Mississippi State well represented in 'Top 10 under 40'

Twelve Mississippi State alumni are among 40 young business professionals in the state being honored by the Mississippi Business Journal. The journal annually names its "Top 40 Under 40" on the basis of leadership and business skills, community involvement, and dedication to economic progress.

Mississippi State alumni among the 1998 honorees are:

• John H. Arledge of Brandon, a 1990 graduate and owner of Arledge Communications in Jackson
• Walter L. Boone Jr. of Florence, a 1983 graduate and partner in the law firm of Forman Perry Watkins Krutz & Tardy in Jackson
• J. Durr Boyles of Jackson, a 1982 graduate and owner/president of Boyles Moak Brickell Marchetti independent insurance agency
• William "Robin" Fant of Starkville, who attended 1980-83 and is owner of Bulldog Deli restaurant
• Robert M. Gathings Jr. of Jackson, a 1981 graduate and CFO and secretary-treasurer of Jackson Paper Co.
• Karen Martinson McKie of Madison, a 1982 graduate and vice president of Green Oak Nurseries
• Kirby G. McRae of Tishomingo, a 1980 graduate and co-owner of Dean McRae Engineering.
• Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo, a 1980 graduate, state senator, and vice president of Allied Funeral Associates
• Karen E. Robbins of Clinton, a 1982 graduate and marketing coordinator of the Resource and Coordinating Unit for Economic Development at Hinds Community College
• Linda Sneed of Columbus, who attended MSU and is co-owner of Appointments interior decorating firm
• Wheeler T. Timbs III of Indianola, a 1984 graduate and owner of Indianola Pecan House
• Michelle Whittle of Columbus, a 1985 graduate and district manager of Mississippi Valley Gas Co.