The College of Arts & Sciences Alumni of the Year program recognizes Mississippi State University alumni who have made significant contributions to human or institutional progress through their personal, professional, or civic impact.
This award honors alumni whose achievements and service reflect the mission of Mississippi State University.
2026 Alumni of the Year
Michael C. Pace is a native of Tomball, Texas, and currently resides in St. Paul Cap de Joux, France. He earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and immunology from Texas A&M University in 1988 and a Master of Science in geology and earth science from MSU in 1992.
Pace spent his professional career with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, where he pursued his goal of building a career that would take him around the world. Beginning as an exploration geologist in Houston, Texas, he went on to hold senior leadership roles across Africa and Europe, including operations supervisor, general manager, country manager, and director of international business development. His work included managing multinational teams, overseeing complex operations, and building relationships with host governments and national oil companies. Pace also served as general manager and country chairperson for Algeria before retiring from the company.
Beyond his corporate career, he has volunteered as a licensed EMT-paramedic and holds a commercial pilot’s license.
As a third-generation MSU graduate, he remains deeply connected to Mississippi State through his support of multiple geosciences endowments and student initiatives, as well as MAD DAWG Rugby. Pace also mentors military service members transitioning from military to civilian careers through the American Corporate Partnership.
He credits his education and field study experiences at Mississippi State, including early international research in the Bahamas, with laying the foundation for a life of global exploration and meaningful work.
Past Recipients
- 1990 Cynthia Pharr, '68, '74
- 1991 James F. Young, '60
- 1993 Pam M. Plager, '81
- 1994 James W. Hammond, '35
- 1995 Luther T. Brantley, III, '74
- 1996 Dr. John P. Elliott, Jr., '55
- 1997 Dr. Fred G. Corley, Jr., '68
- 1998 Dr. William H. Coltharp, '77
- 1999 Cherri M. Musser, '73
- 2000 Hugh W. Latimer, '62
- 2001 Dr. Karen D. Hulett, '71
- 2002 No Selection
- 2003 George P. Kappler, '69
- 2004 Mark C. Rohr, '73
- 2005 Bill Gillon, '80
- 2006 Dr. Susan Brown-Skrobot, '78, '80, '83
- 2007 Amy Tuck, '85, '94
- 2008 Dr. Jimmy L. Solomon, '66
- 2009 Dr. Larry Grillot, ‘68
- 2010 Lloyd Solomon, ’88, ‘90
- 2011 Martha Swain, ‘50
- 2012 Dr. Don Hall, ‘62
- 2013 John D. “Jack” Sistrunk, Jr., ‘49
- 2014 Hank Johnston, ‘65
- 2015 Malcolm L. Lightsey, ’61, ‘63
- 2016 Robert P. Bowen, ‘63
- 2017 John H. Richards, Jr., ‘56
- 2018 Dr. Howard Shook, Jr., '62
- 2019 Cynthia M. "Cindy" Stevens, '83
- 2020 Mark Worthey, '84
- 2021 Robert L. Barnes, '72
- 2022 Dr. A. Randle “Randy” White, '66
- 2023 Gus Colvin Jr., '62
- 2024 Paul Kinsey
- 2025 Douglas Anthony Crawford, '68