Distinguished Alumni

Jim Keasler (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 1963) is a third-generation farmer in Marianna, Arkansas. He is the chairman of the Marianna Water and Sewer Commission, a position he has held since 1974. Keasler has also served as chairman of the East Arkansas Planning and Development District and the National First Bank of Marianna. He was a member of the Lee County Quorum Court from 1969 to 1990. Following that, he ran for County Judge and was elected, serving from 1991 to 2016. During his tenure, he also served on the executive board of the County Judges' Association of Arkansas.

With success in growing rice, soybeans, cotton, and wheat, Keasler has held positions on various boards, including the executive board of Riceland Foods and the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.

As a student, Keasler supported MSU's athletics and was involved in the Army ROTC. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry and served two and a half years in the U.S. Army. He remains an ardent Bulldog fan, being a member of the Mississippi State Bulldog Club for 40 years and a lifetime member of the MSU Alumni Association.

Jim and his wife, Suzy, are parents to two children and have four grandchildren. One of their granddaughters is an MSU graduate.