She's one of the most familiar faces at Ruby Hall. When residents feel sad, she's there to bring them up; when they're happy, she's there to celebrate with them.
However, Rosie Brown is no student.
She's been with Mississippi State's Department of Housing and Residence Life as a custodian for seven years, and the fall semester marks her return to the residence hall in which she was trained. From Ruby Hall to Sessums Hall to Hurst Hall and back again to Ruby Hall, Brown has remained a fixture in the residence hall family on the northeast side of campus for many groups of students.
All Mississippi State residence halls are special and unique, and Ruby Hall and the students it houses are no exception, Brown said.
"Ruby Hall has a lot of potential — great friends, great laughter and friendly faces," she said. "The students here are wonderful — friendly, smiling, joyful and happy, but they do feel sad sometimes. I like to help them out, being away from home. Everyone gets homesick. When my two sons go to college, I want someone to encourage them and help them be safe on campus."
Brown is passionate about connecting with students, she said. She feels comfortable with them, she watches out for them and she really tries to set an example for them.
"We watch each other's back. Always," she said. "I'm here for them, and I try to keep them safe. They really make me feel like I'm needed. I'm just happy to be here in Ruby Hall with these good friends. They're like family away from home."
True Maroon through and through, Brown says she loves Mississippi State and the Bulldogs.
"No. 1 — In my heart, we are always No. 1. I love the football games and the way kids get so excited with their smiles and their cowbells ringing," she said. "I love the students here at State. My baby boy, Lexus Ware, he talks about Mississippi State, and he says it best: 'Go Dawgs! They are the best!'"