Members of the MSU Student Association and Stennis Montgomery Association met with state leaders as a part of the first ever “Cowbells at the Capitol” Thursday in Jackson.
The all-day event allowed MSU’s student leaders to discuss the future of Mississippi with government officials while receiving a first hand account of state politics. More than 15 elected officials spoke to the students, including personal sit down sessions with Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour and Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.
Amy Tuck, special assistant to the president at MSU, said the event materialized through the work of MSU President Mark Keenum. She said the inaugural event proved successful for lawmakers and also students.
“I thought it was a great opportunity for those who make the important decisions of our state to see the outstanding students we have here at Mississippi State,” Tuck said. “It was also nice for the students to interact with those who may represent them and make that personal contact.”
One theme appeared to resonate with government officials as they spoke with students: stay in Mississippi.
Lt. Governor Phil Bryant said nearly one-third of people leave the state upon graduating.
“One-third of our young leaders leave and go out of state,” he said. “Stay in Mississippi; we prepare you and then you move. It’s the best thing you can do to help this state improve.”
State auditor Stacey Pickering echoed the statements made by Bryant and said the state is nearing a time of greatness.
“I want to challenge you to be willing to take a risk,” he said. “Mississippi needs you and life is just starting to get good. Our standard of living is at an all-time high and the tipping point is coming for great success here in the state.”
Former Lt. Governor Tuck introduced every official who spoke to the MSU group. Before welcoming Barbour, Tuck said he is the most outstanding governor in the state’s history.
Barbour then discussed his tenure, saying he has balanced the budget and created overall job growth for the state. He said the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina actually helped the state in hindsight.
“[Katrina] has done more to improve the image of Mississippi than any other thing,” Barbour said. “I honestly do not think Toyota would have chosen Mississippi if not for seeing the perseverance of the Mississippi people.”
Barbour said he believes the state will improve and its citizens should not settle for adequate means of living.
“We need to stop being satisfied with not being last on a list of bad things,” he said. “Ten years from now, I want mothers to see their children stay in Mississippi because they will want to live in such a great place. We can do that . we just can’t settle.”
Upon hearing from state officials, the assembly of MSU students was formally introduced to both the House of Representatives and Senate members. After acknowledgment and the awarding of cowbells to key officials, the MSU congregation was treated to lunch at the exclusive Capitol Club with Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney and Sen. Gary Jackson.
Sophomore political science major Laura Elizabeth Tate said the Capitol event was a unique experience due to the high-level government members she met.
“I, along with about 30 others, was so honored to have met with some of Mississippi’s most influential and passionate elected officials at the Capitol,” Tate said. “Each of the speakers encouraged us to get involved with our communities and to give back to the state that has given us so much.”
The MSU students finished the day with a tour of the recently renovated Old Capitol Museum. The new site opened less than two weeks ago and gave students an opportunity to study the political history of the state.
SA President Braxton Coombs said he hopes and looks forward to many more personal visits from MSU-led student groups to Jackson.
“It is an excellent opportunity and educational experience for students to be able to meet with our governor and almost all of our state-wide elected officials,” Coombs said. “I hope that this is the first ‘Cowbells at the Capitol’ of many to come.”