ALUMNUS Winter 2023 - Mississippi State University

PRECISION CONSERVATION Mississippi State University leads the way in targeted land management p. 22

I N S I D E Winter 2023

The Aging Mind p. 16 | Support for Success p. 28 | Who Dat? p. 37 | Historic Fiscal Year p. 60

MAROON MADNESS — In August, New Maroon

Camp counselors and executive staff led a record 2,000 campers in a weeklong retreat filled with fun activities and MSU traditions. Developed in 2012, NMC welcomes new Bulldogs to campus and aids their transition into college life. To view more of the fun from this year’s NMC activities, scan the QR code to see a photo slideshow.

Photos by Grace Cockrell

Table of CONTENTS

11 Mississippi State University is working to make driving accessible for those with certain physical disabilities. With a $750,000 National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator grant, researchers from the Hi5 Laboratory in the Bagley College of Engineering, Center for Advanced Vehicular Research, College of Education, MSU-housed Mississippi Institute on Disabilities and T.K. Martin Center are collaborating on the project to make driver's training and testing available to those to whom operating a standard vehicle would not be possible.

FEATURES

22 Precision Conservation

Mississippi State researchers lead the way in targeted land management for environmental and financial gains

28 Support for Success

MSU’s Disability Resource Center provides extra support for Bulldogs along their academic journey

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

WINTER 2023 | VOL. 100 | NO. 3 PRESIDENT Mark E. Keenum, ’83, ’84, ’88 VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI John P. Rush, ’94, ’02

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Davis CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Sid Salter, ’88 EDITORS Susan Lassetter, ’07 Harriet Laird

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WRITERS Vanessa Beeson, ’19 Emily Cambre, ’22 James Carskadon, ’12 Meg Henderson, 10 Susan Lassetter, ’07 Addie Mayfield Carl Smith, ’10 DESIGNER Heather Rowe PHOTOGRAPHERS Megan Bean Grace Cockrell Kevin Hudson Michaela Parker, ’23 Beth Wynn

28 DEPARTMENTS 04 Campus News 11 Discoveries 20 State Snapshot 34 Our People 44 Alumni News 52 Giving Back 64 Class Notes 68 Forever Maroon 71 Back Story

COVER

As part of work to develop and improve land conservation tools, assistant professor Austin Himes uses soil and climate sensors to track environmental change and study how climate variables impact forests’ ability to mitigate climate change. Project manager Natalie Dearing carries a lidar unit that scans the forest to help estimate the carbon stored in different parts of a tree.

Photo by Grace Cockrell

CONNECT

TWITTER.COM/MSSTATE FACEBOOK.COM/MSSTATE INSTAGRAM.COM/MSSTATE

EDITORIAL OFFICE P.O. Box 5325 Mississippi State, MS 39762 662.325.0630 slassetter@opa.msstate.edu ADVERTISING Leanna Smith 662.325.3360 lsmith@alumni.msstate.edu

Mississippi State University’s Alumnus magazine is published three times a year by the Office of Public Affairs and the Mississippi State University Alumni Association. Send address changes to Alumni Director, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526. Call 662.325.7000, or email cturner@advservices.msstate.edu.

Campus NEWS

‘STORIES THAT DESERVE TO BE TOLD’ A headstone marking Louis Collier’s final resting place is one of numerous gravesites added to the inventory of Brush Arbor Cemetery, a historically Black cemetery located next to University Drive in Starkville, by students of a Mississippi State field school. These students are part of a multi-year effort to document the forgotten cemetery and ensure its place in history.

MSU field school re-adding historically Black cemetery to the record books

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By Carl Smith, Photos by Megan Bean

he walk through Starkville’s Cotton District to Mississippi State’s campus passes many unmistakable landmarks.

Trendy restaurants, new apartments and unique stores dot University Drive, grabbing attention with bright signs, colorful exteriors and unique designs. Even historical spots, including the sprawling Odd Fellows Cemetery located about half a mile from MSU’s Hunter Henry Center, are inviting, well-maintained areas that catch the eye of passersby.

Across the street from Odd Fellows, however, lies an undeveloped, tree-filled parcel in an area surrounded by new, mixed-use buildings—a quiet, unassuming patch of dirt oddly situated in such a busy location. A quick glance would fail to tell the story of the site’s historical significance.

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Known now as Brush Arbor Cemetery, the space is the final resting place for an estimated 40 to 100 Black men and women who lived through one of America’s—and the South’s—most important and challenging eras: the time after the Civil War when formerly enslaved people worked to build thriving communities despite rampant prejudice. The space itself has been mostly forgotten and abandoned over time, with many headstones and grave markers missing either from lack of maintenance or intentional acts of vandalism.

To overcome this neglect, Mississippi State faculty have developed an archaeological field school to breathe life back into this forgotten piece of history. Consisting of students from across the nation and led by members of MSU’s

MSU’s Cobb Institute of Archaeology’s iconic columns were donated by the building’s namesakes to invoke the ancient ruins they explored in later life.

Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern to understanding the histories of Starkville, the Cultures, the team plans to ensure the Brush Arbor Magnolia State and the U.S., said Jordan Lynton Cemetery remains a visible part of Starkville’s story Cox, an assistant professor leading the project. in the future.

“The histories of the people who lived before Sponsored by almost $350,000 in National are the stories of Starkville and Mississippi. We Endowment for the Humanities funding, the field must start integrating these histories back into school is training students in our collective knowledge— "Our students have been non-invasive anthropological, histories that many people archaeological, archival and for a long time either ignored able to uncover amazing historical preservation methods or actively avoided,” she said. stories of people who through a hands-on, research “Our students have been able went on to have careers field school. The three-year to uncover amazing stories in politics and establish project, known as the Brush of people who went on to still-existing churches, Arbor/Starkville Colored have careers in politics and community organizations Cemetery Community-Engaged establish still-existing churches, Field Program, began this community organizations and and even schools. " summer with nine students even schools. These are stories ~ Jordan Lynton Cox working through archives, that deserve to be told.” locating descendants and building community It is unknown exactly when burials at the site partnerships that will assist their work in the future. first began, but the oldest remaining Brush Arbor The group used GPS and archaeological survey headstone dates to 1882. Although the last burial methods to inventory the cemetery—noting every occurred there in 1954, National Register of Historic obvious or potential grave marker, no matter how Places documents described Brush Arbor as “grown weathered or eroded—and hosted interest meetings up on briers” and “in a very foul state” before that to raise community awareness of the site. time. Many of the graves were already unmarked.

Understanding the site—both its history Despite many headstones deteriorating and how it came to be disregarded—and the or outright disappearing, there still lie many stories of those who are buried there is integral generations of families important to the area—with Students from across the U.S. came to Starkville for the initial phase of the three-year Brush Arbor/Starkville Colored Cemetery Community-Engaged Field Program, which is supported by almost $350,000 in National Endowment for the Humanities funding.

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Campus NEWS

The Brush Arbor project included an archaeological inventory of the site, investigations into the lives of those who are buried there, and a meeting with Starkville residents.

Participants are expected to help build a digital archive of their findings and provide advice to local stakeholders about how to preserve the cemetery for the future.

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names including Chiles, Drake, Winston and Zuber, among others. Telling their stories is especially important to Makayla Smith, an MSU senior studying sociology. She first learned of Brush Arbor Cemetery while attending Starkville High School.

“I want people to understand that just as Black lives matter, Black deaths matter, too,” she said.

“Doing this work was an experience of a lifetime.

I was willing to drop everything to be part of this project because of how much it meant to me professionally, academically and personally. It’s a different experience for me being a Black woman and a local, and even possibly having relatives there. Who knows who I might be connected to?”

Bessie Minor Brown, a 1971 MSU graduate, can put a number on those connections.

Through years of research, she has learned she has approximately 15 relatives in Brush Arbor Cemetery. A graduate of the last segregated class in Oktibbeha County, Brown said it’s important to remember the pioneers of the past because Starkville was literally built by many of them.

They also poured themselves into creating a better world for their descendants, she said.

“A lot of those people, especially in my family, had these big dreams and expectations of us, and I don’t want that to be forgotten. My greatgrandfather used to say, ‘It doesn’t matter about circumstances. What matters is the gray matter between your ears,’” Brown said. “This project MSU is leading is doing more than just saving a cemetery—it’s recognizing the lives that were lived and what they gave for us. Although history didn’t record their acts then, perhaps now we can write that part of history for them.

“It’s now up to everyone to think of our lives as a legacy that’s linked to the past and will be linked to the future,” she continued. “Knowing the history of the people buried there should inspire us all to do more—to tell our children and those around you about our history and to tell them to never forget it.”

The three-year Brush Arbor project will continue with future participants documenting local history through community interviews, creating an digital archive of the cemetery and those buried there, and handing off preservation responsibilities to the city or a non-profit community organization. n

Launched in 1998 through MSU Extension, the Rural Medicine and Science Scholars program brings high school juniors to Mississippi State's campus to help them determine if a career in a health-related field would be right for them.

MEDICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM

Builds State’s Future Docs

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By Bonnie Coblentz, Photos by Michaela Parker and Kevin Hudson

etal High School senior Jonyla Garrett sees anesthesiology or operating room technology in her future. She can credit that clarity to Mississippi State University—and her television viewing habits.

“I first got interested in medicine as a kid watching ‘Doc McStuffins’ and later ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’” she said.

This summer, Garrett joined 13 other rising seniors at Mississippi State University for the Rural Medical Science Scholars Program. Designed to help bridge the growing rural health care gap, the program selects participants based on strong academic performance and interest in health or science careers in the state.

If Garrett does go into medical school and chooses to practice in the Magnolia State, she will address a very real need.

Statistically, the picture of access to medical care in rural areas is bleak. The Mississippi State Department of Health reports that financial pressures could close more than half of the state’s rural hospitals.

Additionally, the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce reports that Mississippi has 67.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 people—well below the national average of 94.7. More than half of the state’s residents live in rural areas, and 80 of Mississippi’s 82 counties are considered medically underserved.

Creating SOLUTIONS MSU officials first noted the problems created by limited access to health care in the 1990s and began looking for solutions.

The RMSS program was launched through

“Growing up in a rural area in Mississippi, I have experienced first-hand the health care disparities that many rural residents deal with. Over time, I began to understand the need for not only more health care professionals in rural areas but also health care professionals who understand what it’s like to experience those disparities and can relate to those who live there." ~ CADE MAIRIDITH ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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Campus NEWS

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A. The two-and-a-half week Rural Medical and Science Scholars program has a busy schedule of educational experiences but there is also time for recreation including a volleyball game at MSU’s Sanderson Center. B. MSU alumnus and former RMSS student counselor Dr. Caleb Zumbro has developed a mobile medical clinic through Franklin County Memorial Hospital. Holly Walker, LPN, serves as coordinator of the clinic. C. Jonyla Garrett, a senior at Petal High School, shadowed Dr. Katrina Poe, MSU’s executive director of health services as part of the RMSS experience. D. Each year, RMSS students participate in a simulation during which each is assigned an injury or illness and must wear the associated medical devices for 24 hours. The goal is to increase empathy and awareness of what patients experience.

The application window for RMSS 2024 is Dec. 1 – April 15. The program will run June 9-21, 2024.

MSU Extension in 1998, as a way to directly address the problem and invest in Mississippi’s future.

The two-and-a-half-week program gives participants a chance to earn college credit in a health-related course. It also exposes them to different careers in the health care industry and helps the students build relationships with peers who might one day be their classmates as undergraduates or in medical school.

The ultimate goal of RMSS is that the participants, who have shown themselves to be academically talented and service minded, will choose a career in a medical field and stay in Mississippi.

Cade Mairidith, now a Tupelo High School senior, said he considers the RMSS program a step toward his goal of a career in medicine—likely as a physician or a physician assistant.

“I began to consider those after discovering what careers lined up with my aptitudes in math and science,” Mairidith said, noting that his guidance counselor introduced him to the RMSS program as a way to explore possible career paths.

“Growing up in a rural area in Mississippi, I have experienced first-hand the health care disparities that many rural residents deal with,” he said. “Over time, I began to understand the need for not only more health care professionals in rural areas, but also health care professionals who understand what it’s like to experience those disparities and can relate to those who live there.

“I have deepened my interest in not only becoming a medical professional myself, but being one in a community that has been set back by a lack of medical professionals and resources,” Mairidith continued.

Seeing RESULTS It may take some time to erase the disparity in access to health care in the state, but the MSU Extension RMSS program is annually narrowing that gap.

Since its inception, 494 students have participated. Of those, 58 attended medical school, with 30 practicing in primary care in the state, while others are still in medical or dental school.

Maggie Jo Everett, an MSU senior from New Albany majoring in biochemistry, is making plans to join those ranks as soon as possible.

An RMSS alum, Everett was given early assurance into the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine with her acceptance into the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, which targets rural college students with interests in medicine. In return for significant aid in defraying the cost of medical school, participants contract to work in a medical field in a rural part of the state for the same number of years they received the scholarship.

“I’m really interested in doing OB-GYN because it is primary care and it addresses something that is needed, especially in my hometown,” Everett said. “I also like this specialty because it would allow me to be in the operating room.”

Staying in the state and practicing medicine was an easy choice for Everett who said she hopes to change the narrative of health care in Mississippi.

“I love my hometown and the community aspect of having my church, family and grandparents and cousins around,” Everett said. “My exposure to the problems of health care in Mississippi, even in high school through the Rural Medical Science Scholars program, made me passionate about making our state better.”

While in high school, Everett completed summer programs at Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, experiencing life and medicine in large cities.

“There is something to be said about the way we are in Mississippi and the community aspect we have here,” she said.

“The goal is for me to raise a family in a small town and for them to be able to stay here, too.”

Reaching Rural

COMMUNITIES Dr. Caleb Zumbro is the only full-time clinic physician in Franklin County. Although he did not find out about the RMSS program until he was in college, he served from 20112013 as a counselor for RMSS students.

"There is something to be said about the way we are in Mississippi and the community aspect we have here.

The goal is for me to raise a family in a small town and for them to be able to stay here, too." ~ MAGGIE JO EVERETT “Probably a dozen or more of my scholars are currently in medical school, dental school or in nursing. Another scholar just started the same residency program that I graduated from,” Zumbro said. “It’s been neat seeing those high school students go through college and now pick their careers.”

Zumbro earned a degree in chemical engineering from MSU in 2012, but experiences in college—including his work with RMSS—changed the direction of his career. He graduated from UMMC in 2018 and, after a dual residency in pediatrics and internal medicine, he moved back home. He now runs a clinic in Bude and does rounds at the hospital in Meadville.

He is part of a trend identified by the American Association of Medical Colleges that shows more than 75% of residents who received both undergraduate and graduate medical education in Mississippi remain in the state to practice. This trend has tripled the Mississippi medical student graduation rate since 2005 and is the fourth best in the nation.

“I wanted something that allowed me to impact others’ lives more directly and be a benefit to my community,” he said. “I want my hometown and other small places around Mississippi to thrive, because each place has its own culture and identity that makes it a community. Hopefully by improving the health of the citizens of Franklin County, we can keep that community going strong for generations to come.”

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Campus NEWS

Scott J. Grawe, a supply-chain management expert who has developed multi-disciplinary initiatives and experiential learning opportunities, is now dean of Mississippi State’s College of Business. He previously served as a tenured professor at Iowa State, where he was chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management and associate dean for strategy and engagement.

James T. Feduccia, a junior biochemistry major from Pickens is Mississippi State’s latest student to be selected for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship—one of the nation’s premier undergraduate scholarships for STEM students with significant research experience and a passion for making important research contributions in graduate school and their careers. He is the university’s 22nd student to achieve this honor since the Goldwater Foundation’s inception.

Mississippi State Professor John Bickle has earned the distinction of lifetime member—a rare honor—in the Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology, joining a select, prestigious group of less than 20 social scientists nationwide. One of the U.S.’s oldest philosophy and psychology organizations, the SSPP was founded in 1904 to promote the fields of philosophy and psychology through the facilitation of academic ideas, encouraging investigation, fostering the educational function of the fields, and by improving the academic status of the subjects.

Christopher Jolivette, a sophomore psychology and English double major from McCalla, Alabama, and Brannan Tisdale, a senior geosciences major from Saraland, Alabama, earned opportunities for study abroad through the nationally competitive Fulbright UK Summer Institute scholarship program.

Tonya S. Hays, assistant professor of theater performance in MSU’s Department of Communication, has received the Dr. Penny Wallin Lifetime Achievement in Arts Education Award from the Mississippi Alliance for Arts in Education for her dedication to theater education.

Mississippi State students preparing for elementary education careers are learning to teach reading through exemplary preparation methods, earning MSU and its College of Education an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality. MSU’s undergraduate program in elementary education is one of only 48 in the U.S. to earn its highest distinction for preparing aspiring teachers in the most effective, scientifically based methods for teaching children reading. The A+ designation celebrates selected programs for going above and beyond the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction, known as the “science of reading.”

