Field Brown

Field Brown

By Krissy Carter

Mississippi State University’s second Rhodes Scholar since 1911, Field Brown, left a legacy at MSU and is continuing that legacy at Harvard University.

A double major in English and philosophy, Brown graduated from MSU in 2014 with his Bachelor of Arts degree. Brown went to the University of Oxford on his Rhodes Scholarship to pursue his master’s degree and is now at Harvard University to working on his Ph.D.

Brown said the College of Arts and Sciences, and his professors, helped him along the way.  “I very much enjoyed my time [at MSU]. My professors, especially the ones in the English department, helped me grow in unimaginable ways,” said Brown. “They allowed me to pursue my passions, and helped me to professionalize.”

One particular class and teacher peaked his academic interests.  “My favorite class was a Postcolonial Literature class I took with Dr. Andrea Spain. Dr. Spain was also my favorite faculty member because she loved teaching more than any other teacher I have known,” said Brown.

Brown’s greatest mentor is Dr. Thomas Anderson, professor of English and director of External Prestigious Scholarships. Brown’s advice to current students is to meet with professors during their office hours as much as possible. “You will learn so much from them,” said Brown.

Brown credits the MSU Shackouls Honors College for helping him along the way, especially Dr. Chris Snyder, dean of the Shackouls Honors College.

“If not for him, I would have never studied abroad, and would have never applied for the Rhodes. His impact on my life is major, and I will always appreciate the time he spent teaching and encouraging me,” said Brown.

While at MSU, Brown was a Road Runner, a football recruiter, and president of the Golden Key Honor Society. A favorite tradition of Brown’s is the cowbell. In his free time he enjoys tennis, reading, and creative writing.