction on the Duff Center began. The Lee Building and Duff Center now anchor that green space, which has been named the McCarthy Quadrangle. A flagpole stands proudly in the center of the quad, which will surely become a popular tailgate spot given its proximity to Davis Wade Stadium. Additionally, recent landscape work has improved walkability and connectivity of the quadrangle to Allen Hall and the Drill Field.
Though the raucous sounds of a Bulldog basketball crowd has faded, the McCarthy name will continue in that sacred campus spot for years to come.
Enjoy beautiful pictures of familiar campus scenes that bring back special memories of your time at Mississippi State. The official MSU calendar has become a Bulldog tradition. With pictures by MSU’s own award-winning photographers, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind treasure. Order online today at msufoundation.com or call 662-325-7000.
A World of Possibilities
Alumni gifts to MSU’s study abroad program broaden horizons, build global citizens
By Shun Pounds
For Mississippi State University students, worldclass education can be defined quite literally thanks in part to gifts like those from Fred and Sara Jean Burke and from Turner A. Wingo.
Today’s Bulldogs are embracing transformative global experiences that deepen academic learning, enhance professional skills and expand their worldviews through studying abroad—a trend that has grown dramatically over the past 20 years.
According to Dr. Daniel Reynolds, executive director of MSU’s International Institute, the early years of the university’s study abroad efforts were focused on shortterm, faculty-led programs that offered students exposure to different cultures but lacked the infrastructure necessary to support experiences spread over longer terms. Strategic investments in staffing, outreach and academic integration changed this.
“We’ve gone from a handful of opportunities to more than 70 study abroad programs, including semester-long exchanges and internships,” Reynolds said. “And that growth has been driven by the idea that every student should have access to an international experience.”
In the past 12 years alone, student demand for study abroad experiences steadily grew from approximately 186 to 572 annually.
Deliberate partnerships and strong program design drive much of this growth, with offerings in various formats, including short-term, semester-long, and academic-year programs, as well as learning opportunities available in more than 40 countries. MSU collaborates with international universities to develop these programs, which are continuously and rigorously reviewed for academic quality and tailored to align with students’ degree paths.
“We work hard to ensure study abroad is not just a travel experience, but an extension of a student’s academic journey,” said Annika Campbell, director of the Office of Study Abroad, which operates in the International Institute. “We want the classes they take to count toward their degree, and we want them to grow as professionals and citizens through these experiences.”
While academics are at the heart of the program, Campbell said personal growth usually occurs during the quiet times outside of class.
“The most transformative moments often come during unstructured time when students have to navigate a city on their own, make mistakes and figure things out,” Campbell said. “They may struggle in the moment, but by the time they return, they look back with pride, laughter and a deep sense of accomplishment. It becomes one of the most impactful experiences of their college career.”
Two friends in the royal hall of Frederiksborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by Benjamin Brooks, Engineering Graphics in Scandinavia.
Despite these benefits, studying abroad can feel financially out of reach. Gifts from loyal alumni and friends help make these experiences accessible.
Alumni like Fred and Sara Jean Burke have played a key role in making study abroad opportunities more accessible. For Fred, a 1971 MSU graduate in industrial engineering, expanding the horizons of future engineers has become his lifelong passion. The president, CEO, and co-founder of Central Pharmacy Services once worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he led a strategic review across Europe. He gained firsthand insight into the professional value of an international perspective. Beyond that, the Burkes believe in the personal benefits of learning from other cultures and different ways of life.
“Study abroad experiences help heighten people skills and sensitivity,” Burke said. “It’s fun and mind-expanding to operate your daily life in an environment where even small things like going to the grocery store are different. I think it pays off in long-term benefits.”
Led by their passion, the Burkes helped establish the Bagley College of Engineering’s first study abroad program nearly 30 years ago by creating the Fred and Sara Jean Burke Endowed Study Abroad Program fund. Since then, 74 students have studied abroad with support from the endowment.
