When August Jones arrived at Mississippi State University as a freshman in the fall of 2022, he never could have imagined where the next four years would take him.  

This May, he will walk across the stage to earn his biochemistry degree from the MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, doing so as Mr. Mississippi State University—an honor he earned in his senior year. This fall, he will begin medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, following a summer in Washington D.C. as a Senate congressional intern.

But for all the honors and accomplishments, the most meaningful part of August’s experience at MSU has been watching his younger brother, Addison, begin a journey of his own.

"MSU has a really special atmosphere of family," August said. "There are so many genuine, intentional people here. You develop your family away from your actual family. But now I have my brother here with me, which is great.”

The brothers grew up on a cattle farm in Bay Springs, where they learned the value of hard work while helping their father and grandfather. They also developed an appreciation for the role agriculture plays in everyday life.

"From the clothes that you wear to the food that you eat to the medications that you take—all of it is dependent upon agriculture," August said. "The decision to major in biochemistry came from wanting to have a very holistic foundation of life. Agriculture and healthcare are two very big pillars of a nation, so coming here to Mississippi State has given me both perspectives and provided a great foundation to prepare me for a future in healthcare.”

While neither brother set out with a plan to pursue medicine, they were drawn to the path out of a desire to serve others.

"The honor to serve others in medicine seemed like a very meaningful and God-honoring pursuit,” Addison said. "That’s truly where fulfillment will come—not from serving yourself but serving others."

Both brothers hope to build their careers in Mississippi to support the communities that helped shape them.

“I love the great state of Mississippi. I’m incredibly grateful for this state, and I would love to stay here, give back to my community and invest in this state as much as possible,” said August.

Their resumes reflect their hearts for service. Both brothers have volunteered with MSU’s Special Olympics program and served as Jackson Free Clinic Health Ambassadors and Supplemental Instruction leaders. August served as president of the American Medical Student Association and was recognized with MSU’s Spirit of State Award. In just his first year, Addison already has stepped into leadership roles, serving as co-chaplain of Sigma Chi Fraternity and a Junction Retreat Counselor for incoming freshmen.

Rather than competing, the brothers challenge each other to grow, guided by a scripture that has shaped their relationship.

“We always go back to Proverbs 27:17 where it says, ‘as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,’” said August. “I’m incredibly grateful to have Addison in my life for that reason. We can hold each other accountable, learn from each other and grow together.”

Having an older brother with the same major has its advantages. August has been able to guide Addison with academics, but the wisdom that he passes down goes well beyond course selection.

“The advice August has given me that has helped me the most is that if you take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themselves, and that the only thing you can control is your character.

“Mississippi State University has so many opportunities, and while I can’t say ‘yes’ to everything, August has taught me that, for the ones you do say yes to, serve to the greatest possible amount that you can. He has done that very well, and I hope to do that just as well or even better because competition does drive improvement,” Addison said with a laugh. “The legacy he has left here at Mississippi State is quite the one to beat.”