Mississippi State Leads the SEC in AWS-Powered Engagement
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University (MSU) has announced a groundbreaking campus-wide AI initiative powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Notably, MSU is the only university in Mississippi, and the first in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), to use AWS’s artificial intelligence services to enhance engagement with prospective students, alumni, and supporters.
“As Mississippi’s leading research university, we take pride in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—along with high-performance computing, data science, cybersecurity studies, agriculture and forestry, and business,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “From that standpoint, this exciting partnership with a world-class organization like AWS is a great fit for the MSU community.”
What the MSU AWS AI Initiative Will Do
To do this, MSU will use the Higher Education AI platform from Quintilian, Inc., a leading education data and technology firm powered by AWS. Then, MSU applies machine learning models that optimize MSU’s data to streamline key areas. For example, it supports student recruitment, alumni relations, communications, and university operations. In short, the initiative operates seamlessly within MSU’s existing systems.
“This is a bold step forward in how we connect with present and future Bulldogs,” said MSU Vice President for Strategic Communications Sid Salter. “Using AWS’s AI services, we can personalize and streamline the initial contacts and experiences with MSU and make sure that every prospective student and every member of our university community feels appreciated and understood from their very first interaction with MSU.”
MSU’s Initiative centers on a dynamic, AI-powered application that helps MSU understand prospective student behavior, preferences, and needs. As a result, MSU can deliver more timely, personalized communications. It can also expand access to underrepresented populations.
This will also enhance the ongoing Mississippi State digital marketing awareness campaign led by Ad5. In addition, Ad5 pairs major-market sophistication with a deep understanding of Southern markets, businesses, and people. With insights from the AI services, Ad5 can sharpen messaging, target key demographics, and elevate MSU’s presence in both traditional and emerging media spaces.
“This collaboration using the Quintilian systems to create an AI environment using Amazon Web Services AI services will allow MSU to elevate their engagement of a wide range of constituents to build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Every area of the university’s operations can benefit,” said Gavan Corr, founder of Quintilian.
Internships and Impact of the MSU AWS AI Initiative
As part of the initiative, Quintilian will offer two paid internships to Mississippi State students. Importantly, these internships provide real-world experience with AI, data science, and cloud technologies in higher education.
“At MSU, innovation is in our DNA,” said Thomas Broadus, MSU’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This opportunity reflects MSU’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and using the best technology available to serve students across Mississippi and beyond.”
Furthermore, the project, powered by AWS and informed by the expertise of Quintilian’s data science team, aims to set a new standard for higher education. Specifically, it shows how institutions can approach digital engagement and recruitment while using data ethically, securely, and strategically.
Mississippi’s Broader AI Momentum
MSU’s initiative is one of many AI advances across Mississippi. Separately, the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) supports statewide AI education, training, and workforce readiness. Together, these efforts help prepare the state for an AI-driven future. Overall, the initiative shows how Mississippi institutions are embracing AI. Likewise, MAIN helps extend that progress statewide. For students, this means more clear pathways into AI skills. To learn more, explore MAIN’s mission, AI courses, and partners.