Alumni Fellows - 2012

Alumni Fellows 2012

Each fall, several of Mississippi State University’s notable alumni are invited to return to campus and deemed Alumni Fellows. Established more than 20 years ago, the fellows program allows the university to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers.

Through the years, this program has served as a means for enriching the MSU experience by exposing students to outstanding alumni who share extensive knowledge and real-world experience from their respective field. The MSU Alumni Association welcomed the 2012 class of Alumni Fellows on-campus Nov. 15-17. The group was honored in conjunction with the MSU vs. Arkansas football game.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Mr. Thomas H. “Hunt” Shipman

Thomas H. “Hunt” Shipman was selected for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. A 1992 agribusiness graduate, he currently is a partner at Cornerstone Government Affairs LLC.

Shipman owes much of his professionalism to skills he gained while in college. Through a series of opportunities and relationships built, he learned valuable lessons that he applies to his job every day.

As a student, Shipman was a member of several student organizations that taught him not only to be a leader, but also how to interact with varying types of individuals. As a member of the Agricultural Economics Club, he had the opportunity to network with numerous faculty, graduate students and undergraduates both in the class and in social settings.

In addition, he served as a student worker in the Department of Agricultural Economics and later in the dean’s office of the college.

“I learned a tremendous amount from the department faculty and staff in the dean's office. It was a great opportunity to gain insight into management in an academic setting,” stated Shipman.

He has been able to apply his academic experiences directly to his life in Washington, D.C., as he regularly interacts with peers from differing political parties and views, as well as administrators and faculty from universities across the nation.

“Being able to socialize and interact with the faculty outside of the classroom was invaluable. We learned that we could be friends outside of class and still maintain a respectful, appropriate relationship in class,” he said.

Another valuable experience was being one of the founders of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at Mississippi State. He and peers helped move the fraternity from colony status to a chapter during his time in school, and built several lifelong relationships during the process.

“I gained valuable interpersonal communications skills, made professional contacts through the alumni of other chapters, and learned leadership skills through my fraternity,” he commented.

While in school, Shipman also had the opportunity to intern with Senator Thad Cochran’s office in Washington D.C., where he worked for MSU’s current president, Dr. Mark E. Keenum. He later returned as a full-time staff member, working again under Keenum’s leadership.

“Dr. Keenum taught me about politics and process, but also how to be effective as a member of the senator’s staff. Like Senator Cochran, he values integrity and taught me to do so as well,” said Shipman.

Shipman, a native of Dyersburg, Tenn., currently lives with his wife Alison in Falls Church, Va.

College of Architecture, Art and Design
Mr. Bradley C. Touchstone, AIA

The College of Architecture, Art and Design honored Bradley C. Touchstone, AIA, of Tallahassee, Fla., as fellow. Touchstone, who grew up in Laurel, Miss., is a 1993 graduate, and a founder and principal architect at Touchstone Architecture and Consulting P.A.

Reminiscing on his collegiate career, Touchstone believes he gained tangible experience and knowledge while in school. In addition, he feels that in an economically difficult era, his MSU degree represents an “unbelievable value” in his profession.

“In hindsight, I realize that the rigorous jury process in the School of Architecture prepared me for the realities of project procurement and delivery,” he stated.

Since graduating, Touchstone has concentrated his career on the construction of signature bridge projects. He founded his company a decade ago, and has over 15 years of national and international bridge design experience.

Touchstone considers his greatest professional accomplishment as the procurement, design and completion of the Christopher S. Bond Bridge in Kansas City, Mo. Under his leadership, the $200 million design/build project was completed in 2010, ahead of schedule and under budget.

Among his other accomplishments, Touchstone has worked on bridge projects across the United States and Canada. In addition, he recently completed the Saadiyat Bridge in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Still, Touchstone considers his education from MSU as one of his highest achievements.

“I look back fondly to the friendships, hard work, late nights and many pranks in the architecture studios,” he added.

Touchstone resides in Tallahassee with his wife, Michelle, who he credits as an incredible influence.

“Michelle has been the greatest influence in both my professional and personal life by ensuring that I am morally and spiritually grounded in my decision making.”

College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. David E. Wigley

Dr. David E. Wigley has been chosen as fellow for the College of Arts and Sciences. Wigley earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1979, after having earned a bachelor’s in agronomy and soil science in 1977. Today, he continues to hold a fond affection for his alma mater.

A native of Greenwood, Miss., Wigley has many wonderful memories of his time as an undergraduate student at Mississippi State. Most vividly are the lasting personal relationships he built with his peers and teachers.

