Dare to Lead?

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

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

That’ the goal of the Appalachian Leadership Honors Program.

At Mississippi State University, the newly launched Sonny Montgomery Chapter will work with a select group of students who commit themselves to developing the leadership skills that transform lives - both theirs and others.

By establishing the Sonny Montgomery Chapter of the Appalachian Leadership Honors 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.

The Appalachian Leadership Honors Program is a regional collaboration of colleges and universities sharing resources and a vision of preparing leaders for the future. In addition to Mississippi State, participating institutions are Concord University and Marshall University, both in West Virginia. Two other Mississippi universities and two additional West Virginia universities will be joining the program within a year.