Alumni Fellows

Alumni Fellows

Each fall, Mississippi State University selects eight distinguished alumni as Alumni Fellows in recognition of their professional achievement and impact. Sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association, the colleges, and the Office of the Provost, the program honors alumni who exemplify excellence in their fields.

Alumni Fellows are invited back to campus to engage with students and faculty through classroom visits and informal discussions, sharing professional insights and real-world experience.

2025 A&S Alumni Fellow

Dr. PJ Moore headshot

Dr. Paul J. (PJ) Moore III of Spring, Texas, is an accomplished geoscientist with more than two decades of experience in geological research and exploration.

A native of Vancleave, Miss., PJ earned a Bachelor of Science in geology from Mississippi State University in 2002. He went on to receive a doctorate in geological sciences from the University of Florida, focusing on aqueous geochemistry and physical hydrogeology. While at MSU, PJ was influenced by his undergraduate advisor, Dr. John Mylroie, whose passion for science and adventurous approach to life helped shape his academic path. That inspiration, coupled with early encouragement from his aunt, a geologist herself, fueled his lifelong fascination with earth sciences. He credits MSU for laying the foundation for the scientist he has become.

For the past 16 years, PJ has worked for ExxonMobil, most recently spending four years overseas as a research lead at ExxonMobil Research Qatar. There, he led projects focused on understanding coastal aquifers.

Beyond his professional work, PJ has remained actively engaged in the scientific community. He has written more than 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals and served on the board of directors for the Karst Waters Institute for 15 years. He is also a longtime member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Geological Society of America, and the National Speleological Society.

A dedicated supporter of Mississippi State University, PJ has established an endowed fund to benefit the geosciences department. He remains passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and representing MSU with pride wherever his career takes him. 

Past Fellows

  • 1990 L. Burton Barnes, III, '70, '74
  • 1991 Dr. David H. Irwin, Jr., '72
  • 1992 Lewis E. Nolan, '67
  • 1993 Dr. Ralph W. Alewine, III, '68
  • 1994 Henry E. "Hank" Johnston, '65
  • 1995 Cecilia Reese Bullock, '69, '94
  • 1996 Dr. Susan Brown-Skrobot, '78, '80, '83
  • 1997 Newton F. Hamlin, '64
  • 1998 William "Bill" C. Mattox, '72, '73
  • 1999 Kevin T. Ivey, '84
  • 2000 Mark C. Rohr, '73, '75
  • 2001 Judge William Alsup, '67
  • 2002 Sidney L. Salter, '88
  • 2003 Dr. Larry R. Grillot, '68
  • 2004 Dr. Ronald Greeley, '62
  • 2005 Marion Harris, '91, '93
  • 2006 Mary Catherine Di Nunzio, '90
  • 2007 Kevin Robinson, '01
  • 2008 Adrienne Pakis-Gillon, '80 and William Gillon, '80
  • 2009 Mark Worthey, ‘84
  • 2010 Cindy Stevens, ‘83
  • 2011 Dr. Randy White, ‘66
  • 2012 Dr. David Wigley, ‘79
  • 2013 Dr. Fred Corley, ‘68
  • 2014 Dr. M. Diane Roberts, ’63, ‘64
  • 2015 Laurie R. Williams, '79
  • 2016 Tommie Cardin, '83
  • 2017 Debbie Rabinowitz, '69
  • 2018 Greg Barker, '88
  • 2019, Dr. David Seago, '97
  • 2021, Bruce Thomas
  • 2022, Myna Dickerson Sowell, '91
  • 2023, White Jee
  • 2024, Dr. Katrina Poe-Johnson, '92