With a bright smile of his own, Ademola Oladunjoye says helping others and putting a smile on their faces motivates him.
A native of Nigeria, the food science, nutrition and health promotion graduate student clearly has found motivation throughout his time at Mississippi State. And he has received awards for his work and involvement. Oladunjoye was recognized in late 2011 as the StudyMississippi International Student of the Year.
Among his activities and services, he has been director of international student affairs for the Student Association in 2008-2009, when he pioneered the first International Student Orientation. He also partnered with the English as a Second Language program to recruit conversation partners. A 2010 Fellow in the Montgomery Leadership Honors Program and peer counselor for the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Oladunjoye has made himself a familiar face around campus, and an especially welcoming friend for new international students.
"It\'s been a great experience, and I love every bit of it. At MSU, we encourage academic excellence as well as student activities," he said.
Oladunjoye also has served as president of the African Student Association and as a member of the Starkville Multi-Cultural Lions Club. He says his time interacting with others at the university and in the community "has given me an opportunity to relate to people around the world."
He adds that it also helps him address problems using a global perspective, which will continue to benefit him as he pursues his goals of helping bridge the gap of food inequality and formulating policies related to food and nutrition issues around the world.
"I chose my field of study because I want to provide food for people who cannot afford it, and not only provide food, but also provide safe food, thereby reducing malnutrition and foodborne illnesses," he says.