Buckeye, Bulldog or both?
It is an off-the-cuff question from an interviewer that gives Kevin Edelblute pause in his McArthur Hall office.
Mississippi State's controller and treasurer grew up in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State University with undergraduate degrees in management information systems and in accounting before moving south, where he met his wife, Kristin, a Starkville native and MSU alumnus.
"When I worked in financial services, consulting and traveling extensively, I really enjoyed my time in the South. Hospitality is alive and well here," Edelblute said. "Often times, I feel that everything in the South is made with extra butter and love."
After an initial stint on campus from 2003-05 as a special assistant to the chief financial officer, during which time he earned an MBA from MSU's College of Business, and then several years working for the Mississippi Department of Transportation in Jackson, Edelblute was named controller and treasurer for the university in 2008.
"When I was searching for a new career opportunity, Starkville seemed like it would never work out, but the Good Lord provided a perfect situation for me and my family," Edelblute said. "Professionally speaking, this is an excellent fit for me, and I have been blessed with great people to work with."
In his role, Edelblute oversees the university's day-to-day financial operations, including planning, directing and administering activities in the departments of budget, payroll, sponsored programs accounting, receivables and collections, financial records, and treasury services.
"I love being part of the higher education process. Even though we aren't in the classroom, we certainly help facilitate the university's mission of instruction, research and service," he said.
But back to that question: Buckeye, Bulldog or both?
"I've been converted," Edelblute said, with a smile. "I'm a Bulldog through and through."
(But if you bump into any Edelblutes up north in Ohio, don't let on.)