Tatu Taylor

Tatu Taylor 

B.A. Sociology, minor in Biological Sciences, 2021

M.S., Health Promotion and Wellness, 2022

Sometimes a single college course can change the direction of a student's life. For Tatu Taylor, that course was Population Problems, which sparked an interest in public health and prompted her to change her major to sociology with a minor in biological sciences.

Another course, Biology and Culture, taught by Professor Molly Zuckerman, helped Taylor see how her interests could intersect.

“It helped me see how different disciplines can work together to give us a deeper understanding of health and the human experience, which ultimately influenced the direction I chose to pursue in my career,” Taylor says.

Her education was only part of Taylor's Mississippi State experience. She also found a community through her involvement on campus, beginning with New Maroon Camp.

“Being a New Maroon Camp Counselor was one of my favorite and most impactful experiences at Mississippi State,” she says. “I started out as a camper, and I immediately knew that I wanted to help provide that same welcoming experience for incoming students.”

The experience also taught Taylor something about herself. Initially, she worried that she needed to be extremely outgoing to succeed in leadership and campus involvement. Instead, a member of the New Maroon Camp executive staff told her she had been chosen because some students would benefit from having someone who was more reserved and approachable.

“At first, I thought I had to be extremely extroverted to be successful in those spaces,” Taylor says. “It taught me that there is value in showing up as your authentic self, and that sometimes the qualities you may see as weaknesses are the very things that allow you to connect with and reach others.”

Even the hectic moments of college became meaningful memories. Taylor fondly remembers finals week, particularly the late nights studying in the library with friends and the campus events that helped students stay motivated.

“There was something special about seeing everyone come together, working hard and encouraging each other to do their best,” she says.

After earning her bachelor's degree in 2021, Taylor remained at Mississippi State to pursue a master's degree in health promotion and wellness, which she completed in 2022. She later served as a program manager at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle before moving into her current role as compliance director at Arist and Shine Inc.

Of her professional accomplishments, Taylor is particularly proud of earning her master's degree. The decision, she says, grew naturally from the curiosity she developed as a sociology student.

“Each class sparked my curiosity and made me more interested in continuing my education and exploring how I could use what I was learning to make an impact,” Taylor says. “I’m grateful that my CAS education gave me that perspective, because it continues to shape how I approach both my career and my life.”

Taylor remains connected to Mississippi State through the lifelong friendships she made as a student and through relationships with former professors, including one she still turns to for advice. She is also working on a children's book that she hopes to complete soon.

For current students, Taylor emphasizes that the college experience extends well beyond the classroom.

“College is about so much more than grades. It’s about the connections you make, the opportunities you take, and even the mistakes you make and learn from along the way,” she says. “It’s a time to discover who you are, what you value, and the person you want to become.”

She encourages students to get involved, especially in experiences that challenge them to step beyond what feels comfortable.

“You may discover a part of yourself that you never knew existed,” Taylor says. “Surround yourself with people who are driven and encourage you to keep growing. Their ambition can motivate you to keep going while also teaching you the importance of celebrating and cheering on the people around you.”

For Taylor, that growth began with a change in direction. What started with a single sociology course ultimately led to a new academic path, graduate school, and a career shaped by her interest in people, health and service.

“I felt like I belonged the moment I stepped onto campus,” Taylor says. “I could immediately see myself thriving at State, and that’s exactly what I did!”