MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Spring 2013
Leading Ladies
MSU women leaders set course for success
“I stay involved because Mississippi State University had such a huge impact on the person I became. From academics to athletics, Julie and I share a passion for ensuring the growth of the university. It seems appropriate to give back financially so that others can hopefully have a similar experience.� Jim Rouse ('62), retired exxon mobil corp. vice president and Julie Rouse, former teacher Houston, Texas
post office box 6149 | mississippi state, ms 39762 | 662.325.7000 | www.msufoundation.com
MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Spring 2013
Spring 2013 | Vol. 89 | No. 2
USPS 354-520 This is Our State. President Mark E. Keenum (’83, ’84, ’88) Vice President for Development and Alumni John P. Rush (’94, ’02) Alumni Association Executive Director and Associate Vice President, Development and Alumni Jimmy W. Abraham (’75, ’77) twitter.com/drjimmyabraham Editorial offices: 102 George Hall, P.O. Box 5325, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5325 Telephone, 662-325-3442 Fax, 662-325-7455 E-mail, snowa@ur.msstate.edu www.msstate.edu Advertising: Contact Libba Andrews at 662-325-3479 or landrews@alumni.msstate.edu. Editor Allen Snow (’76) Associate Editor Harriet Laird Designers Matt Watson (’05) Hal Teasler (’12) Photographers Russ Houston (’85) Megan Bean Beth Wynn Mississippi State University Alumni Association National Officers Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96, national president Tommy R. Roberson, ’67, national first vice president Ron E. Black, ’80, national second vice president Jodi White Turner, ’97, ’99, national treasurer Jerry L. Toney, ’96, immediate former national president
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Leading Ladies: MSU women leaders set course for success With learning, research and service at the heart of Mississippi State’s success, a key component intertwined with these hallmarks is the institution’s focus on diversity. One area impacted by this effort is the university’s advancement of women in leadership roles.
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Former MSU President Zacharias remembered as visionary leader Donald W. Zacharias, the president emeritus of Mississippi State who served from 1985-1997, died March 3 at the age of 77 of complications from multiple sclerosis. Second in tenure only to Stephen D. Lee, MSU’s founding president, Zacharias brought the university to a new level of prominence during his 12 and one-half years of service.
14
Zacharias book touts Mediterranean diet Many people ask their healthcare providers, “What’s the best diet for my health?” While there may not be any one answer, MSU alumnus Eric Zacharias outlines a tasty option in his book The Mediterranean Diet: A Clinician’s Guide for Patient Care.
16
Love of 4-H leads a Bulldog to Gator country Some people just sit on the edge of the pool and dangle their feet in the water, while others jump right in. When faced with a major career choice, Cassandra Weston took the plunge.
20
MSU Police Department has seen dramatic evolution As a result of the hard work and dedication of administrators from the President’s Office on down, the MSU Police Department has evolved over the years into a modern law enforcement agency serving the needs of a diverse 21st century community.
24
Public service just a way of life for Holland family Some may call members of the Holland family “politicians,” but others would call public service the vocation of a Mississippi family with roots in agriculture, a sprinkling of musical talents, and an outlook on life that finds uncommon meaning in common, everyday life.
26
Improving the gameday experience with expanded facilities The football fan experience is going to be enhanced in a big way beginning in the fall of 2014, thanks to ongoing construction at Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium.
34 Campus news 46 Alumni news 57 Foundation news 62 Class news 64 In memoriam
Cover photos and Illustration by Megan Bean and Matt Watson
Mississippi State Alumnus is published three times a year by the Office of University Relations and the
Mississippi State University Alumni Association at Mississippi State, Miss. Send address changes to Alumni Director, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526; telephone 662-325-7000; or e-mail fcarr@advservices.msstate.edu. alumni.msstate.edu // twitter.com/msstatealumni // facebook.com/msstatealumni m ississippi state A lumnus
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Ladies
L E A DI NG
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Camille Scales Young
Shelby Balius
Dr. Meghan Millea
Beth Clay
MSU women leaders set course for success
W
By Harriet Laird and Allison Matthews | Photos By Megan Bean ith learning, research
“It was always the place I wanted to be
Young since she made that fateful switch in the
and service at the heart
from as far back as I can remember,” she said,
mid 1990s. She worked as a graduate assistant
of Mississippi State
explaining that as a child her parents brought
in the state’s 4-H office on campus and in
University’s success,
her to many of the university’s sports events.
the university’s agricultural communications
a key component intertwined with these
Also a very active participant in her county’s
department, a combination that helped her
hallmarks is the institution’s focus on diversity.
4-H activities that were held on the MSU
land her first job with the Mississippi Farm
One area significantly impacted by this effort
campus, Young said her regular visits to
Bureau Federation in Jackson.
is the university’s advancement of women in
Bulldog Country “made it seem like home.”
leadership roles.
It was as a high school senior, though,
Then, in 2001, she rekindled a relationship she had formed when interviewing many
Camille Scales Young, Shelby Balius,
that the 1994 MSU alumnus honestly knew
years earlier for the Coca-Cola Scholarship.
Meghan Millea and Beth Clay are four
Mississippi State was her college destination
It was happenstance that former Mississippi
matchless examples of the expanded influence
after she was highly recruited by colleges
Gov. William Winter was on the scholarship
and increased visibility of women leaders
nationwide as a prestigious Coca-Cola Scholars
interview panel, and the two had met on a tour
on campus. Their deep connections to their
Foundation award winner, one of only 100 in
of the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
historic land-grant institution, combined with
the U.S. receiving the $20,000 award.
their integrity, determination and humility,
Young said, “Certainly I was considering
“While at Farm Bureau, I had begun to do some state and federal government relations
make them four stars that the MSU family
other places, but none of them felt right.
work that had me constantly traveling. As I
embraces as leading ladies.
Mississippi State still felt like home, just like all
started to have children, I realized I couldn’t
of the other times I’d visited there.”
keep up that pace and that I wanted to stay
Camille Scales Young
Starting out at MSU in the field of aerospace
local,” she said, adding that she
For a woman who grew up “way out in the
engineering, the 18-year old college student
didn’t hesitate to contact her
country,” MSU Alumni Association President
thought her background in mathematics was
friend, Gov. Winter, for
Camille Scales Young has proven, both
going to send her into the world of science and
advice.
personally and professionally, that success is
technology, but the communication elective
about family tradition, ambition and support
courses she was taking at the time sent her in a
from others.
different direction.
A native of Shannon and graduate of
“I remember my dad saying, ‘So you’re going
Shannon High School, Young admits she
to be a communicator?’ It’s become a family joke
didn’t have many of the options that young
now when I’m home,” said the communications
people from larger communities possessed.
management graduate, who also received a
However, one of the places that did offer her
master’s degree in agriculture and extension
opportunity as a youngster was Mississippi
education in 1996.
State University.
Communication has definitely been good to
m ississippi state A lumnus
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For the next 10 years, Young worked
of Jackson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
alongside Gov. Winter at the Jackson law firm
Madison County School District Parent/Teacher
of Watkins Ludlam Winter and Stennis as a
Organization, among others.
member of the government relations practice
“It’s important to me to help everybody I can,
group. In 2011, she moved to Washington D.C.-
one person at a time,” she said in describing her
based Cornerstone Government Affairs, which
philosophy on being a leader in life. ”I’m a firm
operates a Jackson office.
believer in the saying, ‘To whom much is given,
As a government relations practitioner, she works to make sure laws that are beneficial to her clients are drafted, introduced and passed in the Mississippi Legislature, while also seeing that any
much is required.’”
Shelby Balius
Even though Shelby Balius grew up two states
laws that could be detrimental to her clients are not
away, Mississippi State University has always been
passed or minimized.
part of her family.
Young believes she has an innate ability to be an
When the Georgia Bulldog fan seemed set as
advocate or leader for others, many who are less
a high school student on going to the University
fortunate or underrepresented.
of Georgia in her home state, her father, an MSU
“Being raised by parents who have always been so giving of their time and talents, I knew that helping others was what I wanted to be able to do
alumnus, said she had the right mascot, but needed to adjust her school colors. Balius made her first official visit as a
on a daily basis. I wanted to do something that
prospective student with the Distinguished
would never feel like work, and I absolutely love
Scholars Program. She said it was then that she
what I’m doing,” she said.
truly fell in love with Mississippi State.
With a busy work schedule and life of a working
Being selected as the Charles and Pat Lee
mom, Young said she never hesitated when asked to
Scholarship recipient for the Distinguished Scholars
lead the MSU Alumni Association as its president for
Program was a good indication of Balius’ leadership
the 2012-13 year. Having been an Alumni Delegate
potential. The program offers a significant scholarship,
as a student and a longtime member of the Central
and students engage in community service projects,
Mississippi Alumni Chapter, she said she was
monthly meetings with mentors and annual travel
actually looking for more ways to be involved.
programs to visit other institutions of higher learning.
“Before I was married, before I had children, and
But when Balius first arrived on campus, the
before I had a career–I had Mississippi State,” she
homesick freshman felt anything but confident.
said. “I’m one of those worker bees, and I don’t mind
“I spent much of the first three weeks in my room
doing whatever needs to be done.”
crying,” she said. A talk with her father encouraged
She gives credit to her husband, Keith, who helps manage school days and activities for the couple’s three children, Amber, Will and Kayla. “He allows me to do all the extra things that I
her, and his advice was to get out and get involved. It was then that the 2012-13 Student Association president first connected with the SA. Once she got a taste for service with the
do,” she said, mentioning her many other volunteer
organization that is the representative body for
roles with groups such as the Junior League
MSU students, she couldn’t get enough.
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“I have the notion that I want to give back because Mississippi State has made me the person that I am today. It has given me opportunities that I never would have been able to experience.” – Shelby Balius, 2012-13 Student Association President
“My friends joke that I major in involvement and minor in business,” Balius laughed. “I have the notion that I want to give back because Mississippi State has made me
differences by working with administrators
Her work in the SA has definitely shown
and bringing issues from a student perspective
Balius first hand that it takes a team to
to the forefront.
accomplish goals. But the SA hasn’t been her
“Seeing that the president could have impact,
only extra-curricular activity as a student. She also has served MSU as an Orientation Leader.
the person that I am today. It has given me
it made me want to be that student,” Balius
opportunities that I never would have been
said. She explained that while a one-year term
able to experience,” she added.
is a relatively short time period to accomplish
students who I probably would never have met
major platform issues, the generations of leaders
otherwise,” she said.
Balius became the third female SA president
“It exposed me to a really diverse set of
As an Orientation Leader, Balius frequently
and first female non-Greek president when she
handing down the SA administration from
was elected in spring 2012. In her position, she
one class to another allows the organization
thought back to her own initial perceptions
has directed a 40–member cabinet and eight-
to persistently pursue common goals among
of campus. “It was the atmosphere that I
member executive council in programming,
successive leaders.
experienced when I came for my campus visit.
event planning and execution, and advocacy for student interests. In her earlier SA positions as chief
“It’s multi-year team work. A lot depends
Every single person made eye contact and asked
on the ability from one administration
me how I was doing. It exudes an atmosphere of
to the next protecting and passing down
friendliness and camaraderie,” she said. As she nears graduation, Balius has many
administrative officer, director of academic
institutional knowledge,” Balius said. She
affairs on the SA cabinet, and a member
explained that it’s helpful to the SA to engage
choices ahead. Her interests are broad, but
of the history and traditions committee,
lower classmen, and to retain those who are
her most immediate goal is to work toward
Balius watched previous SA presidents and
involved throughout their undergraduate
an MBA in the next few years. She envisions a
admired how they were able to make positive
years. She said she was very fortunate to work
career in a large corporation.
closely with her predecessors Rhett Hobart and Thomas Sellers. She said one initiative started in previous
“I really like the fast-paced nature of the private sector,” she said. Because businesses have great opportunities
administrations, which she has continued to
to make a positive impact on the communities
pursue, is the implementation of online teacher
they serve, Balius said she likes the idea of
evaluations. She said that effort is nearing
helping a corporation identify service and
completion, and this spring a pilot program
philanthropic opportunities. She said her work
tested its effectiveness.
always will be motivated by service.
“It is rewarding to see a goal met and to
“That’s what it all goes back to for me,” she
know it’s the fruition of efforts that have been
said. Balius said she believes she was put on
made over time. I have been part of the team
Earth for a reason, and that reason is to make a
working on it for some time through the SA,”
difference for others.
Balius said. As a double major in finance and
Balius said her biggest take-away from her time at MSU includes an appreciation for
management, Balius studies the effects of
interacting with different people, from MSU
various leadership styles.
President Mark Keenum, Vice President
“You can study it all day long, but you never
of Student Affairs Bill Kibler and other
understand unless you’re actually a part of it or
administrators, to her fellow students who
watching it happen,” she said.
have similar goals of service.
m ississippi state A lumnus
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“Certainly I was considering other places, but none of them felt right. Mississippi State still felt like home, just like all of the other times I’d visited there.” – Camille Scales Young, MSU Alumni Association National President
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objective. As a professional, the
landscape in the Midwest, made
have been most impactful for me
process of identifying a goal and
the subsequent job offer even more
personally. I value getting to know
then working passionately toward
inviting.
people from all different worlds, but
the prize of achieving it is ongoing,
finding a common thread in such a
regardless of whether it relates
great university,” Balius said.
to teaching, research, service or
“The relationships that I’ve built
Meghan Millea
personal responsibilities. When interviewing for a faculty
“Fortunately, they decided I was a good fit as well,” she said. The professor of economics has established herself as a Bulldog. She is popular among students and
Dr. Meghan Millea has achieved
position at Mississippi State after
in 2012 received the Excellence in
many of the goals that she
earning her doctorate from the
Undergraduate Teaching Award. Not
envisioned when selecting
University of Nebraska at Lincoln,
only is she talented as an educator
an academic career as an
Millea found what she was looking
who can convey economics in a way
undergraduate.
for—other professionals who
that often stimulates those light-bulb
loved their jobs, the discipline of
moments for both business majors
Western Kentucky University, Millea
economics, their students and their
and other students, Millea has put
did something common among
university.
her skills to work in numerous
As an undergraduate student at
many who earn success in their
The fact that her February
careers—she simply decided upon
interview at MSU featured a campus
a career path and set a goal which
that she said was “fabulous and
she kept in sight until attaining her
green,” a contrast to the winter
leadership positions, all for the purpose of helping MSU. Millea is currently serving her second year as president of the
Faculty Senate. She began her
recommendations to President
participation from the university
previous role as vice president just as
Keenum.
community to share their expertise
Dr. Mark Keenum was joining MSU
She said the opportunities to serve
as the institution’s 19th president.
the university in roles outside of her
Millea said the university faced
teaching position have helped her
significant budget cuts, and Keenum
grow.
put together the Committee on
“This job has so much
and experience to the benefit of the institution. Millea said through the faculty senate, she has enjoyed being a representative voice. “To me, the faculty represent
Efficiencies and Innovations, which
opportunity for learning” she added.
included Millea.
She’s also appreciated forming
the front line of the university and
stronger professional relationships
are at the heart of its mission. The
experience. We had to meet the
with other people across the
fundamental role of the faculty
budgetary restraints imposed,
university who make huge impacts
senate is to provide as productive
but still protect the core mission,”
through their roles. “The university
an environment as possible which
Millea said. She emphasized that
is made up of extraordinary, smart,
touches on facilities planning, faculty
serving on the Committee on
passionate, dedicated people who
assessments, and interactions with
Efficiencies and Innovations was
can think creatively and practically
students. The senate achieves these
an experience in which she got to
about problem-solving.”
objectives through conversations,
“It was a significant learning
work with “amazing people” who
She said that the president and
worked together for many, many
provost have created a university
hours to make credible budgetary
climate that invites broad
committees, and operative policies,” Millea said. She added that the organization
m ississippi state A lumnus
7
“To me, the faculty represent the front line of the university and are at the heart of its mission. The fundamental role of the faculty senate is to provide as productive an environment as possible which touches on facilities planning, faculty assessments, and interactions with students.”
