The Mississippi State University Roadrunners will soon begin the annual selection process to fill the 75-member staff and carry out traditional Roadrunner duties. The Roadrunners are a big factor in attracting many of the state’s prospective students. They do this by writing letters, calling the prospective students and their families and giving campus tours.
Each Roadrunner must first participate in a training class which will prepare them for carrying out their various tasks. The organization members also hold other responsibilities such as traveling with enrollment counselors to high schools, assisting with fund-raisers, working in the office of enrollment services and maintaining at least a 2.25 overall GPA.
“The program began under the direction of Jim Abraham, who is now the president of student affairs, and under his tutelage the Roadrunners really became a huge factor in bringing students to the university,” John Dickerson, director of enrollment services at MSU, said. “Since 1979, the program has expanded, and right now we are looking to recruit dedicated students to carry on the tradition.”
Being an MSU Roadrunner has many benefits. Carol Ball, MSU alumni and former Roadrunner, said her experience as a Roadrunner was a very rewarding and beneficial one.
“I remember my time as a Roadrunner as a very positive experience, socially and academically. The job also helped me during my search for a career, because listing the job title and job descriptions of being an MSU Roadrunner attracted the attention of possible employers,” Ball said.
Ball also said that one of the reasons she chose to become a Roadrunner was the fact that a former Roadrunner impacted her to attend MSU during her senior year in high school.
“As a senior, I received a call from a Roadrunner, and their positive attitude and enthusiasm influenced me when it was time to decide on a college, and I chose Mississippi State,” Ball said.
Anyone who is interested in helping in the university’s success in enrolling prospective students or preparing themselves for a career after college should consider applying.
The 2002 MSU Roadrunner selection schedule can be viewed by contacting Claire Hardin at 325-3076 or by visiting the office of enrollment services. The deadline for application is Feb. 8.