Pierson Crowder
Pierson Crowder
B.S. Mathematics, Minor in Statistics, 2016
Pierson Crowder is an example of how students often find their academic path—and future career—where they least expect it. Initially enrolled in engineering, Crowder changed his major during his freshman year after discovering a growing interest in numbers and data.
“I originally went to MSU for engineering, but I changed my major freshman year. I always enjoyed tracking numbers (sports statistics, box office, economic indicators) so I wanted to study statistics.”
That interest in data quickly turned into a genuine appreciation for the subject.
“I took Intro to Probability my junior year. We spent time once a week talking about the Vegas betting lines for the upcoming football games. The professor also lent me a book by Nate Silver on practical applications of statistics. I never gave it back, and I am actually looking at it on my bookshelf as I type this.” He adds a message to that infamous professor, who hopefully will see this, “Thanks, ‘teach!’”
Crowder also remembers campus traditions fondly, including Mississippi State staples like catfish Friday at Perry Cafeteria.
Impactful classroom experiences also played a role in shaping his communication style, particularly in his public speaking course.
“The professor encouraged us to take liberties and get creative with our presentations. To this day, I know to try to put something goofy into my presentations at work. If I can have fun while presenting numbers and data to a room, then hopefully people will stay awake while listening about numbers and data.”
After graduating from MSU, Crowder worked for the state analyzing labor market trends before moving to Cincinnati to work in data analysis for a clinical research organization. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, he returned closer to home and now works in Jackson at Tower Loan as a risk analyst.
“I’ve built out a lot of template code to make data mining quick and efficient. So, if anyone comes to me with a request, I can typically get it back to them within five minutes. ‘I am speed’––Lightning McQueen,” Crowder laughed.
Outside of work, Crowder stays busy with friends, creative projects and planning for his upcoming wedding to fiancée, Molly.
“I also enjoy making videos with my friends. I wrote a horror movie we filmed a few years ago. I record and edit our fantasy football league punishment every year. Currently, I’m finishing up season four of a Mississippi version a British game show (Taskmaster) where I cast my friends as contestants.”
He remains connected to MSU through campus traditions and local community activities, including ultimate frisbee with the Mississippi Disc Organization.
“I also go to at least one MSU football, basketball and baseball game a year. If you look around, you’re bound to see people you know.”
Crowder’s advice to current students is characteristically direct:
“McCain on the Drill Field has the best bathrooms on campus. You’re welcome.”
Looking back, Crowder says his time at MSU was transformative, “not only for the great education, but also the experiences and people I met over my four years.”