MISSISSIPPI STATE (June 27, 2025) — Jillian Kelly, of Muscatine, IA, is among approximately 3,500 students graduating from Mississippi State University in spring 2025, with commencement in May.
Kelly received the Bachelor of Music Education Summa Cum Laude from MSU's College of Education.
MSU President Mark E Keenum congratulated graduates as their keynote speaker for the May commencement, reminding the class that the university's core values — integrity, hard work, and respect — will serve as their foundation for life after graduation and help them change the world.
"Those who live with core moral values stand out in this world, and people take notice of them. These values reflect who you are as a Mississippi State Bulldog, and being a Bulldog is something to be proud of," Keenum said. "My prayer for all of you is that many decades from now, you'll reflect over all that you achieved and realize it was your Mississippi State education and your values, courage and faith that enabled you to change the world for good-that you made a difference with your life. Never forget that whatever you do and achieve, you will always be a member of our proud Bulldog family."
Kelly was also named to the Mississippi State University Spring 2025 President's List. Students on the President's List achieved a 3.80 or better grade-point average, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least twelve semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.
About Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University is a national STEM-focused, doctoral degree-granting, land-grant university offering a wide range of educational experiences for learning and growth to a diverse student body of more than 23,000 students. Among the National Science Foundation's Top 100 research universities, MSU provides access and opportunity to students from all fifty states and 94 countries. MSU is committed to its comprehensive research university mission, addressing complex local and global issues with innovative ideas and solutions.
