ATLANTA, GA – IMG College Licensing today [Sept. 12] announced it has been selected to serve as the exclusive trademark licensing representative for Mississippi State University effective January 1, 2018. Through this partnership, Mississippi State will gain access to IMG College Licensing’s industry-leading expertise, services, and resources.

“Mississippi State is a successful brand with a passionate fan base, and we are proud to have been selected to serve as the University’s partner to help grow its licensing program,” said Cory Moss, SVP and Managing Director, IMG College Licensing. “We look forward to working side-by-side with Mississippi State to deploy our industry insights and innovative approaches to further elevate the University’s brand.”

IMG College Licensing will assist Mississippi State in the implementation of a licensing strategy that will focus on ensuring long-term brand value through partnerships with best-in-class licensees. IMG College Licensing will also utilize its exclusive retail intelligence and consumer insights to expand the presence of the Mississippi State’s merchandise at retail and reach consumers through local, regional, and national marketing programs.

“IMG College Licensing’s advanced strategies and resources, as well as their commitment to serving Mississippi State and our fans, will help us excel in taking our trademark licensing program to the next level,” said Sharon Hewlett, Mississippi State’s Senior Legal Administrator and Director of Licensing. “We look forward to leveraging their systems, staff, and brand development programs to expand the market for our licensed merchandise to reach our Bulldog fans.”

Mississippi State joins 11 other Southeastern Conference institutions that are also represented by IMG College Licensing, including University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of Florida, Louisiana State University, University of Mississippi, University of Missouri, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University, and Vanderbilt University, as well as the Conference itself.

As the leading collegiate licensing agency in the U.S., IMG College Licensing currently represents nearly 200 collegiate institutions, including top universities and athletic conferences, 33 bowl games, the NCAA, the College Football Playoff, and the Heisman Trophy.

About Mississippi State University

As a global, diversified research institution, Mississippi State University is providing limitless possibilities for students to put new technologies to work, find new ways to feed the world, plan better ways to boost the nation’s economy, and prepare for the energy needs of tomorrow.

Since Mississippi State’s beginning in 1878, every accomplishment, every breakthrough, every idea – great or small – has been fueled by an unwavering determination to make a difference. From a comprehensive set of educational options and groundbreaking research to award-winning service initiatives and an environment that embraces intellectual and creative freedom, the Mississippi State experience is transforming and empowering communities throughout the world.

At the heart of this success is a forward-thinking mission that integrates three defining components of student life and personal development: learning, research, service.

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions.