Category: Our People

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...

MSU alumna makes mark on social media, generations of Bulldogs Kathleen Olivieri practices what she teaches. In the classroom, the former Mississippi State technical writing lecturer teaches students how to successfully communicate their ideas. In her personal life, Olivieri has found her own success online...

Though veterinarians try, not every animal can be saved, even with the most advanced medical intervention. In those cases, giving the animal peace is the last, best decision a pet owner can make. With that in mind, Dr. Anne Holloway, a 2011 MSU veterinary medicine...

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...

MSU alum brings player-perspective as women’s basketball coach With a loss to the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA playoffs, Seattle Storm shooting guard Victoria Vivian’s professional basketball season ended—just in time to start her collegiate coaching career with her alma mater. Just two...