MSU Alumni Association Honors Outstanding Volunteers
Each year, Mississippi State University’s Alumni Volunteer Leadership Weekend brings together passionate Bulldogs from across the country—volunteers who devote their time, energy and leadership to keeping the MSU spirit alive in their communities. Held at The Mill at MSU, this year’s event not only celebrated outstanding chapters and volunteers but also provided an opportunity for alumni to connect, learn and shape the future of alumni engagement at Mississippi State.
From the Chapter and Volunteer Awards Reception to the Alumni Leadership Conference, the weekend reflected the strength of MSU’s alumni network which is rooted in dedication, tradition and an unwavering commitment to giving back.
The weekend kicked off with the annual Chapter and Volunteer Awards Reception, honoring alumni leaders and chapters for their outstanding service. Out of nearly 100 chapters and clubs, 51 were recognized for their achievements in membership growth, engagement activities and overall impact.
Alumni chapters received gold, silver and bronze Cowbell distinctions, celebrating their success in strengthening MSU’s alumni presence in communities nationwide. Honor awards were also presented to high-achieving chapters that demonstrate excellence in leadership and outreach.
In addition to chapter recognition, several individual alumni volunteers were honored for their exceptional dedication to MSU:
Distinguished Service Award Winners
Col. Robert Barnes Jr. of Byram – A 1972 sociology graduate and past chair of the Black Alumni Advisory Council
Heath Barnett of Corinth – A 2004 mechanical engineering graduate and president of the Alcorn County Chapter
William Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia – A 1989 chemical engineering graduate and vice president and scholarship chair of the Atlanta Chapter
Jessica Dougan of Memphis, Tennessee – A 2013 elementary education graduate recognized for nearly a decade of service to the Memphis Chapter and the Young Alumni Advisory Council.
These individuals represent the very best of Bulldog spirit. They lead by example and demonstrate how alumni engagement plays a vital role in shaping MSU’s continued success.
While the awards celebrated past achievements, the Alumni Leadership Conference focused on the future. It provided volunteers with the tools, updates and inspiration needed to further MSU’s mission.
National Alumni Association President Terri Russell and Executive Director Jeff Davis shared insights into MSU’s strategic alumni initiatives, reinforcing the importance of grassroots leadership in connecting Bulldogs worldwide. Attendees also heard from:
Thomas Broadus, chief marketing officer, MSU Office of Public Affairs
John Dickerson, associate vice president for enrollment services
Nick Zimmerman, head women’s soccer coach
Alumni Association staff provided updates on engagement strategies, highlighting ways for chapters to inspire Bulldog pride through meaningful events and outreach efforts. Peer-to-peer discussions allowed chapter leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices and strengthen connections within the alumni network.
For nearly 140 years, Mississippi State’s Alumni Association has served as a bridge between past, present and future Bulldogs. What began in 1885 with the first three graduating classes of Mississippi A&M has evolved into a thriving community of more than 165,000 living alumni, with nearly 100 active chapters and clubs.
The success of the 2025 Alumni Volunteer Leadership Weekend reflects the enduring commitment of MSU’s alumni, who continue to give back, mentor students and build a stronger Bulldog family. Whether through local chapter leadership, student mentorship or scholarship fundraising, these volunteers shape the university’s legacy—one connection at a time.
As MSU looks ahead, alumni engagement remains a driving force behind its continued excellence. Events like this serve as a reminder no matter where life takes them, MSU alumni will always have a home in Starkville.
The in-state chapters honored include:
Adams-Franklin-Wilkinson, Alcorn County, Attala-Holmes, Central Mississippi, Clarke County, Clay County, DeSoto County, George-Greene, Grenada-Montgomery, Lauderdale County, Lawrence-Jefferson Davis, Leake County, Lee County, Lincoln-Copiah, Lowndes County, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Monroe County, Neshoba County, Newton County, Oktibbeha County, Pine Belt, Pontotoc County, Sharkey-Issaquena, Southwest Mississippi, Tate-Tunica, Tippah County, Union County and Washington County.
Out-of-state chapters honored include (by state):
Alabama: Birmingham, Huntsville-Decatur, and Mobile; Colorado: Rocky Mountain Colorado; District of Columbia: Washington, D.C.; Florida: Northeast Florida (Jacksonville), Northwest Florida (Panhandle), Greater Orlando; Georgia: Atlanta; Louisiana: Baton Rouge and Greater New Orleans; Illinois: Chicago; New York: New York; North Carolina: Greater Raleigh-Durham; Ohio: Greater Cincinnati-Dayton; Tennessee: Greater Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville; Texas: Dallas, East Texas, Greater Fort Worth, Greater Houston and South Texas.