“I experienced profound personal and professional growth during my time at State, which was inspired and influenced by an exceptional faculty, my student colleagues and friends, and a supportive family,” he said.

Wigley’s collegiate experiences awoke in him an insatiable curiosity about the world, particularly in the area of science. He believes MSU imparted a lifelong joy of learning and greatly influenced the direction of his career path.

Upon graduation, his academic aspirations took him to Purdue University, where he earned a doctoral degree in chemistry in 1983. He then served as a postdoctoral research associate for Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a NATO postdoctoral fellow for the University of Oxford in England.

After leaving England, Wigley’s career took him to the University of Arizona where he was a professor and researcher in the Department of Chemistry. He eventually returned to his studies, and earned his law degree from the University of Arizona in 2000.

“I consider my greatest professional accomplishment to be the many doctoral, masters and undergraduate students who worked under my direction to earn their degrees in chemistry, and with whom I collaborated in research,” Wigley stated. “These students have gone on to great achievement in industry and academia, and I believe the legacy of Mississippi State continues through them.”

Wigley left academia in 2000 and began practicing as an attorney in patent and intellectual property law. He is currently an attorney at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP in Atlanta. He and his wife, Dr. Dana Fox, live in nearby Smyrna, Ga.

College of Business
Mr. Paul J. Karre

Paul J. Karre was named fellow for MSU’s business college. Karre earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in 1974, and he now serves as senior vice president of human resources and communications for International Paper, where he began his career 38 years ago.

Born and raised in Natchez, Miss., Karre is a graduate of Mississippi State University’s business college where he studied management and proudly credits the university for helping shape his career path.

“Mississippi State University prepared me well to compete, and it opened many doors, directly and indirectly,” he stated. “For that, I am forever grateful.”

After graduation, Karre began what has now been a long career with International Paper. He first moved to Georgetown, S.C., and served as an industrial relations specialist at the local mill. He then served in a variety of corporate and business human resources roles at International Paper, before being named director human resources for the European operations, a role he served in until 1993.

Upon his return from Europe, Karre held several senior level roles in human resources in the Memphis corporate office and was appointed an officer of International Paper in 2000. In 2009, he was elected to his current role as senior vice president human resources and communications.

“I realized, after working for several years, that my MSU student life experiences and course curriculum gave me a solid foundation and confidence that helped me differentiate myself,” Karre said.

While in school, Karre had the opportunity to serve as a leader in several student organizations, as well as his fraternity. These experiences and lifelong friendships at MSU provided valuable learning experiences that influenced and transferred to his professional and personal life.

“At this stage in my career, the true thrill is seeing individuals who I have mentored or influenced in some small way achieve their professional and personal goals,” he commented.

Karre and his wife, Mary Jo, currently live in Germantown, and they have three daughters. Outside of International Paper, Karre is an avid backpacker and devotes time to volunteer activities such as the zoological council for the Memphis Zoo and the executive advisory board for the MSU College of Business.

College of Education
Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones

The College of Education is honoring 1979 graduate Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones as the 2012 fellow. Jones earned a degree in elementary education in 1979 and received a commission into the United States Air Force. Since graduation, he has spent his career serving our nation in the armed forces.

Born in Munich, Germany, Jones was the son of a career Air Force man. His family moved around from base to base, but was stationed in Columbus, Miss., for six years during Jones’ childhood.

Jones came to Mississippi State and entered the university’s Air Force ROTC program. Receiving his commission was one of the most memorable experiences of his academic career.

“On graduation day, I received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force,” described Jones. “After working toward my degree and my commission, I was surrounded by my family and friends. That was a very special day.”

He learned many important life lessons while a member of MSU ROTC and during his academic studies. It not only taught him the importance of interacting with different types of individuals, but also that anything important is worth the hard work.

“As a student, you learn through trial and error…success and failure,” he stated. “The teachers at State allowed me to grow while I learned these important lessons.”

Jones continued his education and training as he worked his way up the ranks in the Air Force. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University in 1984, and also attended Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College while stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala.

Today, Jones now leads the office of manpower, personnel and services at the Air Force headquarters in Washington, D.C. As deputy chief of staff, he is the senior officer responsible for comprehensive plans and policies covering all life cycles of military and civilian personnel management.

“Being asked to lead the Air Force’s personnel community was a huge honor,” Jones said. “I try to live up to that trust every day. Representing the Air Force, in small and large venues, is always very special.”

