STARKVILLE — After a $100 million donation, Mississippi State University just received the largest-ever donation to a higher education institution in the state.
George and Kathy Bishop, a couple from Texas, established the George Bishop Family Endowed Scholarship in 2018 with a $10 million commitment. Now the $10 million has been paid out, the couple is replenishing the scholarship fund with a $100 million investment.
John Rush, MSU vice president for development and alumni, said the investment will be spent over the next three years helping students who “have high academic drives” but often go overlooked for large scholarships. In-state students will be given preference, he said.
“This historic gift is a testament to George’s extraordinary philanthropic vision, as well as his belief in Mississippi State University, our students and the unique role our institution has in shaping and strengthening the welfare and future of society,” Rush said in a press release from MSU. “Scholarships break down barriers and increase accessibility for more students to get an education, but the impact doesn’t end there. The support of a scholarship award can change the trajectory of a student’s life, and the positive ripple effect it creates for their family and the communities they serve is immeasurable.”
George Bishop is a Smith County native and graduated from MSU in 1958 with a degree in petroleum geology. In 1981, he founded GeoSouthern Energy, “which grew to become one of the largest, privately held producers of oil and gas in the country,” the press release said.
According to Forbes, George Bishop’s real-time net worth is $3 billion, which has landed him in the top 1,100 richest people in the world.
The Bishops’ scholarships have helped 97 students. Rush told The Dispatch the two are incredibly humble and caring and have previously met with the students their scholarship has helped.
Rush said George Bishop told MSU seeing the difference the scholarship makes for the students is one of the greatest joys of his life.
“Mississippi State opened many doors for me and gave me the foundation I needed to be successful,” Bishop said in the press release. “So, when the opportunity arrived for me to be able to give back to the place that’s been so influential for me and many others, it just felt right. … I’m most proud of the fact that all my success doesn’t really make a difference to me. I came from nothing, but you have to believe and know you’re blessed to accomplish great things. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and more so for what’s been done for me along the way.”
In the press release, MSU President Mark Keenum said the gift will help students in the present and future as they can now build generational wealth.
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