Libba Andrews has been serving MSU alumni nearly as long as she's been an alumna of the university herself.
Upon graduating with a communication degree with an emphasis in public relations, the Columbus native went into sales with WKOR radio in 1983. It was that same year she married her husband Andy Andrews, who works at Oktibbeha County Hospital.
She advanced to become the station's general manager before moving to the university in 1990 to work with Alumnus magazine. Since then, she has worked with MSU alumni programs across the board.
"What people think of in terms of traditional alumni programs are homecoming reunions, chapter programs and student recruitment events. But there are many other pieces, such as recognition and affinity programs and other activities that benefit our alumni and help them stay engaged with the university," Andrews said.
Her roles have changed over the years from marketing coordinator to business administrator to associate director of alumni. She said all graduates of the university are automatically members of the MSU Alumni Association.
She said the alumni association works with the MSU Career Center to help graduates seeking employment. Twice, the association has sponsored alumni-only career fairs in Nashville, Tenn. Other cities that are possible venues for future alumni career fairs include Houston, Texas; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Orlando, Fla., she said.
"Keeping Mississippi State in the forefront of helping our graduates when they need it is important," Andrews said.
As the advisor of the Alumni Delegates, students who serve as key links between those currently enrolled and the land-grant institution's many thousands of graduates, Andrews said she loves seeing the passion and growth of her student advisees.
One of her favorite programs is Alumni Fellows. She said this program recognizes successful alumni and brings them back to campus to share their expertise with students.
"It's a nice synergy of alums, students and faculty," she said.
"The work that we do over here in the alumni office really does matter. It helps improve people's quality of life."
Outside of work, Andrews enjoys traveling, reading, and bass and deep-sea fishing. She and her husband attend First United Methodist Church. Andrews said their pride and joy is their 14-year-old Maltese, "Bo."