Despite a career of assignments all over the world, Jones still considers Mississippi State to be a magical place. In fact, it was while he was in school that he met his wife, Holly.

“When you enter the campus, you feel something special. The staff, instructors and your fellow students are what make State like no other university,” described Jones. “When you leave, you have the opportunity to show others what you experienced while in school. If you do that, success will surely follow.”

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering
Mr. Anthony L. Wilson

The James Worth Bagley College of Engineering named Anthony L. Wilson as fellow. Wilson earned an electrical engineering degree from MSU in 1987, and recalls the benefits a challenging curriculum can have on a career.

“The engineering curriculum was very demanding and required total commitment and dedication,” he explained. “It ultimately taught me how to think, and instilled a deep sense of discipline. These qualities have translated directly to my professional positions and have served me well in every step of my career.”

In addition to his MSU degree, Wilson also holds an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a graduate of the Oxford University Advanced Management Program.

As an undergraduate at MSU, Wilson participated in the university’s cooperative education program. This opportunity allows students to gain hands-on experience in a real world work environment.

“The co-op program launched me on my current career path and helped me to confirm I was headed in the right direction,” said Wilson.

Wilson’s co-op experience led him to a position with Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of the Southern Company. Since beginning full time, he has held numerous positions in different parts of the company. In 2002, he moved to Georgia Power, and was elected to his current position as executive vice president of customer service and operations in early 2012.

Much of Wilson’s business insight and integrity comes from the example set by his parents. His father, the late Leo Wilson, worked for Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. His mother, Joy, owned her own business, Safety Systems, also in Biloxi.

“My mother helped me understand the importance of locating good talent, and helped me understand that at the end of the day, you have to achieve results because the people who work for you depend on those results to earn a living,” he explained. “My dad was a natural leader and exceptionally good with people. He understood that everybody plays a critical role to the overall success of an organization, no matter where they are in the hierarchy.”

Wilson currently lives in Fayetteville, Ga., with his wife Tonya and three daughters, Natalie, Katie and Meghan. He volunteers his time on several advisory boards and councils including the MSU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Power Delivering Committee of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies, Southeastern Electric Exchange, American Cancer Society, Midtown Alliance and Camp Sunshine.

College of Forest Resources
Dr. David E. Wesley

Dr. David E. Wesley Sr. is the 2012 fellow for the College of Forest Resources. His journey with MSU began as a freshman in 1958, as he studied history and political science. Wesley completed his undergraduate degree in 1962 and moved to Greenville to teach science at E.E. Bass Junior High.

While watching MSU play in a bowl game in the mid-1960s, he saw a promotion of a new academic program at the university. He was immediately intrigued and began research about the wildlife biology program.

“I felt I had finally found my avenue to professional happiness,” recalled Wesley. “I enrolled in the master’s program that summer as one of Dr. Dale Arner’s first students.”

Wesley earned his second MSU degree in 1968 when he was awarded a master’s in wildlife and fisheries within the zoology department. He then attended Colorado State University and completed a doctoral degree in wildlife nutrition in 1971.

Following his doctoral work, Wesley spent several years at Ducks Unlimited before returning to MSU as an associate professor of forestry and wildlife. At MSU, he made many personal and professional connections that helped shape his life and career. During this time, he also served as the first president of the Mississippi Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

After leaving MSU, Wesley resumed a career with Ducks Unlimited that spanned more than two decades. He served in varying roles with the organization around the nation, and was instrumental in helping Ducks Unlimited begin habitat work for waterfowl in the United States.

“In the early 1980s, I served on a national committee of conservationists who helped formulate the North American Waterfowl Management Plan,” he explained. “Within this plan, the numerous ecosystems that serve migratory waterfowl needs across North America received timely, scientific focus. That concept has been expanded endlessly over the last three decades and now engages the needs of all migratory birds.”

After his first retirement, Wesley continued his career in conservation with several organizations, including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council. His responsibilities involved fundraising, writing, administration and consultation, among others. He also served as a host for the Elk Foundation’s television show, the Elk Country Journal.

He continued, “In today’s world and the one on the horizon, it is critical that emerging professionals build the greatest repertoire of educational diversity and talents possible. It is absolutely essential that they develop the skills and patience for communicating effectively on controversial topics and collaborating as necessary to move forward in an increasingly complex natural world.”

Wesley is now retired, again, and lives in Missoula, Montana with his wife, Mary Dale. He remains active in conservation efforts across the nation as host for special conservation video productions, and as a board member of the Vital Ground Foundation, which focuses on critical connection habitat for grizzlies. He also continues fundraising efforts to ensure the health and stability of our nation’s wildlife.

