STARKVILLE, Miss.--Dr. Clifton W. Story, a staff physician at Mississippi State's Longest Student Health Center, is being promoted to executive director of University Health Services.
He will assume his new duties in May, succeeding Dr. Bob Collins upon his retirement. Collins joined the MSU medical center staff in 1977 and became its leader in 1988.
"Dr. Story will work closely with Dr. Collins through the spring semester to ensure that we have a smooth transition in the leadership of this vitally important service to our campus," said Bill Broyles, assistant vice president for student affairs.
Story, who holds American Board of Family Physicians certification, returned to campus as a physician in 2008. An MSU alumnus, he is a 1991 general science graduate who went on to earn a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1995.
He additionally completed a family practice internship and residency at UMMC.
Prior to joining the MSU staff, Story practiced in West Point, Madison and Oneida, Tenn. He also spent two years as a missionary physician in Colombia and Costa Rica.
Story said he and his wife Melanie had always dreamed of again living in Starkville, where they met and married as students. They are the parents of AlliGrace, 15; Amelia, 13; and Travis, 10.
Story said he enjoys working with persons of all ages, but especially enjoys the energy students bring to a university community.
"I love being around that age and the chance to have a positive influence," he said.
Story said he plans to continue initiatives begun under Collins' leadership, including a strong commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness on campus, as well as continually educating students, faculty and staff members about preventative measures to preserving good health.
Story practices what he preaches, having lost more than 60 pounds since 2010 by incorporating a rigorous exercise routine into his lifestyle. He now regularly competes in triathlons.
Story is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Mississippi State Medical Association.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.
