Alumni Fellows - 2011

Alumni Fellows 2011

Each fall, nine of Mississippi State University’s notable alumni are invited to return to campus and deemed Alumni Fellows. Established more than 20 years ago, the fellows program allows the university to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers.

Through the years, this program has served as a means for enriching the MSU experience by exposing students to outstanding alumni who share extensive knowledge and real-world experience from their respective field. The fellows will be at the Starkville and Meridian campuses November 10 and 11 to meet with students from each college.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Barry L. Knight

Oklahoma native Barry L. Knight is representing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as Alumni Fellow. Knight holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, as well as a master’s from MSU, both in agronomy.

A 1988 MSU graduate, he currently serves as executive vice president of Jimmy Sanders, Inc. in the Memphis, Tenn., regional office.

While a student, Knight worked on a USDA research team, focused on the fruiting behavior of the various cotton varieties. His work on this project, which was the basis of his thesis, has provided growers and researchers tools to maximize their opportunity.

“My college experience directly impacted my personal and professional life,” stated Knight. “Dr. David Shaw, current vice president of research and development connected me to, and recommended me for my first job. That job has taken me to where I am today.”

Prior to working for Jimmy Sanders, Knight worked with American Cyanamid and Monsanto Co., where he held several positions in the Southern U.S. region.

Knight credits Mississippi State for more than his degree earned. He learned valuable skills that he continually applies to his career, and also met his wife, Lana, as a student.

“Without exception my fondest memory at State was the introduction to my wife,” he said. “Lana went to church with my major professor, Dr. Jenkins, and I received my degree and marriage license the same month.”

The Knights currently live in Cordova, Tenn.

College of Architecture, Art and Design
David J. Hardy, AIA

A 1990 architecture graduate, David J. Hardy, AIA, is fellow for the College of Architecture, Art and Design. A native of D’Iberville, Miss., Hardy is a principal at Eley Guild Hardy Architects PA.

In 1992, Hardy joined Guild and Grace Architects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and was named partner three years later. In 2007, Hardy led the firm to a merger with Jackson-based Eley Associates.

Hardy credits partner Jim Eley for inspiration as a student. Eley’s first major commission as a young architect was the design of Giles Hall, the main academic building for MSU’s School of Architecture.

“I spent many hours in Giles Hall during school, and was always impressed with the design of this building,” stated Hardy. “As a student as I was faced with the challenge of the grueling architecture curriculum, and I never thought that I would one day be partners with Jim Eley.”

Recently, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour appointed Hardy to serve a five-year term on the Mississippi State Board of Architecture.

“My appointment to this board is certainly a direct result of the work ethic instilled in me early on at the Mississippi State University School of Architecture,” said Hardy.

He continued, “In the experience of building our practice we have hired many MSU graduates over the years. The one thing that is consistent about these graduates is their work ethic, which I believe is instilled in them at Mississippi State.”

College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. A. Randle “Randy” White

Dr. A. Randle “Randy” White, a 1966 chemistry and pre-medicine graduate, has been named fellow for the College of Arts and Sciences.

White’s love for medicine and inspiration to become a doctor came at a young age.

“My grandfather was a country doctor, who was kind and gentle, but formal and authoritative,” he stated. “I marveled at the love and respect afforded him by his patients, and aspired to follow in his footsteps.

As a student, White began following in those footsteps by serving as a “duty boy” in the university hospital, which was located in George Hall at the time.

He commented, “I lived there during my entire college career, caring for both inpatients and outpatients on nights and weekends.”

After graduating from MSU, White went on to pursue a medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. He graduated in 1969, and interned at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, before beginning his residency in internal medicine at UMMC in 1970. He also did a fellowship in nephrology at UMMC in 1978-1979.

White later served as a staff physician and nephrologist at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, before opening his own practice in Greenwood in 1983. He is now a managing member and nephrologist with Delta Hills Nephrology Associates, PLLC, which was founded in 1997.

“I started with six dialysis patients in 1983, and now we provide outpatient care to over 400 individuals in seven dialysis unit,” he said.

