MSU-Meridian graduates ready to fill crucial roles after spring commencement

Contact: Marianne Todd

MERIDIAN, Miss.—On Wednesday [May 13] 134 Mississippi State University-Meridian graduates walked across the historic Riley Center stage to receive their diplomas as friends and family watched from the filled theater.

In all, 172 students received degrees at the conclusion of MSU-Meridian’s spring semester. Commencement exercises included 65 undergraduates and 107 graduate students with 25 of these graduating with honors, including 11 summa cum laude, four magna cum laude and 10 cum laude.

“This is such a happy and joyous occasion as we celebrate the achievements of these graduates today,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum told those in attendance.

Turning to graduates, he said, “But this isn’t the end, not by any stretch. This is just the beginning of the next step in your lives. Mississippi State University is known for its core values, and these values will be with you for the rest of your lives … integrity, hard work, respect for others. I promise you, Bulldogs, if you can live your life with integrity and being honest and truthful in your dealings with others, you will rise to great heights in your life, your future and in your career.”

Among the graduates were seven receiving Outstanding Student awards for their leadership qualities and outstanding academic performances.

Receiving Outstanding Student awards were Joshua Johnson, psychology, Meridian; Jordan Smith, education, Mooreville; Jason Frulla, education, Union; Christopher Alan Burrow, education, Ridgeland; Makaela Davis, healthcare administration, Flowery Branch, Georgia; Alexis Grant, physician assistant studies, Starkville; Catherine Grace Compton, applied science, Scooba.

Ten students from the Division of Education, who in April successfully defended their capstone projects, graduated with doctorates in Educational Policy and Organizational Design, and 25 Master of Physician Assistant Studies students received their ceremonial long white coats the night before the graduation ceremony, signifying their readiness to become providers.

The graduates will go on to master’s and doctoral programs or to fill critical employee shortages in healthcare, education, behavioral and mental health services, and more.

“Graduation day is always special because it represents so much hard work,” said Associate Dean of Students Deanna Smith. “Watching our students reach this milestone is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we can’t wait to see the difference they will make in their careers and communities.”

Since 1972, MSU-Meridian has served more than 22,000 degree and non-degree seeking students and has awarded thousands of degrees.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.