Billy Stricklin

Engineering Shop Manager
Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Years in position/Service to MSU: 2

Behind many of the projects taking shape in Mississippi State University's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is Billy Stricklin.

As engineering shop manager in the Charles W. Lee Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building, Stricklin oversees the department's engineering shop, maintains equipment and facilities, and helps students and faculty fabricate equipment and prototypes used in teaching, research and senior design projects.

The shop supports a wide variety of work, from precision components used in biological research to large agricultural equipment and irrigation systems. Whether machining parts, maintaining equipment or ensuring the shop operates safely and efficiently, Stricklin provides the technical support needed to move projects from design to fabrication.

After earning a machining degree from East Mississippi Community College, Stricklin spent more than a decade working in manufacturing before bringing his industry experience to MSU. Looking for a career that offered greater flexibility and more time with his family, he found an opportunity to apply his technical expertise in an educational setting.

Today, one of the aspects of the job he enjoys most is the variety of work.

"Here, we get a job done, and then we'll have a brand-new task that starts from a piece of paper," Stricklin said. "Once you complete it, you have this sense of accomplishment. If it works, it's very satisfying."

In addition to managing the shop, Stricklin trains student workers to safely operate equipment and helps engineering students understand how their designs translate into functional equipment.

"To become an engineer, you have to know how to draw a print, make it and then see how it functions," he said. "If it doesn't function, you've got to start over."

Outside of work, Stricklin enjoys coaching youth baseball and soccer, playing on his church softball team, hunting, fishing and following Mississippi State athletics. He also serves in the Mississippi Army National Guard and is preparing to retire after 20 years of service later this year.

His family shares a strong connection to Mississippi State. His wife, Lisa, works at the university; one son is currently enrolled, a daughter will begin classes this fall, and his youngest son attends the Partnership Middle School, located on MSU’s campus.

Whether assisting with student projects, supporting faculty research or maintaining the department's shop, Stricklin takes pride in helping others turn engineering concepts into practical solutions.