State Receives $1 Million Gift From Martin Family
November 06, 2025 | Football, Athletics
STARKVILLE – Bruce and Julie Martin have long been generous, ardent supporters of Mississippi State. The family continues to help push MSU forward courtesy of their latest gift.
The Martins have given $1 million towards the construction of State football's recently-announced Billy W. Howard Sr. Indoor Practice Facility and renovations to the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex. It's a contribution that continues State's forward momentum as the department meets the demands of a new era of college athletics.
"We're thankful for Bruce and Julie and their tremendous support of Mississippi State," MSU Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. "We can't thank them enough for their longstanding, unwavering commitment to Mississippi State. It's truly special. We are grateful to call them partners in our quest for new heights for Mississippi State Athletics."
The Martins, who reside in the Meridian, MS, area, have ties to MSU that date back decades. Bruce graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in finance and insurance before beginning a career as an insurance agent with Meyer & Rosenbaum, Inc. in 1977. Martin later became a partner and co-owner for the agency, then in 2005, became president and sole owner.
While Bruce's career progressed, he remained committed to Mississippi State as well as education in the state of Mississippi as a whole. Bruce served on the Mississippi Community College Board for 12 years ahead of an appointment to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning in 2018. Bruce was the IHL president from April of 2024 through April of 2025 and remains on the board.
Bruce has also been a board member for several other entities, including the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Bulldog Club.
Julie is a fine artist known for her mastery of classical realism, with a particular focus on portraiture and the human figure. Trained for 4 years at The Aristides Atelier, Julie honed her craft under the guidance of renowned artists Juliette Aristides, Stephen Bauman, and Joshua Langstaff—mentors whose influence helped shape her deep appreciation for the discipline, beauty, and integrity of classical artistry.
Drawing upon her earlier career as a registered nurse, she brings to her art a profound understanding of anatomy, gesture, and the subtleties of human expression. This intimate knowledge of the human form lends her work an authenticity that transcends technique, inviting viewers to engage not only with the physical likeness of her subjects but with their inner life and spirit.
Each piece is a quiet dialogue between tradition and emotion – a study in light, form, and the enduring humanity that unites artist and observer.
In addition to their impressive resumes, one of Bruce and Julie's most significant contributions to Mississippi State is often seen roaming around at MSU athletic events. The Martins are the proud owners and family members of State's live mascot, Dak, who is formally known as Bully XXII. Dak was passed the harness to become MSU's mascot in April of 2023.
"Whether it's sharing Dak with our Mississippi State family, or giving back financially to both impact lives as well as help MSU succeed, we want to do what we can to continue pushing our university forward," Bruce and Julie said. "Mississippi State, its people and its programs mean so much to us."
Julie recently completed a masterpiece, Game Day Glory – Of Roar and Reverence, that is featured at The Mill in Starkville.
"This stands as a love letter to Mississippi State – honoring the tradition, loyalty and quiet strength that define its spirit," Julie said.
Explore Julie Martin's artistic journey and view her latest works on Instagram (@s.p.studioms)Â Facebook (Julie Wilmesmeier Martin).
Mississippi State's fundraising efforts continue as it seeks to support its bold vision for the future. To learn more or support State's initiatives, visit StateExcellenceFund.com and HailState.com/HowardIPF.
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The Martins have given $1 million towards the construction of State football's recently-announced Billy W. Howard Sr. Indoor Practice Facility and renovations to the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex. It's a contribution that continues State's forward momentum as the department meets the demands of a new era of college athletics.
"We're thankful for Bruce and Julie and their tremendous support of Mississippi State," MSU Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. "We can't thank them enough for their longstanding, unwavering commitment to Mississippi State. It's truly special. We are grateful to call them partners in our quest for new heights for Mississippi State Athletics."
The Martins, who reside in the Meridian, MS, area, have ties to MSU that date back decades. Bruce graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in finance and insurance before beginning a career as an insurance agent with Meyer & Rosenbaum, Inc. in 1977. Martin later became a partner and co-owner for the agency, then in 2005, became president and sole owner.
While Bruce's career progressed, he remained committed to Mississippi State as well as education in the state of Mississippi as a whole. Bruce served on the Mississippi Community College Board for 12 years ahead of an appointment to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning in 2018. Bruce was the IHL president from April of 2024 through April of 2025 and remains on the board.
Bruce has also been a board member for several other entities, including the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Bulldog Club.
Julie is a fine artist known for her mastery of classical realism, with a particular focus on portraiture and the human figure. Trained for 4 years at The Aristides Atelier, Julie honed her craft under the guidance of renowned artists Juliette Aristides, Stephen Bauman, and Joshua Langstaff—mentors whose influence helped shape her deep appreciation for the discipline, beauty, and integrity of classical artistry.
Drawing upon her earlier career as a registered nurse, she brings to her art a profound understanding of anatomy, gesture, and the subtleties of human expression. This intimate knowledge of the human form lends her work an authenticity that transcends technique, inviting viewers to engage not only with the physical likeness of her subjects but with their inner life and spirit.
Each piece is a quiet dialogue between tradition and emotion – a study in light, form, and the enduring humanity that unites artist and observer.
"Whether it's sharing Dak with our Mississippi State family, or giving back financially to both impact lives as well as help MSU succeed, we want to do what we can to continue pushing our university forward," Bruce and Julie said. "Mississippi State, its people and its programs mean so much to us."
Julie recently completed a masterpiece, Game Day Glory – Of Roar and Reverence, that is featured at The Mill in Starkville.
"This stands as a love letter to Mississippi State – honoring the tradition, loyalty and quiet strength that define its spirit," Julie said.
Mississippi State's fundraising efforts continue as it seeks to support its bold vision for the future. To learn more or support State's initiatives, visit StateExcellenceFund.com and HailState.com/HowardIPF.
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