Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum visited Columbia Tuesday and spoke with juniors and seniors at Columbia High School about their futures.
It’s something he’s done all over the state, but the students, staff and architecture of Columbia High caught the eye of the 19th leader of the Starkville institution.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Columbia and touring Columbia High School with two outstanding, bright, talented students (Gabrielle Melville and Harrison Foxworth),” he said. “What I’ve been so amazed at with the school is the historic preservation of the building itself and the renovations that have happened. This is a beautiful school, and I’ve been so impressed.”
Keenum said he travels to many high schools across the state and beyond and enjoys talking to young people about their lives.
“I want to talk about their future and the challenges and opportunities that they’ll be facing in this 21st century,” he said. “I will also, hopefully, inspire them to get an education beyond just high school. Go to at least community college and hopefully to a four-year college and get as much education as they possibly can get.”
But more than education, Keenum said that it is important for students to know how to live their lives.
“At Mississippi State, we focus on values,” he said. “Values of integrity, hard work and the value of having respect for other people because armed with a good quality education, and you live your life with integrity and always work hard and you’re always respectful of other people, it doesn’t matter what the 21st century brings, they will be equipped and prepared to be leaders in the future.”
Columbia School District Superintendent Jason Harris said he had been in contact with Keenum months ago and asked him to visit.
“He’s a great public speaker,” Harris said. “We’re glad to have him speak and bring his message to our juniors and seniors. It’s nice to have the president of a large university come to Columbia and speak.”
Pictured Above: Mississippi State President Mark Keenum, right, speaks with Columbia High School’s Jaheim Oatis during a tour of the school Tuesday as other students and school staff look on. | Photo by Mark Rogers
