There is no better way to show your loyalty and pride in Mississippi State University than owning an official M-State license plate. Nearly 16,000 drivers help promote our university in this way. If you are not one of them, join the phenomenon next time you renew your tag. The official MSU license plate is available in Mississippi and Tennessee, and will soon be available in Texas. Proceeds from the sale of the collegiate tags in Mississippi fund priority programs at Mississippi State University.
Spring 2011 | Vol. 86 | No. 3 USPS 354-520 The People’s University
President Mark E. Keenum (’83, ’84, ’88)
Vice President for Development and Alumni John P. Rush (’94, ’02)
Alumni Association Executive Director and Associate Vice President, Development and Alumni Jimmy W. Abraham (’75, ’77) twitter.com/drjimmyabraham
Mississippi State Alumnus is published three times a year by the Office of University Relations and the Mississippi State University Alumni Association at Mississippi State, Miss. Send address changes to Alumni Director, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526; telephone 662-325-7000; or e-mail fcarr@advservices.msstate.edu. alumni.msstate.edu twitter.com/msstatealumni facebook.com/msstatealumni
Editorial offices: 102 George Hall, P.O. Box 5325, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5325 Telephone, 662-325-3442 Fax, 662-325-7455 E-mail, snowa@ur.msstate.edu www.msstate.edu
features University Florist launches flowery careers | page
2
All across Mississippi and scattered throughout the country, many people preparing floral arrangements learned how at Mississippi State, home to one of the few floral management programs and the only student-run florist in the nation.
A Day in the Park | page
8
A visitor to the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park would be hard-pressed to imagine the rolling hills dotted with cows and a bustling dairy. But imagining the possibilities lies at the heart of the park’s mission to lead Mississippi’s economy further into the 21st century.
The (love) story behind BuckScore | page
14
Jeremy Flinn and Emily Clemons came to MSU just after earning their bachelor’s degrees, with their sights set on master’s degrees in wildlife and fisheries science. Three years later, the pair would leave with far more than their completed degrees in whitetailed deer management.
Alumnus devises ‘efficient dentistry’ system | page
16
Ripley dentist Chris Griffin knows that to see the bright lights of success, one must sometimes visit the dark tunnel of despair. This is exactly what happened to Griffin, a 1995 alumnus who has now had a thriving dental practice in the northeast Mississippi town for more than 10 years.
Academic research hits home | page
17
An innate passion for children led Nikole Roberts, back in the late 1980s, to realize her dream of earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mississippi State. She had no idea her enthusiasm for kids, coupled with the birth of her childern, would lead to doctoral research two decades later on an extremely rare syndrome.
Advertising: Contact Libba Andrews at 662-325-3479 or landrews@alumni.msstate.edu.
Editor Allen Snow (’76)
Associate Editor Harriet Laird
Designers Matt Watson (’05) Eric Abbott (’07)
Photographers Russ Houston (’85) Megan Bean Kenny Billings Beth Newman
Mississippi State University Alumni Association National Officers Karen Dugard Lawler, ’82, ’94, national president Jerry L. Toney, ’96, national first vice president Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96, national second vice president Jodi White Turner, ’97, ’99, national treasurer Charles A. Cascio, ’79, immediate past president
Campus news............18 Alumni news.............. 29 Foundation news.....38 Class news.................46 In memoriam.............48
On the cover: A common thread for majors in the university’s floral design program is hands-on experience and a passion for learning more about the floral industry. Before graduating, each student has an opportunity to work at the University Florist, which gives them a real-world experience. Photo by Megan Bean.
University Florist launches flowery careers By Robbie Ward | Photos by Megan Bean
D
uring the times that count, tulips and roses cheer for you. Remember when you got married or got that promotion at work? All sorts of floral arrangements looked on, proud and optimistic.“You can do it!” they silently shouted. Remember that first date when you received flowers and thought, “This is promising.” Flowers have a way of lifting us, even during the tough times. When it’s hard to say anything, daisies and daffodils try to help. They offer condolences and try
2 Alumnus Spring 2011
to brighten things when life brings
times in your life and you may
us down.
recall a flower or two.
Think about all of the weddings,
For some reason, flowers have a
funerals, dates, anniversaries, and
way of connecting with us. If you
other significant and emotional
did something wrong or someone
else did something right, you
sissippi State, home to one of the
students be a psychologist when
might want to consider giving
few floral management programs
talking to people ordering, planners
flowers. Heck, some people give
and the only student-run florist in
who order materials, botanists while
them for no reason.
the nation. Students interested in
taking care of flowers in the store, a
a flowery career pick MSU faster
businessperson when managing the
from flowers for very long,” said
than Starkville police arrested
books, and an artist when designing
Jim DelPrince, associate professor of
Johnny Cash for picking flowers at
arrangements. Often in the industry,
plant and soil sciences and one of the
the Copeland property in 1965.
one person plays each of these parts.
“You really can’t separate people
faculty members in the university’s
At first glance in the University
Florists have to be ready for any
floral management program. “Flow-
Florist, the casual observer may
challenge. MSU faculty for the
ers are symbolic and are communi-
think students running the place
program—DelPrince and Lynette
cators of human emotion.”
don’t have a challenging task
McDougald, an instructor and
All across Mississippi and scat-
since, well, they work in a flower
the University Florist business
tered throughout the country, many
shop. That casual observer would
manager—prepare students in the
people preparing floral arrange-
be really wrong. Successful floral
program for all occasions.
ments learned how to do it at Mis-
management often requires that
Walk into the floral design lab,
Alumnus Spring 2011 3
“
SHE WAS OLDER AND BY HERSELF. I’M GLAD WE COULD BRIGHTEN UP HER DAY.
