Sydney Wicks
Sydney Wicks
B.S. Psychology, minors in Sociology and Marketing, 2021
“Choosing Mississippi State University felt like the right fit from the start. The moment I set foot on campus during my tour, it felt like home,” said Sydney Wicks, a 2021 Mississippi State graduate. “I knew I wanted to study psychology and sociology, and the College of Arts & Sciences gave me the tools and opportunities I needed to explore that passion while also building a strong foundation for my future.”
Once on campus, Wicks found joy and purpose in leadership and involvement opportunities, experiences that shaped both his personal and professional growth. “Through my involvement with student organizations at MSU, I had the opportunity to connect with incredible people, host leadership conferences and concerts, and organize a range of events across campus. These experiences pushed me to grow in ways I never expected and helped shape the person I am today,” said Wicks.
One of the most meaningful parts of that involvement centered around a beloved campus tradition––Bulldog Bash. “Throughout my undergraduate career, the concert was a constant. My involvement grew from volunteering through the Student Association to serving on the executive committee, first as sponsorship coordinator and later as assistant director. Being part of the student-led team behind an event that big and that beloved made it one of the most exciting parts of my time at MSU,” said Wicks.
Along the way, Wicks was supported by a network of faculty and mentors who helped guide his path. When asked if there were any professors or mentors that helped to shape his path in a lasting way, Wicks said, “It is hard to pinpoint just one—my time at MSU was filled with professors and mentors who invested in me and pushed me to grow. Whether in the classroom or through my involvement in campus organizations, I was surrounded by people who helped shape the path I am on today.”
His academic and co-curricular experiences also played a key role in preparing him for what came next. “Serving as an ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences helped me develop professionally, while my involvement in research labs allowed me to explore and deepen my interest in research, as well as build foundational research skills,” said Wicks about how CAS prepared his for life after graduation.
After graduating in 2021, Wicks began his pursuit of a Ph.D. in experimental psychology at the University of Mississippi, where he studies social exclusion, relationships, and singlehood. He earned his master’s in experimental psychology in 2023 and expects to complete his doctorate in 2026.
Outside of his academic work, Wicks enjoys spending time with his family and cats, Achilles, Orion, and Ody. He also has a passion for science communication, which involves translating research findings into accessible language for non-academic audiences. “It is something I find deeply rewarding and an important part of how I give back to the broader community,” said Wicks.
A legacy school for him, he is proud to join the ranks of his father, who has a doctorate from MSU, and his brothers, also MSU alumni, in finding community at the university. He remains connected to Mississippi State through his family, as well as through social media and by keeping in touch with friends and colleagues from his time as a student.
Reflecting on his experience, Wicks encourages current students to take full advantage of their time on campus. “My advice to students would be to get involved. Classes give you knowledge, but organizations can provide community, leadership experience and relationships that last well beyond graduation,” he said.
“My time at MSU was filled with experiences that pushed me to grow, relationships that have stood the test of time, and opportunities that set the course of my life,” said Wicks. “No matter where life takes me, being a Bulldog will always be a part of who I am.”