Contact: Walt Harrington

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Jonathan P. Presley of Olive Branch is the latest winner of Mississippi State University Alumni Association’s tuition drawing.

A freshman marketing major, Presley will receive "free," full-time tuition for the Spring 2019 semester.

“Not only did the awarding of free tuition by the Alumni Association make my entire day better, it easily ranks as one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had during my time here at Mississippi State University,” said Presley. “I am forever grateful to MSU for providing me with the resources to further my education. Thank you MSU, and Hail State.”

The winning ticket was drawn in November from 3,595 tickets purchased from the beginning of the fall semester through November 2 by parents of eligible students. Presley’s name was entered by his parents, Lance and Renee Presley.

Initiated in 2013 by the association’s student organization known as the Alumni Delegates, the drawing is open each fall and spring semester to any Mississippi resident enrolled full time at MSU. The ongoing project provides funding for 12 academic credit hours at the land-grant institution—$4,270 or the equivalent of a typical semester’s tuition.

Jeff Davis, the alumni association’s executive director, said though only five years old, the program has become a proud tradition for the Alumni Delegates because it serves as a way for parents and students to be involved with MSU and simultaneously enhance the reach of the association.

“The positive impact is definitely felt by the family of the student whose lucky ticket is drawn, but the impact’s reach is broader than that as the additional funds raised support scholarships and priority programs within our association,” said Davis.

Alumni Delegates serve as links between the 140-year-old institution and its more than 142,000 living graduates. Members assist with organizational programs and activities on behalf of the association, such as football tailgate gatherings, class reunions and the association’s annual awards banquet and leadership conference.

For more information about the MSU Alumni Association’s tuition drawing, contact Jordan Ramsey, association associate director, at 662-325-3479 or jramsey@alumni.msstate.edu.

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