He is especially proud of his three daughters, Allison White Bridges, Ashley White Pittman and Rachael White Faught. Allison and Rachael are both graduates of Mississippi State, and Rachael is currently a physician in residence at UMMC.

White and his wife, Marilyn, live in Greenwood, and maintain close ties to MSU.

“MSU has always had a family atmosphere,” White commented. “It was more than a school, it was a feeling. The campus was then, and remains, a warm and friendly place.”

College of Business
E. Andrew “Drew” Allen II

The College of Business has selected E. Andrew “Drew” Allen II, of Ocean Springs, Miss., as the 2011 Alumni Fellow.

A native of Gulfport, Allen serves as president of Allen Beverages, Inc., a Pepsi distributor, which was founded by his father. Prior to joining the family business, Allen earned a marketing degree from MSU in 1974.

“The College of Business gave me the basics for success in the business world,” he stated. “I received a great education from MSU.

While in school, Allen was on the president’s list, a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and served on the student senate. He also enjoyed hanging out with friends in the Left-Field Lounge at MSU baseball games.

“I formed many wonderful friendships in college, many that have lasted to this day,” he said.

Allen and his wife, Nancy, devote much of their time to community organizations such as the Salvation Army. In recent years, Allen was acknowledged for his service by the Salvation Army with “The Others Award,” one of the highest-ranking honors for civic work.

College of Education
Dr. V. Clyde Muse

Hinds Community College President Dr. V. Clyde Muse is being honored as fellow for the College of Education. A native of Sebastopol, Miss., Muse earned a master’s and doctoral degree in education in 1959 and 1968, respectively.

Muse also holds a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University and associates degree from East Central Junior College. He began his career in education after graduating from Delta State, and served as a science teacher and coach at Canton High School. In 1957, Muse moved to Starkville High School where he served as a teacher, coach, and eventually principal.

Throughout his distinguished career, Muse has served in several different capacities in educational administration. He was assistant superintendent for Starkville Municipal Separate School District, and superintendent at Hinds County Public Schools and Meridian Municipal Separate School District, before being named president of Hinds Community College in 1978.

As president of the largest community college system in the state, Muse is active in several legislative groups such as the Mississippi Community and Junior College Association’s Legislative, Community Colleges for International Development, Inc., American Association of Community Colleges and American Community College Trustee’s Association, among many others.

“As an educator, I remember the excellent teachers at MSU that made a profound impact on my academic career,” he stated.

Muse lives in Raymond, and is active in several civic organizations such as the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Raymond Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Rotary Club. He is also a member of Raymond United Methodist Church.

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering
Douglas J. “Doug” Marchant

Douglas J. “Doug” Marchant, of Memphis, Tenn., is the 2011 Alumni Fellow for the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. The 1974 computer science and mathematics alumnus now serves as president and CEO of Unified Health Services.

After graduation, Marchant worked for Texaco in their computer center in Houston, Texas. He then moved to Memphis to be CIO and director of the computer operations for a large national agricultural chemical manufacturer and distributor.

Marchant is one of the original founders of UHS, the leading provider of worker’s compensation claim management solutions to medical groups and hospitals nationally. He also helped found two other companies, Concord/EFS, a leading transaction authorization, processing, settlement, funds transfer and ATM networks, and Electronic Physicians Network, later acquired by WebMD.

Marchant credits his parents for inspiration to succeed in life. His father was also an engineer, and encouraged him to go to MSU.

“My parents encouraged me to always work hard, always strive to do you best, instilled the importance of education, and to have self-confidence,” he stated.

Marchant was also inspired by MSU professors, such as Dr. Brad Carter, who helped build a foundation that allowed him to become successful in his career.

“I enjoyed the complete environment at MSU of friends and fellow students, teachers, and all activities centered around campus,” he said.

Marchant and his wife, Gloria, live in Memphis.

College of Forest Resources
Marion V. Cooley

The College of Forest Resources named Laurel, Miss., native Marion V. Cooley as fellow. A 1958 forest products graduate, he is now manager of Cooley Timberlands L.P. in Brookhaven, Miss.

As a result of earning his degree from then-Mississippi State College, Cooley has enjoyed a lifelong career as a registered, certified forester and land surveyor. He has traveled extensively outside the United States, gaining knowledge of better forest practices as he held roles for two forestry industries.

