Moser and Seitz join elite group of MSU Grisham Master Teachers

STARKVILLE, Miss.— Joining a highly select group of role models and mentors at Mississippi State, College of Arts and Sciences faculty members Kelly Moser and Holli Seitz are recipients of the 2025 John Grisham Master Teacher Award––the most prestigious teaching honor awarded at MSU.

Moser, a Knoxville native, joined MSU’s faculty in 2007 and is an associate professor in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures. She also serves as an assistant dean intern in the College of Arts and Sciences and leads the college’s TEAMS initiative––Teaching Excellence and Motivating Success––which supports faculty in reflecting on and applying best teaching practices.

Seitz, a Tuscaloosa native, joined MSU’s faculty in 2016 and is an associate professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre. She directs The Message Laboratory at the Social Science Research Center and mentors MSU Presidential Scholars through the university’s Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College.

First presented in 1993, the Grisham Master Teacher honor is a tribute to classroom and instruction excellence named for the MSU alumnus and internationally recognized author John Grisham who provided funds to endow the award.

Provost David Shaw said, “I commend our newly renamed University Distinguished Teaching Awards Committee for their exemplary work in selecting this year’s Grisham Master Teacher winners. This prestigious award, our university’s highest honor for teaching excellence, recognizes our outstanding educators’ dedication, innovation and impact. The committee’s diligent efforts and thoughtful deliberations have resulted in the selection of two truly exceptional master teachers who embody the spirit of academic excellence and commitment to student success. Their contributions elevate our institution and inspire our entire academic community. Congratulations to the winners, Kelly Moser and Holli Seitz, and thanks to the committee for their invaluable service.”

For more details about MSU’s College of Arts, visit www.cas.msstate.edu. For more about the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures, visit www.cmll.msstate.edu and for more about the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre, visit www.comm.msstate.edu. 

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