”
It just so happened, Camp also
the florist for what seems like flo-
delivered the blind woman’s flowers.
ral design boot camp. Blindfolded,
“She had me take her hand and
they have to determine plant
place it on the arrangement and
material based on fragrance. Still
put the flowers up to her nose,”
blindfolded, they identify plants
said Camp, who stayed and visited
and flowers based on touch alone.
with the woman for a while.
Candace Camp, a senior from
Camp said she realized at that
Kosciusko, understands that
moment how much of an impact
appreciating plants and flowers
flowers and a few kind words can
involves more than how they look.
have on another person.
connected to the florist at 100 Lee
Floral designers use other senses
Blvd., and you’re just as likely to see
than sight, depending on the task at
Camp said. “I’m glad we could
a makeshift casket as students prepar-
hand. She recalls the arrangement
brighten up her day.”
ing wedding arrangements. Remem-
she created for a blind customer.
ber, florists have to prepare for it all.
Camp focused on making the
At the beginning of the semester, floral management students
4 Alumnus Spring 2011
gather at the floral design lab and
“She was older and by herself,”
Back at floral boot camp in the florist, blindfolded students
piece particularly sensitive to the
appeared to have a sixth sense as
woman’s sense of smell and touch.
they arranged flowers without see-
ing what they did. Others gathered
placed first in the AIFD national
Women’s Open held at Old Wa-
around, watching the students cut
student competition three times in
verly Golf Course in West Point.
stems and create nearly perfect
the past six years.
arrangements. Witnessing the dedication of faculty and students to the program, it’s easy to see how Mis-
Contributing to this success, the
As for DelPrince, he is an expert in Victorian-era floral design. His
program’s faculty have years of
research in the area led to two
experience and honors.
prestigious fellowships. The first
Just ask Tony Soprano. In 2003,
was at the Smithsonian Institution
sissippi State earned such a strong
McDougald had the distinction
in Washington, D.C., where he
reputation throughout the floral
of serving on the design team at
researched Victorian and Ameri-
design world.
New York’s Rockefeller Center
can classical floral arrangement
for HBO’s season premiere party
and conducted design classes for
gald are accredited and active
for “The Sopranos” television
Smithsonian horticulture staff. His
with the American Institute of
show. The guest list for the eve-
second fellowship was at Winter-
Floral Designers, as is the student
ning included 3,000 people in the
thur, the country estate of Henry
chapter of the organization.
entertainment industry. She also
Francis du Pont in Wilmington, Del.
Students in the program regularly
has been selected as Mississippi’s
He also has written a book about
win regional and national awards.
Designer of the Year and was the
floral design and produced DVDs
In fact, MSU’s student team has
floral coordinator for the U.S.
on “flowers for entertaining.”
Both DelPrince and McDou-
Alumnus Spring 2011 5
“
IT’S REALLY HANDS-ON AND YOU CAN DO MORE WITH FLOWERS THAN MOST PEOPLE THINK.
”
6 Alumnus Spring 2011
Magnolia State to the Big Apple
Mary Frances Bennett of Bir-
for the evening, they used cotton,
mingham, Ala., chose MSU spe-
okra, and sweet gum as part of the
cifically for the floral management
arrangements. Each summer they
program. She recently completed
host a week-long workshop for
her first semester in the program.
florists to learn more about their
“It’s really hands-on and you
craft and the business, along with
can do more with flowers than
many programs for the public
most people think,” Bennett said.
throughout the year. Student enrollment in MSU’s
Careers for graduates include positions in floral purchasing or
floral management program is just
brokering for a floral farm, whole-
under 100. One common thread for
salers, or mass markets; event plan-
majors in the program is hands-on
ning; traditional full-service florists;
McDougald and DelPrince
experience and a passion for learn-
representatives for floral marketing
recently visited New York City
ing more about the floral industry.
businesses; product development;
to prepare floral arrangements for
Before graduating, each student has
research; and postharvest care spe-
the National Arts Club’s dinner
an opportunity to work at the Uni-
cialists, just to name a few.
honoring Mississippi’s contribu-
versity Florist, which gives them a
One alumnus of the program,
tions to the arts. To help bring the
real-world environment on campus.
Brandon Branch, works on the set
and design of television personal-
And, often those flowers that
associate across campus at the
ity Paula Deen’s show and also
say so much come from around
Rehabilitation Research and
contributes to her magazine.
the globe. Inside the florist, the
Training Center on Blindness and
lilies and tulips are from Holland,
Low Vision, has plenty of flowery
McDougald and student workers
safari sunsets from Australia, and
memories. She smiles each time
seem to always have a project.
the orchids from Thailand. But the
she tells others about the tulips her
During a recent visit, they prepared
cotton bolls are from Mississippi,
husband, who happens to be legally
arrangements for an event at
McDougald said.
blind, gave her during one of their
Inside the University Florist,
nearby PACCAR, a company that
Professionals in the floral
first camping trips after getting
builds engines, that included a visit
industry must be sensitive to
by Gov. Haley Barbour. The florist
others, because people usually
regularly prepares arrangements
order flowers related to significant
window, LeJeune recalls how her
for weddings and plenty of events
events in their lives.
tulips seemed to “dance” to the
on and off campus. No matter the
“You have to be an emotional
married. Placed some distance from a
light. During their 13 years of
event, McDougald said floral ar-
person,” said McDougald. “You
marriage, her husband has never
rangements add special meaning.
have to feel connected to people.”
forgotten how much she enjoys
“They’re symbolic at an event in
Nearly everyone has memories
somebody’s life,” she said. “They often say what we can’t put into words.”
of giving or getting flowers. B.J. LeJeune, a senior research
receiving colorful flowers. “He knows I’m a sucker for them,” she said.