Veteran Mississippi State University administrator Sidney L. “Sid” Salter has been promoted to Vice President for Strategic Communications at the land-grant research university as part of the ongoing university transformation initiatives.

Salter brings more than four decades of experience in Mississippi print, broadcast and digital journalism and multimedia management to the task in addition to experience in public affairs, marketing, corporate governance and crisis management.

Dr. Nicholas Frank is now dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. He previously served six years as associate dean for academic affairs and professor at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts.

Professor Becky Hagenston in Mississippi State’s Department of English is adding to the department’s creative writing prowess with an elite short story prize and the release of six recent pieces of original work. The winner of a 2020 Pushcart Prize and two O. Henry Awards, Hagenston this spring won Story magazine’s Story Foundation Prize for her work “Woman of the House,” garnering $1,500 and publication of the piece in the summer edition.

Amari Cooper, a junior biological sciences and social work double major from Madison, is Mississippi State’s fifth David L. Boren Scholarship recipient in the last six years. Cooper, a student in MSU’s Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, will study Korean for 10 weeks this summer as a Boren Scholar at Sejong University in Seoul, South Korea.

Mississippi State’s Max Wamsley, a chemistry doctoral student from Vicksburg, is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship, which provides him full tuition for up to five years and full-time employment with America’s largest government agency after graduation.

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Discoveries

DRIVING PERMITTED Mississippi State makes driving accessible to those with physical disabilities

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ike a rite of passage, most Mississippians head to their local highway patrol station at 16 years old to obtain a driver’s license. That piece of plastic—earned after demonstrating proficiency behind the wheel— opens the doors to independent travel, which is essential in a rural state with sparse public transportation.

Still, for a segment of the population, such as those with certain physical disabilities, learning to drive and taking the licensing test lie out of reach because of limited access to adaptive tools necessary for driving evaluations and training.

Mississippi State researchers are helping to bridge that gap through the development of virtual environments and tools to bring

By Emily Cambre, Photos by Grace Cockrell down the barriers to independent driving.

As executive director of the new Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, which houses the T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability, Kasee Stratton-Gadke said empowering Mississippians with disabilities is a driving force behind her and the center’s work.

“One of the questions we ask in everything we do is, ‘What can we do to help people and advance their lives,’” Stratton-Gadke said of the center that provides comprehensive evaluations and services to remove limitations from its clients’ lives.

Located on MSU’s Starkville campus, the T.K. Martin Center uses assistive technology, training and educational supports to enhance the lives of those affected by disabilities.

Evaluating clients for driving potential and training those for which it is an option are among the services provided. Still, StrattonGadke said she knew the center could do more.

“Because unique services such as those provided at the T.K. Martin Center are few and far between in rural America, individuals may wait months to receive an appropriate driving evaluation, and even longer to have adequate training,” she said. “Then individuals requiring specialized equipment to drive may wait months for necessary equipment to be installed.

It’s just a big lag time.”

After identifying those hurdles, StrattonGadke began exploring solutions and research opportunities in virtual reality that could help more people benefit from accessible driving ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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Discoveries

Led by Adam Jones, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the High-Fidelity Virtual Environments Laboratory--known as Hi5--is helping develop a virtual realitybased driving simulator that can be downloaded onto any commercially available VR headset and tailored to a user's specific needs to aid the training of physically disabled drivers.

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programs. She found the perfect partner in a Mississippi State University research laboratory— the High-Fidelity Virtual Environments Laboratory. Known as Hi5, the lab is led by Adam Jones, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Together, they developed a plan for a virtual reality-based solution that could be downloaded onto any commercially available VR headset.

“There is a gap between when you need your vehicle modified for accessibility and when you get certified to drive that vehicle. This can be a problem for people with disabilities, especially considering that there are very few centers in Mississippi for residents to get certified,” Jones said. “We want to use virtual reality as a training tool to help people stay in practice while preparing to get certified and waiting for their vehicle to be modified.”

Stratton-Gadke added, “Our idea is a program that can be customized to a specific disability to allow an individual to practice the scenarios that are most difficult for them. We want to provide a safe and immersive environment but also create a program that won’t let them practice incorrectly.

The goal is errorless learning to improve their driving skills.”

Stratton-Gadke said the team is hopeful this project could have a national impact, specifically among the 20% of Americans who live in rural communities. She explained that for an individual with disabilities, the benefits of learning to drive a modified vehicle can go beyond the simple act of driving. It can affect all aspects of an individual’s independence, economic situation and access to health care.

“For example, when a person can drive independently, they can take a job that’s 20 minutes away and pays $20,000 more than what might be available to someone who cannot drive and is limited to jobs they can walk or carpool to,” Stratton-Gadke said. “When you can drive to a higher paying job, that is more often a job you prefer and can create a greater impact on the economy.

“Individuals become more involved in their communities and can generate a greater economic impact—all while advancing independence,” she continued. "There are lots of rolling factors that the ability to drive affects.”

The project is currently funded by a National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator grant designed to provide quick start-up support for projects with far-reaching possibilities. The

Per the Department of Revenue, Mississippi State receives $32.50 for every MSU license plate sold in the state. grant provided $750,000 for Phase 1 of the project, which includes collaborators from MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems and College of Education, as well as the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Service.

“When we saw the request for proposals, I knew it was exactly what we’ve been looking for to support our clients and those with disabilities around the country. It really is just a perfect marriage of what we do in clinical practice and the concerns that we see,” Stratton-Gadke said.

“The fact that NSF had a funding opportunity to drive this forward made it perfect.”

While Stratton-Gadke and the T.K. Martin Center provide the clinical experience and expertise in helping those with disabilities, Jones and the Hi5 Laboratory provide the technical skill needed to design and create VR systems.

Part of the Bagley College of Engineering, the Hi5 Lab focuses on extended reality, commonly called XR, and human-centered computing research. It works to improve the fidelity, realism, versatility and comfort of XR technologies by taking a human-centered approach to engineering.

After only six months, that is exactly what the Hi5 Lab accomplished for this project. The lab has a prototype available for practice, and even lab members themselves are impressed with the progress they have made in such a short period of time.

“We have an awesome team, and I am shocked at what we have accomplished in six months,” Jones said. “This team is a real testament to the quality of MSU engineering students.”

With such quick success in Phase 1 of the project, Stratton-Gadke is pursuing funding for Phase 2. The National Science Foundation will choose five of the original 15 teams that received accelerator funding to move on. This next step would include taking the product to market over the next two years with $5 million in grant support.

“We want this to move as quickly as possible because this is impacting people’s lives right now,” Stratton-Gadke said. “I think it’s an exciting project to be a part of. It makes me really proud of our center, the Hi5 Lab and Mississippi State University as a whole.” n

"Our idea is a program that can be customized to a specific disability to allow an individual to practice the scenarios that are most difficult for them. We want to provide a safe and immersive environment but also create a program that won’t let them practice incorrectly.

The goal is errorless learning to improve their driving skills." ~Kasee Stratton-Gadke

Nissan-T.K. Martin Partnership showcases commitment to community A donation from Nissan North America has provided access to drivers’ education to many clients of the T.K. Martin Center.

Outfitted with modern amenities and assistive technology, the donated 2021 Nissan Rogue sport utility vehicle will bolster the T.K. Martin Center’s ability to help those with physical disabilities learn to drive. The vehicle boasts features such as lane assist, blind spot detection and external cameras, as well as additional supports such as hand controls, which were added by the university.

Nissan North America representatives, Mississippi State University dignitaries and T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability staff pose with the maroon 2021 Nissan Rogue donated by the auto manufacturer Wednesday [May 17]. The SUV will be used in the center’s adaptive driving program and assist those with disabilities as they learn to drive. (Photo by Megan Bean) Kasee Stratton-Gadke, director of the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, said adaptive driving services are some of the most critical supports offered by

her organization, noting that the ability to drive “means access to employment, engagement in the community and autonomy.”

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Discoveries

GIVING THE AXE TO ‘WOODY BREAST’ Mississippi State researchers seek to understand the cause of poultry industry’s quality problem

By Meg Henderson

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hen it comes to meat consumption in the United States, chicken rules the roost. Last year, the average American consumed more than 100 pounds of chicken meat—more than twice the amount per capita compared to 40 years ago.

Improved breeding and processing techniques—and, consequently, lower prices— have bolstered the once humble bird to the top of the culinary pecking order. Over the years, however, a growing national hunger for this affordable protein has accelerated not only the growth of birds, but also a troubling meat quality issue.

An abnormal muscle condition known as “woody breast” affects the texture of some broiler

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chickens’ breast meat. The meat is safe to eat, but it is unusually coarse, crunchy and generally less appealing to consumers—equating to economic losses to the chicken industry, a $20 billion economic driver for Mississippi.

As the most significant meat-quality issue for the poultry industry, woody breast is responsible for a nationwide economic loss of approximately $200 million annually. For over a decade, the whats, whys and hows of the costly disorder have remained elusive, but now, a team of Mississippi State researchers led by Wes Schilling is seeking to understand the disorder and develop solutions.

“When woody breast was first discovered in Europe and the U.S., it received a lot of media attention,” said Schilling, a professor in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion. “Today, it is no less prevalent, but people in the industry are more aware and will ensure that a severely affected breast won’t make its way to the consumer.”

Broiler breeds that experience rapid muscular growth and development of large breasts are more likely to produce higher percentages of woody breast.

Chickens dream just like you and I do.

“Today, chickens are bred to develop muscle quickly, but this results in a skeleton that can’t keep up with that growth,” Schilling said.

“To maintain homeostasis, the bird will begin to develop muscle that has more collagen— connective tissue protein—than meat protein, and it also puts on more fat.”

However, while genetics predispose the birds to the condition, the team has found that environmental triggers can also play a role. Xue Zhang, who studies the structure and function of proteins, has been a key contributor to the woody breast study as an assistant research professor.

“Some of the proteins we found in the woody breast tissue are indicators of stress,” Zhang said, “but we cannot say definitively that these expressions are the cause of woody breast.”

To better understand environmental components of woody breast, Zhang is also studying the microbiome—the colony of microorganisms living in the birds’ digestive tracts. For the moment, trying to identify a microflora origin of woody breast is a chickenor-egg situation.

“We’ve found differences in the gut microflora of birds with and without woody breast,” she said. “However, we’re not sure whether woody breast causes those differences in the gut or whether certain microflora in the gut are associated with the bird developing this condition. It’s still too early to draw conclusions.”

SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT

With their first five-year study drawing to a close, Schilling and Zhang have discovered several physical differences between birds affected by woody breast and those that are not.

These revelations were published in prominent peer-reviewed journals including Poultry Science, the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and Meat and Muscle Biology.

More research, however, is needed to get to the root of the problem. The team is collaborating with scientists from the poultry science department and MSU’s Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology to examine the gene expression at the RNA level.

The team is also beginning to examine brain tissue to identify genetic markers related to neuron development. Zhang said she hopes to discover how the birds’ neuro-systemic responses to environmental conditions affect woody breast.

That insight will further illuminate how the disorder develops.

“This condition is much more complex than I thought it would be,” Schilling admitted.

“Consumer demand has increased the need for chicken, and the industry has responded to that demand. Scientists will need to continue to search for answers and solutions.”

While the science is still out on what causes woody breast—genetics or environment, or a combination of the two—MSU researchers are committed to studying the issue so consumers continue to enjoy this delicious source of protein. n

"Today, chickens are bred to develop muscle quickly, but this results in a skeleton that can’t keep up with that growth." ~ Wes Schilling "We’ve found differences in the gut microflora of birds with and without woody breast. However, we’re not sure whether woody breast causes those differences in the gut or whether certain microflora in the gut are associated with the bird developing this condition." ~ Xue Zhang

Poultry is Mississippi’s largest agricultural industry with over $3 billion paid to growers and direct employment of more than 28,000 people.

It is estimated that the poultry industry brings in $20 billion dollars to the state’s economy and pays over $1.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes.

MSU poultry science graduates enjoy 100% placement with the poultry industry, often fielding more than one job offer.

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Discoveries

MSU PROFESSOR LEADS STUDY ON AGING, MEMORY AND LANGUAGE

By James Carskadon

For every aging adult, there comes a time when routine physical tasks become a challenge. For some adults, it’s a walk up the steps that now requires a handrail. For others, it’s time spent tending a garden that now requires days for the knees to recover.

While those new physical realities are expected, aging adults also must adjust to new, often unforeseen, cognitive struggles.

It might mean a word remains “on the tip of the tongue” longer as one searches for the right syllables, or a long-held memory might stay just beyond one’s grasp when storytelling.

To better understand these age-related cognitive function and language processing changes, Mississippi State University’s Hossein Karimi is leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study of the aging mind. The study’s findings could help improve therapies for cognitive decline.

“We know that working memory declines with age, so we’re studying to see

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how exactly these effects impact language processing and the key differences among people as they age,” explained Karimi, an

"An older brain will lose

some ability to predict what word comes next, but more

significantly it can struggle to

assemble the sounds that make a word." ~ Hossein Karimi

assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology.

The study aims to recruit 300 participants

age 25-59 and 300 adults age 60-80 who have not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other diseases that impact memory. Participants perform simple language and memory-related tasks on a computer, and might also have their brain wave activity recorded through an electroencephalogram test.

Karimi explained language recognition can begin before birth, with babies and small children gradually acquiring more language and eventually growing into adults who can rapidly read, write and process speech. However, some aspects of cognitive decline may start as early as age 25. The good news, Karimi said, is that for a few decades the decline is very mild and has minimal impacts on mental function.

However, around age 60, the pace of that brain shrinkage increases, which impacts the ability to process language, store information and focus attention.

“An older brain may lose the ability to

Cognitive Super Agers are not the newest superhero team. Per the National Institute of Aging, they are those who perform demonstrably better on memory tests as compared to others their age.

down to language. If you know how to predict what word comes next, but best use language and memory to help more significantly it can struggle to people understand the concepts they’re assemble the sounds that make a word,” trying to communicate, that is a very said Karimi, who joined MSU as a big skill.” faculty member in 2020. “If they are The researchers said, so far, many trying to retrieve a word related to big study participants have been surprised cats, and they are looking for ‘lion,’ a by how well they perform on memory semantic neighbor, they may make a and language tests mistake and say and appreciate ‘tiger.’ If there having a baseline is an infrequent for their mental word, they know function. Karimi the word and the noted studies like meaning of it, but this can point it is harder for "It's kind of cliche, but to early signs of them to assemble you know, everything is diseases such as the sound. That Alzheimer’s and is why the ‘tip language. If you know dementia. An of the tongue’ how to best use language earlier diagnosis phenomenon is and memory to help can allow doctors significantly more people understand the to slow the common with progression of the older adults.” concepts they're trying to diseases, giving Karimi’s communicate, that is a very patients more time research team big skill." ~ Jaden Zinn to enjoy the world includes Jaden with their mental Zinn, a doctoral faculties intact. student in the While the study may not be directly psychology program who completed related to diseases that become his bachelor’s at MSU in 2022. The common in aging adults, Karimi said Washington native said he realized as foundational science like this can an undergraduate that studying and yield considerable societal benefits as a researching with Karimi in the cognitive building block for medical knowledge. science program would be a good “I believe that the results that we’re fit for his interest in psychology and going to obtain will eventually be linguistics. helpful to us as a society by improving “It’s kind of cliche but, you know, the understanding of how the brain everything is language,” Zinn said. works, how memory works, how “Any kind of communication— as mass attention works, and how all of that media advertising, doctors talking to influences language processing,” patients, teachers trying to help people Karimi said. n understand stuff, all of that comes

STUDY PARTICIPATION

Karimi and his team are recruiting study participants between 60 and 80 years of age with no history of language, memory or neurological disorders. Participants will earn $45 for approximately three hours of their time, plus $10 for commute costs. Parking will be provided.

If three hours is too long for participants, the experiment can be split into two 1.5-hour sessions. If traveling is not desired, researchers can travel to perform the data collection.

To sign up, contact the Cognition of Language Laboratory at 662.325.1156 or collab.msstate@gmail.com.

STAYING SHARP AT ANY AGE Every adult wants to stay mentally sharp well into old age, but ultimately everyone is working against biological factors as time goes on. However, Hossein Karimi, an assistant psychology professor, said there are simple things people can do to help slow memory and brain function loss. Mostly, he said, its keeping your brain engaged with things like puzzles and books. It also helps to exercise and maintain healthy eating habits, which can slow down physical and mental decline.

Karimi’s graduate student, Jaden Zinn, said reading a book is a great way to keep the brain engaged, explaining that process requires mental functioning at a high level.

“You have to keep track of tons of details—what characters look like, what already happened in the story—and your brain is simultaneously making predictions of what you think will happen in the story,” Zinn said. “So your knowledge of tropes and literature comes into play. While reading can make you better at language, it can also make you better at a bunch of different things.”

