Angela Hammack
Angela Hammack
B.A. Communication, 1989
College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board
“One of the highlights of my time at Mississippi State University was being a part of Music Maker Productions (MMP). Performing concerts in The Hump and at 5 Points was an incredible experience,” said 1989 communication graduate and College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board Member Angela Hammack. “We were fortunate to bring renowned artists to campus, including Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Joan Jett, Eli, Great White, Cinderella, Berlin, Night Ranger, The Outfield, Hank Williams Jr., and The Producers. Being involved in these events was both exciting and rewarding.”
“I have many fond childhood memories of Mississippi State University, having grown up in Starkville,” Hammack said. “My mother worked in the agronomy department in Dorman Hall, and part of her work involved the greenhouse that was formerly located on Blackjack Road, where the veterinary school would later be built. My oldest brother, Charles, worked on the South Farm, and our family often ate in the cafeteria at Perry Hall. I have witnessed the transformation of Davis-Wade Stadium—from Scott Field, where a tree on the north side offered a unique vantage point to watch games, to The Dude, where the left field lounge featured pick-up trucks, flatbed trailers, the smell of grilling, and the energy of fans watching from the grass outside right field in the spring. For me, Mississippi State University has always been more than a school—it is home.”
During her time as a student at MSU, Hammack gained valuable guidance and mentorship from her professors. “Dr. Sid Hill and Dr. Hank Flick were two professors who taught me to look beyond what was immediately in front of me. Their guidance was highly influential, helping me develop a broader perspective and critical thinking skills that have been invaluable in my professional life. The analytical abilities they instilled have enabled me, as a trauma and oncology nurse, to assess situations thoroughly, improvise effectively under stress, and consider challenges from multiple vantage points.”
Since attending MSU, Hammack’s career has taken a turn she never expected. She now serves as a nurse manager, clinical educator, and safety manager at Jackson Oncology Associates.
“After graduation, I initially struggled to find my place and began considering how I could leverage my degree to expand my opportunities and enhance my professional growth. A life-changing medical event ultimately guided me toward nursing, a path that has taken my Mississippi State education to places I could never have imagined. Becoming a nurse opened a world of opportunities—from applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills as a trauma nurse to serving as a patient advocate, contributing to healthcare legislation, speaking for pharmaceutical companies, and educating fellow nurses. It also provided the foundation to lead as a nurse manager and clinical educator in oncology.”
Although Hammack took a different career path than originally anticipated, her communication degree was still beneficial for her career journey. “My communication management background has been instrumental in shaping my professional approach. It has allowed me to evaluate situations and people effectively, enabling me to speak for pharmaceutical companies, engage with legislators at the state and national levels, educate fellow nurses, and lead initiatives through the Central Mississippi Oncology Nursing Society (Central MS ONS). Additionally, I have served on numerous advisory boards for nursing organizations and pharmaceutical companies, applying both my nursing expertise and communication skills to advance healthcare outcomes.”
When asked to describe her A&S experience in one word, Hammack chose “blended.”
“The College of Arts & Sciences offers a wide array of unique courses, alongside strong foundations in the liberal arts and sciences, that has allowed it to develop specialized degrees such as my own, communication management, more than 35 years ago,” Hammack said. “The college continues to create innovative and engaging courses that push beyond traditional academic boundaries, helping students become more well-rounded and better prepared for an evolving world. Through this blend of disciplines, I gained the ability to think critically, adapt, persevere, and ultimately flourish.”