Our History

The Montgomery Leadership Program is part of the Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement, where students are invited and encouraged to take service and leadership to new heights and challenges.

It's not just what you learn in your classes. It's what you learn about yourself. It's your ability to recognize what you can do to improve the world and take action that makes a difference.

It's not just testing your knowledge of a subject but testing your willingness to become involved. In the classroom and out, it's laying the foundation for a lifetime of character.

That's the goal of the Montgomery Leadership Program, formally the Appalachian Leadership Honors Program founded by former MSU president Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong, to mold young minds into the future leaders of our state and nation.

With the Montgomery Leadership Program, Mississippi State recognizes the legacy of G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, a 1943 Mississippi State alumnus and a 15-term U.S. congressman who authored the Montgomery G.I. Bill. A former "Mr. MSU," he embodied the qualities of leadership, statesmanship, and public service that influenced generations of Americans.

At Mississippi State University, the Montgomery Leadership Program will work with a select group of students who commit themselves to develop leadership skills that transform lives - both theirs and others. Participants will undergo an intense multi-semester study of leadership and apply their knowledge through service-learning projects throughout the community.

Mission

To prepare the next generation of business, political, and academic leaders, they enter America's workforce by enhancing their leadership skills and instilling a foundation of impeccable character in those emerging leaders.

Vision

MLP Scholars will form a cohesive group of students demonstrating impeccable character, courageous leadership, and selfless service. MLP graduate Scholars will grow into enlightened leaders capable of transforming the world by inspiring others to do extraordinary things.

Goal

Our goal is to select Scholars who will be leaders - academically qualified, character beyond reproach, and trained by competent leaders in the skills necessary to motivate people and institutions to do extraordinary things.

Honor Code

Upon accepting an appointment to the Montgomery Leadership Program, the Scholar will pledge the following:

"I agree to operate in an environment that does not condone lying, cheating, or any other ethical or moral infraction that undermines my character, leadership, or technical development."