Langstaff among Mississippi State students named Fulbright finalists
Photo: Lily Langstaff of Southaven (Photo credit: Grace Cockrell)
June 17, 2025 – A Southaven native is among four Mississippi State spring graduates who are 2025 Fulbright finalists—a record number for the land-grant institution.
Lily Langstaff of Southaven joins Julian Dedeaux of Biloxi, Alijah Jones of Greenwood, and Alyssa Williams of Franklin, Tennessee, as finalists for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards—the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program—for the 2025-2026 academic year. All four students were members of MSU’s Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College during their undergraduate studies.
“Mississippi State students pursue their goals and achieve their dreams across the globe thanks to the strong educational background they receive from our world-class faculty. We encourage them to learn without boundaries,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “I have every confidence these outstanding students will represent our university with great distinction as members of this elite group of scholars. I also appreciate the members of our faculty who have taught, mentored and prepared them for this wonderful experience.”
Langstaff proposed to study Dutch flood policy in the Netherlands. At MSU, she was an Ottilie Schillig Presidential Scholar and received a bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture with summa cum laude honors. Langstaff also was named a Udall Scholar and PPIA Junior Summer Institute Fellow at Harvard University during her undergraduate studies.
