Because of her heart-felt passion for helping others, Starkville native and Student Association president, Roxanne “Roxie” Raven, has been involved with SA since she first stepped foot on campus her freshman year. 
This passion combined with her work ethic and drive for success helped lead Raven to where she is today. 
Raven was born in Starkville and lived here with her parents, who were both Mississippi State University professors, until middle school when they moved across the country to Michigan. When it came time to apply for colleges, Raven said she applied to almost 20 schools, and aside from academics, she was looking for a school that would value her as an individual, a student, and would give her a lot of leadership opportunities.
“When I came to Mississippi State, nothing else compared,” Raven said. “It still felt like home to me. I didn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Raven started her journey with SA early. She joined freshman council within the first week of arriving on campus and fell in love with serving the student body and making campus a better place for all students. 
Later she ran for the elected office of vice president and won. After her term was over, she wanted to make sure that she finished the job she started as a freshman, thus leading her to run for president. 
“I worked on so many things as vice president, and I didn’t want to leave all of that behind, that’s why I ran for president,” Raven said. “This has been the culmination of all of my three years in SA.”
Raven said she did not get involved on campus with the intention to become SA president though. For her it was all about people – meeting them, listening to them, and connecting with them.
“From students and faculty to alumni and perspective students, every person I’ve met along the way has been so unique and so awesome,” Raven said. “I’ve learned a lot of things from all the people I’ve met through this position.”
This infatuation with people has been evident with Raven’s colleagues as well.
Derryl Kinnell, junior psychology major, said his favorite memory of Raven was the GIF of her ‘dabbing’ into her campaign logo. Kinnell, SA senator, praised Raven and her work as president.
“Roxie did an amazing job going above and beyond what was expected of her, and will leave a lasting legacy on the Student Association and Mississippi State University,” Kinnel said. 
Mary Elizabeth Stringer, SA senator, said Raven is an exception to most college students.
“Most students can hardly find time to keep up school work, Stringer said. “Then, there is Roxie Raven who creates time in order to accomplish her goals.”
Stringer, senior kinesiology major, said Raven has changed MSU’s campus for the better.
“Roxie’s passion to make this campus a more progressive and enjoyable learning environment has become a testament to hard work and determination,” Raven said. “She is truly an inspiring peer and friend.”
In regards to the next SA president, whomever that may be, Raven said that the best advice she could give is to not let the pressure of the job become overwhelming.
“My biggest piece of advice would be when you’re overwhelmed, take a step back, take a deep breath and realize how blessed you are to be in this position,” Raven said. 
As for what’s next in her life, our SA president is like many of her senior classmates: unsure. She will be receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history and French this May. Raven said she may pursue law school or a master’s degree in city planning and urban development in the future, but she wants to take her time in figuring out exactly what path she wants to take.