Mississippi State University has announced a $16.5 million gift from Michael and Valarie Hall will support the mechanical engineering program as well as a student-athlete development. 

The largest portion of the gift directs $15 million toward the Bagley College of Engineering to elevate the Department of Mechanical Engineering with multiple endowments, including the Hall Endowed Energy Systems Chair, Hall Graduate Fellows Endowment, Hall Research and Corporate Engagement Endowment, and the Hall Endowed Scholarship. The additional $1.5 million portion of the gift in support of MSU athletics will impact several programs and initiatives across athletics, including the renovation project to enhance gameday experiences at Davis Wade Stadium, two fellowship positions for student-athletes, and support for the women’s soccer, volleyball, and basketball programs.

“Michael and Valarie Hall expressed a desire to help raise the quality of our mechanical engineering degree program,” said Jason Keith, Earnest W. and Mary Ann Deavenport Jr. Chair and dean of the Bagley College. “In addition to providing discretionary funds, this transformative gift will specifically support departmental-level undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, faculty, and departmental facilities. On behalf of the Bagley College of Engineering, we are deeply appreciative of the Halls’ vision for our largest engineering department.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/sshepard)