Spirit of State

There's a special spirit about Mississippi State students. This annual award will honor those whose contributions best represent
The Spirit of State

The university's premier student award, the Spirit of State Award, recognizes exceptional personal contributions to student life at Mississippi State University. Students from all MSU campuses, freshmen to graduate, may be nominated for this Student Affairs recognition.

The Spirit of State Award formally honors those students who have excelled in campus involvement, service to the university, and have made an impact on their peers and the broader campus community. Winners will be recognized for their outstanding Spirit of State contributions at a special recognition ceremony on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Interested students should submit a completed Spirit of State Award Application online on or before Monday, February 24, 2025. Each applicant will also need to have a Spirit of State Nomination Form completed on their behalf by Thursday, February 20, 2025. Awards will be presented at the recognition ceremony on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 3 p.m.

What are the eligibility guidelines for Spirit of State awards?

• A minimum 2.25 grade point average
• Good academic and disciplinary standing with Mississippi State University
• Classification as determined by the Registrar's Office (as of the semester the award is presented)
• A student may receive the Spirit of State Award only once

What is the process for applying?

Students may be considered for the Spirit of State Award in two ways:

Option 1

• Students may apply by completing a Spirit of State Award Application, fully describing campus involvement and how contributions have enhanced the quality of student life. Included in this application should be special recognition and honors received at Mississippi State, as well as service to the community and university.
• Ask an MSU faculty, staff member, or fellow student to complete a Spirit of State Nomination Form. Letters should describe how and to what degree the applicant has improved student life at Mississippi State University.
• Both forms should be submitted online by the above listed dates.

Option 2

• Students may be nominated by any MSU faculty, staff member, or fellow student. The person making the nomination should complete the Spirit of State Nomination Form, describing how the nominee has positively impacted student life at Mississippi State University.
• Nominees will be contacted by the Vice President for Student Affairs office and asked to complete the Spirit of State Award Application if they wish to be considered for this award.
• Both forms should be submitted online by the above listed dates.

What is the 2025 Spirit of State awards application and nomination timeline?

Spirit of State Recipients