– Meghan Millea,
2011-13 MSU Faculty Senate President
collaborates with the Student
said. “Satisfaction lies in inherently
MSU degree—the first in her
Association and Staff Council and
enjoying your work and family
family to earn a college degree—to
has representation on nearly every
responsibilities.”
obtaining a law degree and later
committee at the university. One of the interesting things
of her success in life to personal
university in various capacities is
has always felt a deep sense of
commitment, self-determination
that she has to be very conscientious
responsibility. Consistently, the
and a desire to treat people fairly.
of her different “hats” as she engages
Mississippi State University
in different roles. For example, she
alumnus has chosen to meet those
describe it, but I’ve always been
represents the College of Business on
responsibilities with hard work and
willing to work hard and to help
the Faculty Senate, but as president,
leadership. That credo has led her
people. I just enjoy it,” said the
she represents the faculty at large.
to a position as one of Mississippi’s
founding partner of The Clay Firm,
She admits that being a voice of
most influential movers-and-shakers
which she established in 2001.
the faculty is sometimes especially
in the fast-paced and tumultuous
challenging because of the diversity
public policy arena.
of opinions that are held by the
Few individuals have had more
“I don’t really know how to
In addition to her many professional responsibilities, Clay has a generous heart and spends time
faculty. For many issues, it’s hard to
impact on the fine points of public
serving on boards for many civic and
represent one collective voice of the
policy in Mississippi over the last
charity organizations, such as the
“the faculty,” she said.
quarter century than Clay, whose
Eudora Welty Foundation. Another
dynamic abilities have pulled her
organization which is very special
responsibilities with her husband,
into the orbit of some of the nation’s
to her is Hope Village, a home for
associate professor Jon Rezek, head
most successful corporations and
neglected and abused children in her
of the university’s international
some of Mississippi’s most powerful
hometown.
business program. The couple are
public officials and public bodies.
parents of two boys. Millea said she
Recognized as one of Mississippi’s
Clay didn’t hesitate when the MSU Bulldog Club asked her a few
has learned that achieving balance is
most respected and most effective
years ago to help build the Maroon
a long-term concept. Balance is not
lobbyists, the West Lauderdale High
and White fan base and raise funds
achieved over a day or a week, but
School graduate recognized at an
for the MSU Athletic Department.
rather in recognizing ebbs and flows
early age that she possessed a deep
Asked to originally serve as a
over a longer time horizon.
desire to achieve and to serve others.
member of the board, she became
As a youngster, she traveled 15
the organization’s president in 2011.
of effort in terms of university
miles to school each day, excelled in
When asked about her involvement,
service, sometimes teaching is more
academics and, as a senior, received
she quickly pointed to her strong
time intensive, and other times
the American Legion Award for
belief in the Bulldog Club’s mission.
research projects are the focal point.
her leadership, scholarship and
Balance is achieved over periods
citizenship.
“Sometimes work claims a lot
of years and over a career,” Millea
sp ring 2013
relations firm, Clay attributes much
Since childhood, Beth Clay
Millea notes about serving the
Millea balances her personal
8
Beth Clay
opening her own government
From earning an undergraduate
“A successful athletics program is a tremendous asset for any university, and MSU is no different. Quality
athletics creates an atmosphere of
understatement, as she instilled
excitement and attracts prospective
in the commission’s workers a
students to campus which, in turn,
profound pride for the upkeep of
increases enrollment. MSU’s many
the State’s buildings and grounds.
nationally recognized academic
She also served and helped secure
programs complemented by our
funding during a major renovation
successful athletics provide our
of the Capitol.
students with the ultimate college experience,” she said.
In the back of her mind, though, she knew that if she was going to
Clay’s lifelong connection to
ever practice law she needed to do
MSU began when she transferred
so while those skills were still top-
from East Mississippi Community
of-mind, so she joined the Jackson
College in Scooba to the Starkville
firm of Thomas Price Alston Jones
campus on an academic scholarship.
& Davis, rising to partner status.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree
At the time, she was the only one
in English, she began a seven-year
at the firm doing government
stint as a teacher in the Jackson
relations and spent many hours at
area schools while her husband
the Capitol on behalf of clients who
completed medical school.
were trying to see that certain laws
why I’m doing this today. One client
passed or failed.
recommended me to another, and
Following her husband in a couple of professional moves back
Her first taste of victory came
my client base just began to grow.” Clay made the decision to open
and forth from Jackson to Meridian,
when she represented the Motion
Clay completed her law degree as
Picture Association of America.
her own firm in 2001, and today
a commuter from the Mississippi
Her task was to defeat a bill that
represents such entities as Fortune
College School of Law and then,
would have required her client to
500 corporations, hospitals and
upon returning to Jackson, landed
bring in every movie produced for
health care providers, professional
a job as assistant Secretary of State
a screening by the movie theater
associations, nonprofit organizations
in 1980.
owners before it could be shown
and public utilities.
It was her first taste of capital
in Mississippi. She was able to
Clay has built a reputation as a
city politics and was also her
successfully defeat the bill with
leader in government relations in
introduction to the Capitol
a very close vote in committee.
Mississippi through her openness
Commission, which managed all
Since this was a very intense and
and honesty, developing lasting
state facilities and coordinated the
high profile issue, Clay interfaced
friendships and cultivating a strong
space accommodations for state
with most every member of the
network of colleagues. Her
agencies. In 1983, she became the
legislature during that session.
“normal” days during the legislative
commission’s executive director. To say that Clay was “hands on” in that appointment is an
“By the time that session ended,
session begin around 5 a.m. and
the legislative members knew me,
end when the lights go out at the
and I knew them,” she said. “That’s
Capitol.
“A successful athletics program is a tremendous asset for any university, and MSU is no different. Quality athletics creates an atmosphere of excitement and attracts prospective students to campus which, in turn, increases enrollment.”
– Beth Clay,
2011-13 MSU Bulldog Club President
m ississippi state A lumnus
9
F ormer M S U P resident
Zacharias
remembered as visionary leader By HARRIET LAIRD and allison matthews
D
onald W. Zacharias, the
visit during the Christmas holidays, Dr.
president emeritus of
Zacharias was still providing valuable,
Mississippi State University
thoughtful counsel to me and still had
who served from 1985-97, died March
the welfare of MSU students at the top
3 at the age of 77 of complications from
of his mind. I counted him as a friend, a
multiple sclerosis after an extended
mentor, and an inspiration. Don Zacharias
illness. Second in tenure only to Stephen
was a man of great courage and dignity,
D. Lee, the founding president of the
and he was one of the most influential
state’s land-grant institution, Zacharias
leaders in the history of Mississippi higher
brought Mississippi State to a new level of
education.”
prominence during his 12 and one-half years of service.
Zacharias became a visionary for higher education in Mississippi when he was
Enrollment, private contributions,
named MSU’s 15th president in 1985 after
research and athletic achievement all
coming to the Starkville campus from the
grew significantly as part of Zacharias’
presidency of Western Kentucky University
legacy; one unmatched in the history of
in Bowling Green, Ky. During his tenure,
the university and one that the current
Zacharias raised MSU’s visibility and
MSU leader says will definitely stand the
reputation nationally. Enrollment climbed
test of time.
to the largest in the state at almost 16,000
MSU President Mark E. Keenum
and African-American enrollment more
said, “Dr. Donald Zacharias was a
than doubled to 2,200, 15 percent of the
transformative figure at Mississippi
student body and the highest percentage
State University. He really helped bring
among SEC schools.
MSU into the modern era, and he did
Private support surged under Zacharias,
so by developing a broad vision for
as annual contributions rose from $4
the leadership that Mississippi needed
million at the start of his presidency
from a land grant university. At our last
to more than $42 million in 1996. He
Donald W. Zacharias served as MSU president from 1985-97, second in tenure only to the founding president Stephen D. Lee.
10
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oversaw the first major gifts drive at
Mitchell Memorial Library. He also was
the university, the five-year Campaign
instrumental in the construction of the
for Mississippi State, which had more
Joe Frank Sanderson Center, which
than $143 million committed from
opened in 1998.
alumni and friends when he left office in 1997, shattering the initial goal of
from Georgetown College in Kentucky
$110 million. Also, the university’s
in 1957 and a master’s degree from
endowment grew six-fold over a dozen
Indiana University in 1959, where he also
years to almost $130 million.
completed a doctorate in communication
In research, funding from external
Law from Georgetown for distinguished
million in one year. The university
contributions to the college. career in 1963 as a faculty member in
by the National Science Foundation, and
communication at Indiana University,
MSU became nationally known for use
he served until 1969 when he joined
of technology in the classroom. Under
the University of Texas communication
his tenure, the university created the
department, attaining full professor rank
state’s first site on the Internet.
before entering administration. In administrative roles with the
Final Four and Sweet Sixteen were
University of Texas System, he held
among the outstanding athletic
positions as executive assistant to
accomplishments listed among
the chancellor of the 14-campus
Zacharias’ successes, as student-athletes
statewide system and as assistant to
also excelled academically. Football team
the president of the Austin campus.
members reached a graduation rate of 70
He then spent six years as Western
percent for six consecutive years, placing
Kentucky’s president, creating the first
them near the top among all Division
comprehensive development program
1 programs. Other notable athletic
and significantly raising academic
endeavors included College World Series
standards before taking the helm at
appearances in baseball, bowl games
Mississippi State.
in football, and SEC titles in tennis and
Bottom, Acclaimed author John Grisham, an MSU alumnus, spoke at the Zacharias Memorial Service in March.
Beginning his higher education
Engineering Research Centers funded
Trips to the NCAA men’s basketball
Center, Dr. Zacharias welcomed U.S. President George H.W. Bush as a graduation speaker in the late 1980s.
in 1963. He held an honorary Doctorate of
sources doubled, seeing a high of $80 became home to one of a handful of
Top, the Zacharias family, from left, Leslie, Eric, Dr. Zacharias, Alan, and Tommie.
Zacharias received a bachelor’s degree
Born in Salem, Ind., in 1935,
golf. Zacharias also saw that women
Zacharias is survived by his wife of 53
athletic offerings were expanded under
years, Tommie Kline Zacharias, and
his guidance.
their three adult children, Eric, Leslie
From the beginning of his tenure,
and Alan, and three grandchildren, all of
Zacharias understood the importance
Boulder, Colo. He is also survived by a
of enhanced campus buildings and
sister, Mary Catherine Zacharias Collier,
grounds in recruiting and retaining
of Yucaipa, Calif.
students at MSU. He saw the completion of an expansion and renovation to
Upon his resignation from MSU in 1997, Zacharias said: “I saw things in
m ississippi state A lumnus
11
MSU opened Zacharias Village in 2005, a co-educational residence hall complex. Mississippi State University that others might not have seen. I felt that I had made the right decision to be at
at the right place and the right time and leaves a profound
this university because I liked both what it stood for and
impact on his institution.
its overall character. I liked its mission, and I liked the students and alumni. I saw the potential.” At a public memorial service held on campus the week following his passing, friends and former colleagues spoke
remembered, and cherished, not only as a great leader, but also as a great person,” Grisham said. Longtime MSU administrator and former interim president Roy H. Ruby said Zacharias had a broad
fellow man.
knowledge of higher education and a vision. “When he came here, he had a vision of where he
part of the program. While Zacharias’s tenure as president
wanted to take Mississippi State, and with that vision
began after Grisham graduated from MSU in 1977 and
and his leadership, he impacted all areas of the campus,”
finished law school at Ole Miss, he got to know the future
Ruby said. Ruby is the namesake of one of the residence
author when he was a rookie member of the Mississippi
halls that now makes up Zacharias Village, a residence
House of Representatives. He said Zacharias would visit the
hall complex.
legislature in search of funding for the university. “When he came to town, we’d go out and have long
sp ring 2013
“As long as this place is here, ‘Dr. Z’ will be
of his dedication to Mississippi State, his family and his Acclaimed author and MSU alumnus John Grisham was
12
Grisham said occasionally a university president comes
“He was a great college president because he loved and respected people, so he connected with people,”
dinners. We wouldn’t talk about politics. We’d talk about
Ruby said. “But perhaps more important than his
important things like college baseball, higher ed history
accomplishments as a college president was the kind of
and books.”
man he was,” he added.
Jimmy Abraham, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association, said Zacharias was a master communicator who used his many talents to share stories about the great things happening at the university, always giving credit to others. He recalled Zacharias reading a letter from a parent at a general faculty meeting who praised a professor who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to help his son. Abraham said, “After reading the letter, Dr. Zacharias paused, looked up, and said, and I quote, ‘This is a great reminder to all of us that nothing is routine when dealing with the lives of other people.’ “Vintage Dr. Zacharias--nothing was ever routine to him when dealing with the lives of others. He was committed to helping everyone as much as he could. Nothing pleased him more than to see others succeed,” Abraham said. “As great a president as he was--and he was a great president--he was an even better person,” Abraham said. “His footprints will forever be on this campus, and all of us who love Mississippi State will never stop building on the foundation he helped lay.” Zacharias’s son Eric Zacharias gave a response on behalf of the family and noted the many fond memories he and his brother, Allen, and sister, Leslie, have of their parents and their father’s long distinguished career as a professor and university president. “What’s it like to have a father or husband who becomes a university president? We’re unanimous as a family: it was great, and it was mostly great because of all the Top, Dr. Zacharias in front of MSU’s Chapel of Memories.
wonderful people who brought us into their
Bottom, MSU Libraries was a passion and top priority for Dr. Zacharias.
Zacharias said.
world and welcomed us and embraced us,”
“As long as this place is here, ‘Dr. Z’ will be remembered, and cherished, not only as a great leader, but also as a great person.” – John Grisham, MSU alumnus and best-selling author m ississippi state A lumnus
13
Eric zacharias’ book touts
d i e t
M
By Margaret Kovar | Photos by Megan Bean any people ask their healthcare
in biological sciences. He went on to attend Vanderbilt
providers “What’s the best diet for
University for medical school and the University of
my health?” While there may not be
Colorado for specialty training, where he maintains an
any one succinct answer, Mississippi
academic appointment as a clinical professor.
State alumnus Dr. Eric Zacharias outlines a tasty option in his book The Mediterranean Diet: A Clinician’s Guide
1996, Zacharias began his practice at the Boulder Medical
for Patient Care.
Center in 1999 after several years of private practice in
Published by Springer in May 2012, the book
Denver. He emphasizes preventative health care, health
explains to readers what a physician would want them
maintenance and early disease detection, and also
to know about their nutrition. It outlines the effects the
treats the spectrum of acute and chronic adult medical
Mediterranean diet has on specific diseases, including
problems.
heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, depression, cancer, allergies, asthma, arthritis and diabetes. A detailed analysis of the specific nutrients in a
To gather information for the guide, Zacharias and his family traveled through the Mediterranean for six months. They started in southern France and then
Mediterranean diet and the food groups containing them
traveled through Italy, Spain and Egypt, experiencing as
also is included in the guide. A daily meal plan and recipe
many different regions throughout the Mediterranean as
section that he prepared can be found in the patient
they could.
resources section. The son of the late MSU president emeritus Donald W.
Zacharias wanted to observe how people in these regions eat during their daily lives and how they manage
Zacharias and his wife Tommie, Zacharias has had a long-
to eat healthy food that is also delicious. He found that the
standing interest in health and nutrition as a modality for
emphasis there was on the amount of flavor and quality
preventative medicine.
for the money, while in the U.S. the focus is often on the
“Most of the training that we do in U.S. medicine
volume of food for the money.
involves taking care of people once they already have
This, in part, showed that while the word “diet” in the
complex diseases,” he said. “But what we don’t spend
U.S. is often thought of in terms of deprivation, it doesn’t
enough time on is prevention and focusing on how you
have to be.
prevent these diseases in the first place.” While an undergraduate at MSU, Zacharias majored
14
Practicing as an internal medicine specialist since
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“In the places we visited, portions did tend to be significantly smaller, but it was hard to notice with such
“Most of the training that we do in U.S. medicine involves taking care of people once they already have complex diseases,” he said. “But what we don’t spend enough time on is prevention and focusing on how you prevent these diseases in the first place.” – Dr. Eric Zacharias MSU alumnus and author
flavorful, rich food,” he said of his experiences. Zacharias also pointed out that every single meal does not have to follow the diet perfectly. “If you do well enough, that’s all you need to
book, using the same material but slightly reducing the academic tone and expanding the recipes and other sections. Zacharias said his goal is to help people
do,” he said. “Long-term healthy eating is about
improve their diets to reduce their risk of
consuming less animal fats, less processed foods
preventable diseases.
and less simple and refined sugars.” The book already sold more copies in its first
“It’s a privilege to provide care for an acute heart attack when someone needs it, but with
eight months than it was projected to sell in its
healthy eating, you can prevent dozens and
four-year run. Zacharias plans to write another
dozens of such events,” he said.
m ississippi state A lumnus
15
4-H agent Cassandra Weston, an MSU alumnus, doesn’t encounter many gators in her busy schedule of serving urban Dade County and Miami, Fla. residents.
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Love of 4-h leads a bulldog to
gator country Story and photos By bob ratliff
S
ome people just sit on the edge of
Tallahatchie County when Weston was a member.
the pool and dangle their feet in
“Cassandra was willing to do whatever needed
the water, while others jump right
doing,” Radcliff said. “She always expected a lot of
in. When faced with a major career
herself and her peers.”
choice, Cassandra Weston took the plunge. Weston received her bachelor’s in business management in 2007 at Mississippi State and worked in the university’s Academic Advising
Weston’s future changed in 2010 when she saw a notice of a job opening for a 4-H agent at the University of Florida. “I wasn’t sure at first if I should apply, but
Center while trying to decide what path her career
everyone who knew my love for 4-H encouraged me
would ultimately take.
to apply,” Weston said. “I had been serving as a 4-H
“I thought I would find something in the business world, but the people who know me best, my friends and family, kept saying I needed to follow my heart,” she said. Before she left home to attend MSU, Weston’s effervescent personality and a knack for never
volunteer in Lowndes County, which made me sure that I wanted a 4-H career.” She did apply and was interviewed on campus in Gainesville and hired to serve as a 4-H agent in Dade County starting in January 2011. Her parents, L.Q. and Wilma Weston, were
meeting a stranger had already expanded her world
concerned about the distance and the possible
beyond her tiny hometown of Cascilla on the edge
challenges of their daughter’s new job, but they knew
of the Mississippi Delta in Tallahatchie County.
she was well prepared.
