Distinguished Alumni

Mrs. Paige Manning (bachelor of science in Agricultural Economics and Master of Science in Agribusiness Management, 2001, 2002) is director of market development and public relations for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Mrs. Manning, who grew up on a row crop and cattle farm, always had a passion for agriculture, which led her to attend MSU. Following graduation, she joined the MSU Extension Service in Community Resource Development where she administered programs to assist community water systems.

Mrs. Manning has been with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce for fifteen years, serving in her current position since 2012. The market development division administers programs that provide domestic and international marketing opportunities for producers and agribusinesses, operates the Mississippi Farmers Market, and publishes the Mississippi Market Bulletin. In 2018, her team rolled out the state's new branding program, Genuine MS@reg;, designed to promote Mississippi products.

Mrs. Manning is second vice president of the North American Agricultural Marketing Officials, on the operations committee for the Southern United States Trade Association, and on the board of the Mississippi Women for Agriculture. She is active in the Mississippi District Export Council and the Mississippi Agricultural Economics Association, and enjoys giving back through the Junior League of Jackson serving in various leadership roles. The Brownsville, Tennessee native and her husband, Ron, have one son and currently reside in Madison, Mississippi. They are active members of First Baptist Church in Flora.