At an age when many choose to slow down, Dr. Bill Hulett decided to write a new chapter—one proudly colored in maroon and white. In 2024, the retired anesthesiologist and longtime Mississippi State University supporter officially became an alumnus, earning his Bachelor of Arts at age 77.
Although his diploma is newly printed, Hulett’s relationship with MSU began decades ago. It all started with a “quasi-blind date” with Karen Dwyer, a spirited MSU 1972 science alumna who would later become his wife of more than 50 years. Her love for Mississippi State quickly became their shared passion. Over the years, the Huletts, who make their home in Madison, deepened their involvement with the university, supporting both athletics and academics. Together, they served on the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board for more than 25 years.
As a board member, Hulett has been a tireless advocate for student support and academic achievement. Among his proudest contributions is helping launch Doctor Dawgs, an alumni network of healthcare professionals who graduated from MSU. Since 2017, the group has served as a valuable resource for current pre-health track students, providing mentorship and connections through the university’s Health Professions Resource Center and alumni-led events. Hulett also supported MSU’s successful bid to establish a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. He credits College of Arts and Sciences Dean Rick Travis and Sara Frederic, the college’s director of development, for helping bring these efforts to life.
His decision to return to the classroom was driven by a personal goal. After seeing cognitive decline among peers, Hulett turned to education as a way to stay mentally sharp. What started as a casual interest in online courses soon evolved into a full academic journey—and a degree he hadn’t originally intended to pursue.
“It began as a brain exercise,” he said. “But with the help of an amazing advisor, Kate Sawaya, it turned into something I’m genuinely proud of.”
A self-described nontraditional student, Hulett took most of his classes online, including upper-level history and psychology courses. He jokes that typing was the hardest part of going back to school, but he found the work meaningful—especially a Cold War history class that examined events he’d lived through.
“It was fascinating to revisit those times through an academic lens,” he said.
Despite his previous education, including a medical degree and a long career in anesthesiology, Hulett said he felt something was missing.
“My MSU diploma doesn’t say ‘Dr. William Hulett.’ It just says William B. Hulett,” he said. “Because when I came back, I was just another student. I wanted to do it the right way.”
Now officially an MSU alumnus, Hulett is proud to stand alongside the many Bulldogs he’s supported for years. Reflecting on what the university means to him, he recalled an essay he once wrote following a tough football loss. After hosting a game-day gathering at home, he sat down and captured what MSU meant to him—beyond the scoreboard. The piece, titled “Observations of a Walk-On Alumnus,” was later published in Alumnus Magazine.
He closed that essay with a simple but heartfelt line: “It’s good to be an MSU Dawg.”
That message still rings true. “It really is good to be an MSU Dawg,” he said, smiling. “That’s never changed.”
Dr. Bill Hulett is living proof that it’s never too late to come home—and that the Bulldog spirit truly has no age.
Adapted from the Vision Podcast interview with Dr. Bill Hulett, hosted by Karyn Brown and Sam Kealhofer.
