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Highlights in Generosity A Message from the Director of Development
By Stephen Lack
The past year has been an exciting, yet bittersweet period marked by change and growth for the College of Business at Mississippi State University. Our development team underwent several changes, as Lilly Bjorkman and Erin Novorot bid farewell to the College and embraced new responsibilities within the MSU Foundation. On the positive side, we are delighted to welcome back Rob Jenkins as Senior Director of Development. Rob returns to us after a short period dedicated to fundraising for MSU Athletics. We also extend a warm greeting to Kristal Tate, who has rejoined the College of Business in her new capacity as Advancement Coordinator.
Additionally, we welcomed a new Dean, Dr. Scott Grawe. Dr. Grawe is the 11th Dean of the College of Business and brings a big, inspired vision to the College. The development team is excited to share it with you!
I want to take this opportunity to note some highlights of the past year with you and thank each of our passionate alumni and friends who continue to raise the bar at Mississippi State!
More Than $2 Million in Available COB Scholarships
“My time at Mississippi State University and within the College of Business has left an incredible mark on my life. As a recent business management graduate, along with being a current MBA candidate, I have had the privilege of experiencing the impact of our College’s donors first-hand. Presently, I serve as a Graduate Assistant in the Dean’s Office of the College of Business, and my position was made possible through an incredibly generous gift from Mr. Dan Curran. This gift has alleviated the financial burdens of graduate school, allowing me to focus on my academic and professional growth. I have also had the pleasure of connecting with remarkable individuals such as Jim Perkins, one of my scholarship donors. The main question he kept asking throughout our meeting was, ‘What can I do to help you succeed?’ This embodies the genuine commitment of our College’s donors to walking alongside students in pursuit of their dreams. I am immensely grateful to the many donors who have invested in my academic pursuits, and I aspire one day to make as profound an impact on the College of Business as they have.”
– Jesse Baird, MBA Student
McLeod Software In-kind Gift
“With McLeod Software’s $220,000 in-kind gift, we’re bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, setting our supply chain students on a path to career success. McLeod Software’s gift of software licenses and training brings cutting-edge tech into our classrooms and takes our supply chain program to new heights by providing students with real-world, hands-on experience with industry-leading software. It will empower our students with knowledge of the technology and tools they need to compete in the job market. McLeod Software’s contribution isn’t just a gift to MSU; it’s a bridge that will take our supply chain students from classroom theory to industry-leading practice.”
– Dr. Chris Boone, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Logistics
Experiential Learning Fund
Established
“Experiential learning gives our business students a chance to put their new knowledge and skills to work addressing live issues with partner organizations. For the students, it provides valuable learning and insight into life after MSU. For organizations, it offers an opportunity to expose their brands on campus and showcase different careers that exist within the firms.”
– Dr. Scott Grawe, Dean
Modernizing McCool
“In 2021, the Mississippi State University College of Business announced a new fundraising initiative, Modernize McCool. McCool was built as a hub of creativity and innovation in 1972, and the Modernize McCool movement was launched with a goal of bringing the facilities back to the cutting edge. Nearly three years later, our alumni and friends have contributed more than $3 million to the cause! Upwards of 10 spaces have been renovated in the building, the E-Center has doubled in size, and we have a brand new Dress Your Best Closet (renamed Sadie’s Suits and Such) and new MBA student workspace – and we’re just getting started! Find out how you can help us ‘Modernize McCool’ and provide our students and faculty with state-of-the-art facilities!”
– Stephen Lack, Director of Development
By making direct contributions; establishing charitable gift annuities; donating personal assets like real estate or leaving bequests, stocks, bonds or securities, you contribute to our ability to attract and retain exceptional faculty and students. Additionally, your support keeps our College of Business at the forefront of emerging technologies.
We are grateful for the generosity of potential donors who may include the College of Business in their philanthropic endeavors. Rob, Kristal and I eagerly anticipate maintaining an ongoing relationship with many of you. Together, we can achieve significant milestones for Mississippi State University and the College of Business.
Stephen Lack, MSU College of Business Director of Development: slack@foundation.msstate.edu (423) 292-9932
Rob Jenkins, MSU College of Business Sr. Director of Development: rjenkins@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 312-9300
Kristal Tate, MSU College of Business Advancement Coordinator: ktate@business.msstate.edu (662) 325-9055
