“I chose Mississippi State University and the College of Arts & Sciences because of their strong academic reputation, supportive learning environment, and emphasis on critical thinking and interdisciplinary education,” said Breelyn Davenport Thaggard, a 2023 MSU graduate. “The College of Arts & Sciences provided a solid foundation in the sciences while also encouraging intellectual curiosity and professional growth. MSU’s commitment to student success, research opportunities, and community engagement aligned well with my academic goals and long-term aspirations in healthcare. The resources, mentorship, and diverse coursework within CAS prepared me to succeed in a rigorous graduate program and continue developing as a well-rounded professional.”

“I was a bulldog from an early age. My dad graduated from Mississippi State University and my mom graduated from Mississippi University for Women, so I guess I had always known this was where I wanted to go to school,” said Walters, a 1988 MSU graduate. “The College of Arts and Sciences is a little longer story. I started off as a computer science major. I decided that I did not like programming, but I liked math and I liked German. I thought I wanted to teach, but a degree in mathematics provided me with additional opportunities if I chose not to teach. I am glad of the path I chose. It allowed me to go straight to a graduate degree program after graduation.”

“I felt deeply connected to the campus on my initial visit, so the choice to attend Mississippi State University was an easy one. I was charmed by our beautiful campus and cozy small town. I knew I wanted a large-campus experience, but I needed smaller classrooms and hands-on learning to truly succeed,” said Emily Stone, a 2019 MSU graduate. “I was eager to get involved, intern, work and gain a ton of experience. MSU and the College of Arts and Sciences gave that to me, and I credit my career growth to how much was invested in me as a student.”

“One of my favorite memories during my time as a MSU student was the chance encounter in 1977 with Mr. Hunter Henry,” said Harvest Collier, a three-time Mississippi State graduate. Then a doctoral student finishing his degree, Collier had no idea that greeting Henry in a hallway in Hand Lab would change the trajectory of his life.

Long before he wore a white coat, Dr. A. Randle White’s fascination with medicine was clear. Even as a child, he carried a quiet determination to care for others, a drive that would shape his future as a physician.

“Mississippi State University provided me the academic tools and experiences I needed to be accepted into and thrive in medical school,” said physician Fred Corley, a 1968 Mississippi State graduate and current San Antonio resident. “These included disciplines, time management, and lots of encouragement from my professors to have a stimulated and inquisitive mind.”

“From a very young age I had the dream of being a doctor and making a difference in the medical field in some form or fashion. The courses I took in the College of Arts and Sciences gave me the foundation to move forward and achieve my career goals later in life,” Hulett said.

“There are so many reasons I chose Mississippi State University for college. Their psychology program is consistently ranked #1 in Mississippi, and their research department is outstanding, said Destany Taylor, who currently lives in Madison, Miss. “Since I knew I wanted to stay in-state, joining the best program was important to me. The campus itself is vibrant, diverse, and incredibly welcoming—which made the decision even easier. In the end, becoming a Bulldog just made sense.”

“I often joined Dr. Lewis R. Brown for lunch at the Perry Cafeteria, and I remember how he would stop to chat with so many professors and students he knew. Those interactions made me feel connected to the department,” said Magan Green, 2001 MSU graduate, majoring in microbiology. “Dr. Brown was an incredible teacher and invested a lot of time in my life and career.”

“My personal interest in the sciences was cultivated by an early experience with Mississippi State University,” said Ralph Alewine, a 1970 MSU graduate and current supporter of the university.

“One of the highlights of my time at Mississippi State University was being a part of Music Maker Productions (MMP). Performing concerts in The Hump and at 5 Points was an incredible experience,” said 1989 communication graduate and College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board Member Angela Hammack.

“From working big tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods, winter storms to supporting the Deepwater Horizon oil spill event and being deployed to support a Superbowl, they have all had a lasting impact on my journey,” said Kenneth E. Graham, a 1994 MSU geosciences graduate who today serves as the director of the National Weather Service. Before the NWS, he served as director of the National Hurricane Center.