Mississippi State names Correro to head Alumni Association

John V. Correro of Starkville, who joined the Mississippi State University Alumni Association in 1969 as field secretary, is the new executive director of the organization. He replaces Steve C. Grafton, who assumed a similar position in July with the University of Michigan.

The Greenwood native, who received his bachelor's degree in physical education and social studies education and master's degree in educational administration and counseling from Mississippi State, has been associate director of the alumni association since 1975.

"John Correro has had a positive impact on our alumni for many years," said Dr. Billy C. Ward, vice president for institutional advancement. "I'm looking forward to his experience in alumni affairs and his knowledge of this university and its outstanding alumni to help lead us to a new level in alumni relations."

While a student at Mississippi State, Correro was a three-year letterman on the football team and Mr. Mississippi State University in 1962. He also served as president of the Kappa Delta Pi national education honor society and the Campus "M" Club, as well as being a Dean's Scholar, President's Scholar, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa and Blue Key national leadership societies.

In his quarter century with the alumni association, Correro has supervised many programs and activities, including administration, chapter management, the College Alumni Council, government relations, the Alumni Awards Banquet, the Alumni Fellows Program, Class Reunions, and the Chapter Officers' Leadership Conference, among others.

This past winter he received the Quarter Century Award at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District III Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to guide this university's alumni," said Correro. "This is an outstanding university and the support of its alumni is a major reason that Mississippi State is a source of pride for the state of Mississippi and the Southeast. We have a great future ahead of us and the tremendous staff of our alumni association is going to work hard to ensure our alumni are a part of that future."

Correro is active in the Starkville Community as a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville-Oktibbeha County Chamber of Commerce, and Starkville Quarterback Club. On campus he is a member of the Mississippi State University Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Sports Hall of Fame and the university's Bulldog Club.

He also serves as sideline commentator for radio broadcasts of Mississippi State football games.

His wife, Gloria, an alumna of the university, is a professor and associate head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Mississippi State. Their children, Kimberly Ann (Fandel) of Tupelo and Chris of New Orleans, are graduates of Mississippi State.