College Alumni of the Year

The Columbus native, now living in Nashville, Tennessee, has dedicated her career to transforming senior living spaces through innovative and barrier-free design. A 1997 graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in human sciences, she is a certified interior designer licensed in seven states. Abruzzo is a principal at Studio 121 Inc., a nationally recognized interior design firm specializing in senior living, where she oversees all design and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) phases. Her passion for creating accessible environments was inspired by her grandmother’s challenges navigating public spaces in a wheelchair, leading her to focus on independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing design. Under her leadership, Studio 121 has earned numerous accolades, including the 2024 Senior Housing News first-place award for life plan communities. Dedicated to giving back, she serves on MSU’s Interior Design Advisory Board and employs as well as mentors MSU graduates entering the profession. She has also contributed to her local community by serving on various parent-teacher organization boards at her children’s schools. Abruzzo credits MSU with providing the education, professional network, and lifelong relationships that have shaped her career. She is honored to be recognized as the College of Architecture, Art and Design Alumna of the Year and continues to make a lasting impact in her field.

The Mandeville, Louisiana, native, now residing in New Roads, Louisiana, has dedicated her career to advancing veterinary oncology and student success in veterinary education. A two-time Mississippi State graduate, she earned her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences in 2002, graduating summa cum laude, and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Currently serving as the senior associate dean for student success at Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Boudreaux leads a 14-person team that oversees student-related initiatives, the development of a competency-based veterinary education curriculum, and a new veterinary technician program. In 2016, Dr. Boudreaux was the medical oncologist on the healthcare team for Mike VI, LSU's live tiger mascot, when he was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma. She worked with the team to diagnose and treat Mike VI and was the first author on the publication associated with his treatment. Her extensive career includes leadership roles with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association, where she has shaped national veterinary education and oncology standards. She remains deeply connected to MSU, crediting her clinical externships, problem-based learning curriculum, and faculty mentorship as the foundation of her professional success. Passionate about mentorship, she continues to support the next generation of veterinarians and has been recognized with multiple Dean’s Teacher Merit Honor Roll awards. She also gives back to her local community through academic committees and volunteer work with organizations. Boudreaux’s lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine and education embodies the values of leadership, service and excellence instilled in her at Mississippi State.

The Inverness native, now living in Chicago, Illinois, has built a distinguished career in agriculture, finance and investment while remaining a dedicated supporter of Mississippi State University. After graduating cum laude in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics, he initially planned to return to his family farm; however, due to the challenging ag cycle of the 1980s, he sought new opportunities that led him to the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). He spent 18 years at the CBOT mastering financial markets. In 2006, he founded FSB Companies, a private investment firm specializing in real estate, private equity, agriculture and strategic lending. As founder, chairman, and CEO, Brumfield focuses on leveraging his network and experience to create opportunities that advance his portfolio of companies, defining vision and strategy, and surrounding himself with top-tier talent to execute his ambitious plans. As a committed philanthropist, he attributes his giving to the influence of his wife, Mary Frances of Macon, and their three children, Swayze, Blake and Lucy. He has established multiple MSU scholarships in honor of his family and supports Delta Streets Academy, 4-H programs, and Children’s Lurie Hospital in Chicago. He is also a longtime Bulldog Club member, a past board member, and a founding donor of the Strategic Finance Laboratory and E-Center at MSU. Brumfield credits MSU for the relationships and education that shaped his success, emphasizing the impact of the faculty, students and values instilled during his time in Starkville. Although his path initially led him beyond Mississippi, he has come full circle to where his roots run deep, focusing much of his energy and resources on developing agri-businesses in the Mississippi Delta. His deep passion for agriculture and MSU remains unwavering, ensuring future Bulldogs have access to the same opportunities that helped shape his journey.

The Warren, Ohio, native and longtime Starkville resident has dedicated his life to science, service and supporting education. He earned his Master of Science in chemistry from Mississippi State University in 1968 after completing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and math at Hiram College. His professional career spanned more than 50 years as an analytical chemist, including long tenures at the State Chemical Lab at MSU and Southern Ionics in Columbus, Mississippi. A passionate supporter of MSU and Hiram College, Crawford has funded scholarships in multiple disciplines, from chemistry and aerospace engineering to social work and the arts, as well as provided financial support for special projects. Beyond academia, his commitment to community service includes decades of volunteer work with the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Habitat for Humanity and numerous charitable organizations. He has also contributed to local beautification efforts, maintaining George Evans Park and participating in litter cleanup. An amateur violinist, Crawford played with the Starkville-MSU Orchestra and was a familiar sight in the Starkville Christmas Parade, driving his red 1953 MG to represent The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Charitable Organization. Mississippi State became his home thanks to the welcoming mentorship of Dr. Donald Emerich, and he has since spent more than five decades giving back to the place that shaped his journey.

