The Division of Development and Alumni at Mississippi State University welcomed a wealth of new talent to its ranks in 2025 and early 2026. These individuals bring diverse skills and Bulldog spirit to their roles, advancing MSU’s mission with energy, creativity and dedication.

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Kevin Tate – Assistant director for communications

Kevin Tate of Tupelo joined the division in March 2025 as assistant director of communications. A 1994 MSU graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in history, Tate brings more than 30 years of experience in feature writing, photography and videography. His career has included roles in television production, newspaper editing and multimedia storytelling, and his strong editorial perspective has enhanced the division’s content development and communications strategy.

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Kevin Burchfield – Computer support specialist

In June 2025, Kevin Burchfield of Starkville entered the role of computer support specialist, succeeding longtime staff member Steve Roberts, who retired June 30. A 1997 Mississippi State graduate in landscape architecture, Burchfield previously served as a key member of MSU’s ITS desktop support team. His technical expertise and institutional knowledge strengthen the division’s information services group.

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John Paul Wallace – Stewardship coordinator

John Paul Wallace of Petal joined the MSU Foundation as a stewardship coordinator in June 2025. He graduated from MSU in 2024 with a degree in communication and previously worked in the Office of Research and Economic Development, where he supported projects in research security and the Advanced Composites Institute. His project coordination and campus engagement experience support the division’s growing stewardship efforts.

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Greta Allen – Communications specialist

In July 2025, Greta Allen of Olive Branch became the division’s newest communications specialist. A May 2024 MSU communication graduate, Allen brings experience in digital media, social media management, photography and videography. She previously worked for the MSU Department of Communication, Office of Research and Economic Development and Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

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Mary Dade Ford – Assistant director of development, Bagley College of Engineering

Mary Dade Ford of Columbus joined the MSU Foundation in August 2025 as assistant director of development for the Bagley College of Engineering. A 2017 MSU graduate in human development and family sciences, Ford previously served as manager of donor relations at The Baddour Center in Senatobia. Her background in fundraising and relationship management supports Bagley’s continued growth and donor engagement.

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Jana Lawyer – Director of development for special projects

The MSU Foundation welcomed Jana Lawyer of Vicksburg as director of development for special projects in July 2025. A 2015 MSU marketing graduate, Lawyer brings more than a decade of development experience, including recent service as director of development for Russian Riverkeeper in California. She also spent seven years with the Sharpe Group, advising nonprofits on major gifts and planned giving. At MSU, she oversees fundraising for MSU–Meridian, the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, and the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Museum.

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Brittany Nason – Accountant III

In November 2025, Brittany Nason of Starkville joined the division’s business office. A 2012 MSU MBA graduate, she brings more than a decade of financial experience, most recently serving as business manager for MSU’s School of Human Sciences. Her analytical expertise and knowledge of university operations enhance the division’s financial management capacity.

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Noah Berry – Assistant director of development, MSU Extension, CALS and MAFES

Noah Berry of Jackson joined the MSU Foundation in January 2026 as assistant director of development for MSU Extension, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. A 2023 MSU graduate in agribusiness and agricultural economics management, Berry previously worked as an agricultural lender. His professional background, coupled with his recent student experience, gives him unique insight into MSU’s mission and its supporters.