Karimi and Zinn both cautioned against consumer products that claim to use memory training techniques to improve cognitive functioning, as they are often not backed by evidence from research.

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Discoveries

Nine agencies across three states recently sent their first responders to MSU’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory for an intensive, handson training program which is in partnership with the MSU-led Alliance of System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, or ASSURE, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The university’s new Agricultural Autonomy Institute—a joint effort helmed by the MSU Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering—now serves as the university’s home for cutting-edge research in agricultural technology.

A Mississippi State University-developed tool is helping land conservation leaders make informed and effective investments in the Gulf Coast region. Now, the team behind the software is being recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The web-based software uses 26 data sets to help stakeholders determine the best areas along the Gulf Coast for land conservation, based on the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of the proposed project. The tool is being used by conservation managers to ensure federal RESTORE Act investments from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill maximize benefits for the five-state region that depends on a healthy gulf. Ultimately, the project has helped guide an additional 25,000 acres of acquisitions for conservation, leveraging nearly $50 million across multiple funding sources.

Mississippi State is tackling the issues of environmental restoration and climate resilience through impactful research programs, and now the university’s efforts to advance projects along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast will move forward with help from a bill recently signed by Gov. Tate Reeves. The Evaluation and Monitoring of Marine Mammal and Sea Turtles Abundance, Population Health, Habitat Delineation, and Restoration program, or EM MMST—a project that falls under the university’s Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security, or GCAHFS—is gaining approximately $2 million to support its work studying the population dynamics of marine mammals and sea turtles, their health, and the delineation of their habitat. This work hopes to effectively understand and monitor the restoration and recovery of their populations. The grant is a subset of $100,192,527 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA, allocations.

MSU has been named a Stage One winner for the SBA’s 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, providing the university with a $50,000 cash prize to support the launch, growth and scale of research and development-focused small businesses. The prize builds on initiatives MSU launched in Vicksburg last year with $650,000 in SBA funding and $1 million from the Mississippi Legislature. With the funding last year, MSU developed a presence at the Sen. Thad Cochran Mississippi Center for Information and Technology, commonly known as MCITy. The Office of Technology Management’s Tasha Bibb supports tech transfer efforts in Vicksburg and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach’s Ryan Gilbrech provides entrepreneurship training and support.

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Mississippi State University is leading a $4 million, five-year National Science Foundation-funded effort to study climate change impacts in the Mississippi Delta and increase resilience among vulnerable populations. The project, led by Professor Shrinidhi Ambinakudige in MSU’s Department of Geosciences, is part of a new round of National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Track-2 funding. The interdisciplinary team of researchers, educators and community partners will develop a climate model, study social vulnerability to environmental hazards and conduct a comprehensive study on climate impacts on health in the Delta region.

Mississippi State University, Toyota Mississippi and Liquid Wire Inc. are partnering on applied research for the use of smart wearable technology to improve workplace safety and aid in the prevention of injuries. As part of the project, MSU’s interdisciplinary Athlete Engineering research group will work directly with the Northeast Mississippi auto-manufacturer to implement and assess Liquid Wire wearable technologies inside its facility, providing new insights into ways Toyota can improve job performance and identify potential injury risks.

MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development has welcomed new leadership. Reuben Burch, a distinguished faculty member in the Bagley College of Engineering and two-time MSU alumnus, and Narcisa Pricope, a decorated professor of geography and geospatial science who comes to MSU from North Carolina, are now an associate vice presidents for research. Kacey Strickland now oversees both the Office of Sponsored Projects and Office of Research Compliance and Security within ORED.

Michael E. “Mike” Navicky is now director of Mississippi State University’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory. He has served as the organization’s deputy director since 2021. As director, he is charged with overseeing the computing infrastructure and personnel that drive highpowered research for MSU faculty and staff, as well as state and federal partners. He previously served for 21 years in the U.S. Air Force in key flight operations and technology-focused roles. Prior to his Air Force retirement, he was the chief information officer at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico and was responsible for a technology network valued at $171 million.

Yun Yang, an assistant forestry professor, is part of a national consortium of more than 30 members and partners contributing to the NASA Acres project to study water security. Her research specifically focuses on crop water usage in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain, a fertile region of the country known as the Mississippi Delta.

Sandra Correa, an assistant professor and researcher in MSU’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, has been invited by the U.N. Environment Programme for membership in its Multidisciplinary Expert Scientific Advisory Group. The 30-member advisory group will help direct the seventh edition of the “Global Environment Outlook: Action for a Healthy Planet,” a report of the planet’s state and the global environment’s direction, and a call for transformational action needed

to address tri-planetary crises.

The publication will be delivered during the U.N. Environment Assembly in 2026.

Ling Li is the latest faculty member in the Mississippi State University Department of Biological Sciences to receive the prestigious National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development award. She is using a five-year, approximately $800,000 grant to advance her research on increasing protein in key crops such as soybeans, corn and rice.

The grant marks the department’s fourth CAREER award in the past two years, with researchers receiving a total of $2 million from the competitive funding program since 2021.

Assistant Professor Vu Thai Luan, a member of MSU’s Center for Computational Sciences, earned his second NSF award—a three-year, $226,073 grant—for developing new mathematical methods to provide efficient solutions for complex systems while maintaining computational efficiency.

A Mississippi State physicist and her colleagues are the first scientists to observe how subatomic particles—known as lambda particles—are formed, helping researchers learn more about their production and formation in atomic nuclei, deepening the overall understanding of the dynamics of subatomic structure that governs most of the visible matter in the universe. Lamiaa El Fassi, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, published the results in a recent edition of Physical Review Letters.

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State SNAPSHOT

FAMILY FIRSTS

Through the First-Generation Scholars program, Mississippi State University is celebrating and supporting first-generation college students on their journey to becoming the first in their immediate families to earn bachelor’s degrees. The program provides centralized support to help first-generation students learn about campus life, resources and services designed to help all Bulldogs on their path to a degree. — Photo by Grace Cockrell

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Precision Conservation MSU researchers leading the way in targeted land management

By Vanessa Beeson, Photos by Grace Cockrell

Between self-driving tractors, pesttargeting drones and robotic harvesters, Mississippi State has long been a leader in precision agriculture. While its counterpart—precision conservation— is lesser known, Bulldog scientists are ensuring it has just as large of an impact.

Led by precision conservation pioneer Wes Burger, dean of the College of Forest Resources and director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, MSU research is developing the tools and methods that will protect natural resources for future generations.

“Precision conservation aims to increase profit on working lands, while also precisely measuring the affected ecosystem services those areas provide, including value to wildlife and mitigating greenhouse gases,” Burger said.

It’s a balancing act between helping landowners use and profit from their investment while allowing natural systems that benefit the earth to remain in place.

“Just like precision agriculture, precision conservation is putting the right practice in the right place at the right time,” Burger explained.

CONSERVATION

eligibility at the field level. Each conservation practice has its own set of eligibility criteria and each field its unique set of characteristics. The process proved cumbersome.

“An individual field analysis took dozens of geoprocessing steps,” he said. “Evaluating one field was so complicated—an entire farm, even more so. We sought a simpler way.”

In 2009, when Burger was a wildlife professor, he hired Mark McConnell as a graduate student to help develop a user-friendly tool for geoprocessing. Having a farming background, McConnell immediately understood the inherent challenges and utility.

That work resulted in the tool used today.

McConnell, who earned MSU master’s and doctoral degrees in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science, is now a member of the Bulldog faculty as a wildlife assistant professor and continues to work with Burger.

Recently, the team launched the MSU Precision Conservation Tool, decision-making software that identifies precise locations where conservation practices are most financially beneficial to farmers.

IN THE FIELD As dean of the College of Forest Resources and director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Wes Burger (center) helps lead MSU’s efforts to develop improved conservation tools. He, along with former graduate students Mark McConnell, now an assistant professor, and Kristine Evans, now associate professor, launched the MSU Precision Conservation Tool, a decisionmaking software that identifies precise locations where conservation practices would be most financially beneficial to farmers.

Burger has studied working lands conservation since 1985, when the first farm bill to include the Conservation Reserve Program—an initiative to incentivize conservation—was passed. By the 1990s, he was helping landowners adopt conservation practices in working landscapes.

Through this work, he realized one of the biggest barriers to targeted conservation was a lack of understanding.

“Complex conservation programs make it challenging for producers to visualize where conservation fits on the landscape,” Burger said.

“It often takes an expert to understand programs and determine eligibility. Often, producers also don’t understand the costs or benefits of adopting conservation practices.

“I collaborated with landowners to help them understand where conservation made sense both environmentally and economically,” he continued.

Initially, Burger used geospatial technology combined with cropping data to determine

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“In a recent study, we found that economically targeted conservation increased revenue across 52 agricultural fields by about 24%,” McConnell explained.

That study, which evaluated fields in Lowndes County, was published in an international journal. It included evaluation of three scenarios: regular production, maximum conservation and economically targeted conservation.

“We showed that the benefit ranged from 1-250%,” he said. “As a farmer, I wouldn’t take land out of production for a 1% increase in revenue, but I’d begin with fields that show a 250% increase and work my way down for as long as it made economic sense to my operation.”

McConnell said he equates the process with a common investment strategy.

“Think of your field as an investment portfolio. Some assets or areas are extremely productive; others are much riskier,” he explained.

“Economically targeted conservation allows you to diversify your portfolio by taking that less profitable, risky ground and putting it in a safe bet where you’ll get a consistent return year after year.

You’ve reduced the economic risk on that field because your vulnerable farming areas now generate a consistent payment.”

McConnell said economically targeted conservation is gaining traction among farmers and wildlife professionals alike, noting the model created at MSU is used by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever nationwide. He said he believes data collected through the software’s use can help inform future policy.

“We used our software to compare the last two farm bills and evaluate the economic impact of the same conservation action between two different policy structures,” McConnell said. “The difference is significant. As crop prices surge and policy shrinks applicable conservation areas, our tool finds eligible land to put into conservation in a manner that’s profitable to farmers.”

Mitt Wardlaw, an MSU agronomy alumnus, beta-tested the MSU software for 10 years.

Wardlaw, one of the owners of Southern Ag Services, an agricultural consultancy firm, and Midsouth Resource Management, a land management firm, said the software takes the guesswork out of conservation applications.

“On the agricultural consulting side, we help growers make better decisions to increase profitability and sustainability. On the land management side, we seek to improve the land’s

recreational value,” Wardlaw said. “This software assists with both as a decision support tool to help farmers and landowners make informed choices about whether to enroll a portion of their land in the farm bill’s Conservation Reserve Program.

“Any time we can make production practices more profitable while increasing the land’s recreational value, it’s a win-win,” he continued.

“This tool allows us to do just that by evaluating those places that precisely align with Conservation Reserve Program opportunities.”

McConnell said he sees ample opportunity on the horizon for precision conservation.

“The U.S. has enough land to continually enroll acres in economically targeted conservation for my entire career,” he said. “That’s something people don’t realize. Nearly every farmed field has some sort of opportunity when it comes to this.”

Kristine Evans, who also earned MSU master’s and doctoral degrees in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science under the direction of Burger, leverages precision conservation technology in much of her research. As an associate professor in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture, she recently began work on a CRP Menu tool with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency.

She said the USDA’s goal is to empower farmers to make informed decisions about enrolling their land in the conservation program, and that’s where MSU comes in. The CRP Menu is a user-friendly, web-based, decision-support system that helps break down the complexity of CRP practices and gives guidance for practices based on the landowner’s conservation goals and eligibility.

“We are taking the underlying infrastructure of our existing Gulf Strategic Conservation Assessment tool and expanding it regionally, and then hopefully nationally, to help guide farmers in their decisions on which conservation practices to enroll in,” said Evans, who is also an associate director of the Geosystems Research Institute.

While the MSU Precision Conservation Tool developed by Burger and McConnell primarily focuses on economically targeted conservation, the tool Evans is developing focuses on the holistic conservation goals a farmer is trying to achieve.

“This tool will provide the landowner with two options to explore the Conservation Reserve Program,” Evans said. “One will allow landowners to add in their priorities, and the tool will tell them what the best practices are in their county. The second part will have farmers identify their field (Continues on page 27)

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Adam Polinko , an assistant forestry professor, and graduate student Jabryan Pegues, a Potts Camp native who earned a bachelor’s in 2022, use an increment tree borer to estimate tree age.

“Think of your field as an investment portfolio. Some assets or areas are extremely productive; others are much riskier.

Economically targeted conservation allows you to diversify your portfolio by taking that less profitable, risky ground and putting it in a safe bet where you’ll get a consistent return year after year."

~Mark McConnell

Enrolling Land in Conservation Demetrice Evans, a 2001 forest products graduate, has been with the Farm Service Agency for 15 years. He began as a county office trainee then moved through the ranks at the county, state and national levels. He now serves as the chief of Mississippi’s Price Support Division as the first African American to serve in this capacity.

“As with all FSA divisions, the Price Support Division strives to keep farmers and ranchers in business during tough times and provides them with the resources to be successful,” Evans said.

following FSA conservation programs are typically considered by eligible Mississippi producers: •

Grassland CRP Signup helps landowners and operators protect grassland. The program emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity and eligible land containing shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion.

•

General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) protects soil, water quality and wildlife habitat by removing highly erodible or environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production through long-term rental agreements. CRP landowners that have an expiring CRP contract are eligible for the Transition Incentives Program (TIP), in which they can sell or lease longterm to a beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer.

•

Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) allows environmentally sensitive land devoted to certain conservation practices to be enrolled in CRP at any time. Also includes CLEAR30 and Safe Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE).

While the division offers a myriad of loans, disaster-relief assistance, cost-share assistance, indemnity programs and conservation programs, Evans said producers receiving benefits through FSA are required to meet the conservation compliance provisions.

“Conservation compliance requires producers to have a conservation plan approved by USDA if they plant annually tilled crops on highly erodible soil. Compliance also prohibits producers from planting on converted wetlands or converting wetlands for crop production. Non-compliance will affect USDA program benefits.”

Visit www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/ FactSheets/2022/conservation_at_a_glance_22_final.pdf for

a list of conservation programs offered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Evans said the

The Mississippi Forestry Commission also offers programs for landowners. Visit www.mfc.ms.gov/programs/private-landownerservices to learn more.

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As part of work to develop and improve land conservation tools, Austin Himes, an assistant professor of forestry, uses a data logger with soil and climate sensors to track temperatures and moisture change to better understand how climate variables impact planted forests’ ability to mitigate climate change. Project manager Natalie Dearing carries a backpack lidar unit that scans the forest to produce a 3D point cloud of the forest structure to estimate the carbon stored in different parts of the tree.

“We hope a farmer can export their information from our tool right into the MSU Precision Conservation Tool to assess economic tradeoffs based on their real yield data and individual conservation priorities."

~Kristine Evans

boundaries and provide information like cropping history and slope. The tool will then tell them which practices may be best matched to their land.”

She said she hopes both this tool and the MSU Precision Conservation Tool can be tightly integrated.

“We hope a farmer can export their information from our tool right into the MSU Precision Conservation Tool to assess economic tradeoffs based on their real yield data and individual conservation priorities,” she said.

Like McConnell, Evans has a passion for conservation in agricultural landscapes.

“Agricultural conservation has been near and dear to my heart since I was in graduate school and leading a national effort to evaluate bird response to a CRP habitat practice,” Evans said. “It is exciting to be able to take the technology we developed in other regions and expand it to a whole new set of stakeholders in a whole new system.”

While the project is just ramping up, with farmer workshops scheduled in three states this year, Evans said she looks forward to the possibilities.

“Any time I can help deliver good science to the public in a way that can help individuals make smart, strategic decisions is a huge win for me,” she said.

CONSERVATION

IN THE FOREST

Working on the forestry side of the CRP, Austin Himes is evaluating how successful certain conservation practices are in reducing greenhouse gasses in the U.S. The assistant forestry professor is using precision conservation technology to evaluate how forests in the federal CRP can sequester—and store—carbon.

The project, which is halfway through its five-year run, is a nearly $3 million cooperative agreement with the USDA to calibrate the DayCent model, which is used to simulate greenhouse gas fluxes in the atmosphere. MSU, in partnership with Alabama A&M University, will evaluate hardwood and softwood CRP-enrolled tree plantings across eight states: Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois.

“Forests in the Southeast sequester carbon at higher rates than almost anywhere in the country,” Himes explained. “The region also has 86% of the nation’s acreage under CRP tree-planting contracts.”

By collecting a broad sample of field data, the

team will help calibrate, validate and improve on methodologies the USDA uses to estimate how CRP lands mitigate climate change, as well as other wildlife benefits.

Himes said the DayCent model used by the USDA needs this vital information to build on.

“Most of the biomass data for trees comes from public and private forestland that differs from CRP lands in ways that affect productivity and tree growth,” he said. “There is a critical need to calibrate the DayCent model with data specific to CRP tree plantings to accurately estimate and value their climate change mitigation benefits.

