During halftime at this Saturday’s football game against Abilene Christian University, Mississippi State University’s homecoming court will stand on the field, representing the values of MSU. This year, Miss MSU will be represented by Reagan Moak.
Moak, a senior biochemistry major from Brandon, Mississippi, said being named Miss MSU was a surreal experience.
“It was in between my big midterms, and I was in the library, and I didn’t want to go because I was so nervous,” Moak said. “My friends made me go and stand out there. All of my friends were huddling around me. When they said my name, I think that I blanked out for a second because I was just looking around and everyone around me was screaming, and I couldn’t fathom what was happening. My fiance was holding my shoulders, saying that it was me, and I was like, ‘That’s me.’ It was an incredible feeling, and it was a very moving moment in my life.”
Moak said she is very happy that she is going to be able to serve the campus in a new way with the title of Miss MSU. Moak said it was an insane process, but it was rewarding to become closer to people she has previously worked with during her time on campus. Moak said she had some trouble applying for the Miss MSU position because it is hard for her to put herself out there.
“I had a lot of trouble getting myself to do it at first because I am one of those people that find it hard to put myself out there at first, and that’s one thing that MSU has definitely helped me out with,” Moak said.
Moak said being Miss MSU is more than just a title.
“You have the opportunity to really embody what MSU is and all that we stand for, which is being intentional, caring and being passionate about everything you do. It’s about chasing your dreams wholeheartedly and fearlessly,” Moak said. “I think that I will do my best every single day to embody what that means.”
Moak has been very involved on campus since her freshman year. She was a Freshman Forum director for the Donald Zacharias Leadership Conference, a New Maroon Camp staff member for three years as well as a member of Maroon VIP. Moak is also a member of the Chi Omega sorority.
Moak founded an organization called STEMpact, where she is currently serving as the president. Among other things, she is a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ambassador and CALS vice president. Moak has been the recruitment chair for two years for the American Medical Student Association. She has also served as a Community Health Intern since her freshman year. Dr. David Buys, Moak’s Community Health Intern supervisor, said Moak deserves the role of Miss MSU for multiple reasons.
“She embodies the spirit of Mississippi State. She is bright and accessible. One of the things I am most proud of while being a staff member at Mississippi State is that we are the people’s university, we are here for all of Mississippi and Reagan gets that.”
Mary Katherine Swindol, a senior public relations major from Hernando, Mississippi, is a close friend of Moak. Swindol is involved in a lot of the same organizations as Moak, such as Chi Omega sorority and STEMpact and said she feels that there is no one more deserving of the Miss MSU title.
“Ever since I have known her, I have been inspired by her passion and drive to do every single thing here at Mississippi State,” Swindol said. “No matter what she does, she puts all of her time into it, and she really serves the student body with her whole heart. Reagan truly has a servant’s heart. She loves this campus through and through.”