The three big influences on her early life were her
“We know she loves working with the children
family, church and the MSU Extension Service’s 4-H
and that the Lord will provide her the strength to
youth development program.
meet any situation,” her mother said.
“I joined 4-H in the third grade, and 4-H was an
Dade County, which includes Miami, has a
important part of my life as I grew up,” Weston said.
population of 2.5 million and more than 100
“Participation in a variety of 4-H programs helped
schools, making it the fourth largest school district
me meet new people, adapt to different situations,
in the nation. While the 4-H mission of providing
and prepare for the future.”
hands-on learning activities in the areas of science,
She took every opportunity to learn and to serve in 4-H, said Sherry Radcliff, the 4-H agent for
citizenship and healthy living for young people aged 9 through 19 is the same nationwide, approaches
m ississippi state A lumnus
17
“Participation in a variety of 4-H programs helped me meet new people, adapt to different situations, and prepare for the future.” Adult volunteers assist Weston with hands-on learning activities focused on science, citizenship and healthy living at open houses and other 4-H events. to programs are tailored to meet the
also my work family and my family
Mississippi because he had a friend
needs of rural, urban or suburban
of friends.”
who was stationed there while in
environments.
the military during the 1960s and didn’t like it,” she said. “I asked
group of students who welcome new
him how many people he knows
and prospective students to campus,
from Mississippi, and his answer
population in south Florida, but
conduct guided tours and provide
was ‘none.’ I told him, ‘well now
what surprised me the most is that
information on daily life on campus.
you know me, and I’ll change your
adapting. “I knew about the large Latin
it’s not just the Latin culture here,” she said. “There are large numbers of Jamaicans, Haitians and Asians. In
She continues to be an ambassador for MSU and her home state. Not long after starting her new job
fact, there are not too many cultures
in Miami, Weston was shopping for
that you can’t find in Miami.”
a special cake for a friend’s party. She
opinion of Mississippi.’ ” She did, and now his bakery is her source anytime an occasion calls for something special. Her tenacity and natural Southern
found a small bakery that could make
charm also serve her well on the
friends in Mississippi, Weston has
just what she was looking for and was
job, especially when working with
made new friends and even been
quickly engaged in conversation with
teenagers.
“adopted” by some.
the owner, who is from Cuba.
While she misses her family and
“A Jamaican family in my church has adopted me,” she said. “There’s
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At Mississippi State, Weston was a member of MSU Roadrunners, a
Weston also had to do some
18
– Cassandra Weston, MSU alumnus
“When I told him I am from Mississippi, he said he didn’t like
“We train teens to work with younger 4-H’ers because it’s easier for them to reach the younger kids,”
Top, Weston works with horticulturist Vanessa Campoverde and other members of the Dade County Extension staff to develop 4-H educational programs. Right, Through programs emphasizing the “power of youth,” agents and volunteer leaders prepare club members to make positive contributions to their families and communities. she said. “When I do a program, I
in the county, and members exhibit
skills. That’s a big part of what 4-H
start by just sitting and talking with
their work at the annual Miami/
provides.”
the teenagers. It’s easier for them
Dade Fair, which is larger than many
to warm up to you when you find
state fairs.
Weston is still part of the Mississippi State family. She is working on her master’s degree in
common interests, like music.”
“Our members have 2,000 to
One of the big differences
3,000 exhibits at the fair each year,”
agriculture and extension education.
Weston said.
Her formal education and what
Weston has found between 4-H in Mississippi and in Dade County is livestock. “There is a lot of 4-H participation in livestock shows in Mississippi, and
The biggest part of her job,
she is learning as part of one of
however, is providing enrichment
the world’s most culturally diverse
activities in the schools.
communities are helping her
“We provide programs on
prepare for a lifelong career. “When you live and work in a
there are some horse clubs here but
healthy living, money management,
not a lot,” she said. “Dade County
nutrition, public speaking and
place like Miami, you quickly realize
is large, however, and extends well
other types of activities that help
that it’s not all glitz and glamor,” she
beyond Miami, so there are rural
kids with personal growth and to
said. “The people are real, and their
areas with a lot of fruit and other
become more involved in their
problems and ambitions are the same
horticulture crops.”
communities,” she said. “Kids want
as anywhere else. Once you realize
to express themselves, whether it’s
that and start to build relationships,
through public speaking, art or other
you begin to feel at home.”
Community gardens and crafts are popular parts of the 4-H program
m ississippi state A lumnus
19
MSU alumnus Dr. Ervin Fox, recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor given by the U.S. government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research
MSU Police Chief Georgia Lindley with officers Martha Carradine, Bo Shelton and Bryan Farrar
20
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MSU
Police
department has seen dramatic evolution
Verification of just how far things have evolved over the decades was recognized officially in early 2005 when the department, under the leadership of then-chief Tom Johnson, became the first at a Mississippi institution of higher learning, and only the third law enforcement agency in the state, to gain accreditation from the Fairfax, Va.-based Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies. Even today, the MSU and Starkville police departments, along with the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office, are among less than a dozen Mississippi agencies holding the certification. “Our department is comprised of professional commissioned police officers and support staff,” said Chief Georgia Lindley, who succeeded Johnson in 2005. She proudly points out that MSU now is in its third consecutive CALEA re-accreditation period, adding, “It is a highly prized recognition of law
By Sammy McDavid | Photos By Beth Wynn
A
enforcement excellence throughout North America.” Participation is voluntary. To be accredited, a department
mong articles in the 1978 spring edition
must meet or exceed more than 440 standards representing best
of Alumnus magazine was a feature that
practices agreed upon by the International Association of Chiefs
highlighted the history and operation of what
of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement
then was called the Mississippi State University
Executives, National Sheriff ’s Association, and Police Executive
Security Department. Early on in the piece, Burrel S. “Bill” Hood, the legendary silver-
Research Forum. When Hood retired as chief, MSU had a full-time staff of about
haired former chief who was not long retired, openly lamented how
20, with two part-time secretaries and four student employees
often students, faculty and others only associated the department’s
who served as night radio dispatchers. That, in itself, was a major
work with the many traffic citations that found their way onto
improvement from, say, 1940 when then-Mississippi State College
vehicle windshields. Pointing out that “we have to give them or
only employed a couple of night watchmen who primarily looked
traffic couldn’t move on campus,” the veteran law officer expressed
out for fires. In the early 1950s, a now-designated campus police
exasperation that “there are so many other things we do that people don’t know about.” Thirty-five years later, tickets still are being written—though now primarily by members of the Office of Parking Operations staff—and vehicle traffic remains a major campus challenge. There have been many significant changes, however. As a result of the hard work and dedication of leaders like Hood, his successors and other administrators from the President’s Office and Division of Student Affairs on down, the MSU Police Department today is regarded as a modern law enforcement agency serving the needs of a diverse 21st century community. Police Sgt. Virginia Rich teaches a self-defense class.
m ississippi state A lumnus
21
Police Officer Thad Edwards directs traffic on “Movin’ You to MSU” day, a busy time when residence halls open to students for the fall semester. department was placed under the Dean of Students Office, with Dean D.W. Aiken—
1979 as one of the first female officers. A Starkville native, Lindley holds MSU
another legendary campus figure—holding
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social
the additional title of police chief.
work and rehabilitation counseling,
Officers Bo Shelton and Bryan Farrar patrol campus as part of their daily duties. the Starkville Police Department, Oktibbeha County Sheriff ’s Office and Mississippi Highway Patrol.” A campus tragedy last year illustrated
respectively. She’s both a law enforcement
both how far the university, state and nation
Patrol officer, became chief in 1960 and soon
academy graduate and a licensed social
have evolved since panty raid days, and how
changed the department’s name from “police”
worker.
effective the local law enforcement agencies
Hood, a former Mississippi Highway
have become.
to “security.” He said at the time that he felt
“Even now, some people still refer to us
the new designation “was a more accurate
as ‘security,’ even though in the mid-1980s
reflection of the department’s goals.”
we transitioned back to being a police
university experienced its first on-campus
department,” Lindley said.
student murder. Lindley and assistant chief
Hood might have been influenced, in part, by the fact that his first night on the job, Oct.
At present, the department has an
During the 2012 spring semester, the
(and fellow MSU alumnus) Kenneth L.
16, saw what since has come to be regarded
authorized strength of 32 officers, a full-time
Spencer led the investigative operation, in
as the largest panty raid in campus history.
support staff of 13 and a number of student
close cooperation with their local police,
employees. Six patrol officers are assigned to
sheriff and highway patrol colleagues. The
Hood was reorganized along professional
each of the day, evening and midnight shifts.
combined effort, along with invaluable
law enforcement lines. Among the changes
The remainder of the staff includes a crime
assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service,
was a requirement that officers be Mississippi
prevention coordinator, along with several
resulted in the quick arrest of three suspects.
Law Enforcement Academy graduates.
administrators and investigators.
Whatever its name, the department under
The shooting at Evans Residence Hall was a shock and grave loss to the campus
Assistant chief John C. Moore Jr., a
“We are a full-service agency that is
Northeast Mississippian previously with
available 24 hours a day throughout the
community, but it also must be considered as
the Memphis, Tenn., Police Department,
year,” Lindley said. “We have worked hard to
an anomaly in the land-grant institution’s more
succeeded Hood in the top position. He was
build partnerships with the campus and local
than 130-year history.
department leader when Lindley joined in
communities. We work especially close with
22
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Naturally, the tragedy grabbed headlines
Officer Emmitt Johnson hones his skills during a Law Enforcement Bicycle Association class.
around the country. Fortunately, quick
course, there are the continual vehicle and foot
apprehension of the suspects generated positive
patrols, and, since the mid-1990s, bicycle patrols.
responses throughout the campus community and beyond. Likely some praising the effort also had
effective that, by 1996, the department could
held the same limited-knowledge opinions about
report that the silent and highly mobile two-
the MSUPD once lamented by Hood back in the
wheel cruisers had helped lower the number of
1970s.
campus larcenies, particularly those occurring at
As with any law enforcement agency, the
“Even now, some people still refer to us as ‘security,’ even though in the mid-1980s we transitioned back to being a police department.” – Chief Georgia Lindley, 1989 MSU alumnus
Lindley said bike patrols so quickly proved
night, by nearly 70 percent.
department’s day-in, day-out duties don’t draw
Were he alive today, Hood surely would be
the attention of a major news event, but they are
flashing his broad grin as he bragged about how
essential to the operation of a major university.
far things have improved from his days on the
Basically, those duties center on one thing: safety.
campus beat. He, Moore and Johnson helped
“Being safe means different things to different
lay the groundwork and develop a modern
people,” Lindley observed. “Here, our department
police department, one Lindley and her team of
collaborates with others in the Division of
professionals works daily to enhance and improve.
Student Affairs and around campus to provide a
Hood also would be impressed that, thanks to
number of programs and features to continually
instantly available, hand-held communications,
enhance a safe environment.”
anyone wanting to know more about the
Among them are the blue-light, quick-dial
department, its many services and other
emergency telephone stations located near most
aspects of its operation no longer must rely on
residence halls, an escort program, ongoing
magazine articles or other traditional media
crime prevention sessions presented at the
delivery systems.
halls and other locations, and a rape aggression defense program for female students and staff. Of
As Lindley pointed out, it’s as easy as http:// police.msstate.edu/ or 662-325-2121.
m ississippi state A lumnus
23
Holland family By allison matthews
Photo By Beth Wynn
Public service just a way of life for
Members of the Holland family include, seated, Sadie Holland, and standing from left, Billy Joe Holland, Gloria and Steve Holland.
“politicians,” but others would call public
S
branches of government, people may guess the
service the vocation of a Mississippi family
Hollands have a lot to talk about. In fact, they do;
with roots in agriculture, a sprinkling of musical
however, conversation seldom revolves around
talents, and an outlook on life that finds uncommon
politics, the family says.
ome may call members of the Holland family
meaning in common, everyday life. With an unusually high number of family
With close family members serving in the three
“I think we just take it for granted,” Sadie Holland said. “A lot of things we talk about, but there’s some
members holding public office, the family includes
things you don’t need to talk about,” said Billy Joe
Sadie Holland, Lee County Justice Court Judge; son
Holland.
Billy Joe Holland, a Lee County Supervisor; son Steve
After all, the family does have other points of
Holland, Dist.16 Representative in the Mississippi
conversation, such as the non-stop nature of the
legislature; and daughter-in-law Gloria Holland,
funeral business. When Sadie and Steve aren’t
mayor of Plantersville. Billy Joe and Steve are among
judging and legislating, they’re more than likely
six sons raised on a Lee County farm. Sadie decided
tending to the business that helps keep life in
one of her children must learn piano, and Steve
perspective. The mother and son are co-owners of
to this day continues his talent as organist at the
Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo, with chapels
Plantersville United Methodist Church, where his
also in Okolona and Nettleton.
wife is the pianist.
24
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Sadie says serving people is what life is about, from
“I treat everyone the same. I don’t care if they have patches on their clothes or if they have a tuxedo. I always try to listen to both sides with an open mind.” – Sadie Holland, Lee County Justice Court Judge
caring for families during a time of grief, to, in her case,
holds in high esteem. He aspired to run for office while
treating everyone fairly when judicial decisions are at hand.
working as an assistant road manager for several years.
“I just love to deal with people. I love peace. I try to make people see what they’re doing,” she said. “They should love each other instead of fight,” she said. The judge also is a former mayor of Nettleton. At the time she served in that capacity, the mayor also served as a judge. She developed a taste for the role. “I do try to be fair, and I treat all people the same,
In the 2011 general election, he won the seat for 5th district supervisor. “Supervisors are the legislative body of the county. It’s a really important job,” he said. His brother Steve has served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for 30 years. Known as an expressive man who enjoys people just as
no matter what,” she said, adding that sometimes
much as do his other family members, he’s never been
decisions don’t come easily.
afraid to do things his way.
What she loves the most about her job is being there
After high school, when his father offered him a car
for people to count on. “Sometimes people can have
as a graduation gift, Steve instead asked for his father’s
a problem, and just being able to talk with someone
shares in an area funeral home. The 1977 Mississippi
makes them feel better. People feel comfortable talking
State University graduate also has an associate’s degree
with me,” Sadie said.
in mortuary science form Northwest Mississippi
“I treat everyone the same. I don’t care if they have
Community College and a master’s degree in Southern
patches on their clothes or if they have a tuxedo,” she
studies from the University of Mississippi. After
said. “I always try to listen to both sides with an open
years of working in funeral services, Steve established
mind.”
Holland Funeral Directors in 1991.
Sadie said that there is a great commonality between
Now, the veteran legislator continues to speak his
her public service and her private business roles. That
mind in the political arena, and he still pours himself
common factor is people.
into his other job – which he says is no job at all, but
“You cry with them. It can be very stressful,” she said.
rather, “a ministry of spiritual proportions which
She explained that some funeral services are harder
requires extraordinary skills, compassion and tons of
than others, such as when the life of a young person is
emotional and physical energy.” Steve says he’s learned
cut short.
how to live by looking death in the face every day.
While Sadie, a licensed funeral director, just recently
Steve’s wife, Gloria Temple Holland, is a second-
celebrated her 80th birthday, she has three years left
generation mayor in Plantersville. Her father, Pete
before completing her term as judge.
Temple, served in the same role about four decades
Billy Joe, the oldest son in the family, said he enjoys
prior to his daughter’s election to office. Now in her
the public service aspect of getting out and meeting
second term, the 1973 MSU alumna says she is proud
people, even when it involves taking care of their
to follow in her father’s footsteps of serving a town and
complaints.
people she loves. The avid MSU sports fan is also a
“People are going to call the supervisor about anything,” he said. “We never ignore them. You’ve got to meet them and hear them out.” Billy Joe said the role of county supervisor is one he
MSU yearbook photos of Gloria Temple and Steve Holland in the 1970s.
mental health therapist. The mayor says she was born a social worker, with an intrinsic desire to help people. “That’s what I’m doing as mayor. I’m helping people. I’m not a politician, but a public servant.”
m ississippi state A lumnus
25
IMPROVING THE
GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE WITH EXPANDED FACILITIES
By lEAH baRBOUR | Architectural drawings by ThreeSixty Architecture and LPK Architects
T
he football fan
people you have, the more fun gameday is and
experience is going to
the more energy that’s created in the stadium.”
be enhanced in a big way beginning in the fall of 2014, thanks to ongoing construction at
Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium. The expansion and renovation project broke
Seating More than 6,000 seats will be added, for a grand total of 61,337. Along with more seats will come more elevators, more bathrooms and more concession stands. Additionally, a
ground last August, and Mississippi State
range of premium seating will be available, and
athletic leaders are enthusiastic that additional
the finished product is going to be beautiful,
seating and new amenities will not only make
Stricklin said.
the stadium bigger, they will also make it better. Athletic Director Scott Stricklin recently shared details about the new amenities set
Premium seating is set to increase dramatically:
“It’s going to be more of an upscale, clublike setting,” he said. New skyboxes in the north end zone will seat between 12 and 18 people, in contrast to the 50 skyboxes already in place on the east side of
altogether, 22 new suites will be available, along
the stadium, which seat about 24. This change
with 1,100 club seats and 236 loge seats.
will better accommodate those fan groups who don’t need so many seats, Stricklin emphasized.
to make the gameday experience better
“The loge seats are a unique concept: Only
for all fans—from additional elevators,
a handful of schools have these,” Stricklin said.
bathrooms and concession stands to a new
“It’s a little more room than you would have in a
improve when the additions and renovations
video board in the north end zone, people
club seat, and it’s semi-private—you’ve got a half
are complete.
who come to Davis Wade are going to have
wall around you. You’ll be covered and out of the
a great time, he said.
elements, so you won’t have to worry about rain.
effective from a consumer standpoint than what
You’ll have your own TV screen right there in
we currently have on the east side—it’s going
more people to come and participate—literally,
your loge box and you’ll have a club behind you
to be cheaper to get into it, but it’s still going
the more the merrier,” Stricklin said. “The more
to service your food and beverage needs.
to provide you all you can expect from a club
“We’re going to provide more opportunities for
26
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Also, the overall club experience will
“The club itself is going to be more cost-
With an expected completion date of fall 2014, MSU’s Davis Wade Stadium expansion includes premium seating, additional sky boxes and a north end video board. experience. We’re going to have chair-backed
much easier for people who need better
something that sounds simple, but the role of
seats; we’re going to have cupholders; and we’re
accessibility to maneuver around that part of
the stadium and making sure folks are enjoying
going to have a place where you can eat and
the stadium,” Stricklin said.
themselves on game day can’t be understated.” Even with all these improvements, Stricklin
watch other games on TVs and have a locker.
