Rhonda Hannah, Mississippi State’s business manager in the Department of Biological Sciences, initially envisioned a career in nursing as a way to help people. Her mother and both grandmothers were nurses, and she grew up expecting to follow in their footsteps.

For the native of Moss Point on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Hurricane Katrina changed her path in 2005 as it did for so many. Hannah moved to Pennsylvania and decided to pursue business administration with an emphasis in accounting at Robert Morris University. She then relocated to Chicago for the next 12 years and discovered a career she had not previously considered: research administration.

Hannah was introduced to the field at the University of Chicago, where she worked as a post-award administrator, and she spent her final five years in the area working as a research administrator at Northwestern University.

Then motherhood brought another change.

“Once I became a mom, I knew I wanted to move back closer to my family and raise my daughter near them,” Hannah said.

That decision eventually brought her back to Mississippi. Since joining the MSU family in 2017, Hannah has found that one of the most rewarding parts of her work is the people.

“I may not always be the person in the spotlight, but I enjoy knowing the work I do supports faculty, staff and students and contributes to something bigger than just my own role,” she said.

As business manager, Hannah serves as a go-to resource for faculty, staff and students, while also acting as a liaison between biological sciences and offices across campus.

“One thing people may not realize is just how many different areas a business manager touches,” she said. “My role goes far beyond budgets and paperwork. I work with faculty, staff, students and offices across the university to help keep the department running smoothly.”

Hannah said managing her many responsibilities can be challenging, but staying organized helps her keep track of the large department that supports numerous pre-health pathways and a broad portfolio of faculty research. In addition to meticulous business management skills, she considers relationships just as essential to do the job well. She’s built connections across campus that help her know who to contact and how to find solutions when challenges arise.

“One of the biggest ways I help is by maintaining an open-door policy,” she said. “I try to be approachable and available when faculty and staff need assistance.”

She tries to ensure anyone in her department feels comfortable stopping by her office, whether they need help solving a problem or simply need someone to talk through an issue. Her professional and personable approach earned her recognition earlier this year as a 2026 Zacharias Distinguished Staff Award winner.