Starkville native Bridget Carr has been a member of the MSU family for 25 years. In 1992, she joined the custodian service team, now a part of facilities management.

Six years later, she became a forest support specialist for the College of Forest Resources. Carr manages the day-to-day upkeep of the 11-building forest products complex near the corner of Blackjack Road and Locksley Way.

While Carr’s career at MSU requires hard work and early mornings (she arrives daily around 3 a.m.), her diligence doesn’t end there. Carr also is a student at MSU working toward a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“My degree program includes classes in criminology, business technology and sociology,” Carr said. “I hope one day this degree may open a door for me to serve as a mentor for individuals in the criminal justice system.”

Carr’s ambition also is helping someone closer to home.

“My son Montez is majoring in marketing at MSU,” Carr said. “He works nights in West Point, so we both know what it’s like to have to go into work in the early morning and keep up the pace through daytime classes or classes online.”

An upbeat, positive attitude helps Carr keep up that pace.

“I love my job,” Carr said. “My favorite part of this job is helping people. I try to make everyone in my complex feel comfortable so work is a great place to go every day.”

As for school, she said setting an example for her son is her greatest motivation.

“I try to be a positive role model for him,” she said. “He’s already earned an associate’s degree but if he sees me trying to get my degree, I hope that will help push him to finish his bachelor’s as well.”