Golding Family Donates $2.5 Million to Mississippi State Athletics

The Golding family from Vicksburg, Mississippi, has donated $2.5 million to Mississippi State University to support and strengthen the university's athletic programs. This significant gift was directed to the State Excellence Fund, which aims to enhance student-athlete resources and provide critical support in a competitive environment, with part of the donation allocated to the new Billy W. Howard Indoor Practice Facility. Longtime supporters of Mississippi State, the Goldings include multiple alumni such as Austin Golding, a former track and field athlete, and his wife Kirsten, a former MSU cheerleader. Steve Golding, family patriarch and chairman of Golding Barge Line, emphasized the importance of providing resources and fostering a high-achieving culture to help the athletic department reach new heights. MSU Director of Athletics Zac Selmon expressed gratitude for the family's generosity and competitive spirit, recognizing their deep ties to the university and community. This donation comes amid efforts by Mississippi State to remain competitive in college athletics despite recent challenges in some sports programs.