Hayden Cherry is Mississippi State University’s 2024 homecoming king. Throughout his time at MSU, Cherry has focused on family, involvement and service, which have defined his journey and ultimately led to his election as homecoming king.
Growing up in Halls, Tenn., Cherry was not always drawn to Mississippi State like some lifelong Bulldogs fans are. The positive stories and supportive experiences shared by members of his church community first caught his attention and motivated him to consider applying.
“[Mississippi State] wasn’t always on my radar, but I gave it a shot,” Cherry said. “I got a scholarship, and during my first visit, I felt an instant sense of family.”
That initial campus visit left a mark on him, affirming that MSU was the right place to start his college journey.
When it came time to choose a school, Cherry’s primary consideration was finding a university with a strong agriculture program. After his campus tour, he said he knew Mississippi State was where he belonged. In the fall of 2021, he began his studies, majoring in agricultural communication and leadership.
Cherry’s mother, Jackie Cherry, proudly recalled her son’s decision to attend MSU, noting how it opened doors for him to grow academically and personally.
“MSU has allowed Hayden to represent the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as an ambassador and to guide future students as a Roadrunner,” Jackie Cherry said. “For Hayden, advancing his education and promoting MSU have always been top priorities.”
Hayden Cherry’s journey at MSU has been grounded in his desire to build genuine relationships. He has never chased leadership for recognition alone. Instead, he has sought to positively impact those around him by being supportive, open and authentic.
“[Mississippi State] taught me a lot about being true to myself,” Hayden Cherry said. “My goal has been to show up authentically for others, to be real and transparent in my relationships. I think that’s what really matters.”
In addition to his academic and ambassadorial roles, Hayden Cherry’s fraternity experience has been central to his MSU life. Joining a fraternity was not only a social opportunity for him but also a chance to redefine his own understanding of Greek life and support his brothers.
“Joining my fraternity redefined what Greek life meant to me and allowed me to support others in that journey,” Hayden Cherry said.
His involvement extended beyond his chapter. He has taken on a role with the Interfraternity Council, where he worked to foster a sense of unity and collaboration across the Greek community on campus.
His agricultural communication and leadership major has equipped him with essential skills that he has applied outside the classroom.
“My major helps me develop as an effective communicator and educator, and it is rewarding to apply those skills to my work outside the classroom,” Cherry said.
Jamie Methvin, assistant director of education and member wellness in MSU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, has witnessed Cherry’s growth firsthand and speaks to his impact on campus.
“Hayden is a light and joy to be around,” Methvin said. “He’s a natural leader with such a heart to serve his peers at State. He looks at every situation as an opportunity to make a difference.”
As Cherry reflects on his time at MSU, he hopes that his position as Homecoming King will inspire others to prioritize genuine connections and lead with authenticity. His time on campus has been defined by his belief in building intentional relationships, and he wants to leave behind a legacy of this.
“My legacy here is to show that you can be intentional in relationships and be yourself without worrying about what others expect,” Cherry said. “To me, that’s what it’s all about—showing up for others, being true to who you are, and making a real impact, one person at a time.”
