Kylie Forrester
By Julia Weeden
Kylie Forrester is no stranger to Mississippi State University student experience. She has lived it as a student and now leads it as she helps impact students through her role in Student Affairs.
Forrester, who is now the director of MSU’s Center for Student Activities, or CSA, brings a full-circle perspective to her role. Her path has included several key roles across campus. She began as an undergraduate student worker in Event Services, a graduate assistant in the Dean of Engineering’s office, housing and residence life coordinator and both an assistant director and director of Orientation before stepping into her current role.
“As the Director of CSA, each day looks different. I spend a lot of my time meeting with different campus partners and students,” Forrester said. “We try to strategize how to get students involved, what events students want to see, how to get students to attend events and plan and implement those events.”
Within the CSA, Forrester directly advises the Student Association Executive Council and Bulldog Bash, Mississippi’s largest free concert. She also oversees an assistant director and four coordinators, each dedicated to specific areas of Student Affairs. What she enjoys most is creating opportunities for student leaders to grow their skills.
“We provide spaces for students to learn skills that not only benefit them in their student organization roles, but also skills that will benefit them long after they leave MSU,” she said. “Students who are involved in student organizations are learning how to run a budget, work with people who have different opinions and beliefs than they do, have good customer service, manage their time, design graphics and social media campaigns, etc. The list is endless! Students are gaining real experience that they can speak to as they apply for internships, co-ops, graduate schools or full-time jobs.”
Forrester and the CSA staff work daily to create new, welcoming ways for students to get involved and build community on campus. She encourages students to explore events and organizations on Cowbell Connect, attend student organization fairs and take chances on new opportunities.
“Most importantly – don’t give up,” Forrester said. “It’s ok to try out or interview for something and not get it. Sometimes it takes a few ‘no’s’ to find the right ‘yes!’ Keep trying, keep applying for things and come see us in the CSA if you need help.”