The Stennis Center is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Democratic and Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Eph Cresswell is most notably recognized as the longest serving Administrative Assistant in the history of the United States Senate.

Public service has been Mr. Cresswell's career and way of life for as long as he can remember, beginning with a law practice in Durant, Mississippi in 1948. Educated at the University of Mississippi where he received his bachelor of law degree, Mr. Cresswell practiced as an attorney for six years. He was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1952, and he served in this capacity until he was appointed Assistant Attorney General of Mississippi in 1954.

When Attorney General J.P. Coleman became Governor of Mississippi in 1956, he appointed Mr. Cresswell as his Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff. Mr. Cresswell made the transition to Washington, D.C. in 1958 to become Administrative Assistant and Chief of Staff for one of Mississippi's most outstanding leaders and one of the country's most valued senators.

United States Senator John C. Stennis employed Mr. Cresswell as his closest advisor for 31 years, and they became warm personal friends. During that time, Senator Stennis and Mr. Cresswell worked together closely on most legislative affairs considered by the Senate. Mr. Cresswell helped advance Mississippi most significantly through his work in military and economic development.

Today, Mr. Cresswell lives in Neshoba County, Mississippi enjoying his pine tree farm. He married Catherine Moore of Durant, Mississippi in 1946. They make frequent trips to Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia to visit their three children. They maintain a part time home in Alexandria, Virginia to be close to their six year old grandchild.

Mr. Cresswell is a member of the Methodist Church and in his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, woodworking, and utilizing his skills as a certified tree farmer. His current most significant position is chairmanship of the Board of Trustees of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service in Starkville, Mississippi. He was the founding chairman of the Board in 1988.

Is it not true that every great man has a shadow? Mr. Cresswell is most certainly that shadow who has been brought to light for a number of reasons. His commitment to the state of Mississippi and the Senator are fulfilled through his continued service to the Stennis Center. His public service commitment is fulfilled daily.