Mississippi State University has welcomed a new group of distinguished Bulldogs into its prestigious Alumni Fellows program. Sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association and eight of the university’s academic colleges, it recognizes alumni who have excelled in their careers and invites them back to campus to engage with students.
The Alumni Fellows program connects students with accomplished alumni who share their practical insights and professional expertise on the skills and mindset necessary for success. The event combines the experiences of professionals, the curiosity of students and the expertise of faculty members into a platform that enriches the educational experience at MSU.
“The MSU Alumni Association is proud to bring exceptional alumni from eight of the university’s academic colleges back to our campus to share their experience and wisdom with our students,” said Jeff Davis, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association. “Since the Fellows program began in 1989, more than 300 alumni have participated in this unique program, and each and every year the class of fellows, their accomplishments and the impact they have on our students is truly remarkable.”
The legacy of the Alumni Fellows program is the lifelong recognition it provides to its honorees, further amplifying the spirit and pride of MSU’s extensive alumni network, which includes more than 169,000 individuals worldwide.
The following are this year’s distinguished honorees, organized by college.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Ward Forest Bloodworth of Hernando serves as executive vice president at Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC, where he oversees national procurement and sales strategy for crop protection, seed, fertilizer and precision agriculture. With more than two decades of service at Helena, Bloodworth has held roles ranging from salesman to vice president, earning a reputation for strategic leadership and deeply rooted industry expertise. A native of Batesville, Bloodworth was raised in agriculture. His father owned Panola Farmers Service, an agriculture retail business, where Bloodworth’s early exposure to the industry fueled a lifelong passion for serving row crop growers. That passion led him to Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in agronomy in 1998 and a Master of Science in weed science with a minor in agricultural business in 2002. He credits MSU for providing both the academic foundation and the lasting professional network that has shaped his success. Bloodworth served as the past president of both the Mississippi Agricultural Advisory Council and the Mississippi Certified Crop Advisors. He is a committee member of the Delta Council and serves on the board of directors and formally served on the executive committee of the Agricultural Retailers Association. He is also a board member of The Fertilizer Institute. Beyond his professional work, Bloodworth serves on the board of trustees and corporate board of Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. and is a deacon at Desoto Hills Baptist Church. Named a Distinguished Fellow by MSU’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in 2022, Bloodworth remains involved with the university through service on the Plant and Soil Sciences Advisory Council and by mentoring students. Further, Bloodworth enjoys time with his wife, Lauren, and their three children—Max, Drake and Rivers. Whether on the golf course or cheering for Mississippi State, Bloodworth remains deeply connected to his roots in North Mississippi and the land-grant values that shaped his path.
College of Architecture, Art and Design
John David Lewis of Jackson is the executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, the state’s official arts agency. In this role, he leads and collaborates with staff and the board of directors to champion the transformative power of the arts across Mississippi. He regularly travels to communities throughout the state, engaging with artists, arts organizations and civic leaders to strengthen Mississippi’s creative landscape. Lewis earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Mississippi State University in 2015 and later completed a Master of Arts in urban and regional planning from Jackson State University in 2018. Initially drawn to architecture as a child with dreams of designing skyscrapers in New York, his field experiences at MSU sparked a deeper desire to enhance Mississippi communities through urban design and the arts, which ultimately led to a passion for public service. Lewis remains actively involved with MSU through end-of-semester architecture reviews, feedback to students and as a speaker for the School of Architecture’s Friday Forum series. He also serves on numerous arts and cultural boards, including America 250-Mississippi, the Mississippi Book Festival, the Mississippi Blues and Country Music Trails, the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area, the National Folk Festival, and SouthArts. Deeply grounded in faith, Lewis credits the Lord for guiding his path, along with his family. He is an active member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. His accolades include: 2024 MS Top 50, 2018 AIA Mississippi Friend of Architecture and three-time Visit Jackson Hometown Hero Award winner. Rooted in Mississippi and driven by purpose, Lewis remains committed to using the arts to make a lasting impact across the state.
