- September 2023
Extension Associate
Center for Government & Community Development
MSU Extension
Years in position/at MSU: 3
Although a native Mississippian, Kase Kingery’s position as an Extension associate has taken him to towns he had never visited—or even heard of—until recently.
“I really enjoy working with people across the state,” said Kingery. “I’m learning more about local government now than I ever realized possible, and I’m becoming a more active member in my community as a result.”
Mississippi has 800 rural public water systems and nearly 4,000 board members who oversee those systems. As an Extension associate with the Center for Government and Community Development, Kingery oversees the state-mandated training for the board members of water systems serving populations of less than 10,000.
“I chose this career because it allows me the unique opportunity to apply technical math skills within local government and particularly public utilities. I hope to promote a better understanding and usage of public water for agriculture, consumption and wastewater,” said Kingery.
In 2018, Kingery graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics.
“Data analysis is something I’m particularly passionate about, and I love that I’m able to use that knowledge to target areas of the state in need of board management training,” said Kingery.
The state-mandated training includes state laws and regulations, operations and maintenance, rate setting, financial management and emergency preparedness. Additionally, Kingery helps manage the databases for the center’s Certified Municipal Clerks and Assessors Programs.
“I love the people that I get to work with in my office each day. They are tremendous role models and resources for the person I hope to become both personally and professionally,” said Kingery.
His father, Dr. Billy Kingery, also works on campus as a professor in plant and soil sciences.
When he’s not working, Kingery enjoys watching MSU athletics and playing soccer.