Macy Brecklein
Macy Brecklein
B.S. Biological Sciences, 2021
Macy Brecklein, a 2021 Mississippi State University graduate, first set her sights on MSU after touring the campus as a high school junior and immediately recognizing it as the place she belonged. “The people, campus, and educational opportunities were unmatched,” said Brecklein. “I specifically chose the College of Arts & Sciences because the biological sciences degree had everything I needed to apply to a professional school (at the time I was interested in veterinary medicine). My career path changed as I went through my four years, but being in the College of Arts & Sciences never wavered! I decided to stick with biological sciences because it was so interesting to me and the classes were fun and diverse.”
Being an ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences had great impact on Brecklein during her time at MSU. “I loved working with my CASA peers and Hannah Coleman, our advisor! Getting to reach out to potential students and work campus events was so rewarding to me. It felt like I could give back to the college that had given me so much,” said Brecklein.
“Besides the time I spent with friends, the most impactful memory I have is getting the Stephen D. Lee recognition at graduation. I felt very accomplished when I got to shake Dr. Keenum’s hand and know that my hard work had paid off,” said Brecklein of her perfect 4.0 path through college.
Classes taught by Dr. McCurdy in biological sciences––Immunology and Genetics–– shaped Brecklein’s path in a lasting way. “Both of those classes were extremely interesting, and I loved the way that Dr. McCurdy taught the content. I am now a biomedical science teacher and teach a lot of the same concepts to my high schoolers,” said Brecklein.
After graduating in 2021, Brecklein focused on preparing high school students for college and careers in health care and STEM fields. She began her career as a long-term substitute in health professions at the NEA Career and Technical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She then returned to her alma mater, The Academies of Jonesboro High School, as a biology teacher. While teaching, she earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas. After two years in the biology classroom, she transitioned into teaching biomedical science courses at JHS.
“These classes are project and lab-based and have the goal of preparing students for college and the workplace. The classes emphasize lab skills, collaboration, and career readiness––all of which I received at MSU! I attended several weeks of training to specialize in these classes and have now been teaching them for two years,” said Brecklein.
With many achievements under her belt, Brecklein is most proud of the impact her teaching has had on the lives of her students. “The education I received from Mississippi State, and specifically the College of Arts & Sciences, has tremendously helped my ability to prepare current high school students for their college careers. I am constantly referencing my time at MSU during my teaching, whether it is sharing something my professors taught me, teaching a similar lab skill, or just talking about how much I love Starkville,” said Brecklein.
Brecklein married her high school sweetheart, Blake, in June 2023 after graduating from Mississippi State. They currently live in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with their two pets and many surrounding family members. She spends much of her free time reading, spending time outside, hunting, fishing, walking, and cooking. She also works part-time for her parents’ medical office. “I have a blessed life and am grateful to God for the ability to work and enjoy life,” said Brecklein with a smile.
Brecklein stays connected to her community and MSU by attending football or baseball games where she can. She enjoys all things MSU sports and stays up to date on CAS happenings through the CAS Instagram. “I try to talk all of my high school students into visiting Mississippi State for a weekend or a campus tour,” said Brecklein.
A piece of advice she would give to today’s Mississippi State students is to enjoy every second of it, “because it goes way too fast.”
“Enjoy the little things, like walking through campus on a pretty day or hanging out in the District with your friends.”
When asked to give one word to describe her MSU/CAS experience, Brecklein responded said, “Influential.”
“My life would not look the same had I not gone to MSU or been a part of the College of Arts & Sciences. My experiences there have shaped my career and relationships forever!”