Even as more people can enter Davis Wade
“We continue to see a lot of demand from
Stadium and get to their seats more easily, the
doesn’t expect to see ticket prices change
people who want that kind of experience on
fans who sit in the south end zone and don’t get a
dramatically; instead, prices will follow the
gameday, and we’re excited to have some other
good view of the video board there will be able to
regular supply-and-demand pattern that
options but still have the level of quality that
watch replays on a new video board in the north
reflects the rising cost of doing business.
fans expect,” he said.
end zone. That way, every person in the stadium
Amenities Another notable addition to the stadium will be six more elevators, for a total of 11, to
will have a great view of the action. Overall, all fans’ experience will improve with the expansion of the stadium and its amenities.
“There’s not any expansion surcharge that’s going to be tacked on to ticket prices. They should cost what they would normally be if there hadn’t been an expansion,” he said.
“More restrooms and more concession
Parking
meet fans’ needs. Also, the west concourse will
stands just make it easier for folks to go get
be smoothed out and leveled.
that hotdog and get back to their seats and not
Parking continues to be a challenge, he said,
miss much of the action,” Stricklin said. “That’s
and the parking areas under the scoreboard will
“These changes are going to make it so
m ississippi state A lumnus
27
MSU Athletic Director Scott Stricklin
Stadium expansion project goes
‘green’ A
s Mississippi State football fans prepare for the enhanced gameday
experience sure to result from the stadium Architectural drawing of the stadium’s new front entrance.
expansion project, civil engineers are focused on making the new concrete strong, long-lasting and sustainable.
not be returning since the stadium will take
place to come to a game. We have so much
its place. However, Mississippi State staff will
green space around this stadium, and you
do all they can to ensure that fans have a good
don’t see that in very many places. The
as a teacher and a student, have collaborated
parking experience.
Junction and all the other adjacent areas
to develop environmentally friendly concrete
create this really fun tailgating area.”
mix designs that use a new, green combination
“As more and more people come to games, it stresses the traffic and parking
University money is not paying for
In fact, two Mississippi State alumni, as well
of cement materials. The new combination
infrastructure, but we’ve got a great group
these stadium improvements, Stricklin
takes less energy to produce, has lower
on campus that’s managing that and trying
said. Instead, additional new ticket sales
associated greenhouse gas emissions, and uses
to make it as pleasant an experience as
are funding most of the $75 million
recycled byproduct materials.
possible,” he explained. “That’s something
project. Overall, institutional support
we’ll have to continue to try to get ahead
has been one of the biggest drivers for
the Materials and Construction Industries
of—to continue to provide quality parking
these improvements, not least the direct
Chair holder in civil and environmental
for our fans.”
involvement of Mississippi State President
engineering, along with graduate student Jay
Mark E. Keenum.
Shannon and two alumni—Tim Cost, senior
Mississippi State has sold all its stadium tickets for 23 games in a row, and as season
“Dr. Keenum has been a big advocate for
Isaac Howard, MSU associate professor and
technical service engineer at Holcim Inc.
tickets continue to sell out, the athletic
what we’re trying to do in the Southeastern
and Mark Stovall, quality control manager
department maintains its waiting list for
Conference, and he wants us to have the best
at MMC Materials Inc.—have developed
people who want to purchase them. University
of the best,” Stricklin said. “He encourages us
the new concrete mixtures for use at Davis
officials hope to continue this trend with the
to do whatever we need to do from a
Wade Stadium. Development of these
addition of new seats, Stricklin said.
revenue-generation standpoint, from a
concrete mixtures has been conducted
planning standpoint, and from a
alongside other project participants such as
construction standpoint to make sure those
Harrell Contracting Group, the construction
young athletes—those young men and
company heading the expansion project.
The overall experience
“Our gameday experience, not just in
Cement is the solidifying ingredient in
Mississippi, but also in the SEC, is one of
women wearing the maroon and white—
the unique ones out there. We’re not the
have the very best and hold their heads high
concrete, and the key component in the
biggest, but the energy in our stadium
and go out and compete and win
special concrete is a new type of cement,
and the noise of our fans makes it a fun
championships.”
Howard explained.
28
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EF
“Making ordinary portland cement, or OPC, requires heating limestone and other raw materials to extreme temperatures with a fossil fuel, like coal, in a kiln,” he said. This process creates clinker, which is ground into powder—OPC. A great deal of carbon dioxide is released in this process, but the environmental impact is significantly reduced when some of the clinker is replaced with raw limestone. OPC contains less than five percent raw limestone, but portland-limestone cement, or PLC, contains up to 15 percent limestone, and that’s one of the materials the Mississippi State team has used to create the more sustainable, environmentally-friendly concrete. “The least sustainable part of concrete is the clinker in the portland cement, and we’re trying
Mississippi State alumni Mark Stovall, left, and Tim Cost, center, are working with associate professor Isaac Howard, Materials and Construction Industries Chair holder in civil and environmental engineering, to develop environmentally friendly concrete as part of the Davis Wade Stadium. expansion project.
to remove as much of that clinker as we can by
around 25 percent, but Mississippi State is taking
replacing it with other materials,” Howard said.
OPC replacement to a much higher level.
“We are trying to use more environmentally
traditional concrete because properly designed,
sustainable concrete works, and it works well.” _REH3818.NEF
“For the Davis Wade Stadium project, the
Howard and his colleagues look forward
sustainable approaches to provide performance
typical concrete mix design used thus far has
to inspiring upcoming generations with this
and durability that is equal to or better than
50 percent replacement, using a combination
project, one of the first of its kind, he said.
that of traditional concrete without impacting
of both fly ash and slag. It is anticipated the
construction costs.”
concrete used for the remainder of the project
great service to the construction industry by
will follow this same trend,” Tomlinson said.
providing a vehicle to study this by using it
When the stadium renovation specifications
“Mississippi State’s leaders are doing a
Not only is the new concrete cheaper
in the stadium. Once this gets implemented,
in August 2012, Mississippi State leaders
because it’s composed of fly ash and slag,
other designers and contractors can say, ‘This
recommended aggressive replacement of OPC
it’s also more environmentally friendly,
was successful in Davis Wade; why not use
with fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion,
Tomlinson and Howard agreed.
it in house slabs or commercial buildings or
were determined, prior to the groundbreaking
and/or slag cement, a byproduct of iron
“PLC interacts with fly ash and slag cement
bridges?’” Howard said. When people come to the stadium and
production, said Bobby Tomlinson, associate
extremely well; combining PLC with these
athletic director for facilities planning and new
byproducts is what makes concrete in the Davis
look at the north end zone, they’ll see just how
construction.
Wade Stadium project more sustainable than
successful sustainable concrete can be.
Fly ash and slag cement significantly reduce
concrete made almost any other way,” Howard
“If you have a glaring example of success, it
the cost, carbon dioxide emissions, embodied
said. “This will be, from an environmental
can translate outside of the community, and
energy and raw materials used in the project,
perspective, close to as sustainable as anything
the stadium gives us the forum to make this
he said. Since both are byproducts from other
that’s been built.”
change. If we can make this concrete more
processes, incorporating them into the concrete
“This is pushing the limits of “green”
sustainable and better performing with
mix allows them to be recycled. Historically,
concrete for large structural projects. The
portland-limestone cement, more
OPC replacement has usually been limited to
resulting product will be indistinguishable from
widespread use is not far away.”
m ississippi state A lumnus
29
MSU, UM announce
MS Excellence in Teaching Program
Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones and MSU President Mark E. Keenum officially announced the METP at a February press conference.
M
ississippi’s two largest
college for education majors, the program
universities have joined
seeks to increase interest in middle and high
forces to create an
school teaching as a career for top incoming
innovative program
freshmen and community college transfer
designed to attract the state’s best and brightest
students. The initial goal will be to attract
students into the field of education through a
high ability students who want to become
private gift totaling more than $12.9 million.
mathematics and English teachers and to
will help fulfill that idea. It is appealing to our
The Mississippi Excellence in Teaching
help meet the needs of new Common Core
board that the program is a joint effort between
Program, or METP, is a joint effort by the
standards introduced in Mississippi last fall.
two of Mississippi’s leading universities.”
School of Education at the University of
“For years, our foundation has been focused
Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum
Mississippi and the College of Education at
on education as the best pathway to economic
and University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan
Mississippi State University (MSU) and is
prosperity for Mississippi,” said Foundation
Jones said their universities have accepted
funded by the Robert M. Hearin Support
Chairman Bob Hearin. “We believe this
responsibility for producing the very best
Foundation in Jackson.
program, which is focused on attracting the
teachers and will use the grant to attract
best and brightest to the profession of teaching,
the best and brightest to the profession and
Designed to be the equivalent of an honors
30
sp ring 2013
increase the prestige of teaching as a career choice.
interview process will help identify students with
“For years, our foundation has been focused on education as the best pathway to economic prosperity for Mississippi.”
“This joint effort by our two universities should
a passion and dedication for improving public
send a strong signal about the importance of this
education in the state, they added.
– Bob Hearin, Chairman, Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation
issue and our commitment to addressing it,” the
Both universities hope to recruit 20 students at each campus per year. Over a five-year period,
university leaders said. Financial and professional incentives for
the plan is to produce up to 160 new teachers. All
students are significant, according to MSU Dean
graduates make a five-year commitment to teach in
Dr. Richard Blackbourn and UM Dean Dr. David
Mississippi after graduation.
Rock. Accepted education students will receive
During their course of study, students will gain
full scholarships and room and board for up to
exposure to faculty and fellow METP students at
four years. The program also provides money for
Ole Miss and MSU during cross campus visits each
study abroad or off-campus learning activities
semester and weeklong summer residencies, the
such as visiting high-performing schools around
deans said. In addition, during their senior year
the nation or abroad.
METP students will have the opportunity to attend
The deans said that to gain admission to the METP students must possess grades and test scores that are comparable to admission requirements for both MSU and Ole Miss’ honors colleges. An
a national or regional professional conference relevant to their teaching discipline. The METPs first class will begin at the Oxford and Starkville campuses in fall 2013.
Additional grant awards from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation to Mississippi State University College of Architecture, Art & Design $900,000
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering $6,000,000
• Architecture and Building Construction Collaborative Practice Studios
• Educating the 21st Century Engineer Project will be a new required
will allow faculty to instruct students in two design studios to improve
common freshman learning experience that includes the creation of
the quality of the design and construction workforce in Mississippi.
new student learning communities that integrate in-class and co-
• Rural Sustainability Project will address economic and environmental viability issues particular to Mississippi’s rural
curricular activities. • Cultivating a Diverse and Robust Workforce Project will increase
counties and educate residents and community leaders on how to
diversity in engineering through use of public relations and media,
improve quality of life.
events including the college’s Distinguished Lecture Series, and
• Continuation of Economic Development Outreach Projects within the CAAD Research and Outreach Centers will assist with costs such as student travel expenses and materials for models and studios. • Intern and Scholarship Program will provide funding for students
expansion of the professional development program for K-12 teachers to encourage teacher certification. • Strengthening and Expanding Mississippi’s Economy Project will establish a program to facilitate new business start-ups and
associated with the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, the
commercialization, and to expand collaborative university-
Design Research and Informatics Laboratory, and the Carl Small
industry research and development to promote new products and
Town Center.
services.
m ississippi state A lumnus
31
MSU residence hall dedication honors California alumnus, wife By Harriet Laird
M
ississippi State formally named a state-of-the-art residence hall in April in honor of Mary Lyn Moseley and Dr. Niles R. Moseley of Los Altos, Calif.
Speakers included university President Mark E. Keenum; William L. “Bill”
Kibler, vice president for student affairs; John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni; and Student Association president Michael A. Hogan of Memphis, Tenn. The Rev. Chip Stevens of Starkville’s First Baptist Church gave the invocation. Dr. Moseley is a Mississipi native and 1962 MSU aerospace engineering graduate. He is a retired broker with Moseley Investments and Real Estate. Educated as a nurse, Moseley’s wife Mary Lyn, is a United Airlines flight Photo By Sid Salter
attendant who continues to serve on select international flights. The couple has supported major MSU scholarships and projects for a number of years, the latter of which include renovation of McCain Hall and construction of Moseley Plaza, a fountain and green space area between Simrall Mary Lyn and Niles R. Moseley
32
sp ring 2013
Photo By Russ Houston
Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Kibler directly thanked the Moseleys for their interest and commitment to the university’s Promise Program, which assists students from low-income backgrounds.
Electrical Engineering Building
philanthropic support for higher
and John C. Stennis Institute of
education programs at Rice and
Government.
Stanford. Designed by the Meridian-
$3.15 million to establish the Mary
based Luke, Peterson, & Kaye, P.A.,
Lyn and Dr. Niles R. Moseley Promise
architectural firm, the residence
Support Fund. The gift provides
hall is a 350-bed, co-residential
endowed scholarships and counseling
facility. Individual private baths and
services of the MSU Promise
controlled heating and air, wireless
Program, which was created to assist
Internet access, refrigerators,
MSU freshmen and community
microwaves, and cable television
college transfer students who enroll at
connections are among room
State from low-income backgrounds.
amenities.
A member of the Kappa Alpha
Photo By Megan Bean
Most recently, they committed
The four-story building, whose
Order fraternity while at MSU, Dr.
general contractor was Harrell
Moseley went on to earn a master’s
Contracting Group LLC of Jackson,
degree from Rice University and a
also houses offices and student
doctorate from Stanford University,
programs of the Day One
both in electrical engineering.
Leadership Community and
The Moseleys have also provided
Maroon Volunteer Center.
MSU pedestrians enjoy the Niles R. and Mary Lyn Moseley Plaza next to Simrall Electrical Engineering Building. The Moseleys have supported many MSU projects and scholarships for a number of years.
m ississippi state A lumnus
33
Campus
NEWS
13 Spring
ALUMNUS
Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spoke to more than 4,000 at MSU’s Humphrey Coliseum. Photo by: Megan Bean
Condoleezza Rice:
Democracy requires responsibility
F
Rice asked students to lay the foundation now
ormer Secretary of State Condoleezza
explained that a mature and stable democracy
Rice told a Mississippi State University
cannot be the tyranny of the majority, and it
for fulfilling their responsibility to democracy
cannot be the strong exploiting the weak.
by taking actions to help those who are less
audience in March that a mature democracy requires that individual citizens understand not
“Dignity only comes when the people who
fortunate. She said helping others is important
only their rights, but also their responsibilities.
would govern you have to ask for your consent,”
for keeping perspective and avoiding attitudes
Rice said.
of entitlement.
Rice spoke about current world events, saying
Just over 4,000 students and guests attended
the United States and the world are facing some
The United States is a great paradox, she
very difficult times, yet with great opportunities
said. “We are very individualistic, but we’re the
Rice’s address. The nation’s 66th secretary of
that suggest optimism.
most philanthropic.”
state was a guest on campus participating in
“Whenever I visit a place like this, a great
Rice said a great American concept is the idea
the university’s Global Lecture Series. The
university where our best and brightest are
that, “It doesn’t matter where you come from; it
public address culminated a visit that also
studying, I am indeed optimistic,” she said.
matters where you’re going.” The idea that every
included a question-and-answer session with
life is capable of achieving has brought many
first-generation college students, student
messy,” Rice said. “What you’re seeing in the
immigrants to the U.S. over the generations, but
veterans and honors students, as well as a
Middle East today is what happens when people
she said those who live as Americans need to
reception with alumni.
seize their rights.”
continue to believe they are capable of breaking
“People are seizing their rights, and it’s
Rice said democracy takes time, and freedom and democracy are not the same thing. She 34
sp ring 2013
Rice served as secretary of state from January
out of life circumstances, such as class, to
2005-2009. She was the second woman and first
achieve their own individual goals.
African-American woman to hold the post.
