Get to know
WILL
STAGGERS Born in Starkville to a family of avid Bulldog fans, William “Will” Staggers has always been proud of his True Maroon roots. Will graduated from MSU in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and began his career as a teacher and coach at Quitman High School. He later returned home to Starkville and worked in commercial insurance before joining the MSU Department of Procurement and Contracts. In 2015, Will became assistant director of development for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), MSU Extension Service, and Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station and was promoted to director of development for the areas earlier this year. When he’s not on campus, Will enjoys spending time with his family and being an uncle to his niece and nephew. What’s it like to secure support for your alma mater? It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve had a chance to be a part of in my personal and professional life. Even before I was a student, MSU was a big part of my everyday life, and I’m grateful that is the same today. Most memorable gift you’ve secured? The Frank Dowsing Endowed Scholarship is my most memorable gift. Frank was an incredible individual who was among the first African Americans to play football at MSU in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. I had the privilege of meeting Frank’s family and former classmates and was blown away by his inspiring story. Favorite spot on campus? It’s hard to beat Davis Wade Stadium during a prime-time SEC night game. What makes CALS interesting? Advancements being made in the precision agriculture arena are pretty incredible. Also, CALS and MSU Extension are very much on the front lines of rural health and mental health issues within the agricultural community. The direct, positive role CALS plays in improving industry and well-being within our state is a true point of pride.
