The Five Defining Principles of Mississippi State Athletics

Below are the five principles that define Mississippi State Athletics as we move forward. The entire MSU Athletics staff strives to adhere to these principles each day and is dedicated to achieving what is best for our university and our student-athletes.

Five Defining Principles

I. Graduate Student-Athletes 
Our first priority is to give student-athletes a quality education and the foundation for life after college.  We must do all we can, within the rules, as an athletic department to give the young men and women representing our university every resource possible to allow them success in the classroom, leading to a degree from  Mississippi State.
 
II. Follow the Rules
We will know and operate within the code of conduct established by the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference.  There is nothing more damaging to an intercollegiate athletic department than for it to face NCAA compliance issues.  It can embarrass the university, ruin it competitively, hurt the student-athletes, create financial burdens and alienate the program from its alumni and fan base.  Rules compliance must be adhered to at all times.
 
III. Be First-Class In How You Represent the University and Athletic Department
There will be a code of conduct for all student-athletes, coaches and administrators.  Too often intercollegiate athletics receives publicity for the wrong reasons.  We want Mississippi State Athletics highlighted for the right reasons.  We will also represent ourselves externally with the community and alumni, and internally within the university, with integrity and honor.
 
IV. Have Sound Fiscal Management and Maximize Revenue Opportunities
The coaches and administration will have a budgeting system that is understood and followed so that the highest level of fiscal integrity can be maintained.  It is important for the athletic program to be self-sufficient and to also maximize revenue opportunities to insure growth within the Southeastern Conference.
 
V. Compete for Championships
It is the goal of every coach and student-athlete to compete for championships within the SEC.  As administrators, our work is to provide the support and resources needed to accomplish this goal.  By working together with our time, energy and resources, we want and expect to compete for championships at Mississippi State.

MSU Athletics Diversity Statement

The Department of Athletics supports the University’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals.  MSU Athletics is also committed to attract the most qualified candidates and workforce by conducting searches that identify diversity in skills, talents, ethnic, gender, veteran status and individuals with disabilities.