For over 20 years, Aundrea Self was a familiar face in northeast Mississippi as an award-winning anchor at WCBI-TV. Now she’s lending her talent and passion for storytelling to the College of Business at Mississippi State University, where she serves as the director of outreach and engagement.
Since starting in January, Aundrea has quickly become a vital part of several important initiatives. She hosts “The Bulldog Business Show,” a monthly video series that highlights the achievements of alumni, students, and faculty in their respective fields. Her gift for connecting with people helps bring forth inspiring stories that showcase the spirit of MSU Business.
Additionally, Aundrea is launching Club 1915, a unique giving program that honors the year the College of Business was established. This initiative encourages alumni and friends to donate $19.15 a month to support scholarships, student programs, and other strategic goals.
“I’ve always loved telling people’s stories, and now I get to tell the story of Mississippi State and the College of Business,” Aundrea shared. “I’m excited to show how our community can make a difference, whether that’s through sharing their journeys or contributing through Club 1915.”
Growing up in Starkville, Aundrea dedicated 26 years to WCBI-TV. She anchored the evening news, hosted “MidMorning with Aundrea,” and covered significant events, including MSU’s NCAA Final Four appearances and a memorable interview with then-Sen. Barack Obama. Besides her broadcasting work, she also taught at MSU and mentored many young reporters.
Leaving television was a significant choice for Aundrea, influenced by family and timing. With a daughter in high school, she sought a role that would let her focus on long-term projects while remaining active in her beloved community.
“I knew it was time for a change,” she reflected. “This role allows me to explore my creativity and storytelling in new ways—just not on TV.”
Now at McCool Hall, Aundrea continues her mission of connection. She’s dedicated to building relationships, celebrating success stories, and supporting the next generation of Bulldogs.
“I’m thrilled about what lies ahead,” she said. “It’s a privilege to help narrate the remarkable story of MSU Business and to be part of shaping its future.”
In recent trends, storytelling has increasingly taken center stage in marketing and communication, especially in education. Research shows that 77% of people prefer to learn about a brand through engaging stories rather than through traditional advertising. Aundrea embodies this approach, making her transition to MSU timely and impactful.
For more insights on the importance of storytelling in education, you can refer to the educational communication studies by the National Communication Association.
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