Alumni Staff Directory
Libba Andrews
Associate Director
As associate director for the Alumni Association, Libba Andrews is directly responsible for creating opportunities for alumni with similar academic, social and cultural backgrounds to come together in support of Mississippi State. She maintains direct responsibility for revenue and affinity programs, alumni travel programs, class reunions, homecoming, faculty and staff recognition, as well as student programs.
Libba also has served as business administrator and marketing coordinator for the Alumni Association. Prior to joining the association staff in 1989, she was general manager of a Starkville radio station.
She received her bachelor's degree in communication from Mississippi State in 1983.
Janet Downey
Associate Coordinator of Chapter Programs
As the associate coordinator of chapter programs, Janet provides support, guidance and advice to local chapter leaders. She assists in coordinating the activities and organization of alumni chapters - including Send-off Parties, in developing new chapters and in directing the alumni and chapter recognition programs. She also coordinates all electronic communication for the 95 chapters of the Alumni Association.
Janet served as the chapter programs assistant from September 1999 to February 2001, before becoming the associate coordinator of chapter programs. She received a bachelor's degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations in 1995, a master's degree in technology in 2004, and a master's degree in sports administration in 2006, all from Mississippi State.
Janet is a native of Pearl River, La. Her father, John “Pat” Downey, graduated from MSU in 1965.
Michael Richardson
Coordinator of Chapter Programs
As coordinator of chapter programs, Michael Richardson provides support, guidance and advice to chapter leaders, coordinates the activities of new and existing alumni chapters, and assists in the direction of the alumni and chapter recognition programs. He also coordinates programs and activities to involve young alumni in the association, and assists the Office of Admissions and Scholarships in developing programs to involve alumni in student recruiting.
Michael has served as the assistant coordinator of chapter programs since the position was first implemented into the alumni office. Prior to that, he served as the guest relations assistant for the Butler Williams Alumni Center. He has been with the Alumni Association since 1992.
Michael received a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1992, a second bachelor's degree in chemistry/physics education in 1994, a master's degree in science education in 1998, all from Mississippi State University.
Karen Hudson
Alumni Programs Assistant
As alumni programs assistant, Karen helps with the planning and coordination of events and provides technical assistance for them as well. She works closely with the class reunion program, Alumni Delegates group, as well as many others. Karen also uses her creativity to assist the Alumni Association with design work for program pieces.
Karen provides technical and creative support for the professional staff and assists the administrative assistant for the executive director of the Alumni Association.
Karen joined the association staff in 1988, and for six years provided administrative support for chapter programs. Prior to this, she worked with the United Way and the Girl Scouts Council in Schenectady, New York.
She received her bachelor's degree in marketing from Mississippi State in 1980.
Orly Hardin
Administrative Assistant
Orly Hardin serves as administrative assistant for the MSU Alumni Association. In her role, she provides administrative and secretarial support for the entire unit – from the executive director to the chapter programs staff. She also supervises the student staff assistants.
Orly assists the executive director in ensuring the effective operation of the Alumni Association by serving as office manager and liaison for the support staff. She prepares monthly reports for the National Board of Directors, and assists in meeting preparation for the board of directors and the executive committee. She also helps plan, organize and carry out various association events.
Prior to joining the association staff in July 2007, Orly spent eight years with MSU’s Office of Admissions and Scholarships in various positions. Most recently, she was assistant director for marketing and publications. Orly joined Mississippi State in 1998 as an accounting assistant in the Office of the Comptroller and Treasurer. She holds a degree in psychology from Emory University.