“Mr. Burke’s support has allowed engineering students to see real-world applications of their classroom knowledge on an international scale,” Campbell said. “His belief
WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE STUDY ABROAD IS NOT JUST A TRAVEL EXPERIENCE, BUT AN EXTENSION OF A STUDENT’S ACADEMIC JOURNEY.
in the value of global learning has had a direct, lifechanging impact on the students we serve.”
In 2025, the couple expanded their legacy by giving more than 200 acres of family land to the Bulldog Forest. Proceeds from the Burke Family Forest will benefit their study abroad endowment while also providing research and learning opportunities for MSU’s Department of Forestry.
“There’s nothing more uplifting than investing in young people. With this gift, we’re able to do a two-for-one,” Burke said. “The Department of Forestry at MSU will be able to use the land for educational purposes, and the proceeds will help fund more study abroad experiences for engineers.”
MSU alumnus and Foundation board member Turner A. Wingo has also significantly enhanced the university’s global learning initiatives. Among other expansive gifts, his support through the Turner A. Wingo Honors College Excellence Endowment provides critical funding to students in the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College who wish to pursue international study.
“The Wingo endowment has transformed how the Shackouls Honors College can support MSU students who want to study abroad,” said Tommy Anderson, dean of the honors college. “The cost of studying abroad has increased significantly. Without this support, fewer students could participate in what is a life-changing experience.”
Each year, Wingo Honors Scholars receive support to attend the prestigious Oxford University program.
TURNER WINGO Owner | Sherry's Hallmark
FRED BURKE Co-Founder | Central Pharmacy Services
Gupta, a junior majoring in Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture, studies outside between classes.
by Emily Grace McCall.
There, students participate in personalized tutorials, explore their chosen fields with Oxford-affiliated tutors, and study in iconic spaces such as the Bodleian Library.
Beyond Oxford, the Wingo Endowment has sponsored student experiences in Iceland, Spain, Japan, Germany, South Korea, France and more through both summer and semester-long programs.
Brode, a
majoring in biological sciences. Photo submitted.
The impact of these experiences is not merely anecdotal but also measurable in the success of some who have benefited from Wingo’s gift.
Madison Brode, a senior biological sciences major at MSU in 2023, became the university’s first recipient of the Marshall
Scholarship. This prestigious award, presented annually to a select group of 50 American students, provides funding for graduate-level studies in the United Kingdom. The Memphis, Tennessee, native was able to study biodiversity, conservation and management at the University of Oxford in England.
Lily Langstaff, a junior majoring in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture at MSU in 2024, became the university’s fifth Udall Scholar, a prestigious award given annually to approximately 55 students nationwide interested in conservation and environmental issues. A native of Southaven, Langstaff also received a prestigious summer fellowship as part of the Public Policy and International Affairs Program’s Junior Summer Institute. This experience provided intensive summer training on how public policymakers address issues, along with networking opportunities.
Surabhi Gupta, a junior also majoring in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture at MSU in 2024, was the university’s latest recipient of the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst-Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or DAAD-RISE. The German program offers research opportunities that match students' interests with local laboratories in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences,
Surabhi
Photo
Madison
senior
HIS GIFT HAS OPENED THE WORLD TO GENERATIONS OF BULLDOGS WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO STUDY ABROAD.
and engineering. Through this program, the Jaipur, India, native was able to study her field while paired with established mentors and researchers in Germany.
“What Turner Wingo has done is chart a pathway for how MSU alumni can directly impact the educational experience of our undergraduates,” Anderson said. “His gift has opened the world to generations of Bulldogs who might otherwise never get the chance to study abroad. While these students engage in once-in-a-lifetime experiences, they also share with the world the excellent education they receive at Mississippi State University.”
Wingo sees his support as an investment in students and the university.
“I’ve always been very proud of our Shackouls Honors College and the exceptional scholars it produces,” he said. “Travel changed my life, and I want others to have the same opportunity. These talented students reflect positively on my alma mater.”
For the International Institute and Office of Study Abroad, the work continues. Campbell said that while the office has made significant strides, there is still more work to be done.
“We want our programs to reflect the full range of Mississippi State students,” she said. “That means ensuring students from all backgrounds and majors feel empowered and supported to pursue global learning.”