“We have a backpack LIDAR we use to scan the area,” Himes said of the laser imaging technology used in the project. “This allows us to recreate the forest structure three-dimensionally and improve biomass estimates and thus get a more accurate picture of carbon stored in these forests.”

The team is also using dendrometers—precision sensors that measure the growth of plants—to measure daily changes in tree diameters and track them through time.

Adam Polinko, an assistant forestry professor, built dendrometers with data loggers using opensource technology for about 10% of the cost of the same technology available on the market. The tool lets researchers see snapshots of changes in the trees several times a day.

“I pieced things together from open-source materials, which excites me because building something useful and affordable from what’s available has value,” he said.

Natalie Dearing, a 2017 forestry graduate and current graduate student in entomology, serves as project manager of the DayCent evaluation research. She collaborates with landowners to secure sites and coordinates equipment installation with the project’s 11 principal investigators.

“I’m enthusiastic about these topics and enjoy working with our team. Diversity and collaboration with different people who bring different perspectives improve the science,” she said.

Himes said the work will go far in providing insight into how CRP forests help mitigate climate change.

“Mississippi leads the nation with more than 400,000 forested CRP acres,” Himes said. “I like to think of CRP as the largest afforestation project in the U.S. because we’ve converted more than 1 million acres into forestland. Understanding the impacts on global greenhouse gases of that shift is important and this research will show us that.” n ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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SUPPORT FOR SUCCESS MSU Disability Resource Center provides extra help to Bulldogs along their academic path

By Carl Smith, Photos by Grace Cockrell & Submitted

S

Members of the Guest family—Marti, Will and Scott—reunited for a football game during the fall semester. Will was encouraged to enroll in Mississippi State’s ACCESS program in 2022 after seeing the outpouring of support provided to his older brother, Thomas, by university faculty and staff after a 2018 allterrain vehicle accident confined the elder Guest brother to a wheelchair.

“We thought if he could get a fourcott and Marti Guest eagerly moved year experience being a normal college kid their youngest son, Will, from their just like his brother did, that’s going to be home in Madison to Mississippi the launch pad to open up his future like State in 2022. As the second Guest child to nothing else,” she added. become a Bulldog, they were well aware of Will is part of the ACCESS program, the countless opportunities and boundless which is housed in the DRC. One of support that awaited. only a handful of its kind in the country, Will is following the path of his brother, ACCESS is a four-year, residential program Thomas, whose experiences at Mississippi that ensures students State sold Scott and “The staff and administration of with intellectual Marti on encouraging or developmental Will to enroll. the Disability Resource Center disabilities receive “We were ready to and ACCESS program are so inclusive academic, push him out of the car phenomenal, and their goal is social, career door,” Marti joked. development and Will, who has the our goal—taking care of our independent living chromosomal disorder child. He’s my kid, not theirs— experiences. The DiGeorge syndrome, and they’re going to love him just goal is to allow these receives academic students to become and overall support as much as I do? To have that gainfully employed and through the MSU feeling as a parent, I was like, live as independently Disability Resource ‘Go get it, Will.’ I feel so safe with as possible upon Center. The Guests completing the knew of this center him there.” ~ Marti Guest program. and its various services “The staff and administration of the through firsthand experience that began Disability Resource Center and ACCESS in 2018 when Thomas was paralyzed in an program are so phenomenal, and their goal all-terrain vehicle accident during his first is our goal—taking care of our child,” Marti semester at State. said. “He’s my kid, not theirs—and they’re While Thomas’ friends and family rallied going to love him just as much as I do? To around him as he recovered, MSU faculty have that feeling as a parent, I was like, ‘Go and staff, led by the DRC, went to work get it, Will.’ I feel so safe with him there.” planning the accommodations that would ensure he experienced as smooth of a transition as possible upon returning to campus.

Every day, MSU faculty and staff “When Thomas said MSU had gone the demonstrate their commitment to creating extra mile—that they made sure he could pathways to success for their students. get in the doors, get to class and had help For Thomas, that commitment yielded taking tests—when he first came back, that a literal path from his fraternity house to meant the world to me. That’s what built the nearby sidewalk and across the street, our family’s trust in MSU,” Marti said. ensuring he could get to class. It also meant “When Will was accepted, it was such a trips across campus, from building to blessing to find that next puzzle piece building, with DRC staff to plot a course in his life. according to his class schedule, as well as

A path to success

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other one-on-one activities and exercises preparing him for his return to MSU. “Mississippi State welcomed me back with open arms and with a plethora of resources to help me start again. It was even down to, ‘You’re going to come up this ramp to this automatic door and hit this button to get in. You’ll go down this hallway to the classroom, and there will be a space for you here,’” Thomas recalled. “I probably called [DRC associate director] Micah White three or four times before the first day back, just nervous with questions, and he was like, ‘We got you.’

“As that first day went along, I remember thinking, ‘This is going to work. I can do it; it’s not impossible,’” he added. “It was so empowering that I felt like I could do anything.”

One successful day turned into a successful week, and that momentum continued through 2021 when Thomas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. A year later, he

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graduated from the South Carolina-based Arrhythmia Technologies Institute, where he studied cardiac rhythm management.

He recently married fellow MSU graduate Emily Rhea and they live in Austin, Texas, where he works in Abbot Laboratories’ cardiac electrophysiology division.

“Mississippi State is one of the most accommodating, caring and nurturing places that I’ve ever experienced,” Thomas said. “They did things to help me grow and pushed me to do things I truly didn’t think I was going to be able to do. Mississippi State has something to offer everyone. They’re going to work with you and figure out a plan.

“The people around you do matter, and I was blessed to have amazing people around me,” he continued. “The folks at the Disability Resource Center were striving to do better for me and everyone else they served. I can assure you, not only could I have not gotten that experience anywhere else, but I could not have gotten through college without what Mississippi State provided.”

Thomas Guest and his wife, fellow MSU graduate Emily Rhea, live in Austin, Texas.

From mapping his daily path to class to guaranteeing access within the classroom, MSU's Disability Resource Center staff worked to ensure Guest's successful return to college life after his 2018 accident.

MSU offers numerous mental health services for students Of the almost 2,000 students served by the Mississippi State Disability Resource Center, many receive supports and accommodations related to non-physical issues—specifically, mental health needs, from anxiety and depression to learning disabilities.

“Since the early days of the pandemic, we’ve seen a sharp increase in students who, because of these mental health issues, have required more absences, assignment extensions and other accommodations to help them out,” said Micha White, DRC associate director.

“We’re always an open door, and we’re willing to help anybody we can.”

Outside of DRC support, MSU has numerous mental health resources and care options students can access: •

Student Counseling Services offers free, confidential services at its physical location in Hathorn Hall and via telehealth.

•

Office of Survivor Support provides comprehensive support and advocacy services to those who have experienced sexual harassment, assault and exploitation; stalking; dating and domestic violence; and other crimes.

•

MSU Psychology Clinic offers a range of services—from individual and group therapies to comprehensive assessments and parent training and education— through the Department of Psychology housed in Magruder Hall.

•

Telus Health Student is an app that provides free, confidential support to students through text and chat with a licensed mental health professional 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also hosts videos and articles about wellbeing topics.

“Mental health concerns have been increasingly prevalent among college-aged students, and Mississippi State has not been immune to the increasing need to provide more mental health services," said Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt, whose office is responsible for many of the university’s mental health-related services and organizations.

“Over the past couple of years we have added a full-time psychiatric nurse practitioner to the Longest Student Health Center’s staff and begun embedding mental health professionals within our academic colleges,” she continued. “Many of our efforts are aimed at de-stigmatizing helpseeking behaviors and encouraging students to invest in their well-being before a mental health crisis happens.”

Additional support can be found at www. counseling.msstate.edu/resources.

A future filled with potential

traveling with the team on away games—I would love to do that. That’s the job I really want to do,” he said. “I still remember when I moved here and that first time of being by Before joining the MSU ACCESS myself at the dorm after everyone left. I felt program, Will said he never saw a possible like, ‘Wow, I’m at State. I’m in college.’ It future in sports videography. Now, as a just shocked me because sophomore, he has experience working "I still remember when I I couldn’t believe I made it. My parents said at WMSV, the MSU moved here and that first God put Thomas on a radio station where he time of being by myself at the pathway for himself but recorded numerous sports-related reports, dorm after everyone left. I his accident put me on a and will audit felt like, ‘Wow, I’m at State. pathway, too.”

During their time broadcast and multiI’m in college.’ It just shocked at State, ACCESS media journalism classes offered by me because I couldn’t believe students take life skills and foundational classes the Department of I made it."~ Will Guest with topics ranging from Communication in the money management to years to come. basic writing. They also audit undergraduate Following completion of the program, courses of their choosing, which allows them Will said he hopes to turn his interest into to study their specific interests. a career.

“You worry about what the ceiling is for “I had so much fun working at the radio your kids and is this or that the best they can station but working at football games and ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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do. Then you realize there’s another option with the ACCESS program,” Scott said.

“To me, that was a big relief, just for Will to have opportunities in the future. You want your children to have as many pathways to choose from as possible and for them to be able to dictate what their potential can be.”

Thomas said encouraging his brother to enroll at MSU “was a no-brainer," especially after his own experience.

“I had the confidence to tell my parents and my brother that MSU is exactly what he needed,” Thomas said. “What MSU did for me was incredibly humbling, and now I’m so proud of the university for what it is doing for my brother."

‘Give it their all’

Located in Montgomery Hall, the DRC serves as the coordinating body for all disability-related services and accommodations approved for Mississippi State students. These assistances depend on the specific needs of the student and can range from extended test-taking times in distraction-reduced environments to housing accommodations and assistive technologies, including screen-reader software and Braille services.

Currently, the office supports almost 2,000 students, most of which have disabilities “that aren’t apparent to others,”

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said Chris Dallager, director of the Disability Resource Center. He said these range from chronic health conditions to cognitive issues.

“We sometimes think of people who have blindness or deafness, or people who use wheelchairs, but that’s only a small percentage of the total number of people that we work with,” he said. “Disability is maybe the most inclusive identity group there is, because everybody can be part of this group at some point in their lives. Some are born into it—a lifelong thing—and some are in and out of it. It’s quite varied and not limited to sex, race or gender.”

Because of the wide-ranging issues encountered by the DRC, staff members develop expertise in many different areas.

“Our staff take great pride in the work they do,” Dallager said. “They come in and give it their all every day. We have people developing programs specific to learning disabilities and specific mental health concerns across the spectrum of needs.

“I think what we’ll see in the coming years in terms of support will be really exciting,” he continued. “The range of support on campus beyond our own office is really helped by our allies within faculty and staff throughout campus. We have so many great allies here, and I’m really proud of them and our staff within the DRC.” n

MSU Disability Resource Center Associate Director Micah White, left, and Director Chris Dallager stand outside of Montgomery Hall, where the DRC is located.

The DRC supports approximately 2,000 Bulldog students who have a wide range of disabilities, from chronic health conditions to cognitive issues.

Mississippi State Libraries Technology and Innovation Director Thomas La Foe, left, assists Rebekah Carruth, a junior philosophy major from Starkville, with the operation of the Swell Form Graphics Machine. Housed in Mitchell Memorial Library’s MaxxSouth Digital Media Center, the new printer creates tactile images for low-vision learners.

Mitchell Memorial Library houses tactile printer for low-vision learners A bit of bumpiness can lead to a smooth learning experience thanks to cutting-edge technology now available at Mississippi State University to aid low-vision learners.

Last year, Mitchell Memorial Library’s MaxxSouth Digital Media Center became home to a Swell Form Graphics Machine, through a $3,000 Ottilie Schillig Special Teaching Project grant and additional support from MSU Libraries and the Disability Resource Center.

The printer creates tactile images from diagrams, graphs or graphics input into the system. Users copy the image they want to create onto a special paper and then run the new copy through the machine. Heat interacts with the black ink and special paper causing the drawings to swell and rise off the paper, creating

an image the user can feel and interpret with their hands.

“This technology can be transformative for students and help their instructors be able to adequately present pictures and graphs to students to help them understand course content,” said Kathleen Thomas, a professor and head of the MSU Department of Finance and Economics who spearheaded the grant application.

After realizing alternative text descriptions of graphs and other visual elements used in her class could be confusing to some, Thomas began researching options to help better present instructional material to students.

A conversation with Michelle McDonnall, director of MSU’s National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, led her to pursue the Swell Form Printer.

As fate would have it, Thomas met low-vision learner Tillman Newton, a senior secondary education major from Vancleave who enrolled in her microeconomics class, after the grant secured the assistive technology.

After experiencing the printer’s benefits, Newton said it “changed the way I’m looking at education and my own career.”

“I plan on using it now with my classes, and I also want to use it in my own future classroom to better my students’ experiences,” Newton said. “Having access to equal opportunities as other students and coworkers is a really great thing.”

The DRC currently assists approximately 40 low-vision learners, but the machine is available for all students and faculty to use.

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Our PEOPLE

ADAPTING TO LIFE’S CURVEBALLS MSU alums answer call to medicine, advocacy while raising sons with cerebral palsy

By James Carskadon Photos by Grace Cockrell & Submitted

W

hen Wade and Carol Shrader were nearing graduation in the early 1990s, the careful planners sat in Mississippi State’s Chapel of Memories to sketch out a life plan in a notebook of engineering paper.

Wade, the soon-to-be aerospace engineering graduate, would work for NASA, pushing the boundaries of space flight. Communication major Carol, editor of The Reflector, would launch a career in journalism. However, like most people in their early 20s, the young couple could never have anticipated life’s curveballs.

“The day that the doctor held up three fingers, several pages were torn from our plan,” Carol recalled of the day she found out she was pregnant with triplets. “We were shocked. Everybody was shocked.

“Soon we had these three babies who were

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born super early. But we still thought we were in charge, somehow,” the Tupelo native said.

As the triplets—two boys and a girl— grew during their first year, developmental delays in the boys became apparent.

Eventually both Benjamin and Mason were diagnosed with cerebral palsy—a diagnosis that would shape the careers and lives of both parents.

Before the triplets were born, Wade was already transitioning from a career at NASA to a career in medicine. He spent 1991-95 working on next generation launch vehicles and projects designed for future missions to the moon and Mars. However, as federal commitment to space programs waned, he sought a different path and enrolled in medical school at the University of Chicago. The Pontotoc native trained to be an orthopedic surgeon, thinking he would

primarily focus on joint replacements or sports medicine.

Following his sons’ diagnosis, Wade once again altered his path, shifting his focus to an area that could impact children with disabilities–pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Wade’s career in pediatric orthopedic surgery has included stops in Phoenix and at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. While at UMMC, another curveball came Wade’s way when he was asked to lead the Cerebral Palsy Center at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, one of the country’s leading cerebral palsy research and treatment centers.

“This is a big stage where we can do a lot of research and outreach to impact as many people as we can,” Wade said. “But it’s a very personal thing for me. My whole practice is about taking care of kids with cerebral palsy,

While they initially planned on careers as a journalist and aerospace engineer, respectively, Carol and Wade Shrader embarked on a journey that led them to positions advocating for and treating people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy. spina bifida and other disabilities.

“I always try to convey to patients and their families that we know what they are going through,” he continued, “We try to provide support to the families because I know how hard it was for us to go through those things, and we really want to do everything we can to make it easier for them.”

Nemours has a program for training residents and fellows who will go on to be leaders in cerebral palsy treatment in their region. There is also a program for surgeons from around the world. Wade recently performed a surgery that was broadcast to more than 6,000 viewers around the world to help demonstrate proper technique.

“I felt a lot of pressure doing a live surgery with 6,000 people watching,” Wade said. “But that’s the challenge – to try to uphold the standards we would want for

own kids. I try to keep those standards in the research and treatment that we do.”

LEARNING TO EMBRACE DIFFERENT EXPECTATIONS

In the years immediately following her sons’ cerebral palsy diagnosis, Carol said she had to learn to stop putting her own expectations on children who were ultimately going to have lives that looked very different from what she experienced.

For instance, when Benjamin was 5, he struggled to use a walker. His mother and physical therapists worked diligently toward the goal of having him walk. He, however, really wanted to talk.

“Benjamin’s guiding star was that he wanted to be able to talk, debate and argue, but in pushing him to walk, I had made him too exhausted to talk,” Carol said. “The day

"My whole practice is about taking care of kids with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other disabilities. I always try to convey to patients and their families that we know what they are going through. We try to provide support to the families because I know how hard it was for us to go through those things, and we really want to do everything we can to make it easier for them to go through it." ~ Wade Shrader

he realized he could roll and stay with his friends and talk their ears off at the same time, it was life changing for him.

“I had to take my ideas of what was perfect and remove them so he could be himself,” she continued. “That’s hard for parents, and I think that’s true whether your child has a disability or not. Frankly, we have to get out of the way and let their own North Star guide them.”

Later, Mason pushed Carol out of her comfort zone as he encouraged her to create a blog about her experience raising sons with cerebral palsy. With a background in journalism and public relations, she was used to sharing stories. Still, she said she was hesitant to share her family’s experiences in such a public forum.

