Student Spotlight
Emmie Perkins

By: Zoie Henson, student PR Intern

Emmie Perkins is a junior majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations and minoring in music. A native of Hattiesburg, Perkins is a mentor for ACCESS, a Road Runner, a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Concert Choir Schola Cantorum and PRSSA. She is the founder of Music is Medicine. In 2020-2021, Perkins was Co-Director of homecoming and pageants for Student Association, and in October of 2021, Perkins was crowned as Miss Mississippi State University, a preliminary contest for Miss Mississippi. Upon graduation, Perkins would love to work in public relations in sports, music or business. She says that she does not have an exact plan because life is full of surprises.

Perkins was nominated by her professor, Meaghan Gordon, to honor her for being named Miss Mississippi State University. Gordon said that she believes Perkins will represent our university and department well in the Miss Mississippi pageant this summer.

Why communication?
I was originally a pre-med major at MSU, but after taking Principles of Public Relations with Dr. John Forde, I realized that communication would be the perfect fit for me. I’ve learned so much about communication and writing, which is an incredible skill to possess as a communication professional. I have found that communication lets me be more interactive with people on campus and organizations and am excited for the future career that I’ll have.

Any internships?
I had the opportunity to work as an intern for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. I wrote news releases, promotional articles and ran the social media for the establishment. I loved interacting with people around my college community. Some of my favorite work I got to do at the Partnership was assist in writing a blog for the SEC about the city of Starkville. I look forward to future internships. I would love to intern in the sports and music industry. 

Advice for incoming communication students?
I suggest that all incoming communication students get involved around campus in any club or organization that piques their interests. Dr. Keenum gave great advice my freshman year when he said that the most successful students are involved. His words have greatly impacted my involvement and success in my undergraduate education.

Best advice you’ve received from a professor?
Dr. Forde told me that the number one way to achieve success was to make connections and become active in internships to learn where my interests may lie. This was incredible advice and I feel it is applicable in all areas of life. 

Best memory in the Department of Communication?
I took Principals of PR with Dr. John Forde to see if I would enjoy the realm of Public Relations. I ended up loving his course. He related a lot of our lessons with music in the world around us. I was hooked moving forward due to my passion for others and music! 

If you were singing karaoke, what song would you pick to sing?
I am an old soul when it comes to music and have an eclectic mix of music that I enjoy. I grew up going to U2 concerts instead of Hannah Montana concerts! So, I’d probably choose an U2 song, but I also have over 200 vinyl records. Any song off of my records would be a great karaoke choice.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lebanese food! Kibbeh, taboulleh, grape leaves and baklava.

What’s the most interesting thing that you’ve read, watched or listened to lately?
I have recently gotten very interested in politics. I love listening to all sides and researching my side in order to back it up. Most college students do not enjoy the news, but I have found a love of the awareness I gain of the world around me. I enjoy political podcasts when I am traveling and daily when I head to school. Also, I have recently read "Out of Many One," by President George W. Bush. My family immigrated from Lebanon; therefore, all of Bush's stories that he captured reminded me of my immigrant family migrating from Jezzine, Lebanon to the United States to live out the American Dream.