Alumnus Spring 2011 7
A Day in the Park By Jim Laird
High-tech seeds sprout from Research Park’s rolling hills A visitor to the Thad Cochran
ters that provide the foundation
Mississippi,” says President Mark
and fuel for the state and region’s
Keenum. “The mix of private
growing innovation economy.
companies, Mississippi State
After two decades of steady
Research, Technology and Eco-
growth, the park is in a phase of
Starkville and Oktibbeha County
nomic Development Park on a
significant expansion, but its roots
is an unbeatable combination for
busy weekday morning would be
still run deep into Mississippi State
economic development.”
hard-pressed to imagine the green
University’s land-grant heritage.
rolling hills dotted with cows and
In 2004, the park was named for U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) to recognize his ongoing commit-
possibilities lies at the heart of the
‘Important part of the university,’ Keenum says
park’s mission to lead Missis-
The Research Park story began in
plays in building a strong economy.
sippi’s economy further into the
1989 when it was developed on
21st Century.
the north end of campus. Since the
cal to the success of the Research
a bustling dairy. But imagining the
ment to the vital role that research “Relationships have been criti-
beginning, its mission has been
Park,” Keenum explains. “We
north of Highway 182 was home
to harness the unrivaled power of
have been able to build on our
to the university dairy and milking
university research.
public and private partnerships
For years, the land located just
operations. Today, the 272 acres
8 Alumnus Spring 2011
researchers, and support from
“Our Research Park creates
to grow and expand, open new
nurture cutting-edge research
opportunity here in the local com-
buildings, and create jobs. This
corporations and university cen-
munity, as well as for the state of
will continue in the future — the
Research Park is a very important
ogy, Oktibbeha County Economic
companies that hold the potential to
part of our university.”
Development Authority and the uni-
grow the state’s economy.
versity — opened last December. Its
RTC also “owns” the new
Newest building on Research Blvd.
three floors and 38,000 square feet
building. “I guess you can call me
include large windows that provide
the landlord,” McGee says with
It was a clear morning late last
sweeping views of the park. A soar-
a laugh. “But I’m here for all of
year when Marc McGee led senior
ing atrium welcomes visitors into an
the 1,500 people who work in the
staff members of the Office of
environment that balances modern
park, whether they are in the new
Research and Economic Devel-
technology with the natural world
building or not. We also focus
opment on a tour of the newest
— much like the park itself.
on the thousands of visitors who
building in the park. The facility
A Mississippi State alumnus who grew up in Byram, McGee
We think spending a day in the
building that became the park’s
is director of the Research and
park is a great way to experience
first occupant in the late 1980s,
Technology Corporation and the
the university at its best.”
as well as six other buildings and
Research Park.
Columbus-based West Brothers
RTC is a not-for-profit company
Research Park
Camgian Microsystems, a spinoff company built on Missis-
organized in 1998 for scientific, liter-
sippi State research, has settled
Construction, Inc. was the general
ary, charitable and educational pur-
into the building’s third floor. The
contractor for the project, which
poses. The corporation is designed to
university’s Office of Technology
was designed by Shafer and As-
take advantage of opportunities not
Commercialization, College of
sociates of Starkville.
otherwise available to state universi-
Business Entrepreneurship Center,
The new multi-tenant building
first building in the
spend time in the park every year.
joins the original multi-tenant
1,500 employees.
Early signage and the
ties — for example, taking equity
and RTC are located on the first
— a joint project of the Missis-
positions in start-up companies or
floor. HBM nCode Federal, LLC,
sippi State University Research and
entering certain contractual agree-
a firm that specializes in durability
Technology Corporation, U.S. De-
ments. It also facilitates the devel-
engineering, signal processing and
partment of Commerce’s National
opment and incubation of start-up
data management, is located on the
Institute of Standards and Technol-
companies and expansion of existing
second floor.
Alumnus Spring 2011 9
Multi-Tenant Building
Camgian Microsystems
TVA Customer Service Center
nCode MSU Office of Technology Commercialization MSU Entrepreneurship Center MSU Research & Technology Corporation
“We have space available to lease,” McGee says. “It’s right around 7,600 square
sitel
Multi-Tenant Building
MSU Social Science Research Center
Ralph E. Powe Center for Innovative Technology
SemiSouth Laboratories
MSU Small Business Development Center
II-VI, Inc.
MSU High Performance Computing Collaboratory
Geosystems Research Institute
Stennis Center for Public Service
Center for Computational Sciences
Congressman Gregg Harper Field Office
Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology
Spatial Information Solutions
communication infrastructure,” he says.
MSU Energy Institute
Northern Gulf Institute
lar Systems and Computational Sciences,
That infrastructure supports the uni-
along with the Geosystems Research
feet on the second floor, but we have the
versity’s High Performance Computing
Institute and Northern Gulf Institute.
flexibility to customize floor plans to ac-
Collaboratory, which is located in the
commodate potential clients’ needs.”
park a quarter mile from the new building.