Ultimately, and with her family’s support, she created the online presence to share their ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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Our PEOPLE

The CDC estimates that approximately 1 in 345 children has cerebral palsy, the most common motor disability of childhood.

Despite multiple moves across the country, the Shraders and their children have remained strong Bulldog supporters.

Pictured, from left, are Mason, Claire, Carol, Wade, Benjamin and Cate Shrader.

triumphs and struggles as a way of helping other parents who were raising children with disabilities. The experience of sharing her story helps her now to advocate for others as the policy director for the Delaware State Council for Persons with Disabilities.

TURNING DIFFERENCES INTO SUCCESS

Now adults, Benjamin and Mason have carved their own paths. Benjamin is a magna cum laude graduate of Belhaven University, with a degree in theater and a minor in political science. Now in his mid-20s, he is an advocate for people with disabilities and a public speaker. Mason, who developed an interest in archaeology, just began a doctoral program at Brown University where he is studying disability in the ancient world. They also influenced the path of fellow triplet, Claire, who graduated from occupational therapy school last year and now works with children who

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have cerebral palsy. The career path for the Shraders’ youngest daughter, 17-year-old Cate, remains to be determined.

Even though they live in Delaware, the Shraders still make regular trips to Starkville to watch Bulldog football and baseball. The life plans that Carol and Wade sketched out in the Chapel of Memories three decades ago may not have held up, but, like the hitters they enjoy watching at Dudy Noble, they have learned how to adapt to a curveball, all while helping others find hope in some of life’s most challenging situations.

“I always try to encourage parents to focus on the hope of their child and family,” Wade said. “We’re all different as human beings, and sometimes that difference is in our disabilities.

We should celebrate those differences and learn from one another," he continued.

"There’s always hope. For any parent going through it, I always encourage them to focus on that rather than some of the struggles.” n

“I had to take my ideas of what was perfect and remove them so he could be himself.

That’s hard for parents, and I think that’s true whether your child has a disability or not.

Frankly, we have to get out of the way and let their own North Star guide them.” ~ Carol Shrader

MSU Spirit Squad auditions are now invitation-only with invitations earned through participation in on-campus clinics.

WHO DAT?

MSU alumna merges career, ‘Saint’hood to feed lifelong passions

By Emily Cambre, Photos Submitted

W

hile growing up, Alexis Moran knew she wanted to have a positive impact on her community. So, when she came to Mississippi State in 2014, the question wasn’t what she wanted to accomplish in her career, but how she would achieve her goal.

A native of Vancleave, Moran showcased a talent for dance as part of competitive performance teams throughout her adolescence. She also enjoyed being a cheerleader for her middle and high schools. Academically, she showed an aptitude for STEM—science, technology, engineering and math.

"I have such a strong passion for both dance and fostering a sustainable world that I need both in my life.” ~ Alexis Moran On the surface, those interests seem miles apart, but Moran has found a way to merge the two into a fulfilling, community-minded life.

“I feel like no one has it 100% figured out what they want to do for the rest of their life,” Moran, an MSU civil engineering graduate, said. “But I have such a strong passion for both dance and fostering a sustainable world that I need both in my life.”

Now 27 years old, Moran works as an environmental engineer with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. As part of the company’s infrastructure and sustainability department, she helps improve the shipyard environment for employees while lessening the environmental impact of the shipyard on the surrounding communities.

“One of the aspects I deeply appreciate about sustainability is its long-term vision,” Moran said. “By conserving resources now, we’re ensuring the company’s longevity and its success long after I retire.”

Moran’s work to leave a lasting impact on her surroundings doesn’t end when she clocks out for the week—it just takes on a different meaning. On fall weekends when she leaves the shipyard, she dons the black and gold of the New Orleans Saints and energizes their fanbase as part of the team’s official Cheer Krewe.

Moran said she is grateful she followed her heart and pursued both her passion for dance and her passion for the ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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Our PEOPLE environment while at Mississippi State because that educational journey led her to where she is now.

“I was always very interested in how bridges are made, how roadways are designed and how buildings are constructed,” Moran explained. “I had the privilege to meet with Dr. (Dennis) Truax, who was head of the civil engineering department at the time, and Dr. (Seamus) Freyne. Their influence and guidance in the field made me gravitate toward a focus on environmental engineering.”

With her academic path settled, Moran then focused on bringing dance back into her life.

“I made the dance team my sophomore year," Moran said.

"Dancing in Davis Wade Stadium was the experience of a lifetime. I’ll never forget it, and I even get a little bit emotional talking about all of the amazing experiences with the team because it left such a lasting impact on my life.”

"Promoting sustainability in the shipbuilding process involves incorporating eco-friendly practices in the construction process and ensuring the ships themselves have minimal environmental impact during their operation." ~ Alexis Moran Outside of studying, dancing and participating in the MSU Student Association, Moran also found time for an internship with her now full-time employer. She interned with the company for two summers, gaining hands-on experience in environmental engineering and learning about the impact sustainability can have on the state.

“Having grown up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I value the health of our environment as it directly impacts the economic well-being of our coastal communities,” she said. “Promoting sustainability in the shipbuilding process involves incorporating eco-friendly practices in the construction process and ensuring the ships themselves have minimal environmental impact during their operation.”

With this in mind, Moran didn’t hesitate to accept a fulltime job offer from Ingalls following her graduation in 2019. It didn’t hurt that the company’s proximity to New Orleans made it possible for her to audition for an NFL cheer squad.

“During my time off from dance, I realized how much I missed it. I truly wasn’t ready to stop performing. I’ve loved to entertain since I was a little girl,” Moran said.

This year marks her fifth football season with the Saints, but Moran said she enjoys it as much as she did her first time on the field at the Caesars Superdome. Through her role on the cheer squad, she not only hypes up the crowd during games, but she also makes appearances with the group to help create a feeling of community for Saints fans and give the people of New Orleans something to look forward to on Sundays in the fall.

“I love what I do, both as a cheerleader and in protecting the environment,” Moran said. “I love that one day, my future kids and grandkids will be able to see the road I took to make my dreams come true and find their own path to a successful future.” n

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‘A CONVERSATION WITH MYSELF’ MSU POET USES WRITTEN WORD TO REFLECT ON LIFE

By Susan Lassetter Photos by Grace Cockrell

A

sk Saddiq Dzukogi how he landed at Mississippi State University, and he’ll laughingly explain how he came for the catfish but stayed for the crawfish.

The theme of the joke is pretty common among non-native Mississippians who know firsthand how Southern food can ensnare a person’s soul. But the quip belies the triumphs, challenges and tragedies that led to Dzukogi, a native of Minna, Nigeria, becoming a published poet teaching at an American university.

Despite being the son of published authors, Dzukogi didn’t learn to read until he was about 11 years old–not due to a lack of interest or intellect, he explained, but because no one seemed to realize he couldn’t.

“My father is very community minded.

He’s very focused on other people’s kids and, for a minute, he forgot about me,” Dzukogi said. “Once I started learning, it only took

me about six months to learn. Then, like any new skill, you want to showcase it. I read everything I could. Even in the bathroom, I would just read the labels of beauty products and soap.

“Then I challenged myself,” he continued.

“I wasn’t just going to read. I was going to write.”

Within a year of learning to read, Dzukogi said he began writing stories—ones he made up and others recreating tales he heard from his grandmother. Eventually, his work made it into a weekly children’s newspaper distributed across the country.

“It was really payback for the people who laughed at me for not being able to read,” Dzukogi recalled. “They couldn’t believe that this person who couldn’t read yesterday was now being published.”

Dzukogi said writing became—and still is—his preferred way of interacting with

the world due, in part, to his struggles with social anxiety.

“Writing allowed me to be myself and create a world where I was comfortable. I could literally have a conversation with myself and reflect,” Dzukogi said. “That’s something I still value because right now the world is full of so much noise that no one is listening; they’re just talking. Writing gives me space and allows me to take a step back to see and think and contend with where I stand in the world.”

While writing came somewhat naturally to Dzukogi, he focused his studies on science upon entering high school. At the time, he said he saw writing as only a hobby. By the time he decided he wanted to pursue language professionally, he was not allowed to major in English in college because his preliminary work was in science-related fields.

“I decided to find something I could major in that would be close to English,” Dzukogi ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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Our PEOPLE said. “That ended up being mass communication, and I found that I liked it.”

Dzukogi earned his degree from Ahmadu Bello University and began working as a journalist. After several years though, it wasn’t exactly what he wanted. He worked his way through various jobs, including teaching, and eventually joined an agency that sets up libraries and creative writing centers. This path seemed to help feed his love of language and poetry, which he said was still a “hobby taken too seriously.”

He was happy until fatherhood changed his perspective.

“IT’S A HARD THING TO TALK ABOUT, BUT I’VE MADE IT INTO AN ART PIECE, AND RIGHT NOW THAT’S THE ONLY WAY SHE’S PRESENT IN THE WORLD.” ~ SADDIQ DZUKOGI “I began to feel like I was losing myself,” Dzukogi said. “Then one day, I looked at my daughter, and she looked so innocent. I knew I wanted to give her a better life. I just wanted to be better for her so that the world would be better for her. I started to think again about trying to do poetry seriously and what I could do to advance myself. I decided maybe I should go back to school.”

Around that time, Dzukogi was published through the African Poetry Book Fund, a University of Nebraska foundation that publishes African poets each year. Through that experience, he was encouraged to apply to fine art graduate programs in America. He completed the process and was accepted at multiple universities.

Then, six months before the family moved to the U.S., Dzukogi’s daughter Baha—his motivation for pursuing a life in America—died 21 days after her first birthday.

“We still do not have clarity about what happened,” Dzukogi explained. “She fell sick while I was writing my materials for the applications. We took her to the hospital, but she passed quickly. We suspect it was some kind of infection.

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U.S. News and World Report says more than 520 languages are spoken in Nigeria, with English being the official tongue and Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo listed as major regional languages.

“We came here without her, but I feel like part of the reason she came into the world was to put all of this in motion,” he said.

Coping with Baha’s death became the inspiration behind Dzukogi’s book of poetry “Your Crib, My Qibla,” published while he pursued a doctoral degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The poetry collection, whose title refers to his daughter’s place of rest and the direction Muslims face while in prayer, has earned numerous awards and was shortlisted for the Nigeria Prize for Literature. It was also selected as one of Oprah Daily’s 29 best poetry books for 2021 and one of the Africa Centre’s 50 notable African books in the same year.

But for Dzukogi, the collection’s most important role is helping immortalize the life of his daughter.

“It’s a hard thing to talk about, but I’ve made it into an art piece, and right now that’s the only way she’s present in the world,” Dzukogi said. “When I was writing it, I wasn’t thinking of it as art. I just wanted a way to deal with the grief, and that has always been how I handle emotions. So, every day I would write poems to try to understand the emptiness that was roosting in my heart.”

Now an assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of English, Dzukogi helps students use the written word to process

their emotions, interact with the world and communicate their ideas.

As a polyglot who speaks four languages, Dzukogi is well positioned to help students appreciate how putting their thoughts into words can give them a better understanding of themselves.

“I’m multilingual, and I’ve recently come to realize that the different languages reflect different parts of me,” Dzukogi explained.

“For example, the language of my intellect— English—is different from the language of my dreams—Hausa—which is different from the language of my spirituality and how I talk to God, which is Arabic.”

By helping students process their thoughts and surroundings through written language, Dzukogi said he feels he is helping prepare them for the real world.

“It’s brutal out there, and you have to be able to present your ideas and the way you think about the world in a way that is nuanced and rigorous,” he explained. “I like to think of my classes as workshops where learning and practice can happen to build their critical thinking skills in preparation for the outside world.”

In addition to teaching classes, Dzukogi continues to work on his poetry and growing his body of published work. While he still uses it to process his interactions with the world, he is also exploring ways to use his art

Put it in Writing

As a professor of English and co-director of Mississippi State’s creative writing program, Catherine Pierce helps students master the written word. As Poet Laureate for the State of Mississippi, she advocates for the literary arts.

However, she says one does not have to be an English major or aspiring author to appreciate the potential of written expression.

“Writing can be a powerful tool for processing our lives and staying attuned to the world around us,” Pierce said.

She recommends keeping a small notebook or writing app handy for jotting down thoughts, feelings or observations.

Pierce offers the following prompts for anyone interested in using writing to process their life or explore their creativity.

“Any time we put pen to paper or thumbs to touchscreen, in service of thoughtful writing, we’re living in the world more deeply,” Pierce explained. “Explore the possibilities and find what works best for you.”

to help reestablish some of the oral history of native Nigerian cultures lost during colonization—like the traditional Hausa stories his grandmother told him that he later put to paper after learning to read.

“There have been a lot of writers who have written in Hausa, but then the British came, and there was an erosion of cultural tradition that happened,” he explained. “Now, there’s a lot of debate about what Nigerian poetry is, but I feel like I have found a unique voice that pulls influences from around the world while also relying on my culture and where I come from.”

Dzukogi said he’s proud to be part of redefining what Nigerian literature is, especially for his three living children who were born in America.

“I never thought what it would mean for my children to not be born in Nigeria,” Dzukogi said, noting that he and his wife ensure the children know of their Nigerian heritage, including the language and food.

And while his world looks very different from when he was 11 years old—struggling with anxiety and being left behind by his peers—Dzukogi says he is happy with where he is.

“The world—it’s the total aggregate of your joy and your sadness, and I feel pretty confident to say I’m happy even through everything that has happened to me,” he said. n

Write down one concrete image before bed each night—something noticed throughout the day. Be descriptive. This daily practice helps strengthen powers of observation and provide a record of life’s small moments.

Try writing a question poem. Without worrying about the answers, make a list of all the things you don’t understand. Sometimes simply writing out the questions can help us live with the unknown.

Center yourself through focused free-writing.

Set a timer for 15 minutes, then begin writing by describing an object from nature in great detail. At any point, veer off into tangents, memories and associations related to the object. Follow your thoughts wherever they lead until the timer goes off.

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EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE Traveling Bulldog 2024 Trips 42 WINT ER 2023

The MSU Alumni Association annually sponsors trips across the globe through the Traveling Bulldogs program. Itineraries are booked through 2024. Explore our website for more details at alumni.msstate.edu/travel or contact the Alumni Association at 662.325.7000.

Booking Trips for 2024* JANUARY Moroccan Discovery

JULY Baltic Sea Beauty

Tahitian Legends

Cape Cod & the Islands

Wonders of Australia and New Zealand

Normady, France – Honoring the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

FEBRUARY Amazon River Expedition Cuba Discovery

Discover the Canadian Rockies by Rail

Iceland and the Northern Lights

AUGUST African Expedition

by Private Train

Tanzania Safari During the Great Migration

Provence | Featuring Art, Cuisine & Wine

MARCH Discover Egypt and the Nile Valley

SEPTEMBER Delightful Douro in Lisbon

Hawaii Three Island Adventure Portrait of Italy APRIL Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast Enchanting Ireland Experience the Victory Land of the Rising Sun The Masters MAY America's Southwest: A Train Adventure Ancient Greece Flavors of Tuscany JUNE Easy Company Great European Journey Historical Baseball

Scan Me

In the Path of Cartier Norther Lights & Wildlife of Northern Manitoba The Mighty Eighth in England Village Life France OCTOBER Albuquerque Balloon Festival Death Valley, Yosemite, and the Great Parks of California Flavors of Provence

by Luxury River Ship Journey Through Vietnam Swiss Alps & the Italian Lakes Victory in the Pacific: Japan and Okinawa NOVEMBER Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Renaissance Triumphs DECEMBER Battle of the Bulge

*All trips and dates are subject to change. Visit our website for the most current information.

Holiday Markets Cruise: The Festive Rhine River Montréal & Québec City Christmas Markets ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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ALUMNI News

HONORING

E X C E L L E N C E Mississippi State University’s Alumni Fellows Program Mississippi State University has welcomed a new group of distinguished Bulldogs into its prestigious Alumni Fellows program. Sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association and the university’s eight academic colleges, it recognizes alumni who have excelled in their respective careers. Selected by each academic college, these accomplished individuals are invited back to campus to engage with current students.

The Alumni Fellows program has played a significant role in enhancing the educational experience at MSU by connecting students with successful alumni who offer practical insights and expertise from their professional journeys. These individuals willingly share valuable advice on the skills and mindset required for success. The program serves as

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a platform that combines the experiences of professionals, the curiosity of students and the expertise of faculty members.

“The Alumni Association is pleased to welcome back distinguished alumni from each of our university’s academic colleges to share their experiences with our students. Since its establishment in 1989, nearly 300 alumni have participated, and their impact on our students has been notable,” said Jeff Davis, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association.

