A lady in a maroon shirt and khakis inside Montgomery Hall never leaves people without a smile on their faces. Priscilla Brown, who has worked as a custodian for the past nine years at the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, said appreciation for others can provide a major source of motivation.
“You’ve got to have love and a big heart for people. That is what keeps me going,” Brown said.  
Brown has a degree in hotel and restaurant management from East Mississippi Community College but said she chose not to work in that field.
“I like what I am doing. It gives me inner peace,” she said. 
Carolyn Hood, admissions assistant at the Office of Admissions and Scholarship said she has known Brown for over 20 years. 
“Priscilla is always ready and willing to do whatever she can to help. A friend like Priscilla is always great,” Hood said. “She takes her job very seriously and does a wonderful job of taking care of our building.” 
Brown’s work ethic can be seen in her dedication.
“I get up at 3 a.m. every day. I do not consider my work stressful because Montgomery Hall is my second family, and knowing this gives me the drive to get up and do the best for them because I know sitting at the desk is hard,” Brown said.
Robin Graves, director for enrollment marketing at the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, said Brown is a positive and upbeat person. 
“She always comes in with a smile on her face, and she puts it on a personal level. She is always genuinely interested in my family and kids,” Graves said. 
Brown said she is a Starkville resident and has two daughters and three grandchildren. 
“I try to achieve all my goals. Sometimes I fall short, but I don’t stop. I believe God put all of us here for a purpose, and if you are having a bad day, it is my job to come up to you with a happy smile and make you feel better because we are here for each other,” Brown said. 
Brown seems to have made friends since beginning to work at MSU.
“I am proud to say that Priscilla is my friend, and anytime I need her, day or night, she will be there for me,” Hood said. 
Torian Corathers, student worker at the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, said Brown is truly a wonderful person inside and out.
“There is not a day I see her without a smile on her face. She reminds me of my grandmother, who was a very loving and caring lady,” Corathers said. 
Ceci Land, data management coordinator at Montgomery Hall, said Brown is a joy to work with because she always has such a positive attitude and happy demeanor.  
“On days that she doesn’t come into my office, I miss her. She goes above and beyond what’s required for her job, and it shows. She has pride in her work,” Land said.
Dan Coleman, former director for recruitment, said Brown is a mother-like figure for him because she gave him guidance in many areas of his life.
“She was so inspirational, and her job, to me, went beyond a custodial. I was so thankful to have her in Montgomery Hall, and she did her job with pride and humility,” Coleman said.
Brown says she tries to keep positive.
“You’ve got to have a vision, and you’ve got to have a goal, even though if you fall short today, there is always a tomorrow. You can always accomplish your goals tomorrow, and with God’s help you can certainly do it,” Brown said. 
Shannon Newell, data management specialist at the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, said she considers Brown a member of every department in Montgomery Hall.
“She is probably the friendliest person on campus. She is not only extremely dedicated, but she takes pride in what she does. She has definitely never met a stranger. Even on my first day, it seemed like she had known me for years,” Newell said. 
Brown said her message to graduating seniors is to do what they do well and for the betterment of the world.
“Make sure you know your job, learn your job well. If you do what you are supposed to do, someday somebody will see the good in you. You may have a hard time, but the things you achieve with hard work are given by God, so work hard, spread happiness and love everyone,” she said.
 

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Emma Katherine Hutto

Priscilla Brown