Mississippi is becoming more important as
The MSU HPC2 complex is home to a
the state and region develop an economy
supercomputer named Talon that has been
where businesses built on technology thrive,”
rated by Top500 Supercomputer Sites as
says MSU alumnus Trey Breckenridge,
tive edge when they locate here. We have
the 18th fastest supercomputer at any U.S.
the administrator at HPC2. “The economic
the amenities — landscaped buildings, lakes,
academic location. Talon supports Missis-
impact that Talon and facilities like the High
great parking — along with an incredible
sippi State’s centers for Advanced Vehicu-
Performance Computing Collaboratory
He is quick to tout the benefits of locating a business in the park. “I believe we give companies a competi-
“The supercomputing power we have in
(Continued on page 12)
10 Alumnus Spring 2011
I MSU Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
n addition to the activity and expansion in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park in Starkville, the MSU Science and Technology Center building under construction at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County is moving forward. The Science and Technology Center will house the Northern Gulf Institute, and establish a strong presence onsite at SSC and expand the university’s presence throughout the Gulf South region. It also will provide space for staff and researchers from MSU's Geosystems Research Institute and other university research units. The 40,000-square-foot complex funded by a $9 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration features three floors of office space, computing facilities, multiple meeting rooms and a classroom. Construction is expected to be complete this summer.
M
ississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (standing) was among dignitaries participating in an October announcement that California-based Power Integrations would invest $30 million in SemiSouth, a silicon carbide semiconductor industry that was spun off from Mississippi State University research. Also speaking were (seated, l-r) SemiSouth CEO Kenny Roberts, Power Integrations CEO Balu Balakrishnan, and MSU President Mark Keenum. SemiSouth's manufacturing facility is located in the Powe Building in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology, and Economic Development Park adjacent to campus.
Alumnus Spring 2011 11
make is significant now and will be
provide enhanced service to both
and expect to build on that experi-
much more so in the years to come.”
MSU faculty and our industry
ence as phase two of our expansion
partners,” Shaw says.
plan moves forward,” Shaw says.
And making an impact — and a difference — has underpinned
Feedback from the building’s
And at the end of the day…
Mississippi State’s mission of
tenants has been very positive, as
research, teaching and service
well. In fact, a groundbreaking
since its founding as the state’s
for a 20,000-square-foot business
land-grant institution of higher
incubator with an anchor tenant,
vehicles stream out of the Thad
learning in 1878.
which will be constructed across the
Cochran Research, Technology and
parking lot, took place March 21.
Economic Development Park as
Tenants have already committed to
folks make their way home for the
Momentum building “The Research Park is a very
At 5 p.m. on a Friday afternoon,
that space — further evidence that
weekend. As they leave, a quiet falls
important component in the
the park’s momentum shows no
over the rolling green hills as a pair
university’s overall research and
sign of ebbing.
of runners make their way around
economic development strategy,”
In late summer, officials expect
the shaded roadway. With daylight
says David Shaw, Mississippi
to begin construction of an ad-
fading, lights shine from dozens of
State’s vice president for research
ditional entrance on Highway 182
windows as researchers work into
and economic development.
at North Farm and a tree-lined
the evening. Stars come out. The
boulevard, which will intersect
moon rises over North Farm.
The opening of the new multitenant building last December was
Research Blvd. at the HPC2 build-
a significant milestone, he adds.
ing. Other likely additions to the
“Bringing together RTC, the
park include multi-use trails for
It’s been another good day in the park.
Office of Technology Commer-
walking, running and cycling and
Interested in learning more about the Research Park?
cialization, and the Cochran En-
possibly an on-site food vendor.
Please visit http://www.cochranresearchpark.com
trepreneurship Center will enable them to work closely together and
“We believe the park offers an unmatched quality of work life,
or contact Marc McGee at mmcgee@research. msstate.edu or (662) 325-9575.
Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, another key tenant in the park, as the EcoCAR arrives from its ceremonial victory lap around campus for winning the 2010 EcoCAR: The NeXT Challenge competition
12 Alumnus Spring 2011
The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems received a $1.08 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program during an August 2010 ceremony at the CAVS facility in the Research Park.
Virtual Environment for RealTime EXploration facility at the university’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory, which is one of the high-tech facilities located in the Research Park.
Alumnus Spring 2011 13
The (love) story
behind BuckScore Story and photos by Kenny Billings
I
n June 2007, Jeremy Flinn and
woods of western Pennsylvania
Emily Clemons came to Missis-
with his grandfather. It was his
sippi State University just after
deep love of wildlife and the out-
Clemons’ background was similar
earning their bachelor’s degrees,
doors that led him to Penn State
to Flinn’s in that she also grew
with their sights set on master’s
University to pursue a bachelor’s
up with a love for the outdoors.
degree in wildlife and fisheries.
It wasn’t until the fifth grade,
degrees in wildlife and fisheries science. Both looked forward to
Growing up in Louisville, Ky.,
however, that she discovered the
working with the university’s ample,
wanted to do,” the self-professed
joys of hunting and the true beauty
captive white-tailed deer population.
“deer fanatic” said. “I wanted to
of the white-tailed deer. During
be a deer biologist and, while at
a conservation camp, she was
leave MSU with far more than
Penn State, I had the opportunity to
introduced to hunting after winning
their completed degrees in white-
intern with the Smithsonian Deer
a guided hunting trip. Afterward,
tail management. Their combined
Ecology Institute in Front Royal,
she continued to hunt throughout
work would also lead to a com-
Va. After learning about the op-
her youth. After graduating high
mercially licensed product and a
portunities at Mississippi State to
school, she earned her bachelor’s
trip down the aisle.
be able to work hands-on with such
degree in wildlife management
a large population of white-tailed
from Eastern Kentucky University.