College of Arts and Sciences
Paul J. “PJ” Moore III of Spring, Texas, is an accomplished geoscientist with more than two decades of experience in geological research and exploration. A native of Vancleave, he earned a Bachelor of Science in geology from Mississippi State University in 2002 before earning a doctoral degree in geological sciences from the University of Florida with a focus on aqueous geochemistry and physical hydrogeology. While at MSU, PJ was influenced by his undergraduate advisor, John Mylroie, whose passion for science and adventurous approach to life helped shape his academic path. That inspiration, coupled with early encouragement from his aunt, a geologist herself, fueled his lifelong fascination with earth sciences. He credits MSU for laying the foundation for the scientist he has become. For the past 16 years, Moore has worked for ExxonMobil, most recently spending four years overseas as a research lead at ExxonMobil Research Qatar. There, he led projects focused on understanding coastal aquifers. Beyond his professional work, Moore has remained actively engaged in the scientific community. He has written more than 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals and served on the board of directors for the Karst Waters Institute for 15 years. He is also a longtime member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Geological Society of America and the National Speleological Society. A dedicated supporter of Mississippi State University, Moore established an endowed fund to benefit the geosciences department. He remains passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and representing MSU with pride wherever his career takes him.
College of Business
Jim Perkins of Ridgeland is a proud Mississippi State University alumnus and accomplished business leader with more than four decades of experience in the oil and gas exploration, development and production industry. A native of Columbus, Perkins earned a 1981 Bachelor of Science in banking and finance from MSU. While at MSU, he earned membership into the Financial Management Honor Society and developed a lifelong loyalty to the university that continues to shape his personal and professional life. A chance interview with Shell Oil Company, originally meant for MSU petroleum engineering graduates, led to a job offer that ultimately launched a long and successful career. Perkins credits Shell’s world-class training and development programs for shaping his leadership and negotiation skills, and he remains grateful for the solid foundation laid by his MSU College of Business education. Over his career, Perkins served in several key roles, most notably as vice president of Bois d’Arc Energy Inc., where he was responsible for the business’s activities and the contract negotiations related to exploration, development and production of oil and gas. Earlier in his career at Shell, Perkins was part of the team honored with the prestigious 1992 President’s Award for Team Excellence. A steadfast supporter of Mississippi State University, Perkins gives back and pays it forward through two scholarship programs, the James “Jim” Pollard Perkins Endowed Scholarships and the James “Jim” Pollard Perkins Annual Scholarships. These scholarships help fund tuition for eight high-achieving and deserving MSU College of Business students. While living in Houston, Texas, Perkins was involved in community service by serving as a director with the Chevron Houston Marathon for five years. Perkins promotes Mississippi State University wherever he goes and believes no matter where life’s journey has taken him, Mississippi State University and Starkville will always be his home.
College of Education
Jim Hemphill of Starkville is a lifelong educator, strategic consultant and proud four-time graduate of Mississippi State University. A native of Jackson, Hemphill earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education in 1968 and 1969, respectively. He completed an educational specialist degree in school administration in 1976 and a Doctor of Education in 1984. He began his career in the Starkville Separate School District, where he taught, coached and served as middle school principal during the early years of integration. Those formative years instilled in him the importance of resilience, relationship-building and inclusive leadership. Hemphill went on to serve in senior advancement roles at Mississippi State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Converse College and Erskine College, before becoming special assistant and spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Education. During this time, he served as its lobbyist to the Mississippi legislature, advocating for key legislative initiatives and funding for educational programs. He also spent a decade in corporate management and marketing in the student lending and servicing industry in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1998, Hemphill founded The Victor Group Inc., an independent consulting cooperative focused on strategic planning, executive placement and public relations for municipalities, nonprofits and educational institutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Hemphill honors the legacy of his father, and all WWII prisoners of war, as secretary of the board for The Kriegie Foundation. His decade-long research and involvement in an ARTE TV documentary reflect his passion for preserving history and educating future generations. An active Bulldog, Hemphill served as president of the MSU Education Alumni Association, faculty advisor to Kappa Alpha Order and member of the M-Club. He and his wife Pam share a deep love for family, with two children, four granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. For Hemphill, Mississippi State has been more than an alma mater—it has been the foundation of a life devoted to service, learning and community.
