Mari Micci (Bramuchi) Shannon
Mari Micci (Bramuchi) Shannon
B.S. Biological Sciences, 2014
When Mari Shannon decided where to attend college, there was never much of a question. Mississippi State University was her first choice—and her only choice.
“I was so confident in my decision, I only applied to MSU for college admission,” she said.
Although Shannon knew she wanted a career in health care, she wasn't yet sure which profession would be the right fit.
“I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare, but upon enrolling at MSU, I was unsure of which specific healthcare profession I wanted to become after graduation. I chose the College of Arts & Sciences because I knew a biology degree would prepare me for a variety of healthcare careers, and I feel confident I chose the perfect degree path.”
Her college experience was shaped not only by her academic pursuits but also by the people and organizations that made MSU feel like home.
“I would have to say that Dr. Jimmy Abraham and the Alumni Delegates had the biggest impact on me. I learned so much about service, giving back, and being ‘true maroon’ during my time as an Alumni Delegate, and I will always cherish the people I met and the memories we made along the way. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention my time as a Delta Gamma that provided lifelong friends and a home away from home.”
Her academic advisor, Dr. Mary Celeste Reese, also provided helpful guidance throughout her time at MSU.
Many of Shannon's favorite college memories came through her involvement on campus, but one stands out above the rest.
“If I had to choose just one, I would say my favorite memory was having the honor of serving my class as a freshman maid on the homecoming court.”
When it comes to her favorite MSU tradition, there's no hesitation: the cowbell. Shannon has been ringing hers since elementary school and continues to carry it to Bulldog athletic events today. It has been part of some memorable moments in MSU sports history, including her senior year in 2014 when she cheered on Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs as they rose to #1 in the country.
“I still ring the same cowbell at every athletic event today that I have since elementary, and it has had the privilege of ringing loudly for some of the most meaningful moments in MSU sports’ history, including cheering on Dak and the #1 ranked football team.”
After graduating in 2014, Shannon continued pursuing her interest in health care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she was accepted into its accelerated master's pathway in nursing. The program offered an opportunity for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields to transition into nursing.
“After a fast-paced year, I became a registered nurse, then I immediately started UAB’s Master of Science in Nursing program to become a family nurse practitioner. While in nurse practitioner school, I spent the majority of my time working as nurse in the cardiovascular operating room at Texas Heart Institute in Houston, Texas, where we specialized in high acuity cardiovascular procedures, as well as heart, lung, liver, and kidney transplants.”
After earning her master's degree in nursing, Shannon began working as a family nurse practitioner at Memphis Neurology before eventually returning home to the Mississippi Delta to work in the endovascular outpatient setting.
“In 2022, I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with my Doctor of Nursing Practice in hopes of transitioning to academia in the future. The following year, I joined the team at the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing at Delta State University as an Assistant Professor of Nursing, where I am still employed today. I enjoy serving as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and playing a small role in shaping the next generation of nurses, nurse practitioners and doctorly prepared nurses.”
That transition into academia has given Shannon a new way to make an impact in health care.
“In addition to watching patients improve their health and quality of life, the professional achievement I am most proud of is receiving the Student Engagement Educator award during my first year in academia at Delta State. The award is student-nominated, and it meant so much to me to be recognized.”
Shannon has also built a family of her own with her husband, Daniel. The couple are parents to two daughters, Ann Hardy, 2, and Emmy, 2 weeks, and share their home with a rescue pit bull named Rocket. Outside the classroom, Shannon enjoys giving back to her community through Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland, where she serves as the project's chairman. She also enjoys playing tennis, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Even as her career and family have grown, Shannon's connection to Mississippi State remains strong. She continues to cheer on the Bulldogs, stay connected with her Delta Gamma sisters, and volunteer with the MSU Alumni Association when opportunities arise.
Looking back, she recognizes how much her College of Arts & Sciences experience contributed to the person and professional she has become.
“It prepared me for the future academically, professionally, and personally. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without my time at MSU and the College of Arts and Sciences.”
For current students, Shannon encourages making the most of the opportunities MSU offers, both inside and outside the classroom.
“I would encourage them to cherish every moment and soak up every opportunity. Four years go by faster than you think, so don’t wait to get involved on campus, cheer on the Bulldogs and make new friends. You never know what doors will open from campus involvement or connections you make.”
For Shannon, those doors have led to a career serving patients, preparing future nurses, and building a life and family of her own. And it all began with a decision she never had to think twice about: choosing Mississippi State.