Starkville, Mississippi, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Michael and Wanda Dean, devoted fans of Mississippi State University, are preparing for the upcoming college football season. Their lifelong connection to MSU stems from their shared love of Bulldogs sports since their first meeting in 1970. They have remained active supporters through the Bulldog Club and the State Excellence Fund. With significant changes in coaching and player rosters ahead of the season opener against Southern Miss, the Deans emphasize the importance of contributing to MSU athletics and education.
Starkville, Mississippi – As college football season approaches, Michael and Wanda Dean, devoted supporters of Mississippi State University (MSU) athletics, are gearing up to celebrate their lifelong commitment to the Bulldogs. The couple, who are members of the Bulldog Club and donors to the State Excellence Fund, have been involved with the university’s sports scene since they met in 1970.
Michael Dean, who moved to Mississippi to pursue a master’s degree, met Wanda when a neighbor invited him to a coach’s show after MSU celebrated a significant 51-15 victory over Southern Miss. Their bond over Bulldog sports blossomed from there. Although their first date was intended to be an MSU football game against Alabama, they ended up going to a movie due to unavailability of tickets. Nonetheless, attending games became a staple in their relationship, with memorable moments like the 1970 Egg Bowl where MSU triumphed over Ole Miss 19-14.
Wanda’s connection to MSU runs deep. She was brought to married student housing in Starkville shortly after her birth, signifying a lifelong affiliation with the institution. Wanda’s family history with MSU is notable, as her father earned two degrees from the university, and she herself graduated with two degrees before now teaching online courses for MSU. Additionally, she plays an active role on the board for the ACCESS Program and is involved with the T.K. Martin Center.
After a brief teaching and coaching career in Florida, Michael returned to Mississippi to further his education at MSU. The couple frequently attends various sporting events, including basketball and baseball games, where they often find themselves watching from unique vantage points, like beyond the right-field fence.
Despite the evolving landscape of college athletics, highlighted by changes such as Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) agreements and the transfer portal, the Deans remain devoted supporters of the university. They emphasize the importance of contributing back to sports, academics, and different university programs, and believe that even small contributions collectively make a difference in supporting MSU.
Looking ahead, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to kick off their 2025 season against Southern Miss on Saturday at 11 a.m. Last season, MSU struggled with a disappointing record of 2-10, prompting significant changes in the roster, which now includes 65 new players. New head coach Jeff Lebby is instilling a fresh outlook for the upcoming season as he emphasizes the need for improvement.
Meanwhile, Southern Miss also faced challenges last season, finishing with a 1-11 record and experiencing a coaching change. This has led both teams to restructure, bringing new strategies and personnel to their first match-up of the season. The highly anticipated opener between Mississippi State and Southern Miss promises to be an exciting event showcasing the latest developments for both teams.
Key Information
- Event: Mississippi State Bulldogs football season opener
- Date: Saturday, 11 a.m.
- Opponent: Southern Miss
- 2024 Record: Mississippi State 2-10, Southern Miss 1-11
- New Head Coach: Jeff Lebby for MSU
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key contributions of Michael and Wanda Dean to MSU athletics?
Michael and Wanda Dean have been active supporters of MSU athletics for decades, participating in the Bulldog Club and contributing to the State Excellence Fund. They emphasize giving back to sports, academics, and various university programs.
What are the backgrounds of Michael and Wanda Dean?
Michael Dean moved to Mississippi for higher education while Wanda has longstanding ties to MSU, being born in Starkville and earning multiple degrees from the university. She is involved in teaching online courses and contributing to the ACCESS Program.
When does Mississippi State’s college football season start?
The season opener for Mississippi State is against Southern Miss, scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Mississippi State Bulldogs football season opener |
| Date | Saturday at 11 a.m. |
| Opponents | Southern Miss |
| Last Season’s Record | MSU: 2-10; Southern Miss: 1-11 |
| New Head Coach | Jeff Lebby (MSU) |
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Michael and Wanda Dean’s Commitment to MSU
- Sports Illustrated: How to Watch MSU Football
- Clarion Ledger: MSU Athletics Fundraising Record
- 247Sports: MSU Week One Depth Chart
- Hail State: State to the Show Update
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
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.
