Mississippi State Parks Director
What was your first job?
My first job was at Sonic Drive-In when I was 15. It lasted for the duration of summer break. My first state parks job was at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson, MS where I served as a park ranger.
What got you interested in this industry?
By chance an early Saturday morning encounter with then State Parks Director, Latrelle Ashley got me interested in the position. He knew that I’d recently graduated from college, and the discussion about state parks opportunities became the focus of our chat in the grocery store. That chat over 25 years ago led to a career as park ranger, assistant park manager, park manager, park administrator, director of park operations and now currently walking in Mr. Latrelle Ashley’s footsteps as State Parks Director.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing our son become a college graduate of University of MS, support our daughter in her new role at MS State University and continue to support my wife in her role at Rankin County School District. Also, traveling and exploring new adventures with family are on this year’s bucket list.
Any exciting projects you are working on that you would like to share?
This year, MS State Parks has many exciting projects that I’m blessed to be associated with. There’s a three phase project plan for the state parks. Phase I includes infrastructure upgrades such as cabin renovations, campground upgrades, enhanced reservation system, offering additional amenities to park guests, bridge repair, revitalizing camp stores at six of the premier state parks. Keep up to date with all park projects feel free to visit MS State Parks on Facebook.
What do you enjoy about the outdoors in your state?
Outdoors allow people a break from the busyness of their normal schedule. Being outside in nature tends to be relaxing, reducing stress which focuses on not only our mental wellness but also our physical wellness. Natural outdoor environments lend themselves for physical activity and are more likely to motivate people to exercise which leads to higher levels of fitness. Mississippi offers great hunting and fishing throughout the state as well as recreational opportunities.
Highlight one or two state parks in Mississippi and why we should visit.
Definitely many to highlight but since you asked for only two, here you go...
One park I would highlight is Buccaneer State Park. The park has a great gulf view and is located on the beach in Waveland. Buccaneer is in a natural setting of large moss-draped oaks, marshlands and the Gulf of Mexico. Use of this land was first recorded in history in the late 1700's when Jean Lafitte and his followers were active in smuggling and pirating along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The French Buccaneer, Lafitte, inhabited the old Pirate House located a short distance from what is now the park. The park site, also known as Jackson's Ridge, was used as a base of military operations by Andrew Jackson during the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson later returned to this area and built a house on land that is now Buccaneer State Park.
Buccaneer State Park has 206 premium campsites with full amenities and newly renovated Gulf View campsites. Also offered is Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5 acre waterpark, Pirate's Alley Nature Trail, Playground, Jackson's Ridge Disc Golf, Activity Building, Camp-store and Castaway Cove pool.
Another great park in the system is Roosevelt State Park which is conveniently located between Meridian and Jackson, Mississippi. Roosevelt State Park offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in a picturesque setting. The park's scenic overlook provides a panoramic view of the Bienville National Forest. The gently sloping landscape is particularly striking during the fall when the forest is bright with autumn colors.
A variety of recreational activities and facilities are available at Roosevelt State Park. Facilities for use include: visitor center, banquet hall, meeting rooms, game room, performing arts & media center, picnic area, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, disc golf, softball field, swimming pool and water slide, tennis courts, and nature trails. Fishing, boating, and water skiing are available on Shadow Lake, a 150 acre freshwater lake.
There are several options when it comes to staying overnight. The park offers 109 RV campsites, primitive tent sites, 15 vacation cabins, motel, and a group camp facility. These facilities are located in wooded areas with views of Shadow Lake.
If I was a visitor, what would be the top three things you’d show me?
1. I would take you to Leroy Percy State Park. It’s the oldest of Mississippi's State Parks. It is characterized by artesian springs, cypress trees, and ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss. Leroy Percy is one of two state parks that features a wildlife management area.
2. I would also take you to Tishomingo State Park. This park is rich in Native American history and is named for one of the last great Chickasaw leaders, Chief Tishu Miko, who was born in Lee County, Mississippi, around 1735. Modern Chickasaw occasionally make pilgrimage to the park to visit the areas where the famous Chief fished and hunted. Chief Tishomingo (the modern form of his name) served a brilliant career in the US Military. The park was among those constructed in Mississippi by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. CCC Company 3497 began work creating the park in April 1935; the park opened to the public in May 1939. Many of the original facilities exist, including several buildings, trails, picnic tables, campgrounds, cabins and a fishing pond used by the CCC workers themselves. The rustic quality of the CCC structures resulted from the use of native materials, their original designs, and the craftsmanship of the builders. It is also home to huge rock formations and plants found nowhere else in the state. While most of the facilities in Mississippi were built of wood, Tishomingo is one of two state parks that feature substantial use of stone construction.
3. Lastly, I would take you to J.P. Coleman State Park. It’s located on an old Chickasaw Native American village. The park is just 10 miles north of the small town of Iuka, which got its name from one of the village chiefs.This park is a water-enthusiast’s dream with access to both a river and freshwater lake! The park itself overlooks the Tennessee River and allows for visitors to camp along its banks. Pickwick Lake, a 47,500-acre freshwater lake, is located within the park and is perfect for all sorts of water activities such as sailing, swimming, skiing, and fishing. You can go boating, biking, hiking, and they even have a pool and mini-golf course at the park, making it a unique park experience.
Most memorable moment(s) in your career?
In 2003 I was named park manager of my hometown state park, Roosevelt. This is memorable to me because I remember conversations with my dad that he and other African American people were not allowed at Roosevelt State Park when he was young. I’m humbled that God chose me to represent that all are precious in His sight and everyone is welcome to our state parks.
Another memorable moment in my career is when I was named Director of State Parks. I’ve been told that I’m the first African American to serve in this position. I’m extremely grateful to those who paved the way and inspired me to reach higher. It’s my hope that my life and legacy are examples for future generations who come behind me.
What’s the most motivational/inspiring thing anyone has ever said to you?
Being one of the leaders of a mentor group in Scott County Schools, I’ve had previous mentees reach out years after our time together to share that I made a positive impact in their lives. This shows that even when we don’t see immediate results, it’s important to sow the seed. These experiences remind me of one of my favorite Tony Dungy quotes: “It's about the journey--mine and yours--and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better.”
Share a few fun facts about yourself.
