5 Questions with First Lady Marsha Barbour

Before she became Marsha Barbour, Marsha Dickson grew up in Monroeville, Alabama and Canton and went to college at MSCW (now MUW) and the University of Mississippi.  She majored in marketing and received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from UM in December of 1970.  Marsha married Haley Barbour in 1971 and moved to Yazoo City where she and Haley raised two sons, Sterling and Reeves.
 
Since becoming First Lady, she has served as Honorary Chairman of numerous charitable events and causes including women’s initiatives and the arts.  She is on the Board of Directors of the USA International Ballet Competition held every four years in Jackson, and a member of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, an initiative of First Spouses.  In December of 2004, she received the First Lady Youth Leadership Award presented by Jobs for America’s Graduates.  She is involved in the campaign to “Keep Mississippi Beautiful,” is the spokesperson for Citizen Corps, is on the Management Board of Excel by Five, and is the Honorary Chairman of Susan G. Komen, Diabetes Foundation and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

1. What are your priorities as First Lady?

I work hard to support my husband’s agenda for Mississippi and want to contribute to making a difference in the lives of all Mississippians.  I want to attack the cycle of poverty from many sides—education, promoting stronger families, help struggling readers, teaching nature and art to the underprivileged, better nutrition, apprenticeships, promoting ecotourism in poor areas—you name it.  As First Lady, I regularly visit elementary schools around the State to read to the children because I believe that a good education is essential to a child’s future success in life.  That’s why early childhood development is a top priority for me.

2. Tell us about the renovations to the mansion.

The mansion is a beautiful old home.  Like any home, it needs constant care and upkeep.  Haley and I feel honored and privileged to live here during his term in office.  I was always taught that when you borrow something you should return it in better condition than when you got it.  That is what we want to do for the Mansion.  There are many necessary updates that will improve the Mansion for generations to come.  These improvements will not be inexpensive.  In keeping with streamlining government spending, the Governor’s Mansion Foundation has been established.  It is a 501 (c) (3) organization funded entirely by charitable contributions from foundations, corporations, or individuals who have an interest in helping maintain and improve the Mansion, regardless of who is governor. 

Our present renovation plans are designed to preserve the original historic fabric of the second oldest continuously occupied governor’s mansion in the country.  As a National Historic Landmark, the Mississippi Mansion is more than a museum, it is a functioning governor’s home where dignitaries are entertained and often spend the night.  The original 1842 Mansion had no indoor “facilities” for guests.  Modern bathrooms were added in closet and storage areas about 30 years ago.  Since the style is vintage 1970s, the objective is to create a new atmosphere within the existing bathroom spaces by upgrading the fixtures, finishes, lighting, and accessories to present a more appropriate environment for our guests consistent with the historical décor.

3. What do you want your constituents to know about you?

Being First Lady is a bit overwhelming, but Pat Fordice proved you can really make a difference.  And I am beginning to understand that.  The most difficult part of public service is trying to ‘pick and choose’ from the myriad of wonderful events for which we receive requests.  We would like to participate in every worthy event as well as spend time with family and friends.  When we can, we like to spend the weekend at our place on Wolf Lake near Yazoo City.  We take out the boat, and I still like to ski or kneeboard.  Haley and I both enjoy golf and we always look forward to bird hunting.

4. Have you developed any friendships with other First Ladies around the country?

The various governors’ associations have given me the opportunity to meet and work with other First Ladies.  Janet Huckabee of Arkansas was my mentor, and I have sought her advice on several matters.  As a “veteran” spouse of one year, I am the mentor to Cheri Daniels, the new First Lady of Indiana.  Haley and I have been friends with the Daniels for several years and I am looking forward to this working relationship with her.

5. When you travel to other states, what do you tell them about Mississippi?

I tell them that Mississippi is a year-round outdoor playground. We have award-winning golf courses and beautiful lakes for boating, swimming, fishing and skiing. Hunters know that an exciting adventure awaits them in our green deep forests. We have world-class casino resorts where there is much more offered than just gaming. Big name entertainment, spa facilities, fine dining and shopping is abundant.

They can discover Mississippi’s rich history as they enjoy the charms of an antebellum bed-and-breakfast on the Mississippi River or visit the birthplace of the blues -- the Mississippi Delta. Performers Elvis Presley, Morgan Freeman, B. B. King, Faith Hill, James Earl Jones, Leontyne Price, and many others have all called Mississippi home. Our heritage is also known as the inspiration of many great authors such as John Grisham, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty and Willie Morris.