Michelle L. Barlow of Clinton is a new development officer for Mississippi State's Patrons of Excellence Program.
Barlow, who will work with contributors in Jackson and the surrounding area, is a 1997 magna cum laude graduate of the university. While enrolled, she was a John C. Stennis Scholar in Political Science.
Established in 1963, the Patrons of Excellence donor club provides special recognition to individuals pledging $1,000 a year to Mississippi State.
President Malcolm Portera announced last fall plans to substantially increase the number of Patrons over a five-year period, with the additional support targeted for scholarships for academically talented students. Since that time, nearly 500 new members have contributed more than $500,000.
Since graduation, Barlow has worked with Rep. Roger Wicker (R.-Miss.), first as a legislative correspondent/systems administrator and then as an executive and legislative assistant. While in Washington, D.C., she also served as a member of the steering committee of the local chapter of the university's Bulldog Club.
