Mississippi Division
MS student stitches designing, real estate interests to create career
Mar 17, 2026
By Katharine Jefcoats
Editor
Riley Anderson is studying interior design at Mississippi State University in Starkville and she's getting a boost from a PBF scholarship.
Cody Moore (l) of the North East Chapter of the Mississippi Police Benevolent Association presents a check to Riley Anderson. With them is her dad, Rob. Riley is from New Albany, Miss., and attends Mississippi State University. She has chosen interior design as her major.
Her father is a PBA member, which makes her eligible to apply for scholarships awarded annually through donations. She is one of 20 students to receive a scholarship this year.
Walnut (Mississippi) police Sgt. Rob Anderson is a criminal investigator. He is a 25-year veteran of law enforcement.
"All of my career time has been with various departments in Mississippi, beginning with the Union County Sheriff's Department under Sheriff Tommy Wilhite," he said.
Sgt. Anderson said he is proud of his daughter and her success.
"My daughter Riley has excelled in her studies during her high school years," he said, "an accomplishment I'm very proud of. As she pursues a career in interior design and real estate, I can only hope that she can be just as successful as she has been during her high school years.
"I'm very thankful to the PBA for awarding my daughter this scholarship," Sgt. Anderson continued. "I think she is very deserving due to her academic success."
Riley with friends at her graduation
When it comes to the dangerous nature of her dad's work, Riley lets God take the lead.
"While I haven't always been nervous about my dad being in law enforcement, there have been a few times that the fear has crossed my mind," she said. "However, I always remember that God has everything under control."
In addition to forming a solid academic foundation, Riley used her spare time in volunteerism and service to others.
"Over three years of Anchor Club, I served over 60 hours of community service," she said. "I also did some service projects through my church's youth group at First Methodist Church of New Albany.
Riley was involved in extracurricular activities in high school, including sports
Her high school part-time jobs included a stint as a concession stands associate for the New Albany Park Commissions, a time at McAlister's Deli in New Albany and finally as an intern at MODA Designs by Emily through the Frank K. Spain Foundation.
In high school, Riley was quite the high achiever, receiving the following honors, recognitions and awards:
Riley credits faith and family for shaping her personality and dreams.
"My late grandmother, Wanda Gaines, was such an inspiration and the perfect example of a Christian woman," she said. "Every day, I hope to be more like her."
Also, the experience of attending the M28 Church Camps every year for the past five years is something that Riley said "has truly shaped me into who I am today."
One of Riley's favorite activities was Camp as It is In Heaven
"This camp has inspired me to grow in my faith tremendously and I can't express enough how amazing the camp is," she continued. "This has also influenced me to (hopefully) become a counselor next summer."
After earning her degree, Riley's ultimate goal is to open her own real estate and interior designing firm.
March 17, 2026
Riley Anderson is studying interior design at Mississippi State University in Starkville and she's getting a boost from a PBF scholarship.
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