Contact: Madison Welzbacher

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Brian Locke, director of Mississippi State’s G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans, has been selected to serve on the board of the Friends of Mississippi Veterans.

FOMV is a non-profit support organization for the 200,000 veterans who currently reside in Mississippi. After lobbying to create two state veterans cemeteries, the organization now focuses on bringing support to veterans who currently live in nursing homes. The FOMV also holds several annual events to honor those who have served.

Previously held by Amy Tuck, the 30th lieutenant governor of Mississippi and retired MSU vice president for campus services, the position was filled by Locke after his nomination by MSU President Mark Keenum.

“I was extremely humbled and excited to be nominated by Dr. Keenum to fill this role for Mississippi State,” Locke said. “I also know I have big shoes to fill. Amy Tuck is someone who I have a tremendous amount of respect for, and she served with distinction on this board.”

Locke has been the director of Veteran and Military Affairs since 2018, previously serving as military science professor for the Army ROTC program before his retirement after 23 years of active military service. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s in counseling and development from Long Island University in New York State. In addition to his work at MSU, Locke also serves as head of the Starkville Police Department’s reserve division.

In his new board position, Locke plans to assist FOMV with long-term projects that will support the veteran community in Mississippi.

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