His term as Governor follows a distinguishing career of public service. As a two-term State Senator, he chaired the Education Committee. As Lieutenant Governor, he was recognized nationally as a leader among his peers, and the Governor served as chairman of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors in 1998.

Currently he serves on the Executive Committee of the Southern Regional Education Board, the Chairman-elect of the Southern States Energy Board, the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee on Trade, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the National Assessment Governing Board and the Executive Committee of the Democratic Governor's Association. In addition, Governor Musgrove began his term on the Executive Committee of the National Governors' Association in January 2001.

Relentless. Determined. Persistent. These are the words used to describe Governor Musgrove's commitment to improving the quality of life for every Mississippian. By targeting education, health care, economic growth, and public safety, Governor Musgrove is making a difference for Mississippi.

Just this year, Governor Musgrove victoriously signed a bill, which will raise teacher pay in Mississippi to the Southeastern average. He created the Task Force on Classroom Technology, which will oversee the placement of an Internet-accessible computer in every classroom in the State of Mississippi by the end of 2002.

In May 2000, Governor Musgrove unveiled a new plan of action to promote the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to provide much needed insurance coverage to more Mississippi children of working families. Because of his leadership, more than 24,000 additional Mississippi children have access to health care, an increase of 48 times the number covered when the Governor took office.

Governor Musgrove created a new economic development plan, the Advantage Mississippi Initiative. With the passage of supporting legislation, Mississippi now has the advantage over our competing states.

A graduate of Northwest Community College, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Mississippi Law School, Governor Musgrove is married to the former Melanie Ballard of Charleston, Mississippi. They have two children - Jordan (15) and Carmen Rae (12). Presently, they make their home in Jackson, where Jordan and Carmen Rae attend the Jackson public schools; and as a family, they attend the First Baptist Church of Jackson.