Faculty Bequests Signify Passion for MSU
"As colleagues, we share a passion to support our university. Although we cannot give as generously as some alumni and friends, we want to do our part in ensuring exceptional education at Mississippi State continues with these bequests," Rodney says.
The Pearsons are a longtime Starkville couple who met as MSU faculty members. Rodney is a professor of Business Information systems and a Robert Keil Innovative Teaching Fellow, while Allison is the Jim and Julia Rouse Professor of Management. Barnett is the Bobby and Barbara Martin Fellow, as well as head of the Department of Management and Information Systems.
"Many of our students inspired us to create this bequest because they have honored us with contributions in our names," Rodney says.
"We were also inspired by loyal alumni and friends who give so much of their time and financial resources, particularly to the College of Business," Allison says.
The Drs. Rodney and Allison Pearson Endowed Scholarship Fund will be established with the couple's bequest. It will create a perpetual scholarship fund to provide annual awards to assist students majoring in management or business information systems.
By including Mississippi State University in their estate plans, the colleagues hope to encourage others to consider leaving similar legacies at MSU.
Real Affinity
"The experience of earning a degree from MSU causes you to have a real affinity for the university and a faith in its future. Coming here as a doctoral student made possible a great life and a rewarding career which enabled me to make this bequest," Barnett says.
The bequest from Barnett will establish two endowments for the college. The Dr. Timothy R. Barnett Endowed Ph.D. Fund will support doctoral-level education, dissertation research, professional travel and areas associated with the enhancement of Ph.D. candidates within the Department of Management and Information Systems.
A second endowment from his bequest creates the Dr. Timothy R. Barnett Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Management to assist in attracting and retaining outstanding faculty and administrators in the department.
Barnett and the Pearsons plan to continue their service to Mississippi State University, and impact their students in the most positive way possible through their teaching, learning and service endeavors.
How You Can Pass on Your Values
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