College of Veterinary Medicine
Drs. Neil M. and Deborah Maples Williams

The College of Veterinary Medicine is bestowing the honor of fellow to husband and wife team, Drs. Neil M. Williams and Dr. Deborah Maples Williams. Both employees of the University of Kentucky, Neil serves as a professor and associate director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, while Deborah is the diagnostic services coordinator.

Deborah described herself starting out as a typical little girl who loved horses and never outgrew that affection. She combined that love and an interest in science to form her career choice.

“I want to encourage students to pursue their interests, but also to be open to change,” said Deborah. “They also need to stay current in veterinary sciences throughout their careers.”

After graduating in 1982 in MSU’s second DVM class, Neil completed a small animal internship at Texas A&M. They started their veterinary careers in practices in Texas, then Kentucky, Wisconsin, and back to Kentucky. Along the way, Deborah gravitated more to equine medicine, and Neil explored veterinary pathology. He received a doctorate from the University of Kentucky in 1992, and later board certification in pathology from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

As her husband became a faculty member at the University of Kentucky’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Deborah, as an equine practitioner, recognized the need for improved communication between the laboratory and practitioners and others. She is now serving the lab as the diagnostic services coordinator.

“It is important to have someone to connect with people in the outside world,” she said. “Research and lab projects operate on steady schedules, but clients often need information more urgently. I like to help push those urgent needs through.”

Both Alumni Fellows reflect on key veterinarians who influenced them along the way. Deborah worked for Dr. George Shannon in the Meridian area during her formative years. As a DVM student at MSU, she got an externship with Dr. Leon Self in Oklahoma working on American Quarter Horse broodmares, an experience that solidified her interest in equine medicine.

For Neil, the opportunity to work as a preveterinary student and DVM student with Dr. Mikell Davis was influential. At the time, Davis was a mixed animal practitioner in Bay Springs. Davis later joined the MSU faculty and finished his 30-year career at MSU as the CVM coordinator of special education and director of the veterinary technology program.

Neil echoed his wife’s sentiments for the next generation of veterinarians.

“You don’t always wind up doing what you set out to do. Veterinary medicine is a broad field with lots of opportunities,” he said. “Down the road as one’s career advances and opportunities present, original plans might not be the final course one pursues.”

The couple resides in Nicholasville, Ky.

MSU-Meridian
Mr. Raymond L. “Ray” Gibbons

MSU-Meridian, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, named alumnus Raymond L. “Ray” Gibbons as fellow. A recent graduate, Gibbons earned a Master’s in Business Administration last May.

A lifelong Bulldog, Gibbons enjoys visiting Starkville with his family for football games, and has several family members who are fellow graduates. When Gibbons decided to go back to school to earn his MBA, his family served as his biggest supporters.

“I had a full-time job while attending grad school, and with support of my family, particularly my wife Cindy, I was able to obtain a 4.0 average,” he said.

Gibbons was honored for his scholastic achievement as one of five MSU-Meridian Outstanding Graduates in 2012. He believes the atmosphere and environment at the Meridian campus allowed for such success.

“The classes were usually small and permitted extensive interaction between the instructors and my fellow students,” Gibbons explained. “This interaction enabled an open exchange of ideas between us, and has tremendously increased my ability to listen to others and understand differing points of view.”

The MBA is one of many degrees Gibbons holds. He has an associate’s degree in accounting from Palomar College in San Marcos, Ca., and a bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University. Both degrees were earned during his 22-year career with the United States Navy, where he served in the areas of inventory control, financial management, payroll, food service and retail operations.

“During my naval career, I traveled the world, had many areas of responsibility, and developed into a productive person. Being raised on a small farm in Illinois, I never expected to be afforded the many opportunities and challenges I have received,” he stated.

Gibbons retired from the Navy as a lieutenant commander in 1995, and returned to school. He earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Meridian Community College in 1997, and has since worked as a registered nurse at Meridian’s Anderson Regional Medical Center.

His most recent academic achievements are a capstone to an interesting and diverse resume.

He said, “I am very pleased with all the help and encouragement I received while at MSU-Meridian. From my academic advisor who planned my classes, to the computer lab technicians who helped me with wireless computer connections, to the instructors who made the courses interesting and challenging, I could not be more pleased.”

Gibbons and his wife, the former Cindy Dulaney, reside in Meridian. Both will continue to support the Bulldog family throughout their lives and careers.