Charles “Chuck” Dunlap still recalls memory of the day when he got the news that a fellow Bulldog, Mississippi State University pass rusher, Keffer McGee, died. 
“ … Getting that phone call at 5 a.m. was a day I’ll never forget,” he said. “Seeing the program and a head football coach … have such a special person torn from them like that — from Coach (Jackie) Sherrill’s press conference later that day where he couldn’t stop crying to the staff, players and MSU family being so completely devastated.”
Dunlap was a student assistant with the MSU athletic department, and his undergraduate career was coming to an end; McGee’s death marked the end to a long list of remarkable moments for Dunlap, both exciting and tragic — from the Sweet 16 trip the MSU basketball team took in 1995 to its Final Four appearance one year later, to the baseball team’s two College World Series appearances in the late 1990s.
It could have been those moments that sparked Dunlap’s passion for collegiate athletics. Or maybe it was within the long nights and eventful weekends he worked for the MSU athletic department. But at the time, Dunlap didn’t know he would attend the next 15 SEC Championships as an employee of the conference.
“While job hunting after graduation, the opportunity for a full-time internship at the SEC sort of just presented itself,” he said. “I took it thinking I would only be for a year while I pursued a career in PR outside of college athletics. Fifteen years later, I’m still here.”
Yes, he is still there — but now as the SEC’s Director of Communications. He said what influenced him to pursue his current profession was an important person instead of an monumental event.
“Without a doubt, MSU Senior Associate AD Mike Nemeth has had the biggest personal impact on my career,” he said. “Since I spoke and interviewed with him prior to enrolling at MSU, to working for him for three years, to this very day in 2014.”
Dunlap met Nemeth on a campus visit prior to enrolling at State. They shared mutual interests as Nemeth was the primary media relations contact for football and Dunlap had a football career in community college.
Nemeth said his experience with sports led Dunlap to a position in his office.
“Because of Chuck’s background in sports, I think he thought he might have an interest in media relations/public relations, and he set up a time to visit with me about the office and my job,” Nemeth said. “Chuck was and is a very engaging person, and I remember thinking as he sat across from me that I wish he had come to Mississippi State as a freshman so that he would have had four years working in our office.”
Nemeth also said Dunlap quickly worked up in the office and took on more responsibility.
“Well, Chuck has a great work ethic. And despite his only being with us a couple of years, he quickly moved to a role of leadership and responsibility in our office,” Nemeth said.
Nemeth said Dunlap’s excellent communication skills, attention to detail and willingness to make tough decisions are just a few attributes that serve as major strengths in his profession. 
“He handled all of the media relations duties for a couple of our Olympic sports before he left State, which is quite unusual for someone who did not spend his entire undergraduate years in our department,” Nemeth said.
Those few years working in the department proved to serve as an excellent foundation to launch Dunlap’s career. Even today, Nemeth still believes that Dunlap’s humble attitude and likeable personality will take him to even higher levels of success.
“Chuck’s most recent promotion is just a natural progression for him in the field of athletics. I wouldn’t imagine that it is his last,” he stated.
Aside from his endeavors within the athletic department, Dunlap was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and even served as chapter president. But when he was not working at the athletic department or tending to matters within his fraternity, he was accomplishing much more important things — like falling in love.
“First and foremost, I met my wife at MSU, so I should probably mention that first. She was a communication major as well, but one day early my second year working as a student assistant in the athletic department, she just walked in one day. So I’d have to put that number one,” he said.
The overall college experience is intended to not only make us more educated and wise, but to bring out our true character and to help us discover who we are destined to be. It is obvious that Mississippi State has molded and shaped Chuck into the person he is today.
“My time at MSU was some of the greatest of my life, as I’m sure they are for most college graduates. It’s probably safe to say 99.9 percent of who I am, both personally and professionally today, I owe to my time and experiences while at Mississippi State University,” he said.
Dunlap was no stranger to the Bulldog nation even before he became a part of it. 
“I grew up just 30 minutes away in Louisville, so a very large part of the first 23 years of my life were spent in or around Starkville and Mississippi State. And
to see how it’s grown over the last 20 years has been amazing and fun to watch,” he said.
While many changes have been made to MSU over time, Dunlap said one thing remains and will continue to draw people in. 
“The name ‘Starkville’ and its rural setting have always made it an easy target for some around the country,” Dunlap said. “But I’ve always contended no one who has actually ever visited has left saying anything in a negative regard.”
Dunlap’s success should be inspiring to all college students. His advice? Stay busy. 
“Build your resume as a student. If you find yourself with too much free time during the day, you are probably doing yourself a disservice,” Dunlap said. “While your work in the classroom is incredibly important, gaining professional experience and valuable life lessons while in school, instead of waiting for college to end and beginning your career, can be just as much, if not more, valuable to you.”
In other words, MSU can be a truly magical place if you allow it to be. Opportunities and doors open every day and a path to success lies within experience and preparation.
“College is an important part of any young adult’s life. Embrace it and enjoy it, certainly,” he said. “But the biggest advice I tell students is simply to get involved. Volunteer. Find out what your interests, likes and dislikes are.”
Through working for MSU Athletics, Dunlap uncovered valuable assets and a love for his profession. 
“Don’t be average. Stand out. Anything you do, in all walks of life, do it the best it’s ever been done,” he said.