For Robert Lenard Barnes Jr., arriving at Mississippi State University was not the result of a carefully mapped plan. It was, as he describes it, a mix of faith, circumstance, and a single campus visit that changed everythin

A legacy student, Jee, came to Mississippi State feeling connected to the university. That sense of belonging only grew through his academic experiences and the mentorship he received in the chemistry department.

“One of my proudest Mississippi State achievements was giving the commencement address in 1993,” said Henry “Hank” Johnston, a 1965 MSU graduate, whose impressive career led to his selection as commencement speaker.

“Being in the stadium when we beat Alabama 6-3 in Jackson in 1980 for the first time in about 25 years was my best sports experience,” said Tom Freeman, a 1982 MSU graduate who today serves on the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board.

“It has to be the night I was elected the first woman MSU Student Association President in Mississippi State’s 100-year history,” said MSU alumna Laurie Williams of her favorite stand-out MSU memory. “It was a thrill finally kicking through that glass ceiling––in high heels, no less!”