The Distinguished Service Award annually recognizes individuals who have displayed outstanding volunteer and leadership efforts within their local alumni chapter during the previous year. Their efforts are essential in upholding the mission of the Alumni Association and also bring favorable recognition to the university. Four dedicated alumni are recipients for 2023.
Steve Brandon is a distinguished alumnus of Mississippi State University and a well-respected member of the Chattanooga, Tennessee, community. He graduated from MSU with dual bachelor’s degrees in plant pathology and weed science in 1972, followed by a master’s degree in weed science in 1973. After an illustrious career spanning agribusiness, technology, science and engineering, he retired from TMP Worldwide as senior vice president of international operations. Maintaining connections with his alma mater and its Alumni Association, Brandon was a key figure in the revitalization of the Greater Chattanooga Chapter. Having previously served as president, he currently serves as chapter treasurer, chair of the student recruiting and co-chair of the retired alumni committees. His leadership led to the chapter receiving two Gold Cowbell awards, one Silver Cowbell award and one Bronze Cowbell award, along with six consecutive years as an Honors Chapter. Brandon also served on the Alumni National Board for six years and was a member of the executive committee. He and his wife, Patsy Fowlkes, a 2022 Distinguished Service Award winner, are ardent supporters of MSU and often host game-watch parties and other events. They have established a presidential endowed scholarship and contributed to naming several campus facilities at MSU.
Andrew Frank is a respected businessman and community leader in Kosciusko. Born in Ohio and raised in Mississippi, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1991 and is the owner of BSP Filing Solutions. Through his work, he previously collaborated with Neil Price, the voice of the Bulldogs, to create a custom filing solution for Price’s game day radio notes. Frank has served as an active member and volunteer with the MSU Alumni Association in the Attala County Chapter for nearly 20 years, including 13 years as president. Under his leadership, the chapter has flourished and was honored with a Bronze Cowbell award. He often leads in organizing, hosting and sponsoring annual send-off parties and scholarship events to enhance chapter engagement and volunteer participation. Frank also served on the Alumni National Board for six years as Central Region 2 director.
Theressia McAlpin is a retired Pearl Public School District educator who is dedicated to serving her community and her alma mater. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from MSU in 1977 and 1998, respectively. Throughout her career and retirement, she has been an active member of the Central Mississippi Chapter of the Alumni Association, where she has held various roles, including serving as president in 2014. Her recruiting efforts over the years and contributions to MSU’s Alumni Recruitment Network demonstrate her passion for bringing younger generations into the Bulldog family. McAlpin has earned multiple awards recognizing her dedication and service to the community. Among these awards are the Ridge Thomason Award for community service and the prestigious Silver Cowbell for the success of her presidency.
Kirk Shaw is a retired attorney and passionate community servant residing in Spanish Fort, Alabama. The McComb native obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mississippi State University in 1965 and later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia in 1971. He has been an active member of the Mobile, Alabama Chapter of the Alumni Association since he moved to the coast more than 50 years ago. Since 1973, he has served on the chapter’s board, including several years as president. He also is the chapter’s community service chair, a position he has held for the past 10 years. Long before Maroon Mail Writing began, Shaw was writing letters to prospective students, sharing his love for MSU and bolstering recruitment for his alma mater. He has been instrumental in organizing and supporting chapter events to grow engagement. His longtime dedication to the chapter is a testament to his love for MSU.
