Cowbells are a long-standing Mississippi State University tradition, one that connects students to the larger Mississippi State family early on, allowing them to express themselves by personalizing their cowbells in various ways.

One student, Grace Hodanich, a senior communications major from Woodbridge, Virginia, experienced receiving a personalized cowbell firsthand. According to Hodanich, her first cowbell was a meaningful, personalized gift and a symbol of friendship and well-wishes.

Hodanich said, “I received my first cowbell in the mail, from a woman I hadn’t seen since I was baby. It was a beautiful, hand-painted cowbell of Davis Wade with a sweet note about her friendship with my mother in college and how she hopes the cowbell brings me the same. When my little sister followed me halfway across the country for school, she also received a beautiful hand-painted cowbell. I think it’s safe to say it brought us the friendship she hoped for.”

Stickers

One of the most common methods for cowbell decoration is to collect stickers. Game-day stickers provided by the university adorn many cowbells clanging away in Davis Wade or at Dudy Noble. Other stickers collected by students or purchased online can also add flair to cowbells, such as stickers with pop culture references or stickers from local businesses.

Michael Case, a senior anthropology major, uses his cowbell specifically to celebrate baseball.

Case said, “The cowbell signifies my support and spirit for the MSU baseball team.”

Happy to show off his baseball stickers, Case displayed his commitment to a favorite sport and preserved memories from past games.

Paint

Students often paint cowbells, using acrylic paints or paint pens to create beautiful designs. Cowbell painting can also be a lucrative side hustle for talented students and local artists. Flowers, bulldogs and abstract designs abound, and painting makes the cowbell a canvas for telling your unique Mississippi State Story.

Lauren Whitaker, a freshman art major, wants to paint her cowbell to reflect her story.

“I have not decorated my cowbell yet, but I am planning to make something that reflects the school and my legacy here,” Whitaker said. “Both my parents are Mississippi State alumni, so I am going to take inspiration from their designs and transform it into one that fits me. I love the idea of having a piece of my family here at State, and I think the cowbell is the perfect canvas for it.”

Embellishments and Engravings

Rhinestones, washi tape and beads can all be attached to cowbells to add sparkle, color and flair. Students can also add ribbons and bows to handles if they so desire.

Students may also opt to get engraved messages or initials on their cowbells. Some students may choose meaningful messages or memorable dates to have etched upon the faces of their cowbells.

Organizational cowbells

Some student awards and organizations give students cowbells with decals or designs specific to their accomplishments. Students graduating with 4.0 GPAs, for example, receive a special commemorative cowbell honoring their hard work.

Regardless of how you decorate your cowbell, your cowbell is a piece of your story and legacy at Mississippi State. However you ring, ring true, and do not forgot to get creative with your cowbells.