The Department of Political Science and Public Administration Honors Memory of Student
Starkville, MISS. – This July, Mississippi State University hosted 21 family members from across the U.S. in an intimate tree planting ceremony in memory of Joseph Blakeney “Blake” Burgess, a 2019 MSU graduate who passed away in February 2020.
A native of Carthage, MS, Burgess was well-known to the students and administration in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, especially by his mentor and friend, Department Head Brian Shoup, associate professor and head of the department.
Burgess caught Shoup’s attention during class when Shoup asked how many students came to MSU from small towns. A majority of the hands raised. Shoup asked how many were going to return to their small towns and make them a better place. Burgess was the only hand left raised. Shoup said an instant respect was formed between the two who each believed in the importance of giving back to their communities.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Rick Travis spoke at the special ceremony, noting that Burgess always made an effort to “improve his hometown, his community, and his state.” Travis also said professors and students had nothing but warm and kind things to say about Burgess, who was known to be soft-spoken, making friends “easily” wherever he went.
After graduation, Burgess kept his word and returned to Carthage to build a new sanctuary for First Apostolic Church. Without payment, he worked for three months, transforming the sanctuary for 150 into a new space for 400. Following his service to the church, he started his career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation as a surveyor apprentice.
In addition to the memorial tree on MSU’s campus, memorials have been placed in Carthage in memory of Burgess. In November 2020, the Blake Burgess Memorial Highway sign was unveiled at an event held at the First Apostolic Church in Carthage near the beautiful sanctuary he spent three months developing.
A “love” sculpture also was placed in memory of Burgess in the town square of Carthage. Burgess’s mother, Robin Burgess, said she and others wanted the sign to encourage citizens of the town, as well as those who visit the art installation, to love one another as her son did. As another tribute, the family partnered with the Carthage Main Street Association to acquire a unique building downtown that they plan to remodel into a pocket park and event space that will be named The Blakeney.
Burgess’s legacy is felt throughout the town of Carthage, the town that built him, and now is memorialized at MSU through a tree and personalized paver in front of his home department—the department that encouraged him to return to make his hometown even better, which he did.
Alumni and friends may invest in the beauty of Mississippi State University by making a gift to the Campus Beautification Program. Gifts for the program enhance the general appearance of MSU’s historic campus and offer unique ways for individuals to make their mark at MSU. Donors may also honor or remember a family member, a classmate or even a mentor with a contribution. Opportunities exist for endowing trees, bistro tables, benches, and other structures and outdoor plantings. Beyond endowments, annual support is also essential in maintaining the scenic landscapes and outdoor spaces year after year.
For assistance with contributing to the Campus Beautification Program or to learn more, please contact Mary Beth Baldwin, associate director of annual giving, at 662.325.6770 or email mbaldwin@foundation.msstate.edu.