The Mill now dedicated home of MSU Division of Development and Alumni
The 90,000-square-foot historic mill, a landmark on Russell Street since 1902, is officially home to the Mississippi State University Division of Development and Alumni following a ribbon cutting in April.
The division previously called the Hunter Henry Center, on the western edge of campus, home until January 2024. It moved into the more-spacious mill as final renovations were taking place, having outgrown its prior facility. The division engages graduates and friends of the university to support the betterment of its students, faculty and future. It stewards gifts that strengthen the mission of the institution and serves as a rallying force that helps alumni interact with the university and one another.
“The Mill stands as a symbol of what we can accomplish by working together,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “I am grateful for the generous donors who believe in Mississippi State University and the work we are doing to move our state and nation forward who made this project possible. In many ways, The Mill is the front door for welcoming guests and visitors to our campus, Starkville and Oktibbeha County. It’s a win-win-win for all of us.”
The building became a fixture of the Starkville skyline upon its construction in 1902, and has served in a number of capacities since. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
“We’re honored to call The Mill home,” said John Rush, vice president for development and alumni. “It’s a classic building and a place anyone who’s spent much time on campus or in town knows on sight. It was built to weave natural fibers into fabric to clothe a nation. In some ways, that’s a good metaphor for the work we’re doing here today.”
By housing the MSU Division of Development and Alumni in its easily-accessed location just off campus, the building has found new life once again. This time it is host to ballrooms, meeting facilities, gathering centers and professional offices. Officially dubbed The Mill at MSU, it stands adjacent to a three-story, 461-slot parking garage and 104-room Courtyard Marriott hotel. Accordingly, its halls and breakout rooms have already hosted a number of conferences, banquets and conventions.
“Never in our wildest imagination did we think we’d wind up with such a beautiful facility,” said Rodger Johnson, chairman of the board for the MSU Foundation and a primary driver of the project. “The value of the accomplishments go well beyond the facility alone, though. It’s representative of the bridging relationship we’ve created with the community. It’s part of an effort that has been and continues to be transformational for the university and the city, merging two great institutions. It’s really been a pleasure to help put it all together. This is history married to the present with an eye toward the future.”
Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill agreed, noting the mutually beneficial aspects of the relationship.
“We really appreciate the partnership,” she said. “As an SEC city, we want to be a place where people are proud to be. We’re proud of the seamless nature of the relationship as we’re growing from city hall to Lee Hall. Watching the future come together is really exciting. It’s incredibly bright.”
To learn more about The Mill at MSU or to book a space for your own event, visit themillatmsu.com.
