Club History

In Fall 2004, graduate student Ismail Capar and undergraduate student Lauren Blumkin met with faculty member Dr. Erdem Topsakal to discuss founding a ballroom dance club at Mississippi State University. The three recruited additional founding members Tutku Karkolak, Jim Feazell, and Adnan Orduyilmaz. These members served as the club's first secretary, treasurer, and website director, respectively. Ismail Capar served as the club's first President and Lauren Blumkin served as the first Vice President.

In Spring 2005, dance lessons began after a club Constitution and Bylaws were adopted. The club included 100 members in its first semester and rapidly increased to 120 members by its second semester. Dr. Erdem Topsakal served as the club's first dance instructor. Christopher Craft and Kristin Davis joined the club during its second semester as student instructors.

In April 2006, The MSU Ballroom Dance Club held its first officer elections for the following school year. These first-elected officers of the MSU Ballroom Dance Club took office in August 2006.

In May 2007, Michael O'Neal succeeded Lauren Blumkin as president. By this time, the Sanderson Center had become the new home of the MSUBDC, with ballroom dancing listed as a club sport.

In May 2008, Brandon Smith was elected president. MSUBDC continues to grow through student participation and funding from the Sanderson Center and the MSU Student Association.

In March 2009, MSUBDC hosted its first annual Moonlight Ball, inviting dancers from studios all over the state an in Tennessee and Alabama.

In May 2009, Preston Cauley was elected president.