A Stage for Opportunity: How Theatre Brought Tonya Hays to MSU   

Tonya Hays has always believed in the power of storytelling. From her first church play at age 5 to years spent shaping young performers, she has dedicated her life to theater. Now, as an assistant professor in Mississippi State University’s Department of Communication, Hays is taking her passion a step further by ensuring students have the resources to explore themselves on stage.   

Through a gift to establish the Theatrical Endowed Scholarship and additional support for the Fund for Excellence in the College of Arts & Sciences, Hays is investing in the future of Theatre MSU and the students who bring stories to life on its stage. Her journey to MSU, however, wasn’t conventional—and that’s part of what makes her commitment so remarkable.   

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Hays’ path to Mississippi State was shaped by a career that spanned multiple states and artistic endeavors. Before arriving in Starkville, she founded and directed WINGS Performing Arts, a nationally recognized theater program at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. There, she saw firsthand how theater could transform young lives by providing confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging.   

Her connection to Theatre MSU began long before she joined the faculty. Years ago, MSU students performed The Jolly Mon, a children’s musical she co-wrote with jazz musician Buddy Dubourg. The production left a lasting impression on her, and when she was later invited to teach a theater for young audiences class as a guest lecturer, she quickly fell in love with the spirit of MSU.   

 “Mississippi State is truly the people’s university—everyone is welcome here. From the moment I started working with the students, I knew this was a special place,” Hays said.   

When a full-time position opened in 2020, she eagerly applied, ready to embrace a new chapter in her career. Since then, she has become an integral part of Theatre MSU, directing productions, mentoring students and spearheading projects that push the boundaries of performance.   

Hays’ decision to establish an endowed scholarship is about supporting theater students and ensuring the program continues to grow and flourish long after her time at MSU.   

“Every year, we have between 100 and 150 students participating in Theatre MSU, regardless of whether they’re theatre majors. Observing how theatre provides them with a sense of belonging and boosts their confidence has encouraged me to invest in this program,” she said.   

With her scholarship and program support, she hopes to provide students with financial assistance to pursue theater studies, resources for productions that challenge audiences and encourage social discourse, and opportunities for students and faculty to engage with theater beyond the MSU campus.   

Hays firmly believes that theater is not merely entertainment; it serves as a vehicle for education, empathy and activism. Since arriving at MSU, Hays has leveraged her platform to push the boundaries of theater education. She collaborates across disciplines to create impactful, socially engaged productions.   

One example is Anne and Emmett, a moving play that imagines a fictional conversation in the afterlife between Anne Frank and Emmett Till. Through this play, Hays encourages social discourse on challenging topics related to injustice.   

 “As a theater maker, I always ask: ‘What can theater do?’ It entertains, but it also enlightens. I hope my gift continues that quest—to explore, engage and challenge us all to see the world differently,” she said.   

For Hays, creating an endowed scholarship reflects her deep love for theater and her belief in its power to shape lives.   

 “I hope this gift provides scholarships for students who are passionate about theatre and assists faculty in keeping productions accessible to everyone,” she said.   

She hopes that others will be inspired to give back as well, ensuring that Theatre MSU continues to grow and thrive.   

 “You are always an artist,” she tells her students. “Theater will always be there for you, no matter what path you take. As long as MSU nurtures that creativity, I know this program will change lives—just as it has changed mine.”