When Dan Coleman came to Mississippi State, he was the first in his family to attend college.
He didn't know what to expect, and he didn't know whether he'd find a fit. Not only did he find everything he was looking for, he found a calling. And he's never left.
"This is a place where you can be yourself," said the associate director of student recruitment in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships. "At Mississippi State, friendships are made and dreams come true."
In his role at MSU, he gets to tell that to prospective students, but he also believes he's living proof of the university's ability to help students achieve goals. Coleman graduated from MSU with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master's in public policy and administration before becoming a member of the admissions staff.
"I love telling students about what Mississippi State has to offer," Coleman said, adding that he had additional out-of-classroom opportunities through leadership positions with the Student Association. "My involvement with the SA and other staff appointments helped shape my college experience and prepare me for the role I now have," he said.
Coleman is a key player in arranging for more than 3,000 freshmen and transfer students to attend orientation programs each year on campus. While the logistical preparations are daunting, he enjoys every minute of his work.
"This is like our big Super Bowl party," he laughs. "We put in long hours and a lot of hard work, but it's great to see it all pay off."