Vicksburg native receives MSU’s 2026 Spirit of State Award

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A Vicksburg native, Matthew Gray has received the 2026 Spirit of State Award from Mississippi State University. 

Gray graduated from Warren Central High School and went on to attend MSU majoring in general science with a Predental concentration while also pursuing a marketing minor. 

“During my time at Mississippi State, I had the opportunity to serve in several leadership roles and organizations that helped shape my college experience and personal growth,” said Gray. 

The Spirit of State Award is one of the university’s highest student honors recognizing leadership, service, academic achievement, and impact on the campus community. The award is presented to students who exemplify the spirit, values, and tradition of MSU through servant leadership and involvement both on and off campus.

“It’s a milestone that means a great deal to me, my family, my hometown, and the organizations that have poured into my journey over the years,” stated Gray.

During his time at MSU before graduation, Gray received the following achievements and awards:

•2x Director of Outreach for Men of Excellence (MoX)
• Recipient of the Pillar of Excellence Award through Men of Excellence
• Inducted and mentored over 150 new members through MoX initiatives
• Spring 2026 Initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
• Capstone Scholar in the Montgomery Leadership Program
• Recipient of the Dr. Richard Holmes Leadership Medallion
• President’s List and Dean’s List honoree
• Member of the Pre Dental Society, Black Student Association, Involvement Ambassadors, and Transfer Student Association
• Founder of the clothing and lifestyle brand Valore

“As someone from Vicksburg, this recognition means even more because it represents the support and foundation my hometown gave me growing up. I hope my story can encourage younger students from Vicksburg to pursue leadership opportunities, stay involved, and understand that they can accomplish meaningful things at the university level and beyond,” Gray said.