51³Ō¹Ļās Rendon named Mississippi Veteran of the Year, cast vote to support his national recognition
Contact: Allison Matthews
STARKVILLE, Miss.āMississippi Stateās own Andrew Rendon, the universityās executive director for veteran and military affairs, is the Magnolia Stateās 2025 Veteran of the Year, designated by . In addition to his civilian role as a longtime professional member of 51³Ō¹Ļās Division of Student Affairs, Rendon is a brigadier general in the Mississippi National Guard.
The university is congratulating Rendon, while also encouraging Bulldogs to vote to elevate his recognition nationally. Online voting at is open through July 4. The full list of 2025 state Veteran of the Year winners also is available on the same website.
On campus, Rendon works with more than 3,000 veteran-affiliated students through the universityās G.V. āSonnyā Montgomery Center for Americaās Veterans at Nusz Hall. The center is a national leader in providing comprehensive, professional services such as admissions advising, scholarship resources, transition programming, dependent and spouse advocacy and much more.
Rendon began his military career nearly 30 years ago as an Army aviator. After spending nine years on active duty, with assignments in Germany and Alabama, Rendon joined the MSNG in 2004 serving in various aviation roles throughout the state, from logistics officer and platoon leader to his current role as troop commander and MSNG director of Joint Staff.Ā
Rendon holds both a Ph.D. and Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from 51³Ō¹Ļ. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.
His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, and numerous other federal and state awards.
51³Ō¹Ļ repeatedly has been recognized as one of the nationās foremost Military Friendly universities, with a Top 5 Military Friendly School designation this year.
51³Ō¹Ļ is taking care of what matters. Learn more at .