Our People
Matt Hester
Business Manager I
Behind every story of the tremendous impact our students, faculty, and staff have on the changing world in which we live, within the School of Human Sciences, there stands a group of Business Office staff that help drive production and stand at the ready to help us achieve our goals and our mission. Without the extensive knowledge and dedication of Matt Hester, our positive imprint on society and expansive reach and potential cannot be realized. As Business Manager, Matt is part of the administrative foundation that allows the School of Human Sciences to cultivate well-being by inspiring students, advance science, and engage and influence communities through teaching, research, and service to stakeholders across Mississippi, the nation, and beyond. Matt is intricately involved in all daily business aspects of a fully functioning and comprehensive academic unit and interfaces with the rest of the University's business professionals to streamline efficiency within the School of Human Sciences.
While neither the School of Human Sciences, nor Mississippi, are Matt's first home, it did not take him long to get here. "I grew up in Portland, Oregon, but my dad is from Mississippi. He always displayed a great amount of pride in his home state, and I always felt at home visiting my family in Mississippi. When it came time to choose a college, Mississippi State University separated from the pack by providing me with a sense of belonging and family that was missing from other colleges. Attending Mississippi State may seem like an unconventional choice for a kid who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have always felt comfortable here, and years later I can see how much that environment has helped shape me and allowed me to grow as a person. I feel like the School of Human Sciences embodies the same values that made Mississippi State such a great fit for me."
Matt's academic and professional background and experiences certainly have a Magnolia State and Maroon and White flare, as he holds both a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Master of Professional Accountancy degree from Mississippi State University. Adds Hester, "I am proud to be a part of the School of Human Sciences and the family environment it creates for students and the surrounding communities. I am grateful to be involved in the academic and research endeavors of MSU. I believe in the lasting impact of these activities and strive to contribute to our mission in any way I can."
Outside of work, Matt cites several personal interests and characteristics shared with fellow Mississippians and fellow Bulldogs that he enjoys, namely a love for the outdoors and for supporting MSU Athletics. "I take pleasure in spending time with family, particularly with my wife and our two dogs. We especially enjoy traveling and often plan our trips around attending sporting events and visiting National Parks. I have always been an avid sports fan and enjoy watching and playing sports. Our commitment to Mississippi State Athletics stands above all other rooting interests. We attend most home games and go to a few road games each year. I try to spend as much time as I can outdoors. These days, some of my favorite activities are golfing and hiking."
The School of Human Sciences expresses its gratitude and appreciation for Matt Hester's hard work and professional commitment to advancing the mission of the School and impacting the lives of our undergraduate and graduate students, our faculty and staff, and our clientele across Mississippi and beyond.
