John Duke Passons honored as MSU’s College of Education 2024 Alumni Fellow
Contact: Shun Pounds
STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Mississippi State University Alumni Association is honoring a new class of distinguished Bulldogs as the 2024 Alumni Fellows during the upcoming Arkansas game weekend, Oct. 24-26.
Spanning three days, this year’s honorees will engage in various activities on- and off-campus, reconnect with their alma mater and offer current MSU students invaluable professional insights. Their visit will culminate with special recognition during the MSU vs. Arkansas football game.
“The Alumni Association is proud to bring exceptional alumni from each of the university’s eight academic colleges back to our campus to share their experience and wisdom with our students,” said Jeff Davis, MSU Alumni Association executive director. “Since the Alumni Fellows program began in 1989, nearly 300 have participated in this unique program, and each and every year, the class of fellows, their accomplishments, and the impact they have on our students is truly remarkable.”
The legacy of the Alumni Fellows program, underscored by the lifelong title conferred on honorees, further amplifies the spirit and pride of more than 165,000 living MSU alumni worldwide.
This year’s honoree for the College of Education is John Duke Passons from Gluckstadt.
A passionate educator and lifelong supporter of Mississippi State University, Passons has dedicated his career to shaping young minds and contributing to his community. While at MSU, the Jackson native further nurtured his love for education before obtaining his master’s degree and an educational specialist degree from Mississippi College.
His career in education spans over four decades, including 27 years as both a teacher and principal in the Jackson Public School System. Even after transitioning to administration, his love for the classroom never waned. After retiring from secondary education, he returned to teaching as a history instructor at Hinds Community College, where he taught for 16 years until his retirement in 2011.
His connection to Mississippi State University runs deep. Inspired by his older brother Peyton, who was the first in the family to attend MSU, John Passons became a Bulldog fan at the age of eight during frequent visits to Starkville. The campus atmosphere, traditions and spirit left a lasting impression on him.
His involvement with MSU has been extensive, from serving on the board of directors for the Bulldog Club to leading the Greater Jackson Bulldog Boosters as president. He also is a member of the MSU Alumni Association and a seasoned traveler with The Traveling Bulldogs. His dedication extends beyond the university, with active participation in the Madison County Lions Club and leadership roles within his neighborhood association and church.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.