Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A Pontotoc native, longtime congressional staffer and Mississippi State alumnus is returning to campus to direct the university's external affairs efforts.
Kyle T. Steward, a 1976 communication/journalism graduate, is being named executive director of external affairs. The position will have oversight for federal, state and community relations, local economic development partnerships and university communications.
Steward will provide strategy and direction for all levels of the university's legislative relations and communications, linking and building on efforts already in place. He also will work with state community and economic development officials and others to develop additional partnership opportunities with the 131-year-old land-grant institution.
"He brings a wealth of knowledge about Mississippi, a deep understanding of legislative and policy issues at all levels of government and a proven track record in public affairs," said MSU President Mark Keenum.
"This position will serve as a primary liaison with local, state and federal officials, especially in planning and implementing a variety of government affairs activities, programs and initiatives," Keenum said. "This is an area of critical importance to Mississippi State, and we want to ensure focus and coordination."
Most recently, Steward has served as northern region director for U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker. This followed an 11-year career as administrative assistant and press secretary during Wicker's tenure as representative for Mississippi's First Congressional District.
From 1982-96, Steward was press secretary for Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, as well as the veteran congressman's legislative director.
While an MSU senior, he was editor of The Reflector, the campus newspaper. After graduation, he served as managing editor of the Aberdeen Examiner and, later, a copy editor for the Commercial Dispatch in Columbus.