DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Mary Katherine Burkhardt-McNeel
Mary Katherine Burkhardt-McNeel
Mary Katherine Burkhardt-McNeel didn’t grow up planning to work in the College of Forest Resources, but it has been home for a lot longer than her tenure as an accounting assistant.
“I wouldn’t say I chose this career; I would say it chose me,” Mary Katherine said. “My father, Charles Burkhardt, worked for MSU for more than 25 years. I grew up, literally, in CFR. Many of the faculty were like family to me.”
In her job, Mary Katherine is responsible for taking care of details: completing paperwork for new hires, payroll and procard purchases. But her favorite work-related activity is interacting with the graduate students.
“I love meeting new people and forming lifelong friendships with some of them,” she said.
While many of the faculty members she knew while she was growing have moved on to other jobs, a few are still at MSU.
“Especially since my father’s passing, it pleases my heart to see them,” she said. “They stop by my office and check on me from time to time. They knew me as a kid. Being part of the college that is so near and dear to my heart means the world to me.”
Mary Katherine has been married to Coby McNeel for 10 years, and they have a 5-year-old daughter, Burklee Elizabeth.
When she’s not at work, Mary Katherine enjoys planning events, playing with her daughter, traveling and going to the beach.
Editor's note: The Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Spotlight Employee profiles are provided by the Office of Agricultural Communications at Mississippi State. For more information, please click here.
