I recently returned home to Nashville, TN after a two-and-a-half-day visit to Mississippi State University last week, and I felt compelled to share my gratitude with the admissions team and the town that hosted our group of high school counselors from across the US. While the purpose of the trip was to showcase the university, what I discovered was a region and a community deeply committed to educating and creating exceptional people.

Our visit was a masterclass in hospitality and vision. From learning about the Space Cowboys and exploring the Engineering facilities that helped spearhead the Artemis II journey to hearing from university leadership in Student Affairs, the Dean of Students, and the Provost’s offices, the dedication to student success was evident at every turn. We learned about the diverse undergraduate colleges and special programs over lunch in the beautifully decorated Grisham Room and toured impressive facilities like the Jim and Thomas Duff Center and a local Greek house. Seeing the “crown jewel” of campus housing, Azalea Hall, made it clear that State is setting a high bar for the current and future student experience.

However, the State experience clearly extends beyond campus. The future plans shared by MSU leadership and the Starkville tourism board are exceptional, reflecting a vibrant “Main Street” culture where small businesses, alumni, and neighbors build a future together. It was inspiring to see how local and state leadership prioritize the area with new hotel development and global events that will bring even more visitors to Starkville and the surrounding communities. Such investments are vital tools for creating jobs, retaining the young talent that Mississippi State works so hard to cultivate, and most importantly, attracting prospective students and families to your lobbies, storefronts, and classrooms.

This synergy between the university and the town—supported by a vision that catalyzes growth and private investment—makes Starkville a truly unique place for a student to call home. Your Roadrunners—the student recruitment heart of the university—were exceptional guides. The student voices were strong and rich; they personified the passion that makes this region and MSU special.

I left with a reignited passion to partner with your admissions team to identify strong candidates for Mississippi State. When I arrived home, my daughters rang my gifted cowbell with pride and immediately pinned their Space Cowboys keychains to their backpacks. And to everyone who has asked about my trip since, my now-standard answer is: Hail State.

Dr. JJ Anthony

Nashville, Tennessee