Myna Sowell
Myna Sowell
B.A. Communication, 1991
College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board
“The theatre in McComas Hall was completed while I was still in school, and I’ll never forget the excitement surrounding its opening production, ‘The Matchmaker,’” said Myna Sowell, a 1991 MSU graduate with a major in communication and an emphasis in theatre. “Directed by Dr. Dominic Cunetto, it felt like the perfect show to christen the new space. And being cast as Dolly Levi made it all the more meaningful. That production holds a special place in my heart, not only because of the wonderful cast but also because it was my last opportunity to work with Dr. Cunetto before graduation. It remains one of my most cherished memories from my time at Mississippi State.”
Sowell said choosing MSU and the College of Arts & Sciences was an easy choice. “Mississippi State University has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. With so many family members who attended and graduated from MSU, maroon and white came naturally to me. During high school, I participated in theatre competitions on campus and had the opportunity to meet the faculty and staff in the Department of Communication early on. I knew then that I wanted to be part of that forward-thinking environment and to learn from the exceptional faculty and staff within the communication department.”
Sowell said her classes at MSU gave her a strong foundation for her career. “When I reflect on my coursework, two classes stand out as especially influential: my acting course and my set-building course. The skills I developed in acting class continue to serve me daily in my current role at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where I portray patients to help train future medical practitioners. I take great pride in providing learners with a realistic, meaningful experience that prepares them for real-world clinical interactions. Although set construction is not part of my daily responsibilities, the practical knowledge I gained in my set-building class has been invaluable. I am confident and capable when using tools or making repairs, and I credit that hands-on training for giving me a strong foundation.”
Currently, Sowell serves as the standardized patient at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Center for Experiential Learning and Assessment. Although in another state, Sowell has remained tied to her MSU community through her service on the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board and also by establishing the John and Myna Dickerson Sowell Endowed Theatre Fund as a way to give back to theatre students.
Outside of work, Sowell remains involved in theatre through her local community theatre. “I am actively involved with Pull-Tight Players, our wonderful community theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. I serve on several committees and on the board of directors, which keeps me joyfully busy and constantly inspired. Getting to flex my creative muscles on a traditional stage brings immense fulfillment to my life. There’s nothing quite like the energy of live theatre.”
When asked to describe her MSU experience in one word, she chose “fast.”
“My college years flew by in what now feels like a single breath. Maybe that’s my age talking, but it’s the first word that comes to mind. When I look back, I find myself wishing I could step into those days again. There’s so much I wouldn’t change for the world, but if I had the chance to relive it, I’d join more, do more, meet more, try more, experience more. Most of all, I’d slow down long enough to truly absorb it all. I’d take the time to recognize, in the moment, just how special Mississippi State really was while I was living it.”