Contact: Allison Matthews

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University is mourning the loss of alumnus Josh T. Pinkard, who was killed on Friday [Feb. 15] in the Aurora, Illinois, shooting.

A 2005 cum laude industrial engineering graduate of MSU’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering, Pinkard also was a member of the university’s Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College.

“The MSU family mourns the loss of our beloved alum, who also was a beloved husband and father,” said Sid Salter, MSU chief communications officer. He said Pinkard was an enthusiastic fan of Bulldog sports.

Pinkard was the plant manager at Henry Pratt Co., where five people were fatally shot by a disgruntled employee.

“Mississippi State University extends our sympathy and prayers for his family and friends and for the community that has suffered this terrible tragedy,” Salter said.