She also served as President George W. Bush’s national security advisor from January 20012005, the first woman to hold the position. MSU President Mark E. Keenum said Rice’s
University unveils new STAR Scholarship
levels of our government during a tumultuous
M
an unprecedented new MSU scholarship
Scholarships, we expect that each of
and dangerous period in world events, and
program that will partner with the Mississippi
these students will already be eligible for
she was a forceful proponent for the spread of
Economic Council’s highly successful
scholarships at Mississippi State ranging from
democracy and the establishment of freedoms
Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition or
$12,000 to $34,000, in addition to the $6,000
around the world,” Keenum said.
STAR program.
experiences have given her a unique perspective on the global challenges of the 21st century. “Dr. Condoleezza Rice served at the highest
ississippi State University
“Based on the ACT score and grade point
President Mark E.
average criteria for the STAR designation,
Keenum announced
and the criteria for our Freshman Academic
STAR Student Scholarship,” he said.
Rice currently is the Denning Professor
The announcement
in Global Business and the Economy at the
came during the MEC’s
Graduate School of Business at Stanford
Capital Day event in early
Mississippi Economic Council
University; the Thomas and Barbara
January in Jackson.
and its M. B. Swayze Foundation
Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy
“Today I am very
have brought well deserved
at the university’s Hoover Institution and a
pleased to announce
professor of political science. She is also a
that Mississippi State University will offer
achievement to students and their teachers.
founding partner of RiceHadleyGates LLC.
a scholarship worth $6,000 to every STAR
More than 300 public, private and parochial
student in Mississippi,” Keenum said. “The
schools in Mississippi participate in the
books, including two bestsellers, “No Higher
Mississippi State STAR Student Scholarship
program, and typically one student from each
Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington”
will be awarded in addition to any other
high school is honored each year, along with a
(2011) and “Extraordinary, Ordinary People:
scholarship offers these outstanding students
teacher chosen by the student.
A Memoir of Family” (2010). Others include
have from our university.”
She has authored and co-authored numerous
“Germany Unified and Europe Transformed: A
The scholarship targets the state’s most
For the past 46 years, the
recognition for academic
“This provides another important recognition of these students’ superior
Study in Statecraft” (1995) with Philip Zelikow;
academically talented students. STAR
achievement,” said Blake Wilson, president
“The Gorbachev Era” (1986) with Alexander
students have a minimum ACT of 25 and
and chief executive officer of the Mississippi
Dallin; and “Uncertain Allegiance: The Soviet
minimum high school grade average of 93.
Economic Council. “Mississippi State today
Union and the Czechoslovak Army” (1984).
With Keenum’s announcement, MSU
has helped send a signal to these students
Born in Birmingham, Ala., Rice earned
becomes the state’s first university to
we want them to continue to achieve
her bachelor’s degree in political science, cum
create a scholarship for all Mississippi
without leaving our borders.”
laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from the University
STAR Students. “We do so in the hope
of Denver; her master’s from the University of
that it will encourage more of our best and
been the voice of Mississippi business since
Notre Dame and her Ph.D. from the Graduate
brightest to attend college here in their
1949. MEC deals with broad issues that relate
School of International Studies at the University
home state, which increases the odds that
to businesses through advocacy, research,
of Denver.
they will also make their careers here in
resources and leadership. MEC has more
Mississippi,” said Keenum.
than 8,000 members from more than 1,100
MSU’s Global Lecture Series previously has hosted Gen. Colin Powell and Nobel Peace Prize
Keenum stressed that the new scholarship
The Mississippi Economic Council has
member firms in 2,400 locations throughout
recipient F.W. de Klerk, the seventh and last
would augment existing scholarship
Mississippi. For more information, go to
State President of apartheid-era South Africa. •
opportunities for the state’s top students.
www.mec.ms. • m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
35
Campus
NEWS
13 Spring
ALUMNUS
MSU partners to host American Legion Boys State
M
ississippi State University has been selected as the 2013-15 host campus for Mississippi’s
American Legion Boys State program—the nation’s premier program for teaching how government works, developing leadership skills, and nurturing an appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Boys State Director Neal Boone, MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Boys State Chairman Donald Cabrol of the American Legion signed the three-year agreement in January. Some 350 rising high school seniors from across the state will gather on MSU’s campus this summer to learn about state and local government and the electoral process. “We see this new partnership with the
Boys State Director Neal Boone, left, MSU President Mark E. Keenum, center, and Boys State Chairman Donald Cabrol of the American Legion signed the three-year agreement in January. Photo by: Beth Wynn
Boys State program and the American Legion
president for campus operations, for her role
State director, said that the organization’s
in Mississippi as a tremendous honor for
“as a champion for this project.”
agreement with MSU represented an “opportunity to take the Boys State program
our university,” said Keenum. “The young
After the signing, the Boys State and
people participating in this program truly
American Legion leadership delegation
represent the best of the best in terms of
toured the MSU campus and viewed the
those who are likely to choose careers in
facilities that would be utilized by the week-
of leaders and, with Mississippi State,
public service or other significant leadership
long program.
we believe we can significantly grow the
to the next level.” “Boys State reaches our next generation
program to reach more young people. The
roles. This partnership gives Mississippi State
“It was obvious from their proposal that
an opportunity to engage these quality young
Mississippi State really wanted to be more
resources offered by the university will
people and to showcase the magnificent
than a host for Boys State—they wanted to
help us in recruitment and, in turn, we
opportunities for further leadership
be a partner and that’s what we were looking
think Boys State will help Mississippi State
development that MSU offers.”
for,” said Cabrol, representing the veteran’s
influence young leaders who are making
Keenum said the university community
organization that has long been the national
decisions about where they will further their
and its resources are committed to making
sponsor of the Boys State program. “I’m very
educations,” said Boone.
the Boys State experience at MSU “second to
impressed with what we’ve seen and with the
none.” The MSU president thanked former
commitment Mississippi State has made.”
Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, currently MSU’s vice
36
s p ring 2013
Boone, recently named Mississippi’s Boys
For more information on the Mississippi Boys State program, visit www.msboysstate.com. •
Alum, doctor named new MSU health services director D r. Clifton W. Story, a staff
Broyles, assistant vice president
missionary physician in Colombia
physician at Mississippi
for student affairs.
and Costa Rica.
State’s Longest Student Health
Story, who holds American
Story said he plans to continue
Center, is being promoted to
Board of Family Physicians
initiatives begun under Collins’
executive director of University
certification, returned to campus
leadership, including a strong
Health Services.
as a physician in 2008. An MSU
commitment to fostering a
alumnus, he is a 1991 general
culture of health and wellness on
May, succeeding Dr. Bob Collins
science graduate who went on to
campus, as well as continually
upon his retirement. Collins
earn a doctor of medicine degree
educating students, faculty
joined the MSU medical center
from the University of Mississippi
and staff members about
staff in 1977 and became its leader
Medical Center in 1995.
preventative measures to
He will assume his new duties in
in 1988. “Dr. Story has worked closely with Dr. Collins through the spring semester to ensure that we
He additionally completed a family practice internship and residency at UMMC. Prior to joining the MSU staff,
preserving good health. Story practices what he preaches, having lost more than 60 pounds since 2010 by
have a smooth transition in the
Story practiced in West Point,
incorporating a rigorous exercise
leadership of this vitally important
Madison and Oneida, Tenn.
routine into his lifestyle. He now
service to our campus,” said Bill
He also spent two years as a
regularly competes in triathlons. •
Dr. Story Photo by: Russ Houston
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
37
Campus
NEWS
13 Spring
ALUMNUS
STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS
PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY “Twenty percent of funding will
During the 2013 spring semester,
go toward student interns, 30 percent
Masters and Crawford said the group
will go toward the Green Power
is planning a series of fundraising
the Green Fund, a student-run
Switch, and 50 percent will go toward
activities, including collecting
reserve that would purchase
sustainability projects on campus,”
donations at the MSU Barnes &
renewable energy and fund energy-
said SSC co-president Brittany L.
Noble bookstore; tabling on the
efficient campus projects.
Walters of Crawford.
Drill Field to advocate SSC and
Mississippi State student group continues its efforts to implement
Since fall 2010, members of
Walters, a senior psychology
sustainability each Thursday from
Students for a Sustainable Campus
major, said the organization works
12-2 p.m.; holding specialized events
have worked to raise environmental
closely with the MSU Office of
for Earth Day on April 22; and
awareness among university faculty,
Sustainability to sponsor “green”
attending the Mississippi Alumni
staff and students.
campus programs and projects.
and Students for Sustainability
“Our goal for this semester is to
From directly soliciting donations
conference this month to learn more
raise as much money as possible
to organizing benefit concerts, the
about current sustainability issues,
for the Green Fund,” said SSC co-
group has, to date, raised more
as well as raising environmental
president and senior sociology major
than $4,200 dollars for MSU’s
awareness and funds for
Katie Masters of Collierville, Tenn.
Green Fund initiative.
campus sustainability projects. “Green energy and the environmental crisis are something we have to face globally. Groups like SSC are the movements that potentially have the fire to get people to notice these things,”
MSU 2012-13 Student Association President Shelby Balius "opts in" as a supporter of the Green Fund, an initiative of Students for a Sustainable Campus. Photo by: Megan Bean
38
s p ri ng 2013
said SSC outreach leader Grant Beatty, a sophomore philosophy major of Starkville. For more information on SSC, visit www.ssc.org.msstate.edu. •
Three faculty earn major distinctions as
AAAS FELLOWS T
hree Mississippi State
Advanced Vehicular Systems
2006 by the American Society for
faculty members are
Chair, and serves as chief technical
Testing and Materials. Novotny has headed the physics
being honored as new Fellows of
officer for CAVS. He additionally
the American Association for the
serves as an adjunct professor in
and astronomy department since
Advancement of Science.
the agricultural and biological
2001. From 2002-05, he also
engineering department. Since
directed the High Performance
mechanical and computational
joining the Bagley College of
Computing Collaboratory Center
engineering, James C. Newman Jr. of
Engineering faculty in 2002,
for Computational Sciences. Before
aerospace engineering and Mark A.
Horstemeyer has been named a
coming to MSU, he was a scholar and
Novotny of physics and astronomy
Giles Distinguished Professor, the
scientist at Florida State University’s
are receiving the high honor awarded
highest academic rank on campus,
Supercomputer Computations
by their peers in recognition of
and been honored with the Ralph E.
Research Institute. A Fellow of
scientifically or socially distinguished
Powe Research Award.
the American Physical Society,
Mark F. Horstemeyer of
Newman is both a Giles
efforts to advance science
Novotny also recently was named
Distinguished Professor and holder
a Dynasty Foundation Visiting
Based in Washington, D.C.,
of the Bagley College’s Richard
Scientist. Last year, he was among 40
the AAAS is the world’s largest
H. Johnson Chair of Aerospace
foreign physicists, mathematicians
general scientific society. The
Engineering. Principal investigator
and biologists receiving full travel
organization publishes the
of research grants totaling more
grants to speak at academic
prestigious journal Science, as well as
than $3.6 million, he is a specialist
institutions in Russia.
Science Translational Medicine and
in fatigue and fracture mechanics
Science Signaling.
of materials and aircraft structures.
includes 261 affiliated societies
He led the development of a fracture
and academies of science, serving
computation solid mechanics
standard test method for thin-
10 million individuals around
program, holds the Center for
sheet materials that was adopted in
the world. •
or its applications.
Horstemeyer chairs the
Founded in 1848, the AAAS
From left, Horstemeyer, Newman and Novotny m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
39
Campus
NEWS
13 Spring
ALUMNUS
Keenum elected to SACS leadership role T he president of Mississippi
SACS is the recognized regional
three-year term on the SACS board
accrediting body in the 11 U.S.
executive council member of the
of trustees. He will serve through
Southern states (Alabama, Florida,
top accreditation body for regional
2013 on the 77-member body
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
institutions of higher learning.
representing some 800 institutional
Mississippi, North Carolina, South
members. Keenum is in his fourth
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and
elected to a term on the Southern
year as the 19th chief executive
Virginia) and in Latin America for
Association of Colleges and
of MSU, from which he holds
those institutions of higher education
Schools’ Commission on Colleges’
bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral
that award associate, baccalaureate,
Executive Council. The 13-member
degrees in agricultural economics.
master’s or doctoral degrees.
State is a newly elected
Mark E. Keenum recently was
Keenum
In 2011, Keenum was elected to a
council is the executive arm of the
As a commission trustee, Keenum
Mississippi State University
board of trustees with primary
helps determine policy, and reviews
is accredited by the Southern
responsibility for interpreting
and make decisions regarding the
Association of Colleges and Schools
commission policy and procedure.
accreditation of member institutions
Commission on Colleges to award
It also functions on behalf of the
awarding associate, baccalaureate,
baccalaureate, masters, specialist and
commission between sessions.
master’s or doctoral degrees.
doctorate degrees. •
Dickerson returns to campus as new MSU registrar A former student recruiting
of Mississippi College and Hinds
leader at Mississippi State has
Community College.
returned to his alma mater as the
for enrollment services. Prior to that,
Gilbert, provost and executive
vice president of Copiah-Lincoln
he had been Mississippi College’s
vice president. In making the
Community College’s Simpson
associate dean of students.
announcement, Gilbert specifically
County Center, began his new MSU
At MSU, he earned successive
cited Dickerson’s extensive
promotions—including the
experience in the admissions, student
directorship of enrollment services—
orientation, scholarships and student
Hill High School, Dickerson holds
until achieving the office of senior
recruitment areas.
master’s and doctoral degrees from
associate director for admissions and
MSU in counselor education and
scholarships, the post he held before
who retired earlier this year after
community college leadership,
joining the administration at the
working in the registrar’s office since
respectively. He also is a graduate
South Mississippi community college.
1995 and leading it since 2002. •
duties in January. A 1986 graduate of Jackson’s Jim
s p ri ng 2013
former employee in the Division of Student Affairs,” said Jerry
John R. Dickerson, previously
40
that he is an active alumnus and
campus in 1997 as associate director
university’s new registrar.
Dickerson
Dickerson came to the Starkville
“He has deep roots at MSU, in
Dickerson succeeds Butch Stokes,
Dunlap named first MSU
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE A
fter a career spanning more
of experience will really make a
than three decades as an
difference in a student’s life.”
While at MSU, Dunlap will utilize the department’s studio spaces to work with ceramics, sculpture and
artist, arts commentator and
Born in nearby Webster County
educator, Mississippi native
in 1944, Dunlap is a 1966 Mississippi
printmaking and provide art majors
William “Bill” Dunlap now will help
College art graduate who went on
the opportunity to work alongside
set the bar for students as Mississippi
to receive a 1969 master’s degree at
and experience his creative process.
State’s first artist-in-residence.
the University of Mississippi. He
Over his long career, Dunlap has
taught at Hinds Community College
received awards and fellowships
recently established the artist-in-
before moving to Appalachian State
from the Rockefeller Foundation
residence program to enhance its
University in North Carolina from
and the Lila Wallace/Reader’s Digest
mission of preparing students for
1970-79 and Memphis State from
Foundation for study and travel in
careers or advanced studies. The
1979-80.
Southeast Asia. Other recognitions
The university’s art department
program emphasizes studio practice,
His paintings, sculpture and
have come from the Warhol
liberal arts, visual language and
constructions are included in
Foundation, Virginia Commission for
exposure to regional, national and
prestigious national collections,
the Arts and Mississippi Institute of
international artists.
including the Metropolitan Museum
Arts and Letters.
“We have established the program
of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art,
Dunlap in his Mississippi studio. Photo by: Megan Bean
He has been a selection for
to allow the artist-in-residence
Lauren Rogers Museum, Mobil
the Southeastern Center for
to work on special projects or
Corp., Riggs Bank, IBM Corporation,
Contemporary Art/RJR Nabisco
techniques alongside our students,
Federal Express, The Equitable
Visual Artists Award and Mississippi
which will be an invaluable benefit
Collection, Rogers Ogden Collection,
Governor’s Award for Excellence in
to everyone,” said department head
and the U. S. State Department and its
the Arts. •
Lydia Thompson. “Having this kind
embassies worldwide. m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
41
Campus
NEWS
13 Spring
ALUMNUS
Federal Reserve president leads forum J
ames Bullard, president and chief executive
and its branches in Little Rock, Ark., Louisville, Ky.,
officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis,
and Memphis, Tenn.
was a special guest in February at a campus forum organized by Mississippi State’s College of Business. Bullard spoke at a luncheon at the Hunter
Bullard
An economist and monetary policy scholar, Bullard joined the Federal Reserve Bank in 1990. He is an honorary professor of economics at
Henry Center given by the college’s finance
Washington University in St. Louis, where he also
and economics department.
serves on the advisory councils of the economics
An Indiana University doctoral graduate in
department and of the Olin Business School’s
economics, Bullard shared his insights on the U.S.
Center for Finance and Accounting Research. He
economic climate and current monetary policies.
also is a member of the University of Missouri-St.
A member of the Federal Open Market
Louis Chancellor’s Council and the boards of the St.