Three years later, the pair would
Jeremy grew up hunting the
14 Alumnus Spring 2011
“I always knew this was what I
deer, I couldn’t pass it up.”
The pair first crossed paths the
program allowing researchers to
Score has become,” Jeremy said.
first day of class at MSU and,
use photographs from trail cameras
“Seeing this go from pictures and
because of their studies, would be
to generate Boone and Crockett
numbers on a screen to seeing it come
linked throughout their time at State.
scores for deer. While demon-
to life – just being there from the
Emily’s research involved exam-
strating the program at the 2009
beginning – has been overwhelming.
ining factors affecting size variations
national convention of the Quality
It’s been kind of like my baby.”
of male deer from different areas of
Deer Management Association in
Mississippi, while Jeremy’s work
Louisville, Ky., it became evident
software application and NBFog
centered on developing a means of
there was a larger appeal for the
didn’t end with the licensing of
estimating the antler size of white-
technology than just for research
the product, however. Shortly after
tailed deer based on photographs,
purposes.
completing their master’s theses
allowing researchers to generate data
As a hunter, Jeremy saw the value the program would have for indi-
game cameras placed in the field.
viduals using game cameras in their
Because their individual research
hunting pursuits. In August 2009,
relied on the same collection of data
the program was made available to
sets, it was only natural they work
the hunting community as a free,
together to collect information, rather
on-line program while the university
than duplicate each other’s efforts.
explored the possible commercial
with a person, working day in and
appeal for such a product.
and their work at Mississippi State,
always knew this was “Iwhat I wanted to do. ”
from information collected from
“When you spend so much time
The Flinns’ relationship with the
In May 2010, MSU entered into
the newlyweds were asked to join the staff at NBFog—Emily as a
wildlife biologist and Jeremy as
day out, it is inevitable that you
a licensing agreement with Austin,
general manager of the BuckScore
become close,” Flinn said.
Texas-based NBFog to market
division.
It didn’t take long for their rela-
the software as BuckScore. The
“It’s been a heck of a ride,”
tionship to blossom into more than
program was made available com-
Jeremy concluded. “The stars
that of friend/co-worker, and in Sep-
mercially to educators, scientists,
just aligned perfectly. I got a
tember 2009, the two were married.
and hunters, allowing them to age
first-rate educational experience
deer and score antlers.
from a highly respected program,
Their combined research began to produce results. Using the
“It is very fulfilling to see some-
met the love of my life, and now
information they had collected,
thing you work hard on and devote so
have a career running a company
Jeremy developed a software
much time to become what Buck-
founded on research I conducted.”
Alumnus Spring 2011 15
By Harriet Laird Photos by Russ Houston
A
n innate passion for children led
hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormone
Nikole Roberts, back in the late
production) because of easily recognizable
1980s, to realize her dream of
symptoms such as prolonged jaundice, slug-
earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary
gishness, poor eating habits, and temperature
education from Mississippi State.
instability.”
While marching across the stage during
was more to Clara Kate’s condition, doctors
idea her enthusiasm for kids, coupled with the
continued to run tests, even looking for a
birth of her children, would lead to doctoral
genetic disorder–which AHO is known to be.
research at MSU two decades later on an extremely rare syndrome. Nikole’s daughter, Clara Kate, and her late son, Kaiser, were both born with Albright’s Hereditary Osteodystrophy, a complex
Nikole said, “While AHO is supposedly handed down through a maternal link, those studying Clara Kate’s case couldn’t find a mutation in me or in our family.” After first being accused of starving her
and under-researched hormonal resistance
little girl because of her rapid weight loss,
disorder. Often misdiagnosed, AHO is so
and then being blamed for gorging her as
uncommon that it took doctors a year or more
she gained weight, it wasn’t until a calcified
to determine why the West Point native’s
spot on Clara Kate’s leg was biopsied that
children were sick.
a pediatrician at the University of Alabama,
“When Clara Kate was six weeks old,
16 Alumnus Spring 2011
While her motherly instincts told her there
that commencement ceremony, Nikole had no
Birmingham, concluded the little girl had
we knew she had something,” Nikole said.
AHO. Called osteoma cutis, the calcification
“She was first diagnosed with congenital
is indicative of AHO.
“She told us the syndrome name and that we needed to look into it further with the help of a pediatric endocrinolo-
AHO children by giving them the hor-
in 2004, has today gone from a child with
mone,” Nikole said.
non-detectable growth hormone to normal
Having studied the cognitive develop-
levels of 10 or greater. A kindergartener
gist. The thing about this condition is
ment of children while working on her
at Starkville Academy, the six-year-old is
that people may have read about it, but
master’s degree in MSU’s psychology de-
taking ballet, doing gymnastics, and even
not many have actually seen it,” Nikole
partment, this immediately piqued her in-
climbing rock walls.
explained.
terest. She wanted to know if Clara Kate’s
“It takes an army, but she’s doing
With so many unanswered questions,
lack of growth hormone was not only the
well, and we’re thrilled,” said the mom,
she began searching the Internet for any-
reason for her slow physical development,
who was featured with her family and
thing and everything she could find. Studying prognosis, treatment options, and more, Nikole discovered Dr. Emily Germain-Lee, an associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore,
THE THING ABOUT THIS CONDITION IS THAT PEOPLE MAY HAVE READ ABOUT IT, BUT NOT MANY HAVE ACTUALLY SEEN IT.
