Music @ Mississippi State University: Staff

Born in Tupelo, MS, Betty attended elementary school in Philadelphia, MS. After the 5th grade, she moved with her family to Pontotoc, MS. She was very active in her church music program, having sung in church choirs since the 4th grade and while in high school and college being the church pianist.

At Pontotoc High School, Betty was a member of the Warrior Band and attended MSU Band Camp in 1966, 1967, & 1968. She was a Band Camp counselor until the mid 1970s. She was the accompanist for the Sr. Class musical "Bye, Bye, Birdie" and the accompanist for "The Young Inspiration," a song and dance group of high school girls. This group traveled over the state and performed at civic clubs, conventions and even a debutante party. They made a 45 record in Memphis in the winter of 1968. Upon receiving a band scholarship to MSU, Betty pursued a degree in Music Education. As a member of the Famous Maroon Band, MSU Choir, Small Chorale, and Clarinet Choir, she traveled with these groups to represent Mississippi State University. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1974.

After teaching band 2 years and piano lessons for 8, she joined her husband, Mike, in the family clothing business: Black's Department Store in Tupelo, MS. In 2001, they closed the store after 56 years in business and retired.

Always active in music, Betty has directed several musicals at Tupelo Community Theater. She has also been on the stage as an actor, singer and dancer. She was a member of the Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo and started the Tower Ringers Handbell Choir.

In 2004, Betty was nominated and elected as 2nd vice president of the MSU Alumni Association. She and Mike moved to Starkville that summer. In 2005, she was elected as 1st vice president and 2006, national president. She began her term as president on July 1, 2006. It was a year filled with many trips to alumni meetings, football, basketball, and baseball games, send-off parties, dinners, picnics and golf tournaments. Her term ended on June 30, 2007 and she was hired to work at MSU.

In her words, "This is a dream job! I've always wanted to work at MSU. To be able to work in my field is the icing on the cake!"

Betty is a member of the Starkville Rotary Club, MSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and Executive Committee, MSU Athletic Council, Oktibbeha County MSU Alumni Board of Directors, and is an Ambassador for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. She and Mike are members of First Presbyterian Church in Starkville.