Hunt named interim business affairs vp

A veteran of more than 30 years in management roles at the university has been named interim vice president for business affairs.

W. Gaddis Hunt, associate vice president for business affairs since 1995, took on the expanded responsibilities effective Aug. 21.

"Mr. Hunt has devoted his career to Mississippi State and is intimately familiar with the operation of the university," said President Malcolm Portera. "He is known and respected throughout the institution and the community for his energy, competence, and dedication, and we are fortunate and grateful that he has accepted this critical assignment."

Hunt began his Mississippi State career as program director of the Colvard Union in 1966, the year after he received a bachelor's degree in political science from the university. He later added a bachelor's degree in management and a master's degree in counselor education.

He served as director of Facilities Use and director of Humphrey Coliseum, as well as director of Support Services, and director of physical resources before becoming associate vice president. He received the Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award in 1986 and has twice been named Kiwanian of the Year in the Starkville community.

Hunt and his wife Pam, also an MSU graduate, are the parents of Todd and Lari Hunt Wright, both MSU graduates and Starkville residents.

President Portera said last week that a search will get under way as soon as possible to seek a permanent successor to Leah Norman, who resigned as vice president for business affairs.