Md. Germain-Lee, also
but also was associated with her
Germain-Lee on ABC News’ Nightline in
child’s failure to thrive in a learn-
January in a story on AHO children.
ing environment.
Nikole’s journey with Clara Kate has
In early 2009, the Roberts
not only enhanced her daughter’s quality
family, including husband and
of life, it has given a determined mother
father, Brian, and two-year-old
the perseverance to tackle just about any-
son, “Kai,” who also was sick
thing that comes her way. Completing the
and misdiagnosed, boarded
coursework for her doctorate in educa-
a plane to Baltimore. On the
tional psychology this spring, Nikole will
day of their first visit to see Dr.
only lack the writing of her dissertation to
Germain-Lee, Kai died.
earn her third degree from MSU.
“His symptoms were differ-
Now having established a relationship
founder of the Albright Clinic at the Ken-
ent, and doctors were convinced he had
with Germain-Lee, the nation’s leading
nedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, began
something else,” she said.
researcher on Albright’s—and possi-
the treatment center to provide multidis-
While Kai never saw the early interven-
bly the sole investigator—Nikole will
ciplinary care for children and adults with
tion benefits that Clara Kate has found in
survey families at the prominent doctor’s
AHO.
Baltimore, Nikole is thankful for the im-
Baltimore clinic to gather the data needed
“I found that Dr. Germain-Lee was
provements she has seen in her daughter
for her dissertation and, ultimately, for
studying growth hormone deficiency in
over the past few years. Clara Kate, born
continued discovery into AHO.
Alumnus Spring 2011 17
Alumnus devises
efficient dentistry system R
ipley dentist Chris Griffin
practice. In August of that
knows that to see the bright
same year, he opened his
lights of success, one must
private business, after
sometimes visit the dark
more than two months of
tunnel of despair.
converting the house, hir-
This is exactly what happened to Griffin, a 1995 Mississippi
ing employees, getting inspections,
agement titled “Time Genius.” The
and much more.
book includes 12 steps that he said are
State alumnus, who has now had a
Griffin said, “I worked day and
thriving dental practice in the small
night, every day, going on four hours
practice, but can be used in just about
northeast Mississippi town for more
of sleep or less.”
any aspect of life.
than 10 years.
“
Since he had labored so hard on
“I have dedicated myself to being
The lucrative business, though,
building his business, he thought he
the most effective every second of
only came about after a failed dental
had to continue that same rigorous
the work day, and through lots of trial
associateship, the realization that he
schedule to be a successful dentist. He
and error, I have come up with a new
had to provide for his family, and a
worked six days a week for a while,
way of looking at things. Slashing our
until he decided to slowly “whittle
procedure time in half over and over
down” his work time.
again has become the heartbeat of our
I have dedicated myself to being the most effective every second of the work day. confrontation with himself. “Sitting on my kitchen floor in
“Strangely enough, I have been fortunate to have an increase in my
”
office production and collections ev-
office and motivated me to take this show on the road,” he said. Griffin has now taken his effective
ery time I have cut down my hours,”
dentistry systems and time man-
he explained.
agement concepts on the road and
Griffin has done so well that he
has decreased his practice time down
lectures wherever he is invited. “I really believe that if anyone
June of 1999, I felt something click
to three days per week and invented
reading our materials or watching
deep inside me. I couldn’t stand to be
“Capacity Academy,” a systematic
our videos makes the proper effort
a failure, but there also was no safe
plan for other practitioners to discover
and follows our lead, immense
route to take,” Griffin said.
how to become a “three-day dentist.”
changes in their practices and lives
The day after his soul searching,
18 Alumnus Spring 2011
not only for building a better dental
Capacity Academy includes
will occur,” he concluded.
he found out about an old house in
videos, newsletters, a step-by-step
town that, if renovated, would make
efficient dentistry “Capacity College,”
www.capacitycollege.com and
an excellent location for a dental
and even a 2010 book on time man-
www.3daydentist.com.
For more information, visit
Campus
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
KEENUM BEGINS MULTI-YEAR TERM AS
SACS TRUSTEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE’S PRESIDENT is a newly appointed member of the top accreditation body for regional institutions of higher learning.
M
ark E. Keenum recently was elected to a three-year
tion of Colleges and Schools represents schools at all levels in 11
term on the board of trustees of the Southern Associa-
states stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rio Grande River
tion of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges.
(and some areas of Latin America). In addition to Mississippi, it
He will serve through 2013 on the 77-member body representing
covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North and
some 800 institutional members.
South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Keenum is in his third year as the 19th chief executive of MSU,
Keenum and other new trustees also serve on one of the organiza-
from which he holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in
tion’s standing Committees on Compliance and Reports. In this role,
agricultural economics. Prior to being named president in late 2008,
they will evaluate a variety of reports and formulate recommenda-
he was under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
tions regarding institutions and their Commission on Colleges’
As a commission trustee, he will, among other duties, help determine policy, and review and make decisions regarding the ac-
status. MSU is an accredited SACS member since 1926. Also in good
creditation of member institutions awarding associate, baccalaureate,
standing are the Magnolia State’s 30 or so other public and private
master’s, or doctoral degrees.
community and senior colleges.
