CHS - Class of 79
History Since Graduation

Mark Keenum

After graduation, I attended Northeast Miss. Junior College.   I enjoyed two wonderful years at Northeast and had the privilege of being a member of the best football team in the school's history.  Also, while a student at Northeast, I met my future wife, Rhonda Newman of Booneville, MS.  After graduating in 1981 with an A.A. Degree in Business Administration, I transfered to Miss. State University.  In May 1983, I graduated from Miss. State with a B.S. Degree in Agricultural Economics
and decided to pursue a graduate degree.  While working in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Miss. State as a teaching and research assistant, I was able to graduate in May 1984 with an M.A. Degree in Agricultural Economics.  After graduation, Rhonda and I were married in May 1984 - and I went to work for the Miss. Cooperative Extension Service at Miss. State as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist.   While working for the Extension Service, I was strongly encouraged to continue my education and I reluctantly decided to do so. In May 1988, I graduated from Miss. State Univ. with a Ph.D. Degree in Agricultural Economics, specializing in aquaculture and business finance.  After this graduation, I joined the faculty of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Miss. State as an Assistant Professor.  I thoroughly enjoyed my brief tenure at Miss. State, teaching Agribusiness Management and Agricultural Finance.  Early in 1989, I was approached by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran to come to Washington D.C. to be his Agricultual Policy Advisor.  Senator Cochran is the senior ranking Republican member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and he also Chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.  In April 1989, Rhonda and I moved to Washington.  We have greatly enjoyed our time in Washington and we have both been very involved in numerous professional and social activities.  In 1996, Senator Cochran asked me to assume my current position as his Chief of Staff.  During our past ten years, I have been especially proud of my wife, Rhonda.  During our tenure in Washington, she has worked as the White House Liason for the Republican National Committee, worked as a political advisor on two national
Presidential election campaigns, worked as the Administrative Assistant and Press Secretary for Congressman Roger Wicker, and is currently a Senior Vice President for Ketchum Public Relations International.  While Rhonda and I enjoy living and working in Washington, we both look forward to the day when we move back home to Mississippi.   I hope that if any of you ever plan a trip to Washington you will let me know in advance.  I will be glad to assist with any tours or special
accommodations that interest you.  I also look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.