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Spirit of State

There is a special spirit about Mississippi State students. This annual award will honor those whose contributions best represent the Spirit of State.

The university's premier student award, the Spirit of State Award, recognizes exceptional personal contributions to student life at Mississippi State University. Students from all MSU campuses, freshmen to graduate, may be nominated for this Student Affairs recognition.

The Spirit of State Award formally honors those students who have excelled in campus involvement, service to the university, and have made an impact on their peers and the broader campus community. Winners will be recognized for their outstanding Spirit of State contributions at a special recognition ceremony on Friday, April 26, 2024.

Interested students should submit a completed Spirit of State Award Application online on or before Monday, February 26, 2024. Each applicant will also need to have a Spirit of State Nomination Form completed on their behalf by Thursday, February 22, 2024. Awards will be presented at the recognition ceremony on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 3 p.m.

What are the eligibility guidelines for Spirit of State awards?

  • A minimum 2.25 grade point average
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing with Mississippi State University
  • Classification as determined by the Registrar's Office (as of the semester the award is presented)
  • A student may receive the Spirit of State Award only once

What is the process for applying?

Students may be considered for the Spirit of State Award in two ways:

Option 1

  • Students may apply by completing a Spirit of State Award Application, fully describing campus involvement and how contributions have enhanced the quality of student life. Included in this application should be special recognition and honors received at Mississippi State, as well as service to the community and university.
  • Ask an MSU faculty, staff member, or fellow student to complete a Spirit of State Nomination Form. Letters should describe how and to what degree the applicant has improved student life at Mississippi State University.
  • Both forms should be submitted online by the above listed dates.

Option 2

  • Students may be nominated by any MSU faculty, staff member, or fellow student. The person making the nomination should complete the Spirit of State Nomination Form, describing how the nominee has positively impacted student life at Mississippi State University.
  • Nominees will be contacted by the Vice President for Student Affairs office and asked to complete the Spirit of State Award Application if they wish to be considered for this award.
  • Both forms should be submitted online by the above listed dates.

Our Staff

A photo of Dr. Regina Hyatt
Regina Young Hyatt

Vice President for Student Affairs

Jeremy Baham
Jeremy Baham

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Support and Well-being

A photo of Thomas Bourgeois
Thomas Bourgeois

Dean of Students

Jackie Mullen
Jackie Mullen

Assistant Vice President for Student Experience

Cheryl Bowen
Cheryl Bowen

Executive Director of Budget & Planning

Brent Crocker
Brent Crocker

Emergency Management

Jana Berkery
Jana Berkery

Director of Development

Brock Turnipseed
Brock Turnipseed

Director for Marketing and Communications

Carson Brantley
Carson Brantley

Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications

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OGORCHUKWU J. JOHNSON

Assistant Director for Planning and Assessment

Jhonda Sowers
Jhonda Sowers

Project Coordinator

April Warren
April Warren

Administrative Assistant