Category: Our People

Robinson’s life, success built on family, Bulldog values When Kenneth “Ken” Robinson left his family farm outside Eupora to attend Mississippi State in the 1970s, he had no idea the education, values and lessons begun at home, nurtured in high school and refined in Starkville...

Mississippi State alumnus Steve “Duke” Pigott stands at the Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he trains in the Sandia Mountains. The 1994 Bagley College of Engineering graduate built a career in aerospace engineering, firefighting, exploration and archaeology, while pursuing extreme mountaineering....

Before every Friday night game at Dudy Noble Field, Tanner Allen had a ritual. The former Mississippi State outfielder would walk into the empty stadium, close his eyes and picture it packed with rowdy Bulldog fans. Then, he’d catch a few rays while the game-day...

In the world of sports, few things unite a fan base like an unlikely comeback. They become a thing of legend; a lore that unites generations and spawns countless “I was there when” stories. The chronicle of Mississippi State’s 2018 baseball season is one of...

MSU grad finds purpose, passion at roadside empire Richard Barkley says he was born with the hospitality gene. Watching his calm presence amid the opening-day chaos at the Pass Christian Buc-ee’s—the first Mississippi location—it’s clear how right he is. Barkley can’t help but serve: giving...

Roy Grafe is reserved and book smart. George McIntosh is outgoing and great with hands-on work. Yet, the two Mississippi State University graduates and military veterans share something that overshadows their differences—a lifelong friendship. “Their personalities are totally different, but that may be good,” Nell...

When opportunity knocks, Ridwan Ayinla answers—something he’s proven again and again and again. First, he earned a bachelor’s in physics in his native Nigeria. Then, he seized the fully funded chance to earn a master’s in Malaysia, which he used as a launchpad for further...

Grawe brings industry experience, academic expertise to College of Business helm Scott Grawe couldn’t say no to Mississippi State twice. Before he became the 11th dean of the MSU College of Business in 2023, the Iowa native was a sought-after high school pitcher on the...

Landscape architecture professor strives to build minds, not just spaces While standing in northwest Wyoming, Sadık Artunç took in the sweeping view of Yellowstone National Park. Having visited nearly 80% of the country’s National Parks, he finds himself wondering the same thing each time. “Two...

MSU softball pitcher finds home in Starkville Before Raelin Chaffin stepped into the pitcher’s circle for Mississippi State, she had her routine annual physical. She felt completely fine—no symptoms, no signs that anything was wrong or out of the ordinary. But her doctor felt a...