For over 50 years, Cooley has held membership in the Society of American Foresters and in the Mississippi Forestry Association. He is also a member of Tree Farmers Association, owning property recognized as a “certified family forest.”

Of his time at State, Cooley recalls many fond memories as he enjoyed the small town atmosphere of Starkville and getting to know his classmates.

“My forestry classes enhanced my appreciation of land and timber,” Cooley said. “We were actually putting into practice things we were learning, and I enjoyed our forestry field trips,” he added.

Cooley continues to put his Mississippi State degree to work as he runs Cooley Timberlands L.P. with his wife, Janie Clark Cooley. Their three children, Terry and Martin, who are MSU graduates, and Macie, who attended MSU, are also involved with the family business.

Wife Janie describes her husband as being “a little bit like Pinocchio with a wooden heart from a pine tree, with maybe just a chip or two of hardwood thrown in.”

Cooley exhibits his love of forestry by being a lifelong steward of the land.

College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Kelli L. Boyd

A 1993 and 1996 alumna has been named fellow for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kelli L. Boyd, of Madison, Tenn., is now associate professor and associate director in the comparative pathology department at Vanderbilt University.

Boyd grew up in Tylertown, Miss., with a great love of animals. She chose to attend MSU because of its exceptional veterinary college.

At MSU, Boyd received a bachelor of science in animal science, followed by a doctor of veterinary medicine. She later earned her Ph.D. in veterinary pathology from the University of Georgia. She is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathology, and holds a veterinary license with the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Board.

Boyd maintains a strong connection with her alma mater, and welcomes opportunities to return to campus. She holds many fond memories of her days as an MSU student, including one in particular concerning the university’s treasured mascot.

“When I was a freshman and a member of the pre-veterinary club, my best friend, Audra Schieb Alley, and I took Bully to the LSU game at Tiger Stadium, otherwise known as Death Valley,” she recalls. “We had so much fun and were so excited to be on the field with our mascot representing MSU.”

As a proud veterinary graduate of MSU, Boyd works hard to put her skills to work at Vanderbilt University.

“My greatest accomplishment has been coming to Vanderbilt and building a pathology service that has become an integral part of advancing biomedical research that ultimately results in cures for human and animal diseases,” she stated.

Throughout life, Boyd’s role model has been her mother, Linda Trusty.

“My mom is a retired teacher who instilled in me a strong work ethic, a love of learning and a concern for my fellowman, three things that have helped me accomplish everything I have today,” she said.

MSU-Meridian
Stephen L. Clay

MSU-Meridian is honoring Jackson, Miss., native Stephen L. Clay as its 2011 Alumni Fellow. Clay, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2001, is a lobbyist with The Clay Firm in Jackson.

Clay has many fond memories of his days as an MSU student. However, the thrill of graduation definitely stands out for him.

“Graduation day was one of my favorites, not because it was over, but the feeling of accomplishment that I felt was truly a great moment,” he said. “In addition, being able to share that moment with my classmates, who had become my good friends, was truly an amazing experience.”

Clay learned the value of an education from his parents, John and Beth Clay, who are also MSU graduates. Coming from a Bulldog home, he draws from his experiences and encourages a love of all things maroon and white within his own family, which includes his wife, Tabitha, and children, Sarah and Caden.

“The joy our family receives from cheering on the Bulldogs all across the county is a blessing. My wife, our two children, and I passionately follow MSU athletics – football, baseball and basketball. We love MSU and our Bulldogs,” he said.

A keen interest in the legal field led Clay to pursue a law degree upon graduating from MSU. He feels he definitely made the right career choice.

“While it initially seemed overwhelming, I decided to pursue a law degree while continuing to work and support my family,” Clay said.

He continued, “There were times when the goal seemed virtually impossible, particularly after becoming a first-time father, but my family supported me and I achieved my goal by graduating from law school.”

Clay believes life is all about building relationships, and he works to strengthen his Bulldog ties whenever possible.

“I am forever grateful to MSU for granting me the ability to establish strong relationships, which in my opinion is the essence of a successful life.”