Alumni Fellows

Sponsored by the Mississippi State University Alumni Association and the university’s eight academic colleges, the Alumni Fellows Program recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their respective careers. They are selected by each academic college and are invited to return to campus to meet with students, both in the classroom and informally. The Alumni Fellows program has served as a means for enriching the MSU experience by exposing students to outstanding alumni who share extensive knowledge and real-world experience from their respective fields. 

Benji Nelson

2023 College of Business Alumni Fellow

Alumni Fellow Benji Nelson with College of Business Dean Scott Grawe

Previous Alumni Fellows

  • 2022 Cynthia Cooper
  • 2021 Kathy St. John
  • 2020 (Alumni Fellows event canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic)
  • 2019 Shawn Hunter
  • 2018 Tom Hixon
  • 2017 Mike McIlwain
  • 2016 Jan Lewis
  • 2015 Kenneth B. Robinson
  • 2014 Boyce Adams
  • 2013 Mary Childs
  • 2012 Paul Karre
  • 2011 E. Andrew "Drew" Allen, II
  • 2010 Don Whitmire, Jr.
  • 2009 Lee Miller
  • 2008 Jan Gwin
  • 2007 John D. Ferguson
  • 2006 Paul B. Murphy Jr.
  • 2005 David Lee Watson
  • 2004 Roderick A. Moore
  • 2003 Lamar A. Conerly Jr.
  • 2002 James J. "Jim" Rouse
  • 2001 Steve D. Golding
  • 2000 Linda M. Garrett and Donald L. Garrett
  • 1999 Gerald "Jerry" W. Thames
  • 1998 Dr. Shirley F. Olson
  • 1997 Johnny H. Baker, III
  • 1996 Julius P. Gwin
  • 1995 Davis K. Mortensen
  • 1994 Hartley and Melia Peavey
  • 1993 W.G. "Mickey" Holliman
  • 1992 George W. Bryan
  • 1991 Rear Admiral James A. Mayo, USN, Retired
  • 1990 Dr. Ron J. Ponder