W. G. "Mickey" Holliman Jr. knew he was going to make one trip to the podium at the Alumni Association's Annual Awards Banquet in January. It was his second trip that came as a surprise.

Just minutes after being honored as the College of Business and Industry's 1998 Alumnus of the Year, the Tupelo furniture executive was announced as Mississippi State's National Alumnus of the Year for 1998.

It was quite a humbling experience for the 1960 industrial management graduate, who says the recognition was made even more special because he was surrounded by most of his family.

"I was surprised to say the least," says Holliman. "It was a rather humbling development for me, and I was very much appreciative. There were others there that evening who certainly deserved the honor, so I was most appreciative that the university selected me."

Holliman is president and chief executive officer of St. Louis, Mo.-based Furniture Brands International, the nation's largest residential furniture manufacturer and parent company of Action Industries in Tupelo.

Mickey Holliman, left, with President Malcolm Portera

The Shuqualak native was accompanied to the Alumni Association's Annual Awards Banquet by his wife, four of his five children, and a daughter-in-law. All five of his children attended Mississippi State, and four received undergraduate degrees.

"It was very special to have them there to see me honored," explains Holliman. "MSU is a special place that I just love. I always have and I always will. So does my family.

In addition to sending five children to the university, Holliman has supported his alma mater in many other ways over the years. He has served the business college as "professor for a day" and as an adviser for curriculum, research, and service. He also is a leading corporate partner with the furniture management/general business administration bachelor's degree program. In 1993, he was named the college's Alumni Fellow.

Holliman also supports the university through his membership in the Bulldog Club and his service on the board of directors of the Mississippi State University Foundation, Inc.

In 1970, with Alvin E. "Bo" Bland, he co-founded Action Industries, specializing in upholstered reclining chairs. Under his leadership, Action expanded its product line to include motion furniture, sleeper sofas, and a complete line of reclining chairs.

Holliman assumed his current position in 1996 with the conglomerate that also manages the Broyhill, Lane, and Thomasville furniture manufacturers.