Barnes Welcomed Back

In June, Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum welcomed John L. “Johnny” Barnes back to campus—57 years after he made history as the university’s first African American graduate. A Tallahatchie County native and 1968 alumnus, Barnes launched a successful corporate career in New York City after briefly teaching in the Magnolia State following his MSU graduation.

Photo by Emily Grace McCall

In June, Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum welcomed John L. “Johnny” Barnes back to campus—57 years after he made history as the university’s first African American graduate. A Tallahatchie County native and 1968 alumnus, Barnes launched a successful corporate career in New York City after briefly teaching in the Magnolia State following his MSU graduation.