MOX

Men of Excellence became an official student organization at Mississippi State University on October 20th, 2009. The first President was Jarrell Campbell, followed by Tabora Cook, Carlos Ewing, Johnathan Peterson, David Williams, Isaac Lias, Charles Reese and Brandon Flowers (respectively). Ms. Maria White (former dean and director of Holmes Cultural Diversity Center - HCDC) was off on a visit to the University of Southern Mississippi when she came across their student organization by the name “Men of Excellence”. She was impressed with the organization and what they stood for. This sparked the vision for Men of Excellence at Mississippi State University. In February 2009 with collaboration from Dr. Bill Kibler (former Vice President of Student Affairs), Ms. White began laying the ground works for Men of Excellence at MSU. Dr. Kibler understood that there were academic and social issues with African American and Hispanic males on the campus at Mississippi State University and knew that this issue needed to be addressed. Dr. Kibler shared these issues of concern with Ms. White when she presented him with her idea for starting Men of Excellence at MSU. The two agreed upon what the issues were and that something should be done. Dr. Kibler was so impressed with Ms.White’s proposal that he asked her to go ahead and begin working on creating the organization. Ms. White is credited for the creative mind behind the organization's mission and the way it was to be implemented.  

 

Over the years, Men of Excellence have accomplished so much on the campus of Mississippi State and in the Starkville community. For instants, Men of Excellence annual Talented 100 has allowed students to exhibit their talent on the campus of MSU. Also, The State of Black Men Symposium is a program designed to give varies perspectives of Black males on the campus of MSU and advised students on ways to have the best college experience. As for projects in the community, Mission-E is a program generated by our organization that is focused on the betterment of young male minorities in the Golden Triangle area. Through mentoring and tutoring, we hope to provide guidance and inspiration while giving young adolescents a glimpse of what it means to become a successful young man. 

 

The overall purpose of the organization was for the betterment of minority males in areas of academics, networking, and leadership skills. Each year, the organization flourishes by tackling ongoing boundaries in their community and by expanding their membership. The organization was able to branch out and develop new connections within the university, as well as outside of the university. The organization will continue to work toward its primary purpose and will maintain its level of accomplishments.