Recent Event

MTA Annual Meeting

Welcoming everyone to the 2024 MTA Annual Business Meeting was President, Levi Jumper. Levi thanked them for their attendance and asked everyone to sit back and enjoy a slideshow presentation of 2024. Following the slideshow, he opened the business meeting.

Awards given were the Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award— Ken Edwards, the Outstanding Turf Professional Award—Cal Hill and Honorary Membership—David Jumper. Mississippi State University Scholarship winners were Samuel Arton and Justin Spencer. East Mississippi Community College Scholarship winners were Brandon Reynolds and Logan Anderson.

Election of Officers followed the Awards presentations. In accordance with the Mississippi Turfgrass Association By-Laws, the Vice-President/President Elect automatically moves up to President. Scott Hampton, Laurel Country Club is the 2025 President of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association.

The membership voted to increase annual dues from $75 to $100 for individual membership; Business membership from $100 to $150 (includes up to 4 newsletters), and student dues increased from $15 to $25. Dues increase becomes effective January 1, 2025. Membership year runs from January 1-December 31.

Officers elected were Vice-President/President Elect Zak Holloway, Old Waverly Golf Club and Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Barry Stewart, MSU.

Directors elected were Central Region Rep—Stephen Robertson, Baypointe Golf & Country Club; Golf Rep—Jimmy McPherson, MSU Golf Course and Industry Rep Scott Kuhn, Simplot.

Directors completing their second-year term are Chance MeredithWinstead Turf Farms, Sod Rep; Josh Smith-City of Columbia, Grounds & Landscape Rep, and Toby Thornton-Bayou DeChene Golf & Country Club, South Rep.

President Jumper thanked everyone for their attendance and support of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. He also expressed his enjoyment of having served as President and encouraged members to continue supporting MTA.

At this time, incoming President, Scott Hampton, presented Levi Jumper with the President’s Plaque. Scott then closed the 2024 Annual Business Meeting. •

Ken Edwards (right) receives the Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award from President Levi Jumper

Incoming President, Scott Hampton (right), presents outgoing President Levi Jumper with the President’s Plaque

President Levi Jumper presents David Jumper with the Honorary Membership Award

Cal Hill (right) is presented with the 2024 MTA Outstanding Turf Professional Award

Scholarship Recipients

Flanked by Brandon Reynolds on his right and Logan Anderson on his left, is Faculty Advisor and Professor, Will Arnett. These gentlemen were the recipients of the 2024 East Mississippi Community College Scholarship awards.

MSU Scholarship recipient, Justin Spencer, is flanked by Dr. Barry Stewart (left) professor & Faculty Advisor and MTA President, Levi Jumper. Not pictured is MSU Scholarship recipient, Samuel Arton