The Division of Access, Opportunity and Success at Mississippi State University

Our team is growing! We are excited to introduce Tommy (T.J.) Walker, Ed.D. as the Director of our Office of Pre-College and Opportunity Programs. Dr. Walker brings a wealth of knowledge to our Division, and we are thrilled to have him lead a team committed to supporting the University's strategic vision by raising pre-college students' awareness and exposure to college. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHTRpJTN

Our BRIDGES Undergraduate Research Program is featured in the latest edition of Insight Into Diversity Magazine. Housed in the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, in collaboration with the Office of Research and Economic Development - Mississippi State University, BRIDGES provides an array of paid, experiential research opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Click the link below to read this amazing feature: https://lnkd.in/gjSKzKFZ

Nathan Collins is a sophomore accounting major in the Adkerson School of Accountancy at Mississippi State and a member of the Mississippi National Guard. This summer, he received numerous accolades as a camp counselor for the Office of Pre-College and Opportunity Program's leaderSTATE Summer Camp, where high school JROTC cadets travel to MSU for a weeklong STEM-based experience. “I came to leaderSTATE in 2019, and my counselor made it a very fun experience. He went all out and taught me a lot. He helped me grow as a leader, even as a rising sophomore. That is the reason I came to Mississippi State. When I heard I could have the opportunity to give that back to more cadets, I jumped at the opportunity. Now, I’m working all 6 weeks to give back what was given to me.” 

Omarion Neal is a sophomore, computer science major in the Bagley College of Engineering Through a connection made from TRiO Student Support Services, he recently applied and was accepted to ACSC (Advanced Computing for Social Change) and will travel to Atlanta, GA in November to participate in the program. He is also a member of Men of Excellence in the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center. "TRiO has taught me to take advantage of more opportunities, take risks, and be myself. When I first came to college, I compressed myself from people based on my personality. My mentor in TRiO got me plugged in with HCDC, and the advisors have afforded me good connections to people and opportunities outside of campus.”

Samuel Trotter is a senior, electrical engineering major in the Bagley College of Engineering. From spending time in the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Samuel was introduced to a community of students who were also majoring in engineering and introduced him to skills including professional development, resume building, and securing internships. Over the summer, he interned at Graphic Packaging International, LLC. During his internship , he gained valuable knowledge as a Process Control Engineer. He is also a member of NSBE and EcoCAR.

Ijerius Brown is a senior, electrical engineering major in the Bagley College of Engineering. Over the summer, he interned at Packaging Corporation of America. During his internship, he worked as a Project Engineering Intern. Ijerius gained and used skills such as, project management, high-voltage engineering, and variable-frequency drives. He is also a member of the TRIO program and Chi Alpha.