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering
Christopher L. Ewing of Memphis, Tennessee, is a proud Mississippi State University alumnus and accomplished business leader with more than 30 years of experience in engineering and technology. A native of Cleveland, Ewing graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. Driven by an early interest in leveraging technology as a gateway to business, he has built a career centered on innovation, leadership, and company growth. Today, Ewing is the founder, chairman and CEO of Ewing | Kessler Inc., one of the largest independent building systems firms in the mid-South. The company delivers engineered solutions in air conditioning, power and energy management through four core divisions: engineered equipment, parts distribution, service and building automation systems. His leadership has shaped many of the region’s most notable projects, including the Cook Convention Center, FedEx Forum, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid and ServiceMaster’s downtown headquarters. A dedicated alumnus, Ewing serves as chairman of Mississippi State’s Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board and was named a Distinguished Fellow of the Bagley College of Engineering in 2009. Beyond the university, he is actively engaged in his community. He has served on the boards of Liberty University, Moore Tech, Rotary Foundation, YMCA and Bartlett Chamber of Commerce. In the private sector, Ewing contributes his expertise as a board member for several organizations, including Meta Games, Grit, WISPr Systems, LingoPal and Live Music Network. He credits Mississippi State with providing the relationships, mentorship and alumni network that have profoundly shaped his personal and professional journey. According to Ewing, the university’s close-knit community, academic rigor and strong engineering reputation made it the ideal place to begin his path.
College of Forest Resources
Malone Buchanan, a native of Okolona, earned a Bachelor of Science in forestry from Mississippi State University in 1977. He is president of Standing Pine Forestry Services LLC, a Carthage-based business he owns and operates. His work focuses on timber appraisal, forest management, timber marketing and related services, allowing him to remain active in the field he has enjoyed for decades. Growing up on a dairy farm with eight siblings, Buchanan initially considered careers in music or business before MSU recruiters introduced him to forestry. Drawn to the opportunity to work outdoors, he found a profession that combined his interests with a fulfilling career path. Buchanan’s career began the day after his graduation, when he joined International Paper. Over the course of nearly 40 years with the company, he held roles in land and forest management as well as wood procurement, working in Lucedale, New Augusta and Vicksburg, and Bay Minette, Alabama. After retiring in 2016, he continued his work in the industry through his own company, offering independent forestry consulting services. He credits the university with not only preparing him for professional success but also fostering lifelong friendships that remain strong after 50 years. Buchanan has stayed connected to the university through philanthropic support and service on the dean’s advisory board for the College of Forest Resources. Active in his profession, Buchanan has served as treasurer of the Mississippi Society of American Foresters and as a board member of the Mississippi Forestry Association. His enduring affection for Mississippi State University continues to inspire his commitment to giving back, ensuring future generations can benefit from the same education and opportunities that shaped his own life.
College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Tracy Acosta of Biloxi is a dedicated veterinarian, business owner, author and lifelong advocate for animal welfare and education. Originally from Gulfport, Acosta gained acceptance into Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine through its competitive Early Entry Program and later received a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences in 1992 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Today, Acosta is owner and lead veterinarian of Acosta Veterinary Hospital and Four Paws Bed and Biscuit, where she oversees a full-service small animal practice offering medical, surgical, dental, grooming and boarding services. Beyond her clinical work, Acosta has been a voice for veterinary education and pet wellness across the state and nation. In 1999, she published “Your Dog’s Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion,” which led to a statewide book tour, including a stop at the MSU campus bookstore. She has contributed to national publications, written a syndicated pet-care column for more than two decades, hosted “Let’s Talk About Pets”—a local radio show—and spoken at veterinary conferences. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, of which she is also a member, selected Acosta to participate in the yearlong Leadership Gulf Coast program for 2007–08. She often visits local schools to inspire children through educational talks about responsible pet care and veterinary careers. Acosta is a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church of Biloxi, and her Catholic faith has remained a cornerstone in both her personal and professional life. A proud Mississippi State alumna, Acosta supports the university through her involvement with the M-Club, the Coast Dawgs alumni chapter, and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s admissions process. She lives in Biloxi with her husband, John, and their three beloved dogs: Sheldon, Howard and Penny.
By Anna Welborn and Shun Pounds
