Get to Know

TRISH CUNETTO Get to know

Trish Ashmore Cunetto is proof that good teachers never really retire. After a rewarding 26-year career as a kindergarten teacher, Trish remains passionate about teaching—although her primary audience is now the alumni and friends she helps educate about the importance of philanthropy. A native of Columbus and 1986 MSU elementary education graduate, Trish is the director of development for the College of Education and the MSU Library. She and her husband Dominic, a fellow MSU graduate, live in Starkville and enjoy MSU baseball games and following Bulldog-turned-Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott.

What’s it like to help secure support for MSU?

Meeting students who benefit from scholarships and programs like the T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability is very rewarding, and I am grateful to help build support for those areas. I feel truly blessed to have enjoyed two very different careers that allow me to impact students’ lives.

Most unique gift you’ve closed?

Several years ago, I closed a gift by best-selling author James Patterson and his wife Sue for teacher education scholarships. I have read almost all of his books and meeting him was exciting. He supports 16 scholarships for students in the college.

Favorite thing about Starkville?

I love the energy surrounding a college town, and the community is very supportive. I think sometimes we take for granted living in a place where people love to visit!

Favorite spot on campus and why?

My favorite campus spot is the MSU Chapel of Memories where I married my husband.

What’s neat about the College of Education?

Without teachers, we would have no students at MSU. Teachers have the most important job and the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of those they teach.