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Insights > Power Players pilot program welcomes MSU football players
Power Players pilot program welcomes MSU football players
07/11/2024
Linemen of a different game recently toured Entergy facilities by way of a new collaborative effort between Workforce Development and Procurement and Supply Chain. The Power Players program welcomed student-athletes from the Mississippi State University football team, with the goal of exposing them to the company’s landscape, intimately meeting with leaders, and discussing their journeys after graduation. They’re the first group to experience the pilot program.
“Student-athletes tend to have a great work ethic. They know the value of practicing their craft, are highly competitive, but deeply understand that it takes a team to win. We look forward to potentially replicating this program with our other partner schools,” said Sumesh Arora, program manager, diversity and workforce strategy.
The group started the day touring the Hinds Generation Plant, followed by the Distribution Center Warehouse and Transmission Control Center. They enjoyed a lunch hour conversation with Entergy Mississippi President and CEO Haley Fisackerly at the Power House; learned about nuclear projects and diversity initiatives; and ended the day with a panel discussion including nuclear leadership, and employee experts in regulatory, strategic procurement, engineering and human resources.
Wayne Madkin, capital project procurement manager in procurement and supply chain, is a former MSU quarterback. “Exposing the student-athletes to leaders in a wide range of business and technical functions shows them the many pathways into Entergy, and our diverse workforce. I’m excited about the potential for this program to evolve,” he said.
Power Players pilot program welcomes MSU football players
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With a variety of majors such as computer science, mechanical engineering, accounting, and communications, the students learned that their skills can be applied across the company.
“I’ve overall really enjoyed the opportunity. It was an eye-opening experience and I really appreciate being here and being able to learn from Entergy,” said Jackson LaHue, Mississippi State student-athlete, majoring in mechanical engineering.
The student-athletes chosen for the visit are a part of MSU’s Developing a Winning Game Plan (D.A.W.G.) initiative, which is led by Coach Greg Knox. “When these guys reach the point where that whistle blows one last time and they hang up those cleats, they have to go into the professional world and face life. With this partnership, we are trying to bridge that gap between their athletic experience and help them reach those professional and life goals,” said Knox.
