Katie Corban and Kris Robinson loved their undergraduate and graduate experience at Mississippi State so much they never wanted to leave. Now in their second and third year as full-time university employees, the fraternal twins from Tupelo are committed to ensuring that other students feel the same way.
"Mississippi State is home, and when you are here, you truly are part of a family," says Katie, who received a bachelor's in communication/public relations with minors in geography and business administration, as well as a master's in counselor education.
"We had a lot of good friends coming to Mississippi State who encouraged us to come take a tour and the moment that Kris and I came onto campus, it was breathtaking," she adds.
As communications coordinator for the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, Katie says she enjoys producing various publications that are sent to prospective students.
"I really try to put in as much imagery of campus as I can because for people who have never been here before, stepping on campus is what tends to change their mind," she explains. "Once they see it, they're sold."
"It is a living, breathing campus, and the landscaping's really nice," agrees brother Kris. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in English and a minor in history.
In addition to being an English department lecturer, he regularly tutors student-athletes in the subject at the Templeton Athletic Academic Center, and works with international students at the English as a Second Language Center in Memorial Hall.
"I try to emphasize to my students, especially freshmen, the importance of writing as something that they'll always need to be able to do," he says, adding that "freshmen always are fun because they're usually very inquisitive, relaxed and excited about being in college, and that's infectious."
Kris clearly enjoys working with students. He says interacting with ESL students is especially fun because he gets to "see them progress from reading, writing and speaking the most basic of conversational English to expressing their ideas and feelings in a really concise way."
In reminiscing about their collegiate experience, the siblings say that they couldn't be more pleased with their decision to attend Mississippi State.
"We've celebrated every milestone in our lives together," says Katie. Noting that they were born just six minutes apart, she adds, "Now, we not only have graduated with our undergrad and grad degrees, but we both work here."
"Our transition from undergrad to grad to work was just seamless," adds Kris.
Attending MSU basketball and football games and meeting up at State Fountain Bakery from time to time are among their favorite things to do together.
Offering advice to prospective students, Katie emphasizes, "If you want a place that feels like home and provides a true college experience, Mississippi State is a great place to be. Come here, and we will help you succeed."