Studying abroad benefits not only individual students but also enhances the entire MSU experience.
“Every time a student goes abroad and comes back with a new perspective, that perspective ripples across the university,” Reynolds said. “It enriches classrooms, conversations and campus life. And it reminds us Mississippi State is part of a much bigger world.”
Student Mimi Sheppard surrounded by bubbles in Rome’s Piazza Navona. Photo by Megan Bean.
Real Estate that makes a Real Difference.
Gifts of real estate can greatly benefit students and enable Mississippi State University to grow and thrive. Whether retained and preserved for educational purposes or liquidated for immediate support, gifts of real property create strategic opportunities in the gift provider’s area of choice and also provide certain personal benefits. A variety of real estate types that can be transformed into rewarding charitable gifts exist.
The MSU Foundation offers two programs to assist property owners with utilizing their real estate – Bulldog Properties and Bulldog Forest. Both avenues offer meaningful ways to begin a remarkable legacy. Contact the MSU Foundation’s real estate services team today to learn how easy it can be to make a real difference. • Timberland • Recreational Property • Agricultural Farm • Residential Home • Vacation Home or Condominium • Commercial Investment
• Undeveloped Property
• Mineral Interests
Theo and Nelle Johnson Endowed Scholarship, provided by Rodger and Jill Johnson.
“Receiving this scholarship helps alleviate outside stress coming from financial concerns and allows me to focus and dedicate more time to my studies. I am so very thankful for the Johnsons’ scholarship.”
– John David Riemann
Danny Windham Legacy Scholarship, provided by Danny Windham.
"Due to extenuating circumstances earlier in my life, I didn’t have the opportunity to build up savings for college. I’m committed to pursuing medical school and maintaining a strong GPA, and receiving this support allows me to focus fully on my studies without the added burden of working during the semester."
– Emma Grace Conley
Nicholson’s Women’s Basketball Managers Endowed Scholarship, provided by Dr. Janice Nicholson.
“Dr. Nicholson’s kind heart is the reason I was able to fall in love with working in athletics. Her scholarship has allowed me to follow my dreams of sports as my full-time job. I’m so grateful for her support and encouragement for student-workers in athletics.”
– Elise Johnson
Officers:
CHAIR — Rodger L. Johnson | President and CEO of JKC Holdings, Inc. | Atlanta, Ga.
VICE CHAIR — Randy J. Cleveland | Vice President, Americas for ExxonMobil Production Company (retired) | Fort Worth, Texas
TREASURER — Frederick V. “Fred” Buie | President and CEO of Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Co. (retired) | Slidell, La.
PRESIDENT AND CEO — John P. Rush | Vice President of Development and Alumni, Mississippi State University | MSU
SECRETARY — Jack R. McCarty | Executive Director of Development, Mississippi State University Foundation | MSU
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER — Janet H. Carraway | Executive Director of Finance, Mississippi State University Foundation | MSU
Members:
Richard C. Adkerson | Chairman and CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. | Phoenix, Ariz.
William B. “Bill” Berry | CEO of Continental Resources, Inc. (retired) | Katy, Texas
D. Hines Brannan Jr. | Managing Director of Accenture (retired) | Atlanta, Ga.
Brenton S. “Brent” Brasher | President of Kengro Corporation | Holcomb, Miss.
Lynn T. Burwell | National President of the MSU Alumni Association and Sales Representative for Connext Pay | Gulfport, Miss.
Albert C. Clark | President and CEO of C.C. Clark Inc. | Starkville, Miss.
Jeffrey S. Clark | CEO of Clark Holding Company, Inc. | Madison, Miss.
Dr. Helen M. Currie | Chief Economist of ConocoPhillips | Houston, Texas
Dr. John D. Davis IV | Neurosurgeon/Founding Partner of NewSouth NeuroSpine | Flowood, Miss.
Earnest W. "Earnie" Deavenport, Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical (retired) | Greenville, S.C.
Sherry G. Duff | Director for Duff Family Foundation | Hattiesburg, Miss.
