News Summary
Mississippi State athletics has announced a record-breaking fundraising total of $84.6 million for the recent fiscal year, more than doubling its previous record. The fundraising efforts included 202 major gifts, with 10 exceeding $1 million. Enhancements to athletic programs and facilities are anticipated as part of this achievement. Notable contributions included an $8 million pledge, and the establishment of the State Excellence Fund. A comprehensive 10-year facilities plan has been unveiled, aimed at improving the athletic infrastructure, despite recent challenges faced by the athletics program.
Starkville, Mississippi – On July 14, Mississippi State athletics announced a record-breaking fundraising total of $84.6 million for the 2025 fiscal year, more than doubling the university’s previous fundraising record. This remarkable achievement reflects the commitment of supporters and the effectiveness of new fundraising strategies implemented under the leadership of third-year athletic director Zac Selmon.
The fundraising period covered from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, during which Mississippi State received 202 major gifts, marking a significant increase in financial support for the athletics program. Notably, out of these major gifts, 10 contributions exceeded $1 million, which set a new record for such gifts in the school’s history. This influx of funding is expected to enhance the athletic programs and facilities at Mississippi State.
The Cristil Society, a prominent fundraising group within the athletics department, expanded significantly during this period, with the membership growing to 439 members. Membership in the Cristil Society requires a minimum investment of $25,000, which showcases the level of commitment from supporters toward the athletics program.
Significant contributions include an $8 million pledge made in September, which has played a crucial role in the establishment of the State Excellence Fund, recognized as the second-largest pledge in the history of Mississippi State athletics. This fund is intended to provide substantial resources for the university’s athletic programs and infrastructure improvements.
In January 2025, Mississippi State unveiled a comprehensive 10-year facilities plan, aimed at upgrading and expanding athletic facilities to better serve athletes and enhance the overall experience for fans and participants. Part of this plan includes a $60 million project announced in May for an indoor football practice facility, with Howard Industries stepping in with the leading gift for the construction.
Despite the setbacks on the field, the athletics program has found success in various areas. The Mississippi State football team faced a challenging season in 2024, finishing with a disappointing record of 2-10 under first-year coach Jeff Lebby. However, the university’s other athletic programs, including men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, and softball, qualified for NCAA tournaments, reflecting a diverse level of success across the board.
In response to the struggles of the baseball team, the university made significant changes in its coaching staff. Chris Lemonis was relieved of his duties in April 2025 after a lackluster season, and Virginia’s Brian O’Connor was appointed as the new head coach. O’Connor has been offered a competitive compensation package, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college baseball, with an average annual salary of $2.9 million.
This record fundraising achievement positions Mississippi State athletics for an exciting future, with enhanced facilities and resources to support student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The ongoing support from Bulldog Club members and the broader community has proven integral to the success of the athletics department and its future initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Mississippi State Athletics Shatter Fundraising Records
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Athletics Fundraising Record
- Hail State: Bulldogs Announce $1.5 Million Gift
- SI: Will Mississippi State’s Selmon Be Candidate for Same Job at Oklahoma?
- SI: Mississippi State AD Set Up to Make a Home Run Baseball Hire
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State University
- Google Search: Mississippi State athletics fundraising
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- Google News: Mississippi State athletics news
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