The legacy of the Alumni Fellows program is the lifelong recognition granted to its honorees, further amplifying the spirit and pride of MSU’s extensive alumni network, which comprises over 161,000 individuals worldwide. This year’s distinguished honorees include:

JAY WILEMAN

Bagley College of Engineering Jay Wileman of Wilmington, North Carolina, is a prominent figure in the engineering domain and serves as president and CEO at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. Born in Downey, California, but having grown up in Gattman, Wileman embarked on his educational journey at MSU after being captivated by nuclear engineering during his senior year of high school. He graduated in 1987 and has since carved a distinguished career path.

Before his appointment in 2015, Wileman held various pivotal roles within GE. Notably, in 2009, he led GE Energy in sub-Saharan Africa, spearheading oil, gas, power generation and grid modernization projects. Throughout his 29-year tenure with GE, he’s navigated diverse leadership positions in the U.S., Japan, Italy, Australia and South Africa, initially starting as a nuclear fuel engineer at Southern Nuclear.

Wileman’s MSU connection extends beyond his student years. A 2007 Bagley College of Engineering Distinguished Fellow, he’s been instrumental in supporting scholarships, notably the Winfred and Joyce Wileman Family Legacy Scholarship.

Furthermore, Wileman actively champions recruiting initiatives for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, emphasizing MSU talent, and routinely organizes MSU BCoE alumni meetings in Wilmington.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Wileman is entrenched in community service. He has furthered STEM outreach through GE Hitachi Nuclear and has chaired the United Way campaign committee and American Heart Association Heart Walk.

Wileman and his wife, married for 34 years, are parents of three daughters and have two granddaughters.

DENNIS REGINELLI

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dennis Reginelli of Starkville grew up on his family farm in Shaw, where he learned about crops from his father and horticulture from his

mother. His parents played a crucial role in his decision to pursue a degree in agriculture at Mississippi State.

Reginelli is a three-time MSU alumnus, earning 1982 bachelor’s and 1989 master’s degrees, both in agronomy. He went on to earn a 1993 doctoral degree in seed technology.

During his career with MSU Extension, Reginelli held various roles, including area Extension agent for agronomic crops, in which he contributed to program development for several counties. He also served as a regional Extension specialist, showcasing his skills in agronomic program execution and leadership.

From 2007-12, he was the county director/ area Extension agent, providing exceptional leadership in county Extension education focused on agriculture, natural resources and 4-H youth development.

Reginelli’s experiences include serving as a county agricultural agent in Noxubee County, where he specialized in crops such as cotton, wheat, soybean and corn, and as a research assistant in agronomy at various MSU research stations.

Although he retired from MSU in 2019, Reginelli continues contributing to agriculture.

He is currently the executive director of the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board, demonstrating his constant commitment to agronomy and agriculture in the state. He also has made significant contributions to agronomy science and practice and has been a source of leadership and inspiration to the Mississippi agricultural community.

In 2020, Reginelli and his wife established the Dennis and Deborah Reginelli Endowed Scholarship in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

WILL BRYANT

College of Architecture, Art and Design Will Bryant, a native of Texarkana, Texas, who now resides in Austin, is not only an artist, designer and illustrator— he is a powerhouse of creative versatility. The dedicated MSU alumnus graduated from the College of Architecture, Art and Design in 2008, setting his path to becoming an influential figure in contemporary art.

His academic excellence didn’t stop there.

Pursuing further education, Bryant earned

a Master of Fine Arts in contemporary art practice from Portland State University in 2013. His professional journey includes collaborations with globally renowned brands, including Adidas, American Express, Google, Nike, the University of Texas and the White House.

Beyond his commercial success, Bryant’s commitment to the arts is evident through his service on the board of SAGE Studio, which provides artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities the necessary resources to showcase their talents, as well as through his role as creative director of Breakfast Club, a bicycling and breakfast group.

Bryant’s MSU connection remains strong, and he has been a guest lecturer and juror for the Department of Art. His consistent contributions and mentorship are a testament to his dedication to fostering the next generation of artists.

Bryant is married to his childhood sweetheart, Sally, and they are the parents Polly and James, with whom he shares his passion for creativity, from building with Legos to crafting art.

WHITE GAN JEE

College of Arts and Sciences White Gan Jee, a distinguished MSU chemistry graduate of 1974, hails from Tutwiler in the Mississippi Delta and resides in Sugar Land, Texas, where he runs JEE Consulting Services LLC. Born in Clarksdale, Jee’s educational journey began under the strong influence of his grandparents and parents, immigrants from China in the 1940s, who emphasized the significance of higher education. Upholding a tradition of family members attending MSU, Jee has become an integral part of the university community.

While at MSU, he was involved in Army ROTC, completing four years and later serving as active duty, eventually honorably discharged as a captain from the Army Reserves. He was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, a freshman honor society, and The Lucky Eleven, a Chinese-American social organization.

Post-MSU, Jee furthered his education, obtaining an MBA in industrial management from the University of Houston. Throughout ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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ALUMNI News his career, which spans over 40 years, he’s been associated with industry giants such as Dow Chemical, INEOS Olefins & Polymers, and Sasol Chemicals. Recognized for his contributions, Jee received the American Society for Testing and Materials Award of Merit and holds the honorary title of Fellow for his service in Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems.

Beyond his professional life, Jee is rooted in community service. He’s a Gold Level Donor to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and a legacy participant in the annual Aramco Houston half-marathon.

Recently, Jee has shown immense support for MSU’s Department of Chemistry, donating resources and actively mentoring professors and students. Stepping into the esteemed role of Alumni Fellow for the College of Arts and Sciences, Jee expressed he is grateful to the MSU community and remains committed to championing its values.

BENJI NELSON

College of Business Benji Nelson, a native of Canton and current resident of Madison, spent his formative years in the 1970s at the Live Oaks Golf Club in Jackson.

There, he developed a profound love for the sport under his father’s influence as a golf professional and part-owner of the club. Living behind the 14th green, the course was his playground. A 1988 Clinton High School graduate, he and his wife Lauren have been married 30 years and have two children. Their son Benjamin, a distinguished MSU golfer, is a two-time MSU graduate, and daughter Mary Grace is currently part of MSU’s Shackouls Honors College working toward a degree in political science.

As a dedicated Bulldog, Nelson’s decision to enroll at MSU in 1988 was unsurprising, further influenced by a recruitment offer to join the men’s golf team. He left his mark on the golfing world during his competitive playing career. He played in the 1991 NCAA Championship finals at the iconic Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach and clinched the title at the 1995 Mississippi Golf Association State Amateur Championship. Beyond golf, his campus

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life was enriched as a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Academically, he pursued a marketing major, graduating in 1992. He was an active M-Club member both while at MSU and as an alumnus. He actively contributes to the university, serving on multiple boards, including the Bulldog Club and the College of Business Executive Advisory Board.

Nelson said his wife—his college sweetheart—remains his “rock,” and other friendships forged at MSU are the bedrock of his professional network. Guided by his father’s legacy in golf, Nelson ventured into the world of golf cars. His professional journey led him to E-Z-GO Golf Cars, culminating in co-establishing Ben Nelson Golf & Utility Vehicles, a flourishing business with retail locations in three states and a committed workforce of 50 people. Over the years, Nelson has been recognized for his contributions to the golf community, notably as president of the Mississippi Golf Association and Annandale Golf Club. He’s a dedicated supporter of the First Tee of Central Mississippi, among other local charities.

JOSEPH L. LOVIZA

College of Education

Joseph L. Loviza has a storied legacy of service and leadership.

Born in Vicksburg, he began his academic journey at St. Aloysius High School, graduating in 1958. He secured degrees in education from Hinds Community College in 1960 and MSU in 1967, followed by a master’s in 1971 and specialist degree in 1975.

Loviza is a U.S. Navy veteran, with tours in both Vietnam and Cuba, notably as a petty officer aboard the USS Mitscher.

Upon returning to his hometown, he carved a path in education and civic leadership.

From 1963-73, he held the role of VoTech director for Vicksburg Schools. His commitment to education persisted as he transitioned to serve as dean at Hinds Community College from 1973-93.

His civic engagement is highlighted by a term as Vicksburg mayor from 199397. Beyond these duties, Loviza has made substantial contributions across various community boards, from the Vicksburg Lions Club to serving as a Vicksburg Warren

School District trustee. His tenure has included leadership positions with the local historical society, chamber of commerce, and Warren County Parks and Recreation Commission.

A member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Loviza also is associated with the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, and has affiliations with organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Loviza and his wife, Gail Helgasoh, have three children.

JIM INGLIS

College of Forest Resources Hailing from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Jim Inglis embodies dedication to the environment and wildlife conservation. Growing up on a dairy farm in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, Inglis’s fascination with hunting, natural resources and agriculture was nurtured, eventually leading him to pursue higher education.

He earned an undergraduate degree from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University and deepened his expertise with a master’s in wildlife management from Mississippi State. It was at MSU that Professor George Hurst, known for his iconic wild turkey research, influenced Inglis’s academic trajectory. He later collaborated closely with current College of Forest Resources Dean Wes Burger, acquiring insights into Farm Bill conservation programs and private lands management for wildlife.

Today, Inglis is the director of government affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. A committed 22-year veteran of Quail Forever, also known as “The Habitat Organization,” he amplifies the group’s state and national advocacy endeavors. His diverse roles, ranging from chapter volunteer to government affairs representative, have poised him for success in his current leadership capacity.

Inglis’s commitment to wildlife and habitat conservation reverberates outside his primary role. Notably, he was recently inducted as a professional member of the prestigious Boone and Crockett Club.

He also serves on the American Wildlife Conservation Partners steering committee, elected by his peers and illustrating his industry-wide respect.

Beyond his professional commitments, Inglis enjoys life in Ohio with his wife, Miranda, their two sons, Nash and Kade, and the family’s bird dogs. He remains an active community volunteer, assisting local farmers and landowners with implementing conservation practices, hosting youth events and sharing his love for hunting and conservation that has only intensified over the years.

DR. JOHN REHAK

College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. John Rehak of Mobile, Alabama, boasts over two decades in the animal health industry. Before his esteemed tenure with Merck Animal Health, he received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Loyola University, Maryland, then obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He then earned an MBA focusing on finance from Tulane University.

Upon launching his professional journey, Rehak melded clinical practice with business acumen. He rendered his services in small animal medicine in a New Orleans-based private practice. Progressing through the industry ranks, he took on multifaceted roles, navigating marketing, brand and product management, technical services, sales training and technical marketing.

Rehak’s commitment to the veterinary field isn’t limited to corporate contributions.

He actively offers his knowledge and experience as a member of the curriculum advisory committee for MSU’s Veterinary Technology Program. Areas of professional interest to him span dermatology, parasitology, veterinary business, and the intersections of economics and marketing.

Outside the professional sphere, Rehak, alongside his wife, Jennifer, enjoys life in Mobile with their three rescue dogs and a bird. A man of diverse interests, he enjoys inshore saltwater fishing, biking and reading.

He also has a penchant for collecting firstedition books.

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ALUMNI News

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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Mississippi State University The MSU Alumni Association enjoyed welcoming alumni and friends back “home” one last time to the Hunter Henry Center for the Official Alumni Tailgate this football season. To all of those who stopped by to visit and be a part of this special gameday tradition, we look forward to seeing you next year at The Mill!

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ALUMNI News

Alumni Delegates Fifty-one MSU students are the 2022-23 members of the Alumni Association’s liaison organization, the Alumni Delegates. Chosen from nearly 300 applicants, this year’s group includes 21 returning and 30 new members.

National Board of Directors The MSU Alumni Association national board of directors gathered on campus in October at the Hunter Henry Center for its fall meeting. Board members in attendance included – Front Row, L to R: Mary Ann Latham, Adrienne Morris, Paige Roper, John Shappley, President Terri Russell, Celeste Carty, Vice President Lynn Burwell, Dwanda Moore, Taylor Flowers, Jonathan Jackson, Stephen Woo, Janelle Adams, and Dave Dickson; Back Row, L to R: Tony James, Will Bowlin, Patrick White, Josh Thompson, J.P. Walker, Strat Karatassos, Mike Criswell, Ron Black, National Treasurer Riley Nelson, Jason Corey, Brad Garrison, and Executive Director Jeff Davis.

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Former National Presidents Former National Presidents of the MSU Alumni Association gathered in the Hunter Henry Center’s lobby as part of Former National Presidents Day, in September. The group is collectively recognized biennially for its loyal service. Those former national presidents in attendance included – Front Row, L to R: Camille Scales Young, Charles Cascio, Jackie Ford, Walter Becker, Jr., Steve Taylor, Former National Presidents Endowed Scholarship recipient Kennedy Kattawar, Allen Maxwell, B.B. Hosch, and current National President Terri Russell; Back Row, L to R: Jerry Toney, David Jones, Tommy Roberson, Clay McWilliams, Patrick White, Ronnie Walton, Karen Lawler, Joe Bryan, Gary Blair, Ron Black, and Executive Director Jeff Davis.

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GIVING Back

Transitioning Legacies HUNTER HENRY CENTER'S FOCUS SHIFTS AS MSU’S DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT AND A L U M N I E M B R A C E T H E M I L L AT M S U After more than two decades in the Hunter Henry Center, the Mississippi State University Division of Development and Alumni is moving to a new location. The organization is relocating from the modern structure it has called home since 2002 to a historic landmark that has served Starkville and the MSU community for more than a century. Following an acquisition that was finalized earlier this year and months of meticulous preparation, the division will move into The Mill at MSU in early 2024.

LOOKING BACK

The Mississippi State Alumni Association and MSU Foundation, which constitute the Division of Development and Alumni, have occupied a number of buildings on campus throughout the years. Although the Alumni Association originated in 1885, it did not have its own facility until 1954 when the university’s first Alumni and Student Building was completed. The building was later named the Williams Alumni House in honor of late alumnus and longtime executive secretary to the association, Bob Williams.

The MSU Foundation, established in 1962, began in two small rooms in Lee Hall, which served as the primary administrative building on campus at the time. In 1966, the Foundation was relocated to the Colvard Union upon completion of that facility, where it remained for nearly two decades.

In 1985, the Foundation joined the Alumni Association in the newly named and renovated Butler-Williams Building. The move was made possible through a generous

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gift from alumnus Eugene Butler, whose investment allowed for the renovation of the former Williams Alumni House and the addition of the adjoining Butler Guest House.

As the new millennium approached, the university experienced momentous growth. The pressure for additional space to accommodate and serve a rapidly growing alumni base and progressive fundraising endeavors was distinct. Seeing the evident opportunity, Hunter Henry Jr. seized it.

VISIONARY LEADER

A native of Canton, Henry graduated from then-Mississippi State College with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering in 1950 and joined the Texas Division of Dow Chemical Company the following year.

In 1962, he journeyed to the Netherlands, where he served as project manager for the initial engineering and construction of Dow’s Terneuzen complex. Throughout his career, Henry assumed progressive leadership roles within the company that spanned multiple states and countries.

Named to the board of directors of the Dow Chemical Company in 1979, he later assumed responsibility for all non-U.S. operations and global manufacturing for Dow as an executive vice president. Henry retired from the company in 1993 after 42 years of service.

Beyond his career, Henry was a loyal alumnus who devoted his time and support to MSU over the years. He was a charter member of the MSU Chemical Engineering Hall of Fame and longtime servant of both the MSU Foundation’s board of director and Bagley

College of Engineering’s advisory board.

Henry and his wife Lila, a 1951 graduate of Southern Methodist University, also made significant financial gifts to the university.

The San Marco, Texas, couple invested in areas across campus, with a special focus on scholarship and faculty support—both of which directly impact student success. They established the Henry Endowed Fund for Engineering, an endowed chair position and lecture series in chemical engineering, and multiple scholarship awards, including the Lila and Hunter Henry Presidential Endowed Scholarship, which have collectively benefited nearly 300 MSU students to date.

In 2000, Henry expanded his giving to a significant brick and mortar project that would forever change the physical and figurative landscapes of the university. The $3 million cornerstone commitment he and Lila funded the construction of the Hunter Henry Center—MSU’s first facility built specifically to house the MSU Foundation and Alumni Association.

A PLACE OF OUR OWN

The sweeping, 41,000-square-foot stainless steel, granite and glass structure opened in 2002. Built entirely on the strength of private gifts, it housed office spaces for the two interlocking units and featured a multipurpose ballroom, meeting rooms and a large donor recognition area. The exterior of the building is easily recognized by the unique modern design and distinctive, towering 80-foot spire.

“The Hunter Henry Center accomplished all we wanted it to,” said Dennis Prescott, former vice president of the division who

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BUTLER–WILLIAMS BUILDING

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HUNTER HENRY CENTER

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T H E M I L L AT M S U

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GIVING Back

The 41,000-square-foot building, located at the intersection of Hunter Henry Blvd. and Barr Ave., was built completely on the strength of private gifts.

It was designed by Foil Wyatt Architects of Jackson and constructed by JESCO Inc. of Fulton. The late Hunter W. Henry Jr. is pictured at right with his late wife Lila.