Catherine C. “Cathy” Dunn | Director-Port Development of Port of New Orleans (retired) | Mandeville, La.
Dr. Todd R. Henderson | President and CEO of Nutramax Laboratories | Lancaster, S.C.
W. G. Holliman, Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Furniture Brands International (retired) | Belden, Miss.
Paul J. Karre | Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Communications for International Paper (retired) | Pawley's Island, SC
John R. Lundy | Partner of CR Federal | Ridgeland, Miss.
Lewis F. Mallory Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank (retired) | Starkville, Miss.
Douglas J. “Doug” Marchant | Founder, President, and CEO of Unified Health Services (retired) | Memphis, Tenn.
H. Lamar McKay, Jr. | Deputy CEO of BP PLC (retired) | Houston, Texas
James F. “Bo” McKinnis | Owner of McKinnis Sports Management | Nashville, Tenn.
Roderick A. “Rod” Moore | Executive Vice President and CEO of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance (retired) | Brandon, Miss.
Dr. Janice I. Nicholson | Professor Emerita University of North Alabama (retired) | Florence, Ala.
Linda F. Parker | Secretary for Sunbelt Wholesale Supply (retired) | Bolton, Miss.
Walter D. Purvis | Vice President Engineering for BHP Billiton (retired) | New Orleans, La.
Kenneth B. “Ken” Robinson | Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion of The Procter & Gamble Company (retired) | Boca Raton, Fla.
Richard A. Rula | President of Hemphill Construction Company | Florence, Miss.
Michael W. "Mike" Sanders | Chairman of Jimmy Sanders, Inc. (retired) | Cleveland, Miss.
Wallace L. "Lee" Seal | President of North Beach Investments, LLC | Bay Saint Louis, Miss.
Bobby S. Shackouls | Chairman, President and CEO of Burlington Resources Inc. (retired) | Houston, Texas
Dr. Allen K. Sills, Jr. | Chief Medical Officer of NFL | Franklin, Tenn.
Cynthia W. “Cindy” Simpson | Regional Managing Principal of Gensler | Plano, Texas
John W. Starr, Jr. | Owner of Starr Investment Properties | Starkville, Miss.
Cynthia M. Stevens | Managing Principal Government Relations of Deloitte, LLP | Sarasota, Fla.
William A. "Lex" Taylor III | Chairman and CEO of The Taylor Group Inc. | President of Taylor Machine Works Inc. | Louisville, Miss.
ZonaDale L. Taylor | Manager of Consumer and Public Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline (retired) | Collierville, Tenn.
Douglas T. "Doug" Terreson | Head of Global Energy of Evercore SI (retired) | Point Clear, Ala.
Anthony L. Wilson | Chairman, President and CEO of Mississippi Power Company (retired) | Gulfport, Miss.
Bryan S. Wilson | SouthQuest Imports LLC (retired) | Starkville, Miss.
Danny Windham | Chief Operating Officer HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (retired) | Huntsville, Ala.
Turner A. Wingo | Owner of Sherry's Hallmark (retired) | Starkville, Miss.
Stacy E. Thomas | Legal Counsel | Jackson, Miss.
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 134
Post Office Box 6149
Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 www.msufoundation.com
Mississippi State University Foundation
@MSU_Foundation
@msu_foundation
ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED
You have worked hard and saved for retirement. Now use your savings to create your legacy by making an IRA charitable rollover gift to the Mississippi State University Foundation. If you are 70½ or older:
• You can avoid taxes on IRA transfers up to $108,000;
• You may satisfy some or all of your required minimum distribution for the year;
• You can reduce your taxable income, even if you don’t itemize deductions;
• You can make a gift that is not subject to the deduction on limits on charitable gifts; and
• You can use your rollover to make payments on an existing pledge to MSU
For more information on IRA charitable rollover giving, contact the MSU Foundation Office of Gift Planning or visit our website at www.msugiftplanning.org
Wes Gordon, Senior Director of Gift Planning (662) 325-3707 | wgordon@foundation.msstate.edu
Kevin Randall, Associate Director of Gift Planning & Real Estate (662) 325-2466 | krandall@foundation.msstate.edu