John Wesley Williamson is Mississippi State University’s newly nominated, selected, and elected Mr. MSU of 2016.  The process itself goes to show that Williamson’s resume is not only impressive, but he’s a well-rounded leader as well.  
As a freshman, Williamson said he immediately got involved at MSU, beginning with pledging Sigma Chi fraternity and becoming a member of the Student Association’s Freshman Council, getting his foot in the door in organizations he would later go on to lead.  
After serving as a member of Freshman Council, Williamson said he applied for the Student Association’s Cabinet and was selected as the co-director of community and governmental relations. Wanting to play a role in something more programming-based as opposed to policy-based, Williamson said he changed direction and served as the assistant director of Bulldog Bash in 2015. 
 “It was a great experience working for an entire year and finally seeing all of your hard work come together for over 30,000 people to enjoy,” Williamson said.  
Williamson said his motivation behind his involvement is the desire to make other’s lives better.  He strives to be service oriented as opposed to serving to build a resume.  Williamson credits this to learning at a young age a true leader must be a follower and to never be the smartest person in the room, as well as crediting his mentors who have walked alongside him and taught him to become a well-rounded leader.
“I have always strived to put others before myself and I have been able to help others through my involvement and, even as a friend, I hope I can help them in anyway possible,” Williamson said.
Not only is Williamson involved on campus, but he said also owns his own business as well.  
As a ninth grader, Williamson said he witnessed a nearby stand being shut down which he saw as a perfect opportunity to start a snow cone business.  With his parent’s help, he started “J Bizzy’s” and has since watched it succeed.  
“I gained such valuable life and business lessons that I have used in my time here at MSU in the classroom and my organizations,” Williamson said.  
According to Williamson, the most valuable skill he’s learned has been time management.  This has helped him balance his schoolwork, organizational duties, and spending time with friends.  Stress was inevitable but Williamson said he could not imagine life without using his talents to help other organizations and giving back to them. Williamson credits this to God.
 “I have a strong faith in God and I can truly contribute all of my success and talents to Him,” Williamson said. “There were times that there would be no way I could make it through all my school work, running my business, maintaining my organizational duties and being a good friend and son without the strength of God and His guidance.”
Jamie Aron served as a co-director of community and governmental relations in the SA with Williamson last year. In their time as co-directors, Williamson and Aron organized a voters registration drive, a letter writing campaign to the state legislator, brought Mayor Wiseman to speak to the SA Cabinet, and organized a student trip to the State Capitol. 
According to Aron, the purpose of the trip was to encourage a continuation of the two percent tax on food and beverages in Starkville and to advocate for an increase in faculty salary. The two percent tax directly affects the student body as a source of funds for SA events (such as Bulldog Bash) as well as other student organizations on campus. An increase in faculty pay means that MSU can keep its faculty and create better learning environments for its students.  
“In this capacity, John Wesley excelled as communicator and an organizer,” Aron said. “He worked diligently behind the scenes. I could not have asked for a more qualified or hardworking co-director. John Wesley’s commitment to the SA exemplifies one of the many reasons he is qualified to be Mr. MSU. He served diligently, excelled at organizing events, and communicated with his fellow leaders in a professional manner. He leads by example and is clearly committed to serving the university.”  
Aron said Williamson works hard, communicates respectively, and carries himself with dignity. This was especially evident to Aron in the way he conducted himself in the Raven v. Wood election of 2016.  
 “I was impressed by his genuine, honest character, his commitment to his friend, and his relentless effort,” Aron said. “I have only respect and admiration for John Wesley. I cannot think of a more deserving person or a more qualified individual for Mr. MSU.”
As treasurer of Sigma Chi during Williamson’s sophomore and junior years, he was placed in charge of a $500,000 budget over the course of the year.  Nicholas Cobb, a fellow Sigma Chi and successor of Williamson’s recently held position of treasurer, who said Williamson’s hard work and diligence pushed their Sigma Chi chapter to great financial success.
Following that year, Williamson transitioned into the presidential position, and has held that office since last November. Two years in positions at arguably the two most integral roles of the executive staff have allowed Williamson to continue to impact Sigma Chi deeper than the surface. 
“He’s helped create a culture of men who take initiative to leave our chapter better than we found it and who are willing to give up their own time and efforts to improve and expand our chapter’s success on and off campus,” Cobb said. “John Wesley has been a huge part of my growth as a leader throughout my college career.”  
As his successor of the treasurer position, Williamson has taught Cobb about staying organized and leading by example while maintaining the respect of our chapter. 
Even with his heavy work load, Williamson said he still makes time for friends.
“I couldn’t get through life without their support and encouragement.  I’m blessed to have such supportive friends and family in everything I do,” Williamson said.  
Williamson also enjoys going to movies, watching MSU athletics, and playing basketball with friends, as well as distance running, playing tennis, and keeping up with politics.
Some of Williamson’s favorite memories include MSU being No. 1 in football and going to the old bakery to spend time over coffee or a dessert with a friend.  Williamson said he will always remember the night of Bulldog Bash and watching the X Ambassadors and Misterwives perform and seeing all of their hard work pay off.  
“Mississippi State has given so much to me through friends, my education and experiences,” Williamson said. “One can ask almost anyone who has attended MSU and almost all will say Mississippi State has one of the friendliest atmospheres. We are truly a family who supports each other in all ways of life! I’m honored to have attended college at Mississippi State.”
Williamson wants to thank the men of Sigma Chi for nominating him for Mr. MSU, the Selection Committee for selecting him to be on the ballot, and the student body for electing him.  
“It is truly an honor and something I will never forget,” Williamson said.