1970s

A blue-tinted image of a person standing in a forest with the text "Moon Hollow" and "Aubrey Hill" overlaid in yellow and white.

Yazoo City-native Aubrey Hill (B.S., M.S. microbiology, ’74, ‘76) has released “Moon Hollow,” his first novel. Set deep in the Alabama woods, the book centers on the fate of two hunters and the lives of the mysterious Moon sisters. Hill drew inspiration for the book from a still image of a young, well-dressed woman captured on a trail camera in a remote area of Talladega National Forest near a handmade marker reading “Don Moon Hollow,” which he was unable to learn about despite research. In addition to his MSU degrees, Hill holds a master’s in computer science from Jackson State and a doctoral degree in the same field from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. “Moon Hollow” is available from online booksellers in print and digital forms. (photo)

Pete Weisenberger (B.S., M.S. animal and dairy science; ’78, ’82) was appointed to a three-year term on the board of trustees of The FarmHouse Foundation which supports the work and mission of the FarmHouse Fraternity. He joined the MSU chapter in 1978 and is an independent agricultural business management consultant in Tyler, Texas, where he is also active with the East Texas Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association.

1980s

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a dark blazer stands in front of a U.S. flag and an official government emblem.

Beth Fleming (B.S chemical engineering, ’88; M.S. chemical engineering, ’94) was named director of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. As director, the fourth in organization history, she leads one of the most diverse research organizations in the world, comprising seven laboratories across four states, with more than 2,600 employees, $1 billion in facilities and an annual program valued at $2.2 billion. She is a 16-year member of the Senior Executive Service with extensive leadership experience. In addition to her MSU degrees, she holds a doctoral degree in civil and environmental engineering from Louisiana State University. Her numerous honors include the Superior Civilian Service Award, the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the Bronze Order of the DeFleury. She was also among Mississippi’s 50 Leading Business Women in 2007 and an MSU Distinguished Fellow in 2003.

1990s

Christi Robinson (B.S., M.S. civil engineering; ’93, ‘96) now leads the Huntsville, Alabama, regional office of Waggoner Engineering as principal engineer. With more than 25 years of experience in the area, she will now provide leadership for the company’s continued growth, including development, implementation and coordination of projects, plans and programs designed to enhance community infrastructure. Additionally, she has taught part-time at the University of Alabama, Huntsville for 15 years, earning recognition for excellence in her approach to capstone course instruction. She is also pursuing a doctoral degree in systems engineering from the University of South Alabama.

A man in a blue suit, white shirt, and red patterned tie is smiling in a modern office setting with blurred lights in the background.

Zack Ivey (BBA, ‘99) is now chief investment officer at Savant Wealth Management. He was an advisor and chief investment strategist for Bridgeworth Wealth Management before it was acquired by Savant. In addition to his MSU degree, he holds an MBA from the University of Alabama and is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Alabama and the Financial Planning Association. 

2000s

Richard Russo (B.A. communication, ’00) is serving the Mississippi Association of Coaches as the statewide football chair. He was awarded the Marshall County Sports Network Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 24-year career, he has coached 783 varsity players and 84 college signees.

A man is pinning a medal onto another man's suit jacket in an indoor setting with flags visible in the background.

Blake M. Macon (B.S. software engineering, ‘03) was awarded the Civilian Service Achievement Medal in recognition of his contributions to the Army’s modernization mission. He serves in the Chief Information Office at Army Futures Command headquartered in Austin, Texas. 

Woman with shoulder-length brown hair and bangs, wearing a black top, smiling in front of a plain light background.

Janis A. Hearne (B.S. educational psychology, ’05; M.S. counselor education, ’08) was accepted to the Walden University health education and promotion doctoral program where she will focus on behavioral health. She works with The Wellspring Alliance for Families in Louisiana and is a case manager and housing stabilizer for its Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families, Permanent Supportive Housing and Home At Last programs.

2010s

A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and red striped tie, stands in front of a sign with partially visible text.

John Blanchard (B.A. political science, ’13) is now a partner at Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah and Perkins LLP. He earned his law degree at the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and joined the firm full time in 2016 following his graduation.

Christina McField (BFA, ‘16) was selected as one of the featured artists of the Mississippi Museum of Art’s 2025 Mississippi Invitational exhibition which highlights contemporary artists living and working in the state.

2020s

Courtney Lee (B.S biomedical engineering, ‘24) is a student ambassador at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. In this role, she assists in student recruitment, admissions and public relations activities.

Birth Announcement

Jack William Estess born April 19, 2025, to Paige and Conner Estess (’15) of Petal.