Contact: Carl Smith
STARKVILLE, Miss.—A new group of Bulldogs is ready to change the world with knowledge and values shaped by Mississippi State.
Approximately 3,500 students received degrees this week during seven commencement ceremonies held in Starkville and Meridian—moments described by MSU President Mark E. Keenum as “dreams come true” for them, their families and supporters.
“Our memories are a true gift from God. This occasion will be part of your memory for the rest of your life,” he said. “This isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
Emphasizing MSU’s “world-class education” from top faculty and reflecting on the university’s core values of integrity, strong work ethic and respect for others, the university’s 19th president said the Class of 2025 is poised to “impact lives and be a change agent for good.”
“Those who live with core moral values stand out in this world, and people take notice of them. These values reflect who you are as a Mississippi State Bulldog, and being a Bulldog is something to be proud of,” Keenum said. “My prayer for all of you is that many decades from now, you’ll reflect over all that you achieved and realize it was your Mississippi State education and your values, courage and faith that enabled you to change the world for good—that you made a difference with your life.
“Never forget that whatever you do and achieve, you will always be a member of our proud Bulldog family,” he continued.
During Friday’s commencement exercises, longtime university supporters and advocates Richard H. Puckett Sr. and Anthony Wilson received honorary Doctor of Public Service degrees for their contributions to MSU and the Magnolia State.
![Puckett Machinery Company Chairman Richard H. Puckett Sr., left, receives a Doctor of Public Service honorary degree from MSU President Mark E. Keenum Friday [May 16] for his dedication and contributions to the university and state.](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-05/Commencement-Puckett_20250516_B9W5620_FULL.jpg?itok=R9b1uY3d)
Puckett, a 1977 College of Business graduate and its 2009 Alumnus of the Year, is the chairman and former CEO of Puckett Machinery Company, a Caterpillar dealer for Central and South Mississippi. He has served on the board of Trustmark National Bank since 1995 and as independent lead director since 2020. Puckett has supported MSU in various capacities, including as a member of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board, MSU Foundation and West Side Fund Board.
![MSU President Mark E. Keenum, right, awards Mississippi Power Chief Executive Officer Anthony Wilson an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in recognition of his continued support of the university and Magnolia State during Friday’s [May 16] afternoon commencement.](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-05/Commencement-Wilson_20250516_B9W5836_FULL.jpg?itok=U5inEStq)
Wilson, a 1987 College of Engineering graduate, is chairman and CEO of Mississippi Power, which provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity to East Central and Southeast Mississippi. He has worked more than 40 years for Mississippi Power and the Southern Company system, starting in 1984 as an engineering cooperative education student in Biloxi. Wilson recently concluded a three-year term as chair of the MSU Foundation after previously serving for three years as vice chair. He is currently on the Bagley College of Engineering Advisory Council and was honored as the Alumnus of the Year in 2023.
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