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sought and oversaw the development of the center. “It elevated the profile of the division tremendously and is a true testament to the success that has taken place within its walls over the years.”

Prescott said the ballroom and meeting spaces were an important part of the construction project as they met a variety of existing needs on campus and across the community. As a result, the Hunter Henry Center has hosted a multitude of different types of events since opening its doors to the public. Proudly serving the university and its alumni, the community and private citizens near and far, it has accommodated some 2,500 clients over the years and hosted more than 8,500 events, including community functions, wedding receptions, Alumni Association tailgates, senior sendoff celebrations, large workshops and more.

As for the uniquely modern design, which differentiates the building from other structures on campus, Prescott said it was part of Henry’s idea to make the division and the building grab the attention of alumni and potential benefactors.

“Hunter wasn’t a traditional ‘brick and mortar guy’ in a giving sense, but he believed in this project and what we were trying to accomplish,” Prescott said. “He knew this was more than a building—it was a way to feature the valuable work the Foundation and Alumni Association were doing to get and keep alumni and friends engaged through philanthropic involvement at the university.”

When the building opened in 2002, no one imagined the levels of unprecedented success the division would achieve in the two decades that have passed. The previous year, the division served some 90,000 alumni and raised a then-record-breaking $55.7 million for the fiscal year. Those numbers have grown considerably as the Alumni Association now encompasses over 161,000 living graduates and the Foundation has experienced another recordshattering fundraising year with $259.9 million—the largest of any higher education institution in the state’s history.

The rapid expansion has created a need for more staff across the division to better engage the Bulldog community. Having

outgrown the existing footprint of the Hunter Henry Center, the division now looks to its new future at The Mill.

S T O R I E D P A S T, BRIGHT FUTURE

Built at the turn of the century and officially opened for production in 1902, Starkville’s historic cotton mill has played an integral role in the success of both the city and Mississippi State University for more than 100 years.

Located just off campus, the facility was indirectly associated with the Textile School at Mississippi State for more than a decade.

It operated as a cotton mill until 1962, and later as the university’s physical plant after Mississippi State purchased the building in 1965. It was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

In 2014, the landmark building began its transformation into a state-of-the-art conference and meeting complex. The $40 million economic development project, completed the following year, breathed new life into The Mill at MSU. It has since hosted numerous conferences, conventions, banquets, local meetings, bazaars and other special events.

Today, The Mill has a new purpose on the horizon. Following the recent purchase of the building by the MSU Foundation, The Mill will soon be home to the university’s Division of Development and Alumni. This will support the division’s ongoing growth and advancement, while strengthening the foothold of the university.

“The Mill has tremendous historical significance to the city of Starkville and to our university,” said John Rush, vice president for development and alumni, and president and CEO of the MSU Foundation. “We are in a unique position to expand that significance, as well as The Mill’s use and visibility on campus, through this new acquisition that will forever link the remarkable building to our university and the Bulldog family.

“As a division, we have been outgrowing the Hunter Henry Center for some time— much sooner than we ever anticipated," Rush continued. "While we look forward to the future in our new home at The Mill,

we are forever indebted to the incredible generosity of Hunter and countless others who helped bring the Hunter Henry Center to fruition. The Hunter Henry Center provided a transformative opportunity for our division to realize its potential, and we’re thrilled to continue that journey.”

Space was, of course, the biggest requirement for the new project, as the association needs a bigger building for not only its staff but also for alumni and Foundation functions. Along with more room for staff and organizational events, The Mill will provide increased meeting and event spaces for university and community use and will enhance opportunities to showcase donor recognition and university achievements to the public.

With nearly 90,000 square feet of space, the division’s new home will be a significant jump in size. The first floor of the building will offer conference rooms, a large ballroom and an outdoor patio area.

It will also feature a museum-like gallery that will showcase the division’s history and university achievements, as well as honoring alumni and friends who have generously invested in MSU over the years.

The second story will house offices and meeting rooms for the alumni and development staff, with room to grow in the future. Vice president and executive director’s offices will anchor the space.

Renovation is currently underway with an anticipated completion date in spring 2024.

“We are committed to preserving the historic qualities and integrity of the building as we work to achieve a space that is both functional for the needs of our staff and alumni and strategically designed to celebrate Mississippi State’s rich history of philanthropy and engagement,” Rush said. “It will be a special place for Bulldogs to remember and reconnect with their university while fostering an even brighter future for MSU.”

LASTING LEGACY

The building that houses a university’s alumni and development activities can leave a significant impact on both the institution and the community it serves. It instills a sense of pride and affinity among ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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GIVING Back

The Mill offers multi-use spaces including a ballroom, conference rooms, and executive boardroom. It is located at the corner of Russell Street and Highway 12 in Starkville and is within walking distance of Mississippi State University and nearby hotels. students, alumni, faculty, staff and the broader community, while serving as a meaningful representation of the institution’s values, mission and achievements. It is a gathering place where meaningful relationships and partnerships are formed. Perhaps most importantly, it is a testament to the university’s contributions and the people who have shaped its legacy.

The legacy of the Hunter Henry Center is now an integral part of MSU’s story. It is a tribute to where the university has been and where it is going and will continue to serve in a meaningful way as part of MSU’s College of Architecture, Art and Design. The modern structure will now serve as a unique classroom

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space to foster learning among the college’s architecture students—further serving to inspire student success and a fitting tribute to Lila who had a lifelong love of art and design.

“The Hunter Henry Center—and those who contributed to its establishment—will always be an important part of our history,” Rush said. “We will miss the place we have called home for the past two decades but look forward to seeing how the Hunter Henry Center will benefit the university and College of Architecture, Art and Design in a new way.”

As the Division of Development and Alumni begins a new chapter at The Mill, the impact of Henry’s powerful investments will live on through the ongoing efforts of the

division. His legacy touched every part of the university and will undoubtedly shine with each new milestone achieved.

The purchase and renovation of The Mill is being funded through a combination of the MSU Foundation’s existing capital reserves and private gifts. No state funding will be used for this project. Naming opportunities exist for alumni and friends who wish to contribute to the project and leave a lasting mark at the university.

Each named area will be accompanied by appropriate signage, and commitments are payable over a five-year period. For more information, contact John Rush at 662.325.1108 or john.rush@msstate.edu. n

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GIVING Back

$259.9 MILLION MSU shatters single year fundraising record for a Mississippi public institution of higher learning

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n a historic philanthropic achievement, Mississippi State University has eclipsed all previous single-year fundraising records among the state’s public institutions of higher education.

With unwavering support from its dedicated alumni, friends and partners, the university soared to unmatched heights in the 2023 fiscal year, reaching an exceptional level of success raising an astounding $259.9 million in gift commitments and marking the 10th consecutive year of private gifts totaling $100 million or more.

“This unprecedented level of support for Mississippi State University is an extraordinary investment in the people and communities we serve. We are proud to have earned the faith and trust of our friends and alumni who

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recognize how we are taking care of what matters and who also know we will be good stewards of their gifts,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said.

"This unprecedented level of support for Mississippi State University is an extraordinary investment in the people and communities we serve." ~ President Keenum “These gifts will positively impact our state for generations to come as more Mississippians gain access to scholarships, campus resources and hands-on education, research and service

opportunities—-enabling more students to pursue and earn their degrees, compete for the jobs of the future, and serve their communities," he continued. "I am so grateful to the Mississippi State family for their support of our university and the work we are doing.”

The success of FY 23, which ended June 30, was made possible through the generosity of 20,460 unique contributors. Their gifts strengthened support for areas across the university and will enable MSU to propel innovation, empower students and amplify its positive influence both locally and globally.

“This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the university’s generous supporters but also solidifies Mississippi State University’s

An astounding $100 million commitment to bolster the George Bishop Family Endowed Scholarship marked the largest single gift in university history. It also heightens MSU’s stature as one of the nation’s few four-year public universities to receive a nine-figure private gift and will greatly increase the number of awards available to students across the university in the coming years.

Endowed faculty positions were heightened through gifts that created and enhanced faculty support, professorships and chair positions in the Adkerson School of Accountancy, Bagley College of Engineering, College of Architecture, Art and Design, and College of Veterinary Medicine. Among the newly established positions are two endowed chairs in the Bagley College—one will benefit the department head in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the other will advance energy systems research in the mechanical engineering department.

The James Worth Bagley College of Engineering experienced a significant giving year with more than $41.8 million in gifts. Among them was a significant commitment to support activities that will enhance the national image and reputation of the mechanical engineering department and better position the Bagley College as a leading institution in the application and integration of energy producing and consuming technologies.

The creation of two endowed fellowships—the Robert Bell Athletic Administration Fellowship and the Frank Dowsing Jr. Football Fellowship—serve as meaningful tributes to the legacies of success set forth by the late Bulldog football players for which they are named.

Furthermore, the endowments will foster opportunities for student-athletes who aspire to jumpstart their career in athletics.

position as a leading institution dedicated to excellence in education, research, and service,” said John P. Rush, president and CEO of the MSU Foundation. “We are tremendously grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from our alumni and friends who have enabled us to realize this historic fundraising achievement. Their philanthropic spirit and dedication to our mission are driving forces behind our continued growth and impact.”

Alumni participation again reached over 19%, well above the national average of 8% support among former students as reported by U.S. News and World Report. Additionally, nearly 6,600 individuals contributed to MSU for the first time and more than $5.3 million of the total funds raised were accounted from gifts of $1,000 or below.

Counted among the FY 23 fundraising total is a collective $40.2 million in deferred

Gifts for development funds will advance entrepreneurship at MSU through support for the E-Center, IDEE Lab, MaxxSouth Broadband Digital Media Center at Mitchell Memorial Library and additional makerspaces—all of which provide valuable resources and opportunities for the entire campus community. Support from the Robert M. Hearin Foundation also will benefit the Student Design Agency for Mississippi Small Business program.

Investments in student travel programs will engage students in meaningful experiences to expand their perspectives and cultural understandings.

Support from The Riley Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation and the Broadhead Foundation is greatly expanding MSU-Meridian’s health care programs, including the accelerated nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing program and expansion of both the Clinical Mental Health program and mental and behavioral health training. These investments will increase opportunities to prepare Mississippi students to meet medical needs in the state and region.

Gifts for excellence funds in the College of Education will impact disability outreach services and relevant learning opportunities through enhanced support for resources and programming in MSU’s T. K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic.

Gifts to MSU Athletics totaling $29.8 million will provide resources and support for Bulldog student-athletes and coaches and advance facility enhancement projects including the renovation of Humphrey Coliseum.

gifts. These planned commitments, established through a variety of methods including bequests, IRA rollovers and charitable gift annuities, will fuel future opportunities for various academic disciplines, facilities, student and faculty support, and outreach efforts in the coming years.

As the deferred gifts serve as fortifying investments for the future of the university, outright gifts provided immediate support for critical areas across the university.

Such generous support enabled more than 5,000 private scholarships amounting to more than $11 million to be awarded to students in FY 23. Gifts supporting scholarships include additional Loyalty and Legacy Scholarships and funds for the MSU Compass Scholars program, all of which expand MSU’s efforts to attract top students. More specific awards include the Coach Mike Leach Endowed Scholarship,

created in memory of the late MSU football coach, as well as others benefiting areas such as engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, creative and performing arts, and business.

Other gifts from the fiscal year will support fundraising priorities such as scholarships and academic programming, enhanced research and community outreach, faculty support and campus infrastructure, among others that collectively drive transformative educational experiences for MSU’s diverse student body and strategic initiatives aimed at greater overall success.

Most of the institution’s fundraising is conducted by the MSU Foundation which was established in 1962 to help attract support from private sources.

More information about the MSU Foundation can be found online at www.msufoundation.com. n ALUMNUS.MSSTATE.EDU

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GIVING Back

MSU Foundation Announces Personnel Changes The Mississippi State University Foundation has announced strategic personnel changes, highlighting the institution’s dedication to promoting strong alumni and corporate relationships.

Lilly Bjorkman has assumed the newly created role of associate director of corporate and foundation relations. In this position, she will work to secure gifts from corporations and charitable foundations. She will also serve as a primary liaison for key stakeholders such as MSU’s Career Center and Office of Research and Economic Development.

Bjorkman earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Missouri in 2017. The Galesburg, Illinois-native then spent several years as a development specialist for the Muscular Dystrophy Association before joining Mississippi State as assistant director of development for the College of Business in 2020.

Peyton Hudspeth was named associate director of annual giving in July. A native of Brandon, she graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 2020. Prior to joining the Foundation staff, Hudspeth served as an educator at the Partnership Middle School and Starkville High School.

Rob Jenkins has returned to the College of Business as the senior director of development.

With almost two decades at MSU, he is a seasoned fundraiser with experience in several academic colleges, including arts and sciences and education. Most recently, he served as an associate athletic director for development. He is a 1992 business administration graduate from Starkville who joined the development staff in 2006.

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Erin Novorot recently assumed the role of coordinator of gift planning.

She is a 2007 MSU graduate from Indianola. She has worked in the College of Business since 2016, where she managed the college’s scholarship program and most recently served as the advancement coordinator.

Kristi Swift has been appointed as the director of development for the College of Education and MSU Library in the Foundation.

Swift graduated from MSU in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a specialist degree from Delta State University—both in educational leadership. The Meridian native worked for the Starkville Oktibbeha School District for 17 years before joining the Foundation.

For more on the efforts and milestones of the MSU Foundation, visit msufoundation.com.

Fully restored in 2023, the original B.L. Moor High School is now home to The Hill and Moor – a new premium event venue, with over 12,000 square feet of rentable space – perfect for hosting your next conference, wedding or special event. Also onsite at The Hill and Moor is The Tangerine, a new boutique motel with 18 rooms that can provide unique and comfortable accommodations to make your special event one to remember.

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CLASS Notes A new novel from Mike Thorne (Professor Emeritus) is now available from Outskirts Press and can be purchased through major book retailers. His second work of fiction, “Harper’s Bizarre,” opens with a senseless murder that sets into motion events that will rock a small, Southern college town. Though not considered a squeal to his first novel, “Murder in Memory,” both take place in the fictional town of Harper, Alabama. Prior to exploring longform creative writing, Thorne published four textbooks and many journal articles.

1960s Richard Adkerson (B.S. accounting, ’69; MBA, ’70) is now a member of the National Mining Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the global industry. Namesake of Mississippi State University’s Adkerson School of Accountancy in the College of Business, he is chairman and CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Inc., an Arizona-based mining company that is a major copper producer and operates the world’s largest gold mine. He is credited as the primary architect of an acquisition that formed the world’s largest publicly traded copper companies.

He is a founding member and past chair of the International Council on Mining and Metals. He was named MSU’s Alumnus of the Year in 2011.

1970s Retired Brig. Gen. Samuel T. Nichols Jr. (B.S., M.S. education, ’77, ‘79) has earned a doctorate in urban higher education from Jackson State University.

His dissertation focuses on the study of African American faculty job satisfaction at Historically Black Colleges and Universities as compared to predominantly white institutions. With a distinguished military career that spanned more than 36 years, he has served the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since 2007, working to ensure transparency, efficiency and accountability. He was awarded Mississippi State’s M-Club DowsingBell Award in 2021. He was a three-time AllSEC offensive guard for MSU football and was chosen for both MSU’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Army ROTC Hall of Fame. His civic work has included the establishment of a coalition to aid those without housing in the Washington, D.C. area.

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1980s Robert J. Wills (B.S. civil engineering, ‘80) has retired as vice president of construction from the American Iron and Steel Institute after a 33-year career. The organization marked his achievement with the 2023 Market Development Lifetime Achievement Award. During his career he was responsible for overseeing codes and standards and the commercial buildings, residential construction and transportation infrastructure markets. He is widely respected for his expertise in fire safety engineering, wind engineering, and geotechnical and foundation engineering.

1990s Whit Hughes (B.S. business administration, ‘97; MBA, ‘98) is now vice president of public affairs and government relations for Ergon Inc. His responsibilities include being a strategist and lead advocate for local, state and federal policies. He joined the company in 2020 as a business development executive for Alliant Construction, Ergon’s commercial construction and contracting company.

2000s Kyle Cunningham (B.S. forestry, ‘01; M.S. forest management, ‘03) now leads the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division. In this role he works to ensure the health and conservation of the state’s forests. He previously served as an extension forestry specialist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

John Harden (B.S. chemical engineering, ’02; Ph.D. engineering, ’06) was promoted to senior director of global plant process technology for Albemarle’s specialties business. In this role, he will have oversight of the company’s process technology teams that support plant sites in Magnolia, Arkansas; New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Langelsheim, Germany; Safi, Jordan; and Taichung City, Taiwan. He has been with Albemarle since 2006.