The Meridian native, now residing in Madison, is a lifelong educator and leader dedicated to fostering student success and educational excellence. She earned a Master of Education in 1976 and an Educational Specialist degree in 1983 from Mississippi State University, along with degrees from Meridian Junior College, the University of Southern Mississippi and a Doctor of Education from the University of Alabama. Her journey in education began through a work-study program at Meridian Community College, which ignited her passion for special education—a field in which she has left a lasting impact. Retiring in 2007 as superintendent of the Aberdeen School District, she led the district to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation, ensuring excellence in curriculum, instruction and operations. Her dedication to MSU continues through her role as co-founder of the Fluker-Reed/Reed-Burrell Endowed Scholarship, her gifts to the Bulldog Club, and her past service as an adjunct professor at MSU’s Meridian campus. Beyond her career, Fluker-Reed actively serves her community through organizations such as Rotary International, the USA International Ballet Competition and the Greater Pearlie Grove College Ministry. She has received numerous accolades, including serving as the president of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents, serving on the State of Mississippi Board of Education, induction into the Meridian Community College Hall of Fame, recognition as Mississippi Association of Office Personnel Administrator of the Year, and having the Fluker-Reed Activity Center named in her honor. She remains dedicated to supporting future generations of students and educators.

The Hale County, Alabama, native, now living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has dedicated his life to forestry, public service and military veterans while maintaining a strong connection to Mississippi State University. After serving in the U.S. Army Security Agency, including multiple Vietnam campaigns, he pursued his passion for forestry, earning a Bachelor of Science in forest resources from MSU in 1977. May’s career spans decades of leadership in both public and private forestry sectors, including vice president and chief forester for Delaney Development and Springdale Land Management, and fire division director for the Alabama Forestry Commission. Alongside his professional career, he has supported the state of Alabama and its forestry industry for nearly three decades through various appointments. May has served on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources advisory board, and as a member of the Alabama Governor’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Board. He also contributed to the Alabama Board of Registration of Forestry and the Alabama Forestry Commission. A lifelong advocate for veterans, he holds lifetime memberships in organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion. At MSU, May remains engaged through his role on the Forestry Advisory Committee, facilitating research grants and establishing an endowed scholarship in the Department of Forestry. A proud Bulldog Club member, he and his wife, Terri, actively support MSU athletics, passing on their Bulldog pride to their three daughters and grandchildren. Today, he continues to mentor the next generation of foresters while preserving a legacy of service, leadership and dedication to MSU. 

The Russell/Toomsuba native, now living in New Orleans, Louisiana, has built an extraordinary career in the petroleum industry, combining technical expertise with leadership and mentorship. A summa cum laude Bachelor of Science graduate of MSU’s chemical engineering program in 1983, Purvis discovered his passion for petroleum engineering during an internship with Shell. Over his career at Shell, he refined his skills in reservoir engineering and optimizing oil and gas field performance before moving into leadership and executive roles both in the US and overseas. In his second career, he rose to vice president of engineering at BHP Petroleum, overseeing global technical standards, reserves estimation, and staff development. After retiring, he joined The Alternative Board New Orleans as a partner, where he now coaches small and mid-sized business owners to help them achieve strategic growth. Purvis remains actively engaged with MSU, serving on the boards of the MSU Foundation, the Department of Petroleum Engineering, and the dean’s advisory council for the Bagley College of Engineering. He also mentors students and teaches the petroleum engineering Capstone senior design course. A licensed professional engineer and inductee of the MSU Chemical Engineering Hall of Fame, Purvis also dedicates his time to community leadership as the president of the First Baptist Church New Orleans Foundation and as an ambassador for the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. He credits MSU with shaping his work ethic, critical thinking skills, and leadership capabilities while also introducing him to his wife, Susanne, who has stood by him throughout his international career journey.

The Eupora native, now residing in Boca Raton, Florida, has built a distinguished career in corporate finance and executive leadership, drawing on the strong foundation he gained at Mississippi State University. A 1977 MSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in banking and finance, he later earned an MBA in finance from the University of Memphis, setting the stage for a career that spanned leading global corporations. Robinson held senior executive finance roles at Procter & Gamble and Exelon Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in strategic financial planning and corporate governance. Now retired, he continues to shape the business world as an independent corporate board member, providing strategic insights and financial expertise. Robinson remains deeply connected to MSU, serving on the Executive Advisory Board for the College of Business and the MSU Foundation Board, ensuring future generations of Bulldogs have the same opportunities for success. Honored as a College of Business Alumni Fellow in 2015, he credits MSU for instilling in him goal-setting, adaptability and a strong work ethic. His passion for business and desire to make an impact continue to inspire both students and professionals alike.