Committee, he directs activities of the Federal
Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association
Reserve’s Eighth District head office in St. Louis,
and the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
Administrator, alumnus named chief diversity officer Mississippi State administrator Tommy J. Stevenson is taking on an expanded role as the university’s new chief diversity officer and director of the recently renamed Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. The new administrative unit previously was called the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs. As a member of the MSU President’s Cabinet,
Stevenson
42
sp ri ng 2013
his numerous responsibilities associated with opportunity and inclusion on campus. MSU President Mark E. Keenum said, “As the most diverse of the nation’s original land-grant universities and the most diverse institution in the Southeastern Conference, meaningful diversity and inclusion are bedrock values of Mississippi State University. We
Stevenson will advise the university’s president and
believe a more comprehensive approach to embracing
provost/executive vice president on diversity issues, one of
those longtime values is needed, and we believe this
MSU graduate programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report M
“As chief academic officer, I
ississippi State is listed
courses have gone above and
in the 2013 U.S. News
beyond to meet student learning
am proud of the rankings of the
& World Report rankings on the
needs with new technologies
various MSU programs by U.S.
nation’s colleges, getting especially
and tools to reach engineering
News & World Report. Ranking
high marks for online engineering
students across the nation. We can’t
12th in two online graduate
and business graduate programs.
thank them enough.”
programs in engineering is quite
The College of Business also
The university’s James Worth
an accomplishment and a tribute
Bagley College of Engineering ranks
earned a No. 38 rank for Best Online
to our fine distance programs. I am
No. 12 among the 2013 Best Online
Graduate Business Programs.
likewise very proud of the other ranked programs in engineering,
Graduate Engineering Programs
Additionally, MSU’s College
and also ranks No. 12 among the
of Veterinary Medicine is listed
business and veterinary medicine,”
Best Online Graduate Computer
No. 23 among the top ranks
said Jerry Gilbert, provost and
Information Technology Programs,
for graduate schools.
executive vice president.
Other MSU rankings
which includes Bagley programs in
Established in 1933, U.S. News
computer science and electrical and
include the Bagley College of
& World Report releases annual
computer engineering.
Engineering’s placement among
rankings of universities and
best graduate school rankings
individual academic programs
is a great achievement for our
with the biological/agricultural
from across the country. To
engineering distance learning
engineering program at No. 19; the
access the complete rankings
program,” said Sarah Rajala, dean
industrial engineering program
or find more information about
of the college. “Our faculty who
at No. 48; and the aerospace
U.S. News & World Report, visit
teach these distance learning
engineering program at No. 49.
www.usnews.com. •
“The newly released ranking
new organizational structure will facilitate the appropriate results.” Among Stevenson’s other duties are the
of a university-wide diversity strategic plan. Stevenson holds a doctoral degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. Previously, he was an admissions counselor in the Division of Student Affairs.
recruitment and retention of faculty, staff
(Ohio) State University. He received a bachelor’s
In 2010, Stevenson was honored as a
and students from diverse and under-
degree in industrial technology and a master’s in
“National Role Model” by Minority Access
represented population groups, enhancement
education administration, both from MSU.
Inc., a non-profit educational organization that
of partnerships with communities to promote
A Brooksville native, Stevenson served
supports individuals, academic institutions, and
diversity as an essential element of the university
for more than two years as assistant dean for
federal, state and local government agencies and
mission, and development and implementation
diversity and student development in the
corporations. •
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
43
Campus
NEWS
13 Spring
ALUMNUS
Gov. Phil Bryant rings a cowbell during Mississippi State University fall commencement ceremonies after MSU President Mark E. Keenum, right, presented him with the bell and a certificate declaring the governor an "Honorary Bulldog." The university conferred degrees upon nearly 1,400 graduates. Photo by: Megan Bean
BRYANT touts education plan, asks GRADS to help A
The governor said open enrollment, merit
ddressing nearly 1,400 Mississippi
own times of trial, the governor said his
State graduates at the 2012 fall
parents' generation often talked in terms
pay for teachers, and honoring craftsmen
commencement ceremonies, Gov. Phil
of "before the flood" and "after the flood."
who want to become educated in a trade,
Bryant conveyed the state's pride in its
The Moorhead native described how
such as plumbing or electrical technology,
graduates.
Mississippians had worked through the
are all important factors in moving
Great Depression and the Civil Rights
Mississippi's schools forward.
The governor said one day after the tragic school shooting in Connecticut that the
movement, when a "shadow" was cast across
whole country is experiencing a time of
the state.
national sorrow, and he offered a prayer
He said through hard work and
Bryant encouraged the audience to seek wisdom and share their talents with others. "We need your talent and your leadership
for the pain and anguish of the parents and
determination, Mississippians had been
to help us continue pushing forward,"
community affected. However, he went on
successful to rise above past hardships.
Bryant said.
to tell graduates that victories also must
Touting his recently announced education
MSU President Mark E. Keenum
be celebrated, and their achievements
plan, the governor said that as graduates of
presented Bryant with a framed certificate
should not be diminished during their
MSU, which holds the highest designation
declaring him an "Honorary Bulldog," along
time of recognition for such an important
from the Carnegie Foundation that any
with a cowbell.
achievement.
research university can hold, the new
"We must remember tragedies and celebrate victories," Bryant said. "We all come together in difficult times." Referring to his inaugural theme, "Rise Together," and reflecting on Mississippi's 44
s p ri ng 2013
Keenum, upon congratulating the newest
alumni clearly understand the importance of
graduating class, said the new graduates, like
educational achievement.
him, are among more than 125,000 living
Improvements to the state's education system, "will bring a melody to children's lives—a melody of success," he said.
alumni whose lives have been transformed at MSU. •
Director says parks embody American values When so many issues seem to
and a luncheon with President
“These are our American
divide Americans, National Park
Mark E. Keenum and faculty and
cathedrals. We as a nation have a
Service Director Jon Jarvis said
administrators from the College of
strong bond with the land,” Jarvis
there are 398 national treasures
Forest Resources. Jarvis spoke with
said. He said these sites have
which represent the values that
students in the colleges of Forest
been set aside for the enjoyment
bind the nation together.
Resources and Arts and Sciences,
of all Americans.
Freedom, equality, pioneering
answering questions about his
For more information about
spirit, ingenuity, hard work and
career, which spans nearly four
the National Park Service,
leadership were among those
decades. He also gave advice to
visit www.nps.gov. •
Jarvis described as core American
students seeking to achieve their
values that are embodied by parks
own career goals after graduation. Jarvis concluded his visit with
and historical sites throughout the nation. Sites included in the
a public address titled, “National
National Park Service system have
Parks & American Values: A
been set aside by Congress or by
Field Guide.” For many Americans who think
presidential proclamations. The director visited Mississippi
National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis spoke to MSU students answering questions about his career and giving advice on achieving career goals. Photo by: Megan Bean
of the National Parks, natural
State in January, and enjoyed a full
beauty comes to mind, along with
day’s schedule which included a
images of Yosemite, Yellowstone
visit to the Natchez Trace Parkway
and other iconic sites.
MSU implements three-year degree programs
C
ollege students wanting a faster
will receive in pursuit of their degrees. I am
evolve, innovative nontraditional strategies
alternative to traditional four-year
pleased that Mississippi State University is
are necessary to empower students and deliver
undergraduate programs will have the option
taking a leadership role in offering this new
opportunity. This program helps Mississippi
of earning a bachelor's degree from MSU in
opportunity in our state."
State be on the vanguard of that movement. "
just three years beginning in fall 2013.
Jerry Gilbert, MSU provost and executive
Among the 23 programs being offered,
vice president, said the university is
three are in the College of Agriculture and Life
said the new programs may especially appeal
developing the special programs to allow
Sciences; three within the College of Arts and
to students who want to begin graduate school
highly motivated and hard-working students
Sciences; three within the College of Business;
or enter the workforce sooner. Saving a full
the opportunity to complete a degree a full
and 14 within the College of Education.
academic year in undergraduate school also
year ahead of traditional course curriculums
will offer the financial advantages of saved
by attending two summer semesters in
year degree program advisors for help in
living expenses and some tuition savings.
addition to six fall and spring semesters,
planning high school courses that will
depending on the program.
complement their intended college major.
Administrators announcing the offerings
MSU President Mark E. Keenum said, "This
High school students may contact three-
For more information about MSU's
three-year program offers our students the
"We believe there is a strong demand for
prospect of cost savings without sacrificing
this type of program," said Gilbert. "As the
three-year degree programs, visit www.
the world-class level of instruction they
process of higher education continues to
threeyeardegree.msstate.edu. • m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
45
Alumni
NEWS
13 spriNG
ALUMNUS
Alumni award EVERETT top honor
George T. “Tommy” Everett is presented the MSU National Alumnus of the Year award by Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for development and alumni and MSU Alumni Association executive director.
G
eorge T. “Tommy” Everett III earned the distinction of National Alumnus of the Year at
“During my first year, I remember Coach McKeen stopping me during sprints and yelling that I was one
the Mississippi State University Alumni Association’s
of the slowest men he had ever seen,” said Everett. “I’m
2013 awards banquet. A 1950 graduate, Everett has spent
not really sure why I stuck around for a second year. It
more than 60 years serving his alma mater as a local
took a little while to get through to me that my football
and national level
career was over before it really got
volunteer.
started!”
Everett is a native of Magee and came to MSU after serving with the U.S. Navy in World War II. Part of a family of Bulldogs, he followed in the
“His love for MSU is unquestioned, and he has dedicated much of his life to serving his university.“ Jimmy Abraham
MSU Alumni Association Executive Director
studies and earned a business degree. After graduation, he returned home and again followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the family business,
and two uncles, who also attended MSU. While a student,
married his high school sweetheart after college, the late
Everett played for two years on the Bulldog football team
Willie Grace Horn.
under coaches Allyn McKeen and A.W. “Slick” Morton.
s p ring 2013
Everett went on to excel in his
Magee Auto Supply. He also
footsteps of his father
46
Despite a short athletic career,
Everett’s service with his alma mater began after a
visit with his friend and fellow Bulldog, D.W. Skelton. Skelton was retiring from his position with the Alumni Association, and suggested Everett run for the office of Southern District committeeman. He did, and thus began a long career with the Alumni Association. As a volunteer, Everett has held a number of roles on both the local and national level. Most importantly, he spent more than 20 years as treasurer for the national board of directors and served as the 1973 national president. Everett has many fond memories of his volunteer service with MSU, including presenting Gov. Bill Waller with a live bulldog and honoring Jack Crystal for 25 years of service as a broadcaster. However, it is the family ties that Everett holds closest to his heart. “My wife and I enjoyed going to all of the many alumni functions and ball games through the years,” he stated. “She was my partner, involved in all the success I’ve had in life, and now I see that reflected in the lives of my children and grandchildren.” Everett and Willie Grace had two children who
C O LL E G E S N A M E
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR Each year, outstanding alumni are recognized for their personal, professional and
attended MSU, Susan Everett Yates, a 1979 alumna, and
community accomplishments. These individuals truly represent the mission and values
John Thomas Everett, a 1984 alumnus. Both Susan and
of Mississippi State around the state, nation and world. The 2013 College Alumni of the
John’s sons joined the Bulldog family. Spencer Yates
Year were named in February. The recipients include (front row, left to right): Houston,
graduated in 2011, and Houston Everett is currently a
Texas, resident Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz, was honored by the James Worth Bagley
junior at MSU.
College of Engineering. Nunz is a 1982 petroleum engineering graduate; MSU-Meridian
Because of his love and devotion to MSU, Everett was
selected Kim S. Benton of Hickory as their honoree. Benton, an elementary education
named the top alumnus of 2013. Surrounded by family
graduate, earned a bachelor’s in 1982, a master’s in 1986 and a doctoral degree in
and friends, he accepted the award on Feb. 1 at the annual
1991. George T. “Tommy” Everett III is MSU’s National Alumnus of the Year (see
alumni banquet.
opposite page); Kerrville, Texas, resident Donald R. Ford, was honored by the College
“I’ve had a lot of wonderful things happen in my
of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Ford earned a degree in general agriculture on 1960;
lifetime, but being selected for this honor is one of the
The College of Arts and Sciences honored 1949 petroleum geology graduate John D.
best,” Everett explained. “During my involvement at State,
“Jack” Sistrunk Jr. He currently resides in Madison. (Back row, left to right): Paul B.
I’ve met so many dedicated people who have done more
Murphy Jr., of Houston, Texas, is alumnus of the year for the College of Business. A 1981
than I. To be included with these great alumni before me
graduate, he earned a degree in banking and finance; Joe A. Haynes, of Jackson, earned
and after me is very humbling.”
a doctoral degree in educational leadership from MSU in 1983. He is the alumnus of the
“This is such a well-deserved honor for Tommy. His
year for the College of Education; William L. “Bill” Polk III, of Atlanta, Ga., was named
love for MSU is unquestioned, and he has dedicated
for the College of Architecture, Art and Design. Polk is a 1984 architecture graduate; The
much of his life to serving his university. We are so proud
College of Forest Resources named Charles David Barge, of Macon, as alumnus of the
to recognize Tommy as our National Alumnus of the
year. He earned a bachelor’s in forestry and a master’s in forestry business in 1976 and
Year,” stated Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for
1977, respectively; Dr. Rodney A. Christmas, a 1993 graduate, has been selected as the
development and alumni and executive director of the
honoree by the College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a resident of St. Joseph, Mo.
MSU Alumni Association. • m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
47
Alumni
NEWS
13 spriNG
ALUMNUS
Sanders honored as Outstanding Young Alumnus T he Alumni Association recently honored
in Washington, D.C., where he is involved with
Edward A. Sanders of Arlington, Va., as the
the local chapter. Currently president, he has also
2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus.
held the role of chapter vice president and served
A native of Leland, Sanders earned a bachelor’s
on the national board of directors. He has been
degree in political science from MSU in 2006. While
instrumental in growing the D.C. chapter and
a student, he was active with a number of campus
raising money for student scholarships. “Edward has been a great asset to our chapter in
organizations including the Alumni Delegates,
Camille Scales Young, right, MSU Alumni Association national president, presents Sanders, left, the 2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus award.
Student Association, Stennis-Montgomery
the nation’s capital,” said Jimmy Abraham, associate
Association and The Reflector. He also interned
vice president of development and alumni and
as a student with the U.S. House of Representatives
executive director of the MSU Alumni Association.
Committee on Veteran’s Affairs and Sen. Thad
“He is very deserving of this prestigious honor.” In addition to his volunteer service with MSU,
Cochran’s office. In August 2006, Sanders received a presidential
Sanders is a member of the Young Professionals
appointment to serve on the staff of President
in Foreign Policy and an officer for the Mississippi
George W. Bush in the White House, and later
Society of Washington, D.C. He is also an
at the State Department in the legislative affairs
independent scholar and researcher on life in the
bureau. He now serves as a political consultant
Antebellum South. •
Alumni Association breaks all-time membership record The MSU Alumni Association recently announced that it surpassed its annual membership goal for a fifth consecutive
vice president for development and alumni and
to 92 groups in the United States, with an
executive director of the Alumni Association.
additional chapter in South Korea. In 2013, they
As the Alumni Association has seen a rise in
chartered two additional chapters in Orlando, Fla., and St. Louis, Mo.
year. Breaking the all-time record for
membership, the university has also celebrated
active alumni, 2012 welcomed 43,568
an increase in private support in recent years.
members into the association.
Mississippi State has raised more than $60
financial support to MSU, but they also
million in private gifts for four consecutive
volunteer their time in our many alumni
is based on financial contributions to the
years. In addition, the alumni giving rate
chapters,” Abraham said. “Our more than
university. A gift or pledge in any amount
experienced an upward trend and rose from
125,000 alumni worldwide are literally
through the MSU Foundation or Bulldog Club
14.7 percent in fiscal year 2009 to 18.1 percent
Mississippi State’s voice around the world.”
qualifies a person for active membership.
in 2012.
Membership in the MSU Alumni Association
“Our alumni and friends are very loyal and
The MSU Alumni Association also grew its
“Active members not only provide critical
Membership lasts for one year and may be renewed annually with additional financial
passionate, and year after year they continue to
total number of chartered chapters in 2012.
support. For more information on the MSU
support the university, its students, faculty, staff
In February, they welcomed a new chapter in
Alumni Association, visit the website at www.
and programs,” said Jimmy Abraham, associate
Tuscaloosa, Ala., bringing the total number
alumni.msstate.edu or call 662-325-7000. •
48
sp ri ng 2013
Chapter volunteers honored with Distinguished Service Award T
hree alumni were honored
was honored for her many years
in February as the 2012
of service in the George-Greene
Distinguished Service Award
Chapter. Now retired from
winners at the awards banquet.
teaching, she graduated from
Chosen for their years of service
MSU in 1978 with a degree in
and dedication to the MSU
elementary education. Smith
Alumni Association, these
is currently chapter president,
individuals represent the most
and has also served as vice
excellent alumni volunteers.
president, secretary and recruiting coordinator.
Michael W. “Mike” Criswell, a
“These three outstanding alumni
1980 business graduate, of Atlanta, Ga., Chapter is being honored
have done so much for Mississippi
for over a decade of service.
State through the years,” stated
Criswell served two terms on the Alumni Association national
2012 Distinguished Service Award recipients (left to right): Michael W. “Mike” Criswell, Brenda M. Smith and Robert R. “Rob” Hamlin.
Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for development and
board of directors, and has held
Chapter volunteer Robert R.
Hoover City Schools. He holds two
alumni and executive director of
roles as president, secretary and
“Rob” Hamlin was recognized for
MSU degrees, a 1992 bachelor’s in
the MSU Alumni Association. “We
membership chair for the Atlanta
service as student recruiting chair
social studies education and a 2005
are proud to honor and recognize
Chapter. He is currently a senior
in the Birmingham area. Hamlin,
master’s in history.
them for their dedicated service
systems analyst for SITA.
of Helena, Ala., is a teacher in
Brenda M. Smith of Leakesville
to our university.” •
Enthusiasm sparks two new alumni chapters parties, after-hours socials, and they have
the first official meeting was held in September
by two this February as it welcomed the 94th
participated in SEC-centered gatherings as the
2011. Since then, the group has gained
and 95th official chapters. Formed through the
official MSU representatives.
additional members and looks forward to being
The MSU Alumni Association grew its family
efforts of passionate and loyal Bulldog alumni,
“The Orlando group is very excited about
officially launched this year. “We welcome these two new chapters
the St. Louis, Mo., and Orlando, Fla., chapters
beginning the chapter, and already have a strong
were officially voted in by the national board of
slate of officers in place to lead the charge,”
into our Alumni Association family,” said
directors during their spring meeting.
stated Michael Richardson, coordinator of
Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president
chapter programs for the Alumni Association.
for development and alumni and executive
Scott Polk, a 1995 business alumnus, is leading the Greater Orlando, Fla., Chapter.
In addition, a team of alumni from St. Louis
director of the MSU Alumni Association.
Polk, a die-hard Bulldog, contacted the
has joined together to launch another chapter.
“Mississippi State is proud to have another
Alumni Association about beginning a
Led by Tracy Whitehead, a 1994 alumnus, and
group of loyal alumni in Florida and charter
chapter, and things got rolling in 2012 when
Tracy Fortenberry, a 1991 alumna, this will be
new ground in Missouri.”
an interest meeting for alumni and friends
the first chapter located in Missouri.
was held in the area. The first meeting was a
Roots for the St. Louis chapter date back to
For information on how to join either new chapter, visit the MSU
huge success, and the group has since hosted
2010 when interest in forming a group was
Alumni Association website at
several events such as football game-watch
first expressed. After garnering local support,
www.alumni.msstate.edu/chapterlist. • m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
49
Alumni
NEWS
13 spriNG
ALUMNUS
SEC commissioner headlines 2013 leadership conference from MSU Provost and Executive
is not only informative and helpful,
Association hosted representatives
Vice President, Jerry Gilbert, Director
but is also a great gathering of so
from chapters across the nation at
of University Relations Sid Salter, and
many faithful Bulldogs.”
the annual leadership conference.
a number of MSU staff members and
Conference attendees and guests
Headlining this year’s event as
association volunteers. Roy Ruby, vice
attended the annual awards program,
the keynote speaker was Mike
president for student affairs emeritus
where MSU honored some of its
Slive, commissioner of the
and dean of the College of Education
most outstanding alumni. The night
Southeastern Conference.
emeritus, was the luncheon speaker.
began in the Hunter Henry Center
The National Alumni Association
with a reception featuring music by
also held its annual business meeting
Bill Cooke. The dinner and awards
during the conference.
presentation followed in Colvard
This February, the MSU Alumni
TALKING SEC — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive was on MSU’s Starkville campus in February to address the MSU Alumni Association’s Leadership Conference. The commissioner and MSU President Mark E. Keenum talked in Colvard Student Union just before Slive’s presentation to MSU’s alumni leadership. Photo by: Megan Bean
Held in Colvard Student Union, the conference also featured reports
“The leadership conference is
Student Union, with an after dinner
an excellent way for our volunteers
party back at the Hunter Henry
to connect with other alumni
Center. Guests enjoyed celebrating
leaders and learn best practices for
with live music by the band
organizing and running a chapter,”
Kannawermz.
said Jimmy Abraham, associate
For images and videos of
vice president for development
the weekend’s events, visit
aand alumni and executive director
alumni.msstate.edu or the Alumni
of the MSU Alumni Association.
Association Facebook page at
“This annual gathering of friends
facebook.com/msstatealumni. •
MSU participates in alumni career fair in Nashville The MSU Alumni Association is proud to partner with the Career Center on activities and events
in the area. The event was held in the Maddox
promoting professional development and networking
Grand Atrium in the Curb Event Center at Belmont
for alumni. Recently, the two campus organizations
University. Other universities such as Vanderbilt,
came together with MyWorkster in support of an
Tennessee, Florida, Emory and Alabama also
alumni-only career fair hosted in Nashville, Tenn.
participated in the career expo.
Held in December, “Recruit Tennessee” allowed
50
s p ring 2013
alumni to interact face to face with top employers
More than 70 MSU alumni, ranging from recent
MSU rings in
2013 at Gator Bowl
Mississippi State began the New Year in sunny Florida with events surrounding the 2013 TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl. Though the Bulldogs were not victorious against
MSU fans gather at Jacksonville Landing for a pep rally
the Northwestern Wildcats, the maroon and white family enjoyed a host of events sponsored by the university. The Office of the President, Foundation, Student Association, Bulldog Club and Alumni Association sponsored a party allowing fans to come together and celebrate the Bulldog spirit in Florida. Fans enjoyed “A Bulldog New Year’s Eve” with live music and fireworks at Jacksonville Landing along the St. Johns River downtown. Earlier in the day, an MSU pep rally and the Gator Bowl parade were also held downtown. Prior to the game, Dawg Walk, a pep rally and tailgate, allowed MSU alumni and friends to show their support to the team. For photos from the Gator Bowl activities, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msstatealumni. •
grads to older alums, registered for the event. Many were
The Famous Maroon Band performs in the Gator Bowl parade
The MSU Career Center is dedicated to providing alumni
local residents, while others traveled from Arkansas,
with support and assistance for professional development
Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama to attend.
and job opportunities. Alumni seeking employment can find
“It is always good to know that your university is willing to help their alumni no matter what the age,” said Frank
an array of services available by visiting career.msstate.edu. Alumni also can help assist other Bulldogs as they
Lacey of Adamsville, Tenn. Lacey is a 1984 political science
begin their careers by posting open positions at
alumnus.
HireADawg.msstate.edu. •
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
51
Alumni
NEWS
13 spriNG
ALUMNUS
Officers named for 2013 Alumni Delegates The Alumni Association’s student organization recently elected the 2013 slate of officers. Founded in 1980, Alumni Delegates serve as student liaisons between the university and its alumni. Their purpose is to improve the understanding of the role of the Alumni Association by educating and involving students in activities and events of the association. The student branch of the Alumni Association has 44 members, and serves the campus and community by participating in a number of events. They are the
From left, Casey McGee, Samuel Bragg, Vijay Kannuthurai and Mary Lowry Nemeth.
first point of contact for events such
education is Samuel Bragg of
such a talented group of student
as the Alumni Association’s football
Rienzi. Bragg is a junior civil
leaders for 2013,” said Jimmy
tailgate at home games, the annual
engineering major, and the son of
Abraham, associate vice president
awards banquet and leadership
Jamey and Kevin Bragg.
for development and alumni and
conference, class reunions and
Hazlehurst, will serve as Delegate
Alumni Association. “The Alumni
alumni leaders.
president in 2013. The son
Delegates have served as an integral
of Chandra and Thiruvarasu
part of our association for 32 years,
led by a new group of students.
Kannuthurai, he is a junior
and we are grateful for their service
Incoming officers include:
majoring in biochemistry.
and dedication to our university
Casey McGee, vice president
Mary Lowry Nemeth will take
and its more than 125,000 alumni worldwide.”
of public relations, is a Starkville
on the role of secretary. A native
native majoring in communication
of Starkville, she is the daughter
with a concentration in public
of Renee and Mike Nemeth.
the Alumni Delegates, please
relations. McGee, a sophomore,
She is a junior majoring in
visit www.alumni.msstate.edu/
is the daughter of Kristie
kinesiology with an emphasis in
alumnidelegates. •
and David McGee.
clinical exercise physiology.
Serving as vice president of
sp ring 2013
executive director of the MSU
events for national and chapter The 2013 Delegates are being
52
Vijay Kannuthurai, of
“We are very excited to have
For more information on
Mississippi State’s All-SEC team captain Stan Brinker, left, and Loyola All-American Jerry Harkness, right, met at center court in Michigan State’s Jenison Field House for the tipoff for the historic 1963 NCAA Basketball Tournament game. Gold extended his hand and Harkness shook it - making national headlines as MSU’s administration and coaches defied the state’s political power structure aligned against integration to compete for a national championship.
Alumni pay tribute to
HISTORIC ATHLETIC ANNIVERSARY On Dec. 15, 2012, Coach Rick Ray
“We enjoyed a great dinner with
McCarthy and MSU President Dean
and the Mississippi State basketball
the Chicago Chapter remembering
W. Colvard, a plan was devised for
team traveled to Chicago, Ill., for a
this significant event in Bulldog
the team to sneak off campus and
historic matchup against the Loyola
history,” Abraham said. “The players,
play in the tournament. With the
University Chicago Ramblers. The
coaches and university administrators
plan successful, the game between
Alumni Association, along with the
who helped make this game happen
the Bulldogs and racially integrated
Bulldog Club and the Office of the
in 1963 are to be commended for
Loyola became a watershed moment
President, hosted a social for alumni
their courage.”
for the state of Mississippi and the
in the Chicago area the night before the game.
In 1963, MSU’s basketball team was invited to play in the NCAA
civil rights movement. The 2012 rematch was played in
tournament. The Bulldogs, under
Joseph J. Gentile Arena on Loyola’s
Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse to
Head Coach Babe McCarthy, were
campus. The Bulldogs fell to the
remember the groundbreaking game
slated to play Loyola College, a team
Ramblers 59-51.
between the two schools in 1963.
that started four black players. At the
Athletic Director Scott Stricklin and
time, state law prohibited Mississippi
game, watch the “One Night
Jimmy Abraham, executive director
teams from playing against integrated
in March” documentary at
of the MSU Alumni Association,
athletic teams.
http://vimeo.com/52326856. •
More than 50 Bulldogs gathered at
addressed the crowd.
To learn more about the 1963
With the support of Coach
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
53
Alumni
NEWS
13 spriNG
ALUMNUS
MSU alumnus forges path in
MEDICAL FELLOWSHIP For alumnus Dr. Seth Christian, graduating Christian
from Mississippi State University was the
completing an anesthesiology residency, he was
beginning of an unexpected journey. Though
awarded the first Tulane Anesthesia Freeman
his path began like most biological engineering
School of Business Scholarship, which provided
graduates, Christian has since built a career
funds for him to pursue an MBA at Tulane
around a unique set of opportunities and
University.
educational experiences.
person to ever get an MBA during residency
and found his niche in the small, yet successful
training,” he commented. “The scholarship
biological engineering department on campus.
enrolls one resident each year in the professional
After graduating in 2003, he and many of his
MBA program while simultaneously completing
peers enrolled at the University of Mississippi
the final two and a half years of residency.”
Jackson. “Medical school was a great experience and
During this time, Christian also was accepted to the Perioperative Management Fellowship at Tulane, which is one of the few programs of its
the clinical education I received at UMMC was
kind around the country. The fellowship consists
second to none,” stated Christian.
of approximately 50 percent non-clinical time,
When preparing for his residency after medical
which is spent learning the fundamentals of
school, Christian thought back to his studies at
operating room metrics, operations management,
MSU, and how they prepared him for the next
scheduling, staffing, quality improvement,
step in his education.
regulatory policy and billing and coding. Fellows
“My engineering background definitely
spend time shadowing executives from Team
influenced my decision to pursue
Health, a large practice management firm, during
anesthesiology during residency,” said Christian.
site visits, mergers and new practice acquisitions.
“Anesthesiology requires a strong scientific
Fellows also lead quality improvement projects,
background in physics, chemistry, physiology
author book chapters, and provide practice
and pharmacology, and MSU provided a solid
management lectures to the residents.
foundation for that.” Christian’s next step took him to Tulane
s p ring 2013
“To my knowledge, I am probably the only
Christian attended MSU in the late 2000s,
School of Medicine in Christian’s hometown of
54
University Hospital in New Orleans, La. While
“The Tulane Department of Anesthesiology has a strong interest in developing physician
leaders, and it was the perfect opportunity to immediately apply the concepts I was learning in the MBA program,” Christian stated. After finishing his residency and the fellowship, Christian accepted a position as a clinical instructor and as the director of quality in the Department of Anesthesiology at Tulane University Hospital. He owes much of his success to lessons learned at MSU. “I have been amazed to find a career path that is able to combine my undergraduate degree in engineering, my medical degree and MBA,” he said. “I have a strong interest in improving the efficiency and delivery of healthcare, and plan to focus on improving the quality of care offered at Tulane through improved clinical metrics
Top, Christian participates annually in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
and increased operational efficiency.”
Bottom, Christian and teammates enjoy a relay race competition.
Christian is engaged to Pia Smith, and the two will be married in April 2013. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys competing in triathlons, marathons and Crossfit. He also participates in a yearly surgical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. •
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
55
Alumni
NEWS
13 spriNG
ALUMNUS
Outstanding Chapters
named for 2012 Each year, the Alumni Association recognizes chapters for their dedication to MSU throughout the state and nation. In February, more than 30 chapters were honored at the annual alumni awards banquet. Gold, silver and bronze cowbells were given to chapter representatives in appreciation for their service. Gold chapters included East Texas Chapter, LawrenceJefferson Davis Chapter, Oktibbeha County Chapter and Pearl River County Chapter. Silver chapters included Atlanta, Ga., Chapter, Central Mississippi Chapter, George-Greene Chapter and Tishomingo County Chapter. Bronze chapters included Covington County Chapter, HuntsvilleDecatur, Ala., Chapter, Panola County Chapter and Southeast Mississippi Chapter.
56
s p ri ng 2013
Also recognized were the honor chapters, which included: Alcorn County Attala County Baton Rouge, La. Birmingham, Ala. Bolivar County Charlotte, N.C. Chickasaw County DeSoto County Fort Worth, Texas Hancock County Harrison-Stone Houston, Texas Jackson County Lauderdale County Lee County Leflore-Carroll Lincoln County
Memphis, Tenn. Mobile, Ala. Montgomery, Ala. Nashville, Tenn. Northeast Florida Northwest Florida Prentiss County Quitman County Scott County Simpson County South Texas Southwest Mississippi Tippah County Tuscaloosa, Ala. Union County Warren County Washington, D.C.
Foundation
NEWS
13 SPRING
ALUMNUS
ALEWINES further science education with scholarship
A
desire to provide a four-year university, science-oriented education to talented Mississippi
students led Ralph and Betty Alewine to establish a scholarship at Mississippi State University. The Alewines wanted the scholarship to attract top Mississippi high school science students to enroll in a curriculum of hard sciences offered by the university’s College of Arts and Sciences.
From left, Betty Alewine, scholarship recipient Hannah Harrell, and Ralph Alewine.
on academic performance.
Alewine’s personal interest in the sciences was
secretary of defense, responsible for nuclear
cultivated by his early experience with MSU. As
arms control and nuclear non-proliferation
a high school student in Jackson, he was selected
programs for the U.S. Department of Defense.
years ago to incoming freshman Hannah
to attend a summer program at Mississippi
He attributes much of his professional success to
Harrell from Pontotoc. Harrell was selected
State organized by Professor Clyde Q. Sheely
the sound academic foundation that he received
for the scholarship based on her academic
of the chemistry department and supported by
at MSU. Alewine was honored as the 1993
accomplishments and her commitment to
the National Science Foundation to introduce
College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Fellow and
rigorous coursework.
gifted high school students to studies and
is now a member of the MSU College of Arts
careers in science and engineering. The
and Sciences advisory board.
summer study program, called the SCIENEER
Betty Alewine also has enjoyed an extremely
The first scholarship was awarded four
“After visiting the campus when I was a senior in high school, I knew I wanted to be at MSU,” Harrell said. “Later, I received notification that
Program, also oriented the group to life on the
successful career. She is the retired president
I had received the Alewine Scholarship and that
MSU campus. Many of the graduates of the
and CEO of COMSAT Corp., which provided
just made my decision perfect.”
program subsequently enrolled in science and
global satellite and digital network services and
engineering programs at Mississippi State.
technology. She is currently a director of the
the Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Student.
New York Life Insurance Co., the Brink’s Co.
Harrell is currently completing her studies as a
and Rockwell Automation Inc.
senior chemistry major and has plans to enter
“I thought the concentrated program was outstanding and the learning experience, which included small research projects in a number
“Following our initial retirements, we decided
In her first year at MSU, Hannah was named
the medical field. The Alewines, now Florida residents,
of academic departments at MSU, sparked my
that we wanted to give back to MSU by setting
interest in the sciences. I received an invaluable
up a scholarship that would attract the most
have received much gratification from their
preview of what I could look forward to as a
talented science students from Mississippi high
relationship with Hannah, and they look
student at MSU,” Alewine recalled.
schools to study at MSU,” Alewine said.
forward to her graduation ceremony in May.