Usually referred to by the acronym SACS, the Southern Associa-
Alumnus Spring 2011 19
Campus
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
Spencer named
human resources director A
human resources management veteran with more than three decades of professional experience now is heading that service
at Mississippi State. Judith A. “Judy” Spencer, the university’s associate director of
On campus, she will continue to manage the areas of domestic and international employment, compensation,
human resources since 2004, officially assumed her new duties as di-
benefits, employee relations,
rector in March, pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees,
learning and development,
State Institutions of Higher Learning. Holding the formal designa-
and data services, as well as
tion as a Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, she has
other university-wide human
served as interim director since July.
resources management support.
“We conducted a national search to fill this position, and it was
In addition to the SPHR
clear that Judy had an outstanding depth of knowledge about the
rank, she is certified as Train-
profession and about Mississippi State University,” said Jerry Gil-
ing for Intervention Procedures
bert, provost and executive vice president. “We are fortunate to have
trainer, Targeted Selection Interviewer, Peer Grievance Review
someone with her experience seamlessly fill this important adminis-
Administrator, and Six Sigma Green Belt.
trative role.” The institution’s more than 1,200 faculty and 3,000 staff members make it among the region’s largest employers.
Judy Spencer
Spencer holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala., and a master’s of business administration from the University of North Alabama at Florence.
Before coming to MSU, Spencer had a 21-year career with Caterpillar Inc. and 13 years at the W.R. Grace and Co.’s Southbridge Plastics Division.
Student body selects leaders FOR 2011-12 Rhett Hobart of Greenville (center) is the new Student Association president at Mississippi State University. He and the four other top officers were seated in recent campus-wide elections. Other leaders for the 2011-12 academic year include (from left) secretary Meredith A. Sledge of Sunflower, vice president Halston R. Hales of Clinton, attorney general Justin T. Watts of Hernando, and treasurer Mary Kimble Bridgers of Belzoni.
20 Alumnus Spring 2011
Karen McNeal
MSU BRINGS
climate change
curricula to HIGH SCHOOLS
More than 75 classrooms around the state will learn more about
The NSF grant will allow researchers to create computer modules
climate change as part of a National Science Foundation grant that
on climate change that complement hands-on lessons high school
includes a partnership between Mississippi State, the University
teachers use in their classrooms. TERC, the non-profit assisting with
of Texas, Michigan State University, and a nonprofit educational
the project, will post online climate change modules at http://serc.
software company.
carleton.edu/earthlabs/.
Designed to improve high school students’ knowledge of climate
The curriculum developed will comply with standards for
change, the four-year project will involve students and teachers
laboratory-based high school science education and support a better
from throughout Mississippi and Texas.
understanding of climate literacy.
Karen McNeal, the primary investigator for the grant and an
Partner schools and teachers are in the process of being selected.
assistant professor in MSU’s geosciences department, said the goal
Beginning this summer, the first training session for Mississippi
of the $2.5 million NSF Discovery Research K-12 project is to
teachers will involve about six to eight instructors engaging in the
train teachers to use modules created through the program for their
curriculum and providing feedback during the online materials
classrooms and then review students’ work to determine how well
development.
they learned the material. “We want to see teachers using the resources and students en-
As more workshops are held on the curriculum, the project will expand over time to up to 100 teachers, McNeal said. During the
gaged in them,” McNeal said. “As this happens, we’ll use informa-
2012 and 2013 academic school years, teachers will incorporate the
tion collected to improve the material by creating better ways to
material in their classrooms, she added.
teach climate change.”
Alumnus Spring 2011 21
Campus
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
MSU HITS RESEARCH
BENCHMARK
tion’s top universities,” said David Shaw, vice president for research and economic development. The institution joins universities such as Stanford, MIT, Duke and Johns Hopkins in the very high research activity tier. Overall research funding, number of doctoral graduates, and research staff are among the criteria considered in determining the classifications. “The very high research activity classification is an important
Mississippi State is among the nation’s leading major research
benchmark for us,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “It repre-
universities, according to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advance-
sents our ongoing commitment to creating new economic opportu-
ment of Teaching.
nity through world-changing innovation, and I am very proud of the
In the foundation’s latest analysis of American higher education, MSU is designated as “a very high research activity university,”
contributions of our entire university to reach this milestone.” In FY 2010, the university secured $201 million in external
which represents the highest level of research activity for doctorate-
research funding. In its most recent reporting of academic research
granting universities in the U.S.
and development expenditures (FY 2008), the National Science
The Carnegie classification has been the leading framework for
Foundation ranked Mississippi State 58th among public institutions
recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher
for total R&D spending. Among all institutions--public and private-
education for the past four decades.
-the university’s expenditures in agricultural sciences ranked 7th
Mississippi State is the only school in the state with the distinction, and one of only 108 nationwide.
nationally with engineering 34th. Of special note, the Carnegie Foundation also recently recognized
“The very high research activity designation is additional confirmation that as Mississippi’s flagship we are competing with the na-
Mississippi State with its 2010 Community Engagement Classification.