Terrance West (B.S., M.S., Ph.D. electrical engineering, ’04, ’06, ’09) was named a ModernDay Technology Leader at the Black Engineer of the Year STEM Conference Awards. A native of Meridian, he was the first African American to earn a doctoral degree in electrical engineering at MSU. Following his graduation, he began a career with U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center which he now serves as branch chief for missile science and technology execution at its headquarters in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Ross Dellenger (B.A. communication, ‘06), who served as a writer for Sports Illustrated since 2018, is now the senior college football reporter for Yahoo Sports. He previously worked at The Advocate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson’s The Clarion Ledger; The Columbia Daily Tribune in Missouri; The Decatur Daily in Alabama and The Reflector, MSU’s student newspaper which he served as sports editor.

2010s Rachael Burrow (B.A. communication, ’12) and Marguerite Johnson (B.A. interior design, ’15) served as co-chairs for a sold-out gala that kicked off this fall’s Antiques at the Gardens show in Birmingham, Alabama. Now in its 17th year, the fundraising event supports the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Johnson, and her colleague Anna Still, recently opened Still Johnson, a Birmingham-based interior design studio that has been featured in magazines including Garden and Gun and Domino. Burrow is the senior style editor for Veranda.

The debut novel of Kathryn Livingston (B.A. English, ’12) is now available from Central Park South Publishing. Released under the pen name Kat Elle, “Epoch” is a mix of historical and science fiction that tells the story of a U.S. Army veteran who upon returning home from a deployment in Afghanistan finds herself sent back in time to Nazi-occupied Poland during the height of World War II. Kadie P. Nobles (B.S. biological engineering, ‘18) joined the Institute for Defense Analyses as a research staff member in the Operation Evaluation Division of the institute’s Systems and Analyses Center.

Buzzbassador, a company founded by Mississippi State alumni with help of the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach was selected as one of 24 startups across North America to be awarded $250,000 from the Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund. Calvin Waddy (B.B.A, business admin, ’18) and Shelby Baldwin (B.B.A marketing, ‘19) credit MSU’s E-center and its network of angel investors for helping to jumpstart their company’s success. Designed to connect companies with influencers and creators to generate marketing, Buzzbassador has over 140,000 users around the world and has generated more than $20 million in sales for over 450 businesses.

2020s The Mississippi Society of CPA’s recognized MSU Adkerson School of Accountancy alumnae for their success in the state-certified professional accountancy exam. Karis Pannell (B.Acc., ’21) earned the Fred T. Neely Gold Medal for the year’s highest score while Gelsey Guerra (B.Acc., M.Acc., ’21, ‘22) earned the T.E. Lott Silver Medal for the second-highest score.

Both women were named Stephen D. Lee Scholars at MSU for maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Pannell, a Pontotoc native, is a tax associate with Byrne Zizzi CPAs in Tupelo. Guerra, of Picayune, is an audit assistant with the St. Louis, Missouri-branch of Deloitte.

HAVE HAVE A A YOUNG YOUNG BULLDOG BULLDOG IN IN YOUR YOUR LIFE? LIFE? Wrap them in Maroon and White

The Mississippi State University Legacy Program helps you "wrap your kids in Maroon and White.”

Beginning with their first birthday, your child will receive a card and a special gift from the Alumni Association each year. Join a community steeped in tradition and excellence! The Legacy Program celebrates family ties and honors generations of Bulldog pride. Become a part of the tradition early with a Future Bulldog Certificate from the Alumni Association and enroll them into the Legacy Program, today.

For more information about purchasing a Mississippi State University car tag, please visit alumni.msstate.edu/cartag

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Affinity Programs Offer Additional Ways for Bulldog Alumni and Friends to Support MSU Exciting news! The MSU Alumni Association has entered a partnership with Commerce Bank® to offer alumni and supporters the official MSU Visa Signature® Card.

“Our Bulldog family always asks how we can support MSU, and this program is another great opportunity to do so,” said Jeff Davis, MSU Alumni Association executive director. “We are especially excited about the MSU Visa Signature® Card program, as alumni and friends can loyally participate in the program and support MSU at no cost to them.”

The partnership with Commerce Bank® enables the Alumni Association to specifically offer the MSU Visa Signature® Card to the Bulldog family. It will give cardholders the opportunity to show their pride by carrying the MSU-branded card, while supporting MSU, benefitting the Alumni Association and earning Cash Back1 rewards with each purchase.

For more information on the MSU Visa Signature® Card, visit commercebank.com/MSUAA.

1. CashBack redemption is applied as a statement credit. The statement credit will reduce your balance, but you are still required to make at least your minimum payment. Values for non-cash back redemption items, such as merchandise, gift cards and travel may vary. See commercebank.com/rewardsterms for full details.

HEALTH. HABITAT.

RESTORATION. RECOVERY. These goals are being realized by students in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University as they work to bolster sea turtle and dolphin populations along the state’s Gulf Coast.

Why? Marine life health impacts the environmental quality of the Mississippi Sound, an immense ecosystem that’s part of the sustainability of all creatures depending on food.

MSU students are tackling tough environmental and climate threats—big challenges affecting everyone’s future.

Caroline Ferreira Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2026

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We’re bringing the to you.

Order online balfour.com/msstate

• Serving communities for over 70 years • Located in all 82 counties of MS, across the southeastern US, and Colorado • Philanthropic supporter of MSU, Mississippi area high schools, and other institutions of higher learning

Not only will alumni and friends benefit from various insurance options offered by Farm Bureau, but this relationship will enhance the Association’s mission to strengthen the connection between the Bulldog Family and MSU through events, programming, and other services.

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Forever MAROON MAROON Andrew Nourse Alexander III (B.S. Physical Education, ’76) 70, Greenville – A native of Greenville, he earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law where he served as editor of the law journal for two years. He joined the Lake Tindall law firm where he spent his entire career and eventually became partner. He also served as attorney for the Greenville City Council for 20 years. He earned the Greenville Honors Its Own Bert Miller Volunteer Award in 2017 for his work as attorney for Delta Center Stage. — May 30, 2023 Gordon Louis Andrews (Ph.D. entomology, ’73; former faculty; retired Extension staff) 77, Water Valley – He attended college on a choral scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree at Southeastern College before earning a master’s at Louisiana State University and a doctorate at Mississippi State. While studying at State, he studied insect pathology and had a grand assistantship to work on pathogens to control bollworm and tobacco budworm, which led to genetic advancements in cotton. He served as an assistant professor of entomology at MSU and later worked on the Boll Weevil Eradication Program in Panola and Coahoma counties. He later worked with the MSU Extension Service in Stoneville for more than 25 years doing research on insect control in row crops. He served the Rotary Club of Leland and sang in the American Red Cross Choir. — May 23, 2023 David Arant Sr. (B.S. agricultural economics, ’78) 66, Ruleville – He was a member of the Bulldog football team while at State before being sidelined by a knee injury. Following his graduation, he settled in Ruleville where he farmed the family land, ultimately helping found Delta Blues Rice with his son and brother. — Aug. 22, 2023 John Daniel Davis III (B.S. chemical engineering, ’67) 83, Flowood – A native of Greenville, he attended Mississippi College and served as an instructor in the U.S. Army at Redstone Arsenal’s Ordnance Guided Missile School in Huntsville, Alabama, before coming to Mississippi State. He worked in paper manufacturing and engineering consulting before founding Davis Specialty

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Chemicals in Ridgeland, which he operated until he was 80 years old. — May 12, 2023 Charles H. Filgo (B.S. engineering, ’51) 95, Baton Rouge. Louisiana – While at State, he was president of the Engineering School and vice president of the civil engineering school.

His career began with Exxon and he retired after 35 years as head of purchasing traffic and general services. He was also a proud Marine Corps veteran. — Aug. 11, 2023 Dr. Elton Mac Huddleston (B.S. accounting, ’65; former faculty) 79, Tupelo – He was part of ROTC at Mississippi State and served in the Army following his graduation. As part of his service, he flew helicopters in Vietnam and later served as a flight instructor. He was a captain and received the Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross, among other military honors. He later earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn and practiced in north Mississippi. He worked for Mississippi State as a faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Division of Development before returning to his veterinary practice in Pontotoc. He was executive secretary of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association and the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine.

He later served Pontotoc County as a sheriff’s deputy and criminal investigator before being elected to the state House of Representatives, serving District 15 from 2008 until his death.

In the legislature, he was chairman of the University and Colleges Committee and the Ethics Committee and was previously vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

— Aug. 27, 2023 Isidro “Chilo” Matamoros (M.S. Animal Science, ’86; Ph.D. Animal Physiology, ’90) 59, Honduras – A faculty member at Zamorano University, he was remembered by the American Brahman Breeders Association as a friend and supporter of the breed who instilled his passion in students by bringing them to the International Brahman Show each year. – May 10, 2023 Dr. Charles Weinacker Montgomery (B.S. pre-medicine, ’71) 73, Tupelo – Following his graduation from Mississippi State, he

attended medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and completed residencies in internal medicine and hematology-oncology. He co-founded North Mississippi Hematology and Oncology Associates in 1979 and during his 44 years of practice helped establish Mississippi’s first licensed hospice. During his career, he received the Golden Tongue Blade Award for Physician of the Year and served as chief of staff at North Mississippi Medical Center.

— June 3, 2023 Edna Ruth Morgan (B.S. education, ’65; M.S. agricultural and Extension education, ’81; former staff) 80, Starkville – She worked as a student secretary at Mississippi State University while in high school and returned as a student to earn a bachelor’s degree in 1965. She began her teaching career in Sayre, Alabama, before coming back to MSU as an office administrator in the Extension entomology department—becoming the first female professional hired by the office. She eventually earned a master’s in the field and was the first woman to serve on the executive board of the Mississippi Entomological Association. She retired from MSU after 42 years, turning her attention to studying the history of Starkville and Oktibbeha County.

— June 14, 2023 Grady Elkins “Foots” Thurman (B.S. General Business, ’71) 73, Mayfield, Kentucky – While at Mississippi State, he served as editor of the student newspaper, The Reflector, during which time he authored an opinion piece that generated a great deal of controversy and resulted in a federal lawsuit related to the independence of student-led publications. He was a career banker who worked internationally in Brazil, as well as across the United States. In addition to a lifelong love for the written word, he also had a passion for music. — July 29, 2023 George Tucker “Tuck” Russell (B.S. civil engineering, ’62) 85, Iuka – He began his civil engineering career with the Corps of Engineers in Little Rock, Arkansas, before moving to North Carolina to work on various navigational channel projects across the Southeast. He was instrumental in building

the Tenn-Tom Waterway. He volunteered his time with Eight Days of Hope, an organization that provides disaster response helping to rebuild communities, and was active with the youth ministry of Iuka Baptist Church, where he was known as “the world’s oldest teenager” and served as a deacon and a Gideon. — Aug. 15, 2023 Jacob Francis Selzer (staff) 60, Columbus – A native of Louisiana, he attended Northeast Louisiana University before relocating to Columbus in 1996 and beginning a career in food and custodial services at Mississippi State. He was a fixture on campus and never met a stranger, always offering a friendly word to those who crossed his path. He was a college sports enthusiast, with immense school spirit, often volunteering at or attending events. — May 15, 2023 Robert Preston Stringer III (attended) 75, Starkville – He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity while at Mississippi State and enjoyed booking notable musical acts to play on campus. He is credited with creating well-known vintage Bully and “Flying M” designs for The Reflector in the 1960s and 1970s. He was the first student enrolled in the inaugural architecture class at MSU and went on to become a member of the American Institute of Architects. He was a cartoonist for The Reflector and was named SEC Cartoonist of the Year in 1998. He served in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing his architectural endeavors in Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee and Venezuela. — July 24, 2023 Walter Stubbe (B.S. management, ’65) 80, Starkville – A native of Laurel, he was a member of Sigma Chi and the MSU Track Team while at State. A lifelong entrepreneur, he opened three gift stores while working full time at Fisher Marine West Point as vice president of sales. He began selling gift lines all over the South in the 1980s.

In 1993, he and his wife purchased a small Tennessee candle company which they renamed Aspen Bay Candle Company.

He would go on to own other candle and fragrance brands throughout his life. He continued to work in sales until three weeks before his death. — Aug. 2, 2023

In Memory of Johnie Cooks Johnie Cooks (B.S. teaching, coaching, ’82; M.S. athletic administration, ’95), who was a member of the 1990 Super Bowl-winning New York Giants team, died July 6, 2023.

He was 64.

A native of Leland, Cooks was a legend in Bulldog football. During his MSU career from 1977-81, he was a three-time All-SEC linebacker. At the time of his last game, he was fourth in career sacks and fifth in total tackles in the university’s record books. He was the Bulldog’s leading tackler in the 1978 and 1981 seasons, passing the century mark both years. He recorded a career high 24 tackles during his junior year against Auburn.

In 1980, he led State in one of its most memorable wins in program history—a 6-3 victory against the No. 1 ranked Alabama team coached by Bear Bryant. He

had more than 20 tackles that game and stopped the Crimson Tide on the goal line with a game-clinching forced fumble—a play that still brings Mississippi State fans to their feet.

Cooks was placed on five All-America teams following the 1981 season and was one of 12 finalists for the Vince Lombardi National Lineman Trophy. He was picked second overall by the Baltimore Colts in the 1982 NFL draft. During his professional career, he spent six years with the Colts, three with the Giants and one with the Cleveland Browns.

In 1998, Cooks was named an SEC Football Legend, having previously been named to MSU’s M-Club Hall of Fame.

In 2004 he earned a spot in the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and his name became part of the Davis Wade Stadium Bulldogs’ Ring of Honor in 2011.

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Forever MAROON

In Memory of Prentiss McLaurin Jr. Prentiss Cortez “Mac” McLaurin Jr. (Professor Emeritus) 80, Starkville – He retired in 2010 from Mississippi State University as head of the Center for Governmental Training and Technology, now the Center for Government and Community Development, with MSU’s Extension Service. During his time with the university, he was the first chairman of the John C. Stennis Scholarship Committee, an active faculty representative and adviser to numerous student groups.

His 60-year career also included serving the city of Starkville as an alderman and city chief administrative officer and coordinator of city-federal programs, community development and intergovernmental relations. He led the city’s efforts to earn $30 million in federal funds which were used for major community development projects.

At a national level, McLaurin was selected for the Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee and the Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of the National Association of Counties. He earned

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full membership in the International City-County Management Association and was on the national board of directors of Dizzy Dean Baseball Inc. He served as a member of Gov. Kirk Fordice’s Task Force on Governmental Accountability and Reform, as well as the Committee on Supervisor Education, which he chaired, and the education and certification advisory board. He was a member, president and director for the Starkville Rotary Club; director and president of the Starkville Baseball Association; director of the Starkville Post 13 American Legion baseball program; assistant manager of the Junior and Senior American Legion baseball teams; commissioner and member of the Investment Committee of the Golden Triangle Regional Solid Waste Management Authority; member of the Starkville Election Commission; member of the Total Quality Management Team and the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce; and director of Prairie Opportunity Inc. — Aug. 22, 2023

REMEMBERING

Sidney Ray “Sid” Hill Jr. Sidney Ray “Sid” Hill Jr. (Professor Emeritus) 79, Oxford – A native of Birmingham, Alabama, he attended the University of Alabama before transferring to Birmingham Southern College where he obtained a bachelor’s in history. He later earned master’s and doctoral degrees in speech communication and rhetoric from the University of Florida.

Hill began his 36-year career at Mississippi State in 1972 in the Department of Communication. He was initially brought on to help bolster the university’s intercollegiate debate program but his role within continued to grow until 1987 when he became its third department head. He helped usher the department through growth in the 1990s which included the addition of academic concentrations in public relations and broadcasting.

Upon stepping back from his administrative role in the late 1990s, Hill continued to be a strong presence among the faculty until his retirement in 2008.

He had a reputation among students for being tough but fair, and he took great pride in seeing the success of the thousands of students he influenced over the years. — June 11, 2023

Back STORY

RESPONSES Summer 2023 I was a relatively new MSU graduate and was with my parents at the game. I don’t remember a lot about the game itself, but I do remember that after the game was over the Bama fans just sat there, mouths hanging open, not moving at all, from the shock of what had just happened. It was awesome! The other thing I remember is that the MSU Alumni Assocation Christmas cards that year featured a photo of that scoreboard. I wish I had saved it.

SARA M. FOSTER (’79)

I was 9 years old, but have so many memories from that day in 1980. I was really there when we beat the Bear. I saw my uncle Paul cry after the game and I couldn’t understand why.

Now, more than 40 years later, I understand with crystal clear vision why he was crying.

MARK WILSON (’94)

This undated photo from the University Archives shows two students entering Perry Cafeteria. Built in 1921, the hub for campus dining is a registered Mississippi landmark. It is slated to receive renovations and an expansion as part of a recently announced $30 million project to enhance MSU’s campus dining options. Share your memories of Perry Cafeteria or other campus culinary adventures with us at alumnus@msstate.edu. Please include your name and major(s) and graduation year(s) as some responses may be published in a future issue.

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P.O. Box AA One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526 www.alumni.msstate.edu

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DRIVING PERMITTED Mississippi State University research and service makes driving accessible for people with physical disabilities p. 11

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