Mississippi State University’s 2025 Mr. MSU, August Jones, never expected to hold one of the most recognizable titles on campus. 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 and molecular biology major from Bay Springs filled out the application and submitted his resume, and then later completed multiple faculty interviews. The rest, he said, “was really it.”
“I’m very grateful and humble for this opportunity,” he 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.”
When asked if Jones is right for the role of Mr. MSU, his best friend, Ethan Frost, said the role couldn’t have gone to someone more deserving.
“He is the perfect example of humility, love and excellence,” Frost said. “He is someone I deeply look up to.”
His campus involvement began early and grew intentionally.
“Whatever he does — whether it is studying, leading, or serving — he gives it absolutely everything he has, there is no halfway with him, his work ethic and drive are unmatched,” Frost said.
“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 the 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.
“It’s a good time,” Jones said. “We get to help athletes grow stronger and more confident, and it’s just really meaningful work.”
Back in 2023, Jones began leading supplemental instruction lessons for Biology I. Today, he also mentors other students as supplemental instruction leaders, helping freshmen succeed in challenging coursework.
Jones’ involvement also stretches beyond the classroom.
He is a Roadrunner and a health ambassador for the Jackson Free Clinic, where he provides free blood glucose screenings, blood pressure checks and more to his fellow citizens in Starkville.
“Through the clinic, we help educate the public about healthcare and connect people to resources,” Jones said.
His accolades extend further. Jones was selected for President Mark 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.
Christa King, the program manager for MSU’s World Class Teaching Program, said that “August exemplifies true leadership. His presence has a natural impact on each person he encourages and inspires.”
Jones was accepted into the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine, where he plans to begin medical school in the fall of 2026.
“I’m keeping an open mind,” he 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 unsure of his direction — and knowing no one.
“I came here and didn’t know a soul,” he said. “Three years later, I’m very grateful for the community and friendships I’ve built. The biggest thing I’ll walk away with is those relationships — lifelong friends. To me, that’s what’s most valuable here.”
Scholarships may have helped bring him to Starkville, but the people are what kept him here.
When asked what advice he’d give to anyone hoping to be Mr. MSU one day, Jones did not hesitate.
“The most important part is your character — who you are, your beliefs and your values,” he said. “Be yourself. Be genuine. Be intentional with who you are.”
For Jones, his Christian faith is central to 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.”
He believes leadership shows up not in grand gestures, but in the everyday.
“It’s the little things,” he said. “Go talk to people. Ask how their day is. Go out of your way for others. A changed world is the result of changed people.”
Jones even quoted one of his heroes.
“Charlie Kirk would ask these three questions every day: What is something I can do for someone today? What is something I can do to add value to the world today? How can I honor God today?”
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.”
