From groundskeeper to researcher, Mims presents at national science conference – Jackson Advocate

By Marriel Hardy

JA Guest Writer

Fayette, MS native Willie Mims started at Alcorn State University in 2009 cutting grass and maintaining grounds. Today, he’s presenting cutting-edge agricultural research at national conferences and inspiring his children to follow in his footsteps.

The field technician and farm manager recently presented his research on “Horticulture-based Agroforestry” at the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) international conference in New Orleans. The conference draws researchers from around the world to share the latest developments in plant science.

Alcorn State is the first institution to establish the agroforestry system Mims researches, which combines horticultural crops like pecans and blueberries with other plants to prevent forest fires while producing food.

Mims’ journey from groundskeeper to researcher caught the attention of Dr. Girish Panicker, professor of plant and soil sciences & director of the Conservation Research Center at Alcorn, who invited him to join the Center after noticing the care he took with his work.

“Even with just a high school diploma, Willie handled complex research work at the same level as research associates with master’s degrees,” said Panicker. He encouraged Mims to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, which Mims is completing while working full time.

“Once you step outside of that comfort zone and get the nervousness out of the way, that’s when the growth starts,” said Mims. “Fear holds you back; that’s what I’ve learned.”

His motivation comes from wanting to provide better opportunities for his children than he had growing up in a single-parent household.

“It encouraged me, when I was able to get in a position to not let my kids experience what I experienced,” said Mims.

His oldest daughter now attends Alcorn State and works with the Experiment Station.

“Right now, my goal is to make sure she soaks up all the knowledge and moves way past where I am currently,” said Mims.

Mims has presented research at multiple conferences, including the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, where he was recognized for introducing 102 varieties of melons to Mississippi.

At the American Society for Horticultural Science conference in Las Vegas, he placed 13th among 500 undergraduate students in a poster competition for his research on using composted animal waste to grow muskmelons.

The ASHS published Mims’ story and recommended that other universities “educate your laborers while working in the farm fields” to help them learn technology and assist communities with food production.

Mims’ work addresses critical agricultural challenges including soil erosion, water shortages, invasive plant species, and food scarcity. His success demonstrates how mentorship and opportunity can transform lives.

“It means a lot to me because my son wants to be just like me. So, it makes me cautious about the things I do,” said Mims. “It makes me think about things before I do them because I have people who are looking up to me. And they have my last name.”

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