Senior biochemistry and microbiology major Parker Taylor said shocked cannot even begin to describe his reaction to hearing his name announced as Mississippi State University’s latest Mr. MSU.
Among many deserving applicants, the Olive Branch, Mississippi-native said he was humbled to be chosen by the selection committee on Oct. 9. All of his efforts from the last four years involved on not only MSU’s campus, but also the Starkville community had finally come to fruition.
Taylor’s presence is a strong one in the city and campus. He is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, American Medical Student Association and he works as a Board-Certified Pharmacy Technician at the local Kroger, where Taylor spends most of his time.
During his college career, Taylor has also served as a Maroon VIP tour guide, Rho Chi leader and research assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Mary Reese, Taylor’s advisor in the biology department, said she could think of no one more deserving of the title.
“Mr. MSU must be someone who represents the best of MSU. As a leader, role model and advocate for other students, Parker is that representative,” Reese said. “He is also one of the hardest working students I have ever advised. I am so proud of him.”
Taylor described the role of Mr. MSU as more than a title, as it is an honor to him. With such great recognition comes great responsibility, and this year’s Mr. MSU said he is ready to uphold the honor and value the title represents.
During his first year in college, a personal tragedy almost caused Taylor to move back home.
“When I lost my dad freshman year, I really did consider moving home and going to the local community college so that I would be closer to home,” Taylor said. “What I soon realized was that I was home.”
Starkville and its community offered Taylor a home away from home, and he said he feels forever in its debt.
Throughout his four years at MSU, Taylor said he has learned a variety of lessons. Most importantly, there is nothing hard work, good friends and family cannot conquer.
Sometimes it was difficult for Taylor to picture himself graduating on time due to difficult classes and a busy work schedule. However, the family and friends he found in Starkville never stopped pushing him toward his end goal.
In the heart of his senior year, Taylor is trying to reach the same goal: medical school. He is currently in the application process, and hopes for the best.
Biological Sciences Instructor Brandy Roberts has had the opportunity to teach Taylor in several microbiology courses, and said he is an outstanding student who aims far beyond what most students try to accomplish. Because of this, it did not surprise her to see Taylor’s name in the nominations.
“I know of his success in the classroom, his contribution to the school and efforts to give back to our community—so I was not surprised by this nomination,” Roberts said. “I am proud of Parker, and know he will be successful at whatever he sets his mind to do. Parker Taylor represents MSU well.”
Mr. MSU said his biggest influence on campus is undoubtedly basketball coach Vic Schaefer, though he has never met the coach in person. Taylor and his roommate can be found at every basketball game eating barbecue nachos and watching the Dawgs.
In Taylor’s eyes, the MSU women’s basketball team has an unmatched influence on the university, city and entire country. Schaefer’s signature statement, “Fight like a Dawg,” has taught Taylor he can get where he wants to be in life, despite certain circumstances.
To any future Mr. MSU hopefuls, Taylor advises them to turn Starkville into home. Taylor has worked throughout his undergraduate career, which kept him tied to the community. He said he was occasionally discouraged to be stuck at school on weekends while his friends went home, but he happily looks back on the experience.
“I wouldn’t trade that,” Taylor reminisced. “Because being here on those days when you can make it down Highway 12 in 10 minutes or when the line to Zaxby’s isn’t backed up to Walmart allowed me to grow a closer connection to this city and its people.”
In his senior year of high school, Taylor said his father told him he would find some special connections in Starkville, where people would show him more love than he could imagine.
Taylor said he is thankful to the faculty, staff, students, administration and community for showing him nothing but love and hospitality since he stepped foot on MSU’s campus. No matter how far he goes, the 2018 Mr. MSU will carry this place with him.