Executive Director Ginger Tedder
Welcome back, MSMS!
As we step into a new academic year at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, I hope this letter finds each of you refreshed and ready for an exciting school year. We look forward to creating an environment that fosters growth, innovation and a love for learning, guided by our MSMS ideals – Community, Creativity, Scholarship and Service.
Our school celebrates curiosity. Each opportunity for excellence is pursued with enthusiasm. Challenge yourself. Dream big. Lean into finding ways to share what you know with your peers. Let’s work together to continue to make MSMS a place where every student can thrive.
The Executive Director Office is in the Mary Wilson Home near the MSMS sign. That’s where you can find me if I’m not out and about on campus. You are welcome to stop by!
The MSMS Leadership Team works closely together to support your MSMS experience. We have each shared a welcome-back message from our department and interesting, quirky facts, too. Enjoy getting to know the MSMS Directors. We are all here working to support your MSMS experience.
Interesting facts: I graduated from MSMS in 1992. I can gargle the “Star Spangled Banner” and not drown — it is harder than it sounds, friends. An MSMS student will get creative to earn an A. I love to sing so hit me up for the next talent show. Duet anyone? I am from the Sweet Potato Capital of the World (Vardaman, MS), and I do not like sweet potatoes. Shhhh!
Welcome back!
Director of Academic Affairs Thomas Easterling
I am excited to begin the year as MSMS’s Director for Academic Affairs. I miss the classroom, of course, but the opportunity to help the school develop its blueprint for the next 35 years was too enticing to pass up.
When I began teaching here in 2004, we still had several original faculty members. I am so lucky to have honed my craft as a teacher with their guidance. As the Director of Academic Affairs — the department charged with the responsibility of offering classes that change students’ lives — I hope I will be able to help MSMS’s newest faculty engage their students as profoundly as “the originals” helped me.
Interesting fact: MSMS graduates for the last decade and a half know that there are only two rules that matter: you must be in it to win it, and present to win.
Director of Student Affairs Stacey Holmes
Welcome back, everyone! Exciting things are coming this year and I am looking forward to experiencing them with you.
We have been hard at work getting ready for your return. With all the improvements to our residence halls, we hope that you find your home away from home with us. Our archery team will compete interscholastically for the first time this year. Powerlifting and wrestling will compete as clubs this year, but we hope they will compete interscholastically next year.
This year is a year of opportunity and adaptability. We are eager to have your input on how we can keep making MSMS better, but give us time to make the changes that you are hoping to see happen.
Interesting facts: I am a Disney/Harry Potter nerd. I have two dogs that I will gladly talk about — Bosley and Pongo. I intend to bring one or both to campus at some point, but it will be at an appropriate outdoor event as both have high energy.
Director for Advancement Melanie Busby
The Office of Advancement is happy to welcome the seniors back to campus and excited to see our new junior class. We enjoyed meeting the class of 2026 on Move-In Day and look forward to seeing each of you excel throughout the school year!
Our department explores ways to propel the school forward through recruitment, funding, grants and public relations. We help facilitate major events for the school and directly oversee the emissary program.
We are proud of you for attending the number one school in the state of Mississippi, and we hope that you understand the significance of your opportunity here. Our elite faculty and staff are prepared to help you push the boundaries of your education. We wish you the best of luck going into the school year. Go Blue Waves!
Director for Operations Matt Fondren
Welcome back! Operations staff members are hard at work addressing your maintenance and IT concerns. We are also working hard with our construction crews to get Shattuck and Goen finished for the school year.
We are a small but busy department. Take time to say hi to Mr. Scott, Mr. Buck, Mr. Coleman and me.
Interesting facts: I am a huge “Back to Future” fan. If you see Doc, Marty or the DeLorean on campus, please let me know. Please note the new speed bumps in front of Goen, so the DeLorean cannot reach 88 miles per hour. However, the railroad tracks are still available for Doc’s use. I need the science department to keep working on that flux capacitor. 😊
