Two dozen Mississippi State seniors are 2026 inductees into the Gamma of Mississippi Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. MSU Professor Anthony Neal, a Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College faculty fellow and member of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, also was inducted as an honorary member.

“Mississippi State University provided me the academic tools and experiences I needed to be accepted into and thrive in medical school,” said physician Fred Corley, a 1968 Mississippi State graduate and current San Antonio resident. “These included disciplines, time management, and lots of encouragement from my professors to have a stimulated and inquisitive mind.”

“My connection to Mississippi State University runs deep in my family,” said Margaret Shepherd, a 2022 MSU graduate. “MSU brought my mom’s family to Starkville in the 1960s when my grandfather became the first head of the Department of Biochemistry. My dad grew up near Starkville in Louisville, and, following his father’s path in forestry, attended MSU. My parents met in Starkville and were married on campus at the Chapel of Memories. No matter what was happening in our lives, being a Bulldog always brought our family together. When it came time to choose a college, the decision felt easy,” said Shepherd.