Mississippi State University’s Mr. MSU, August Jones, never expected to hold one of the university’s most recognizable titles. In fact, he nearly missed the deadline.
“I had a friend in class who reminded me the applications were closing that evening,” Jones said. “I hadn’t applied or even realized they were due.”
The senior biochemistry major from Bay Springs submitted the application. A little over three weeks later, he was announced as Mr. MSU.
“I’m very grateful and humbled for this opportunity,” Jones said. “I just hope to represent the university and the student body as well as I can — and represent Christ as well as I can.”
His campus involvement started early and grew with intention.
“I’m a big believer in quality over quantity with involvement,” Jones said. “I’d rather be involved in a few things and do them well rather than spread myself too thin.”
He serves as president of the American Medical Student Association, MSU’s largest pre-medical organization, where he coordinates guest speakers from medical schools, leads service projects and partners with other campus organizations.
Jones is also head athletic trainer and treasurer for Special Olympics Unified College, where he manages volunteer trainers, organizes fundraising and leads strength and conditioning sessions for athletes with physical and mental disabilities.
“We get to help athletes grow stronger and more confident, and it’s just really meaningful work,” Jones said.
Since 2023, Jones has led supplemental instruction lessons for Biology I. He now mentors other S.I. leaders, helping freshmen succeed in challenging coursework.
Outside of the classroom, he is a Roadrunner tour guide and a health ambassador for the Jackson Free Clinic, where he provides free health screenings and connects residents to local resources.
“Through the clinic, we help educate the public about healthcare and connect people to resources,” Jones said.
His leadership extends even further. Jones has been selected for President Mark E. Keenum’s Honors Forum Leadership Class, named a Luckyday Scholar and honored as a Spirit of State Award recipient — one of the university’s highest recognitions for service.
Jones has also been accepted into the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine, where he plans to begin in the fall of 2026.
“I’m keeping an open mind,” Jones said. “There are so many cool things you can do in medicine, so I don’t want to limit myself.”
Jones said he came to Mississippi State knowing no one.
“Three years later, I’m very grateful for the community and friendships I’ve built,” Jones said. “The biggest thing I’ll walk away with is those relationships — lifelong friends. To me, that’s what’s most valuable here.”
When asked what advice he would give to future Mr. MSU candidates, Jones did not hesitate.
“Be yourself. Be genuine. Be intentional with who you are,” Jones said.
Faith, Jones said, remains the center of his life.
“I would not be where I am today without the gift of Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross,” he said. “The greatest thing anybody can ever do is to bend the knee and admit that Jesus Christ is Lord. That changes your life and gives you purpose and meaning.”
Whether in the lab, at the gym, or leading campus tours, Jones’s approach remains the same: serve first.
“I just hope to leave wherever I go better than I found it,” he said. “It’s the people here — the faculty, the students, the Starkville community — that make Mississippi State special. I’m just thankful to be a part of it.