Alewine went on to earn a bachelor of science
By working with the MSU Foundation, they
“I receive encouragement from the Alewines
in physics from Mississippi State, a master’s of
established the Betty and Ralph Alewine Merit
frequently,” Harrell said, “whether it is a note
science in geophysics from Brown University
Scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences.
for getting good grades or congratulations
and a Ph.D. in geophysics from the California
The scholarship provides annual tuition and
on being able to receive the scholarship
Institute of Technology. Prior to his retirement,
housing for an in-state resident, and the award
for another year. They have been among
he served seven years as deputy assistant to the
is renewable on a year-to-year basis contingent
my biggest supporters.” • m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
57
Foundation
NEWS
13 SPRING
ALUMNUS
MSU Foundation announces
2013 OFFICERS, INCOMING MEMBERS As the Mississippi State University
Houston, Texas, and is the retired
Assuming the position of treasurer
Foundation enters its 51st year of
chairman, president and CEO of
is Mary M. Childs of Ripley, who
operation, a slate of loyal alumni and
Burlington Resources Inc.
is president, CEO, COO and vice
friends of the university are serving
Incoming vice president is
chairman of The Peoples Bank. She is
as board leaders and members. New
Earnest W. “Earnie” Deavenport
a 1980 banking and finance graduate,
leaders and incoming members for
of Kiawah Island, S.C., who is a
who just completed her first term on
the 45-member group began new
1960 MSU chemical engineering
the board.
terms on January 1.
graduate. Deavenport concluded a
MSU staff members make up the
Mississippi native Bobby S.
successful business career in 2001
remaining board officers. John P.
Shackouls begins his first term as
when he retired as chairman and
Rush, vice president for development
board president, following several
chief executive officer of Kingsport,
and alumni, is the Foundation
terms as vice president.
Tenn.-based Eastman Chemical
board’s CEO; David Easley, executive
Co. He later completed a master’s
director of finance, its chief financial
science degree from Mississippi State
degree at the Massachusetts Institute
officer; and Jack McCarty, executive
in chemical engineering in 1972, and
of Technology. He was awarded an
director of development, serves
was awarded an honorary doctor
honorary doctor of science degree
as board secretary. They, too, are
of science in 2010. He resides in
from MSU in 2011.
MSU graduates. •
Shackouls earned a bachelor of
Chartered in 1962, the MSU Foundation has raised more than $1 billion in its history. It closed fiscal year 2012 marking the largest giving year ever recorded for Mississippi State, with more than $86 million raised. The Foundation administers most of the campus-based fundraising activities and endowment funds. • 58
sp ring 2013
Incoming members who will serve three-year terms include: Linda F. Parker of Bolton
Wallace L. Seal of Bay St. Louis
is secretary of Sunbelt Wholesale and active with area
earned a bachelor of science in geoscience from MSU
organizations. She is a longtime friend of the university.
in 2000. He is manager of North Beach Haulers LLC.
Nancy Qualls of Little Rock, Ark.,
Milton Sundbeck of West Point
is president of Qualls and Associates. She
is president and CEO of Southern Ionics Inc. He
holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from
studied chemistry at the University of Texas and
Oklahoma City University.
accounting at West Texas A&M.
Individuals returning to the board for new three-year terms include: John N. “Nutie” Dowdle of Columbus
Richard H. Puckett Sr. of Jackson
is chairman of the board of Dowdle Enterprises.
is chairman and CEO of Puckett Machinery Co.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in
He earned a bachelor of science in general business
marketing in 1965.
administration in 1977.
Haley R. Fisackerly of Jackson earned a B.B.A. in management from MSU in
Richard A. Rula of Jackson
1987. He later earned an M.P.A. in public policy
is president of Hemphill Construction Co. He earned
administration from George Washington University.
a bachelor of science in civil engineering in 1970.
He is president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.
Hassell H. Franklin of Houston
Turner A. Wingo of Collierville, Tenn.,
is chairman and CEO of the Franklin Corp. He
earned a bachelor of science in general business
earned a bachelor of science in management in 1959.
administration in 1967. He is the retired owner of Sherry’s Hallmark.
Wilbert G. “Mickey” Holliman Jr. of Belden is the retired chairman and CEO of Furniture Brands International. He graduated in 1960 with a bachelor of science in management.
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
59
Foundation
NEWS
13 SPRING
ALUMNUS
StatePride boasts
$118.3 MILLION final total
Mississippi State University has concluded StatePride: An Initiative for Student and Faculty Support with
2012. The total number of contributors giving through
more than $118.3 million in contributions from
StatePride totaled 7,781, with 1,779 of those being first-
generous alumni and friends. Over the past four years,
time donors to the university.
StatePride’s success has been evident in the significant growth in university scholarships, faculty development
$83 million raised in student scholarships, shattering the $70 million originally
endowed positions.
sought. Also, faculty support eclipsed the $30
assisted Mississippi
million expected, reaching
State with its steady
more than $35 million.
growth in enrollment,
StatePride was launched
which has climbed to more than 20,000 students.
with the investiture of Mark E. Keenum as MSU’s 19th
Beginning in 2009, the endeavor focused on raising
president, and during its four-year run became a unified
funds for two core areas—students and faculty. Gifts
fundraising effort between the MSU Foundation and
for StatePride also provided a steady stream of annual
athletics. A portion of the annual revenue from MSU
support.
athletics matched certain gifts through the initiative.
The initiative surged past its $100 million goal well
s p ring 2013
Final totals for StatePride translated into more than
opportunities and The initiative has
60
ahead of schedule and closed out its run on Dec. 31,
Strides in student scholarships: At the heart of Mississippi State are students who come
will allow Mississippi State to lure top educators to the academic community, who in turn attract significant
to the state’s leading university to pursue degrees. StatePride
research support, outstanding graduate students and other
enabled MSU to award need-based scholarships for
distinguished faculty.
deserving students and academic scholarships to compete for the best and brightest students. StatePride emphasized three annual scholarships to
As a result of StatePride commitments, 22 endowed positions were funded across the university. In all, six endowed chairs and 16 professorships were created,
help recruit new students to Mississippi State. Funds for
bringing the university’s total to 69. However, 12 of the 69
scholarships established Legacy Scholarships, Loyalty
are from planned gifts not yet realized.
Scholarships and Promise Awards, and student recipients
Beyond StatePride:
across the university benefited from these financial awards. In all, 241 endowed scholarships were established for
Although StatePride has drawn to a close, specialized
students through StatePride, and 336 annual scholarships
fundraising efforts at Mississippi State will continue as the
were created. The total number of MSU students receiving
MSU Foundation works to cultivate additional support
scholarship funding over the course of StatePride reached
from private gifts for the university’s priorities.
11,882.
Strides in faculty development: StatePride also included support to recruit and retain
As MSU prepares for the future, scholarships will continue to be priority for fundraising. Gifts for scholarships are needed university-wide and, in particular, for general university. The general scholarships, established
esteemed faculty members and increase faculty research
through the university’s new Compass Scholars Program,
and development opportunities in all areas of study.
may be awarded to students in any academic discipline.
During StatePride, Mississippi State continued its work to compete for, and retain, distinguished faculty
Gifts of any amount are welcomed annually. The MSU Foundation will also focus efforts on securing
in a time without competitive salaries. By recognition of
gifts for additional endowed positions in crucial areas.
their accomplishments and support of their teaching and
Minimum amounts are in place for donors to contribute
research endeavors, StatePride acknowledged selected
for these positions, and amounts may vary depending on
members of the MSU faculty base with one-time financial
the college, school or area. Typically, $500,000 will endow
awards for outstanding performance.
a professorship, and $1.5 million will create a chair. These
Gifts from donors, coupled with an athletic match,
positions provide competitive salaries and resources for
comprised an individual’s faculty award. The awards
research, travel and professional development, and afford
were apportioned on the basis of a college’s number of
opportunities to invest added resources in a promising field
faculty and that unit’s ability to raise contributions to
or discipline.
secure matching funds from MSU Athletics. The awards
Besides scholarships and endowed positions, many other
were distributed over MSU’s eight academic colleges
giving opportunities exist at Mississippi State. Alumni and
and the MSU Library. MSU-Meridian faculty members
friends may request a copy of the MSU Foundation’s Guide
were eligible to apply through their home college on the
to Giving by telephoning 662-325-7000 or accessing the
Starkville campus.
publication online at www.msufoundation.com. •
It takes esteemed faculty throughout Mississippi State to challenge students to excel in all learning environments. Additional endowed positions achieved through StatePride
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
61
Class
NEWS
13 SPRING
ALUMNUS
’65 Hartley Peavey
’73 Thomas L. Hengst
of Meridian, founder and CEO
has been chosen chief of river
of Blacksburg, Va., has been named
of Peavey Electronics, has been
operations at the Vicksburg District
assistant vice president of human
honored by the Mississippi Arts and
of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
resources at Virginia Tech.
Entertainment Center with a bronze
Prior to his appointment, he
star on the center’s Walk of Fame.
served as chief of flood control and
’99 Joe Green
At the same time, Gov. Phil Bryant
hydropower.
(M.P.A. ’00) of Ridgeland has
honored Peavey Electronics with
’85 Jim Richmond
Trail, a program of the Mississippi
of Ridgeland, has been named
accounting and business advisory
Development Authority.
vice president of corporate
firms. Green specializes in assurance
communications for C Spire
advisory services.
published her first novel, That
Wireless.
HORNE LLP, one of the nation’s top
’00 Will Carpenter
Summer, in December 2012. She is
Jeff Trotter,
the author of three nonfiction books
a partner with law firm Adams
vice president at Trustmark Bank in
and more than 200 articles and short
and Reese LLP, has been named
Meridian.
stories. That Summer is available
the firm’s special business services
through online bookstores Amazon,
practice group leader.
Barnes & Noble and Christian Books.
’69 Thomas McKnight (Ph.D. ’75) of Spokane, Wash., has been elected to the board of directors of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology.
Daniel F. Whalen
(M.B.A. ’02) has been promoted to
Derrick Pratt has been named zone general manager for International Paper,
of Cleveland has been promoted to
reporting to the regional general
president of Cleveland State Bank.
manager-east.
’89 Thomas Peyton Kendall
’01 Will Gilmer of Sulligent, Ala., has been selected as one of only four participants in
’70 Jerry G. Brewer
has been named community bank
the Faces of Farmers and Ranchers
president of Trustmark National
program by the U.S. Farmers and
of Senatobia has been inducted
Bank in Vicksburg.
Ranchers Alliance. He will share his
into the Mississippi Association
experiences on a national stage to
of Realtors’ Hall of Fame. He has
’94 Chad Gartrell
been a Realtor in Senatobia since
(M.S. ’07) has been named chief of
about how food is grown to feed the
1971 and is past president of the
the Geotechnical Engineering and
nation.
Mississippi Association of Realtors
Geosciences Branch, Geotechnical
and past national president of the
and Structures Laboratory, U.S.
Realtors Land Institute.
Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg.
s p ring 2013
been named a partner within
a marker on the Mississippi Blues
’66 Jo Huddleston
62
’97 Yohna Chambers
help answer consumers’ questions
’02 Joy Davis Herndon of Lucedale has graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with an associate degree in funeral service technology.
Stephen T. Masley
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Hattie Fate Abraham, Feb. 28, 2013, to Joshua W. Abraham (‘03) and Morgan Dawson Abraham (‘08) of Tupelo.
of Jackson has been elected a member of
James Caden Abraham,
the law firm McGlinchey Stafford. Masley
Feb. 24, 2013, to Jasen S. Abraham (‘08) and wife Whitney of Starkville.
joined the firm in 2006 as an associate.
’09 Elaine Hulitt of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and
Thomas Darcy Dixon-Gordon, Dec. 4, 2012, to Thomas Duane Gordon (’96) and Matthew T. Dixon (’96) of Middletown, Ohio.
Development Center in Vicksburg has
Raylee Alise Hollinghead,
been named a Modern-Day Technology
Aug. 1, 2012, to Elisabeth Hollinghead (’09) and Drew Hollinghead (’09) of Leakesville.
Leader for 2012 by the Council of Engineering Deans of Historically Black
Jenna Jacobs Mathis,
Colleges and Universities, Lockheed
March 16, 2012, to Jennifer Mathis (’99) and Jeff Mathis (’00) of Lucedale.
Martin Corp. and US Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine.
’11 Kellon Lawrence
Mason Grant Nichols, June 13, 2012, to Donnie Nichols (’98) and Diann Mills Nichols (’97, ’98) of Golden.
(M.B.A. ’12) of Flowood has joined a
Payton Dempsie Ward,
subsidiary of energy company Delek
Aug. 29, 2012, to Russ Ward (’11) and Emilie Morrison Ward (’00, ’12) of Vicksburg.
US Holdings as a fuel pricing analyst in Brentwood, Tenn.
m is s is s ip p i stat e A lumnus
63
In
MEMORIAM
13 SPRING
ALUMNUS
Harvey B. Vanderford (’34, M.S. ’39)—102, Murfreesboro, Tenn.; professor emeritus of agronomy at Mississippi State, June 29, 2012. Matthew D. Baine Jr. (’38)— Round Rock, Texas; retired sales representative for Leffler Millwork Co., Sept. 6, 2012. C.B. Duke (’47)—89, Hermitage, Tenn.; retired district agent for the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service, Dec. 9, 2012. James Elton Brown (’48)—92, Lucedale; retired forester for International Paper Co. and World War II veteran, April 20, 2012. Hermon W. Odom (’49)—Bay City, Texas; retired collection and office manager for Wells Fargo and GMAC, June 15, 2012. John Henry Wright Jr. (’50)—87, Gulfport; retired geologist and World War II veteran, Nov. 16, 2012. David Julius Etzold (’51, Ph.D. ’68)—86, Pass Christian; retired electronics engineer and university professor and World War II veteran, Nov. 6, 2012. Jack W. Lemmons (’51)—Meridian; retired BellSouth engineer and World War II veteran, Dec. 7, 2012.
s p ring 2013
Frank Henry Laakso Jr. (’59)—80, Cedar Park, Texas; retired personnel manager and recruiter, Jan. 12, 2013. Charles A. “Chuck” Jordan (’68)— Greenville; Greenville mayor and retired president of Planters Bank’s Greenville office, Nov. 13, 2012. George L. Ewing Jr. (’70)—72, Clinton; sales representative and custom home builder, Jan. 14, 2013.
Sue Schmitt (’84)—66, Seattle, Wash.; dean emeritus and professor in Seattle University’s College of Education and former Leadership Fellow at Mississippi State, Sept. 28, 2012. Patricia Palmer Parker (’85)—78, Philadelphia; retired accountant, Oct. 10, 2012. William Anthony Nichols (’88)—49, Conroe, Texas; senior executive with Accenture LLP, Jan. 21, 2013.
C. Gary Jones (’70)—64, Fairhope, Ala.; chemical engineer and executive for Chevron, March 24, 2012. Sidney Wayne Howell (’72)—62, Ocean Springs; retired chief accountant for Blossman Gas Co., July 11, 2012. Lowell Douglas Carter (’74)—61, Utica; timber buyer and owner of Edwards Forest Products Inc., Jan. 7, 2013. Fredrick Leroy Smith Jr. (’75)—61, Lincolnton, Ga.; electrical engineer for nuclear power industry, Sept. 3, 2012.
Billy Carroll Paul Sr. (’52)—Sulligent, Ala.; retired retired personnel manager for Hyster Company, Dec. 19, 2012.
John Heinrich (’76)—64, Springfield Township, Ohio; retired Delta Airlines captain and vice president and senior financial adviser with Heinrich-Kamal Group, Dec. 9, 2012.
Jim L. Montgomery (’53)—81, Little Rock, Ark.; retired employee benefits manager for Aetna Insurance Co., Nov. 22, 2012.
Rosemary Knapp Thompson (’76)— 89, Tupelo; retired publications editor for Mississippi State Extension.
Freda Brooks Wilbanks (’56)—95, Corinth; retired elementary school teacher, July 3, 2012.
Jason Pigg (’82)—52, Starkville; selfemployed forester and manager of Double Deuce Ranch in Shuqualak, Dec. 20, 2012.
David Wesley Evers Jr. (’57)—78, Starkville; retired senior marketing specialist for Exxon Corp., Jan. 6, 2013.
64
Robert S. Nicholson (’58)—77, San Jose, Calif.; retired mechanical engineer, Jan. 2, 2013.
John Seale Vaughan (’83)—51, Ponchatoula, La.; Parish National Bank officer, Dec. 28, 2012.
Celia Robson (former employee)—91, Starkville; former physical therapist at Longest Student Health Center, Jan. 9, 2013. Geneva Harrison (friend)—74, Lucedale; medical office manager, Oct. 22, 2012. Elaine McLeod (friend)—84, Leakesville; retired music teacher at Rocky Creek and Leakesville elementary schools, April 13, 2012. •
McCain in Spring photo by Megan Bean
The Beaux-Arts architecture of Mississippi State’s McCain Hall is surrounded this time of year by a bouquet of yellow daffodils. Built in 1909, McCain Hall’s Beaux-Arts style could be found across the nation from the 1880s to the 1920s as architects embraced it for construction of many academic facilities. MSU’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering is housed in McCain.
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