Mississippi State’s own Andrew Rendon, the university’s executive director for veteran and military affairs, is the Magnolia State’s 2025 Veteran of the Year, designated by MilitaryFriendly.com. In addition to his civilian role as a longtime professional member of MSU’s 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 https://www.militaryfriendly.com/oy/veteran/state/ 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 university’s G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s 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.
Rendon holds both a Ph.D. and Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from MSU. 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.
MSU repeatedly has been recognized as one of the nation’s foremost Military Friendly universities, with a Top 5 Military Friendly School designation this year.