Contact: Sasha Steinberg

STARKVILLE, Miss.—As Mississippi State prepares for another exciting academic year, the university’s Student Association is celebrating its success from this past year with two recent regional awards.

During the Southeastern Conference Exchange held last month at the University of Kentucky, MSU’s Student Association was named Student Government of the Year for its advocacy and leadership in developing and implementing innovative, sustainable programs and services in support of student needs within a diverse campus community.

“We are humbled to be recognized for our hard work and proud to serve the best student body in the SEC,” said MSU Student Association President Mayah J. Emerson, a senior educational psychology major from Meridian.

SA-led initiatives include formation of an online syllabus bank; student accessibility to online teaching evaluations; improvements in academic advising and curriculum flow charts; expansion of the Cowbell Cabs safe ride program; advancements for mental health by placing helpful phone numbers on student ID cards; and creation of a “Lead Maroon” First Year Experience class taught by the SA president.

Additionally, MSU’s SA took home an Outstanding Service to Diversity/Inclusion award for its commitment to fostering and promoting a welcoming environment for all students, including those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Outreach efforts included diversity and inclusion promotion in the SA Senate with the addition of organizational and transfer student seats, as well as executive council-hosted events including a Big Dawgs student leader retreat and the State of Our State address.

Along with record-breaking attendance at Mississippi’s largest outdoor concert Bulldog Bash, the SA celebrated the university’s first-ever Homecoming Carnival and Homecoming King this past year.

MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Young Hyatt commended the Student Association for its recognition by SEC colleagues.

“Our student leaders work tirelessly to improve the student experience for all students, and it’s exciting when their hard work is validated by their peers,” she said. “I congratulate the Student Association and look forward to another outstanding year ahead.”

Headquartered at the Center for Student Activities in Colvard Student Union’s Suite 314, the Student Association offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to get involved, gain valuable experience and make a difference on campus and beyond. Learn more at www.sa.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.