Matt Freeman
By Julia Weeden
Matt Freeman never intended to attend Mississippi State University or get involved on campus. But sometimes, life redirects us.
What started as an unexpected turn has become a defining chapter for Freeman. Today, he is in his second year of the Student Affairs and Higher Education, or SAHE, graduate program and works full-time as a Behavioral Health Navigator, or BHN, in Student Counseling Services.
The Collierville, Tennessee native reluctantly followed in the footsteps of family members to MSU. His original plans were to attend class, return to his residence hall and graduate early. However, this plan changed very quickly once he arrived in Starkville and attended New Maroon Camp, MSU’s student-led retreat that prepares first-year students for the transition to campus.
“New Maroon Camp blew me out of the water,” Freeman said. “It was amazing, and that is where I developed a love for the university and the people here, too. I really caught a vision for wanting to work with students.”
This experience sparked a passion within Freeman for campus involvement. He served as a Freshman Year Navigator, a role that solidified his desire to pursue student affairs.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve always wanted to work at Mississippi State,” he said. “There are some really cool things happening here, and I don’t want to miss out. I could move to a bigger city or a bigger university, but I want to be part of stewarding the things that are happening here at State. So I started pursuing my master’s degree last fall, and I will graduate in May.”
In addition to being a full-time graduate student, Freeman joined Student Counseling Services in the spring as the BHN for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Shackouls Honors College. In this role, Freeman focuses on equipping and empowering faculty, staff and students in the realm of holistic well-being.
"We equip student-facing faculty, staff and student leaders with tools to better support today’s students," Freeman said. "Through trainings, presentations and one-on-one support, we help them confidently respond to a variety of situations."
Freeman’s classes in the SAHE program directly correlate to the work that he is doing with the BHNs.
“So much of what I’m learning in the classroom directly impacts my work,” Freeman said. “I’m constantly creating presentations, and I’m using what we talk about in class right away. For example, I’m speaking on burnout and boundaries with students, and the content from class is already in my slides.”
In addition to the practical benefits of the coursework, Freeman highlights the value of being part of a supportive and collaborative cohort.
“Being part of a cohort has been huge,” he said. “We all work at the university in different roles, so there’s this shared understanding and support. Everyone brings fresh perspectives, and that’s really challenged and inspired me.”
When asked what he wanted students to know about mental health and their time at MSU, he wants everyone to know how much worth they have.
"Two driving goals have marked my life: to equip and empower those around me to be the best they can possibly be. If you don’t know you can make an impact, come see me. I’ll show you that you can,” he said. “You’re a world changer, and I’m here to cheer you on, challenge you and help you realize your purpose.”