Travis saluted as
PROFESSOR of the YEAR Mississippi State associate profes-
to think for themselves, Travis recently
doesn’t limit teaching to the classroom—
was honored as 2010 Mississippi Professor
it’s the starting point.
of the Year. The award is given annually
The faculty member in the department
Rick Travis
22 Alumnus Spring 2011
For his passion in encouraging students
sor Rick Travis believes a good teacher
by the Carnegie Foundation for the Ad-
of political science and public adminis-
vancement of Teaching and the Council for
tration often carries discussions into the
Advancement and Support of Education.
hallways of Bowen Hall and other parts of
Each year, the U.S. Professors of the
campus about foreign policy, peacekeeping
Year program salutes the most outstanding
and nation-building. He believes students
undergraduate instructors in the country,
should get to know professors outside of
faculty who excel in teaching and posi-
the classroom to experience the informal
tively influence the lives and careers of
aspects of learning, asking questions dur-
students. It is the only national program
ing one-on-one discussions.
to recognize excellence in undergraduate
instruction and mentoring. K.C. Morrison, head of MSU’s department of political science and public ad-
adviser shows how much he cares about
Travis has had a reputation for many
students.
years as one of the most engaging and
“As department head, I am astounded, as
student-friendly faculty members at MSU.
ministration, said Travis’ accomplishment
are his colleagues, at the prodigious effort
Recipient of many teaching honors, he
reflects well on the department, the College
he puts not only into classroom teach-
has won each of the three undergraduate
of Arts and Sciences, and the entire uni-
ing, but also into advising undergraduate
teaching awards at the university, and was
versity. Along with Travis’ teaching in the
students,” Morrison said. “Dr. Travis is
one of the youngest-ever faculty named the
classroom, Morrison also said the instruc-
superior at it, bringing boundless energy
Outstanding Honors Faculty Member of
tor’s role as a department undergraduate
and attentiveness.”
the Year.
Salter named journalist-in-residence Sidney L. “Sid” Salter, a Mississippi State
the works of some of our state and nation’s most
graduate and longtime syndicated columnist,
outstanding journalists,” Coleman said. “He is
returned to his alma mater March 1 as journalist-
held in high regard within the profession, and he
in-residence.
will bring a new level of visibility and exposure
Reporting to Dean of Libraries Frances
to Mitchell Memorial Library’s collections, while
N. Coleman, the new position is designed to
helping introduce a new generation of students to
strengthen MSU’s existing collections and to
the practice of journalism.”
help develop a speaker series and other initia-
Salter is a two-time winner of the J. Oliver
tives to enable MSU students to interact with
Emmerich Award, considered the premier annual
leading U.S. journalists. Classroom instruction
honor of the Mississippi Press Association. The
primarily for communication and political sci-
award is a memorial to another MSU alumnus who
ence majors will be among other duties.
was longtime publisher and editor of the McComb
The university’s 2004 alumnus of the year, Salter was a John C. Stennis Scholar in Political Science as a student. At age 24, he became publisher and editor of the Scott County
Sid Salter
Enterprise-Journal. Salter’s and Emmerich’s collec-
tions are among those housed at the library. A Philadelphia native, Salter is a member of the hall of fame
Times in Forest. He continued in that role for many years before
of the state press association, the nation’s sixth oldest--it was
leaving the weekly newspaper to become Perspective editor at the
founded in 1866--and whose files also are part of MSU’s Special
Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
Collections.
In addition to duties at the state’s largest newspaper, Salter served
For some time, Salter has served on the advisory board of MSU’s
as weekday host for a statewide radio talk show covering politics
John C. Stennis Institute of Government, where he now will work
and other current issues. “On Deadline with Sid Salter” aired in the
closely with executive director Marty Wiseman and his staff on a
3-6 p.m. time slot on the Super Talk Mississippi Radio Network.
variety of political and public policy issues. (The Stennis Institute is
He was the first to hold the Kelly Gene Cook Chair of Journalism at the University of Mississippi, in residence at the university 1996-
located opposite the library along Hardy Road.) President Mark E. Keenum said Salter’s experience and back-
97. As one of the state’s most respected journalists, he has covered
ground will “greatly benefit both the university and its students,
politics from the court house to the state house to the White House.
especially those pursuing careers in journalism, public service and
“We are excited that Sid will help bolster our efforts to highlight
politics.”
Alumnus Spring 2011 23
Campus
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
MSU RECEIVES CARNEGIE’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has
tion was derived entirely from existing empirical data before the
awarded Mississippi State its 2010 Community Engagement Clas-
addition of the “elective” Community Engagement Classification,
sification.
which allows voluntary participation.
Carnegie Foundation President Anthony Bryk cited MSU’s
Tim Chamblee, director of MSU’s Office of Institutional Re-
excellent alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources,
search and Effectiveness, said that while the Carnegie application
and practices in support of “dynamic and noteworthy community
process highlighted the outstanding community partnerships that
engagement.”
currently exist, it also provides a catalyst to improve and sustain
Among projects submitted by the university for the Carnegie application were:
partnerships and to build additional ones. “These partnerships will allow our students, graduates, faculty,
--Body Walk, an MSU Extension partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, which takes elementary students through a mobile display of making healthy food choices and developing a healthy lifestyle;
and staff to reach out to communities around the state, nation and world,” he explained. Supporting MSU’s application, along with Chamblee, were committee members Lisa Harris, associate vice president for
--Camp Jabber Jaw, an alliance between MSU’s T.K. Martin
Student Affairs; April Heiselt, assistant professor, counseling and
Center for Technology and Disability and the Mississippi Depart-
educational psychology; Gary Jackson, director, MSU Extension;
ment of Rehabiliation Services, which helps individuals with
and Cade Smith, director, Office of Student Leadership and Com-
augmentative and alternative communication skills; and the
munity Engagement.
--Harrison County Beach Project, an effort of the MSU Depart-
Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1905 and chartered in 1906
ment of Landscape Architecture’s Center for Sustainable Design
by an act of Congress, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advance-
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Harrison County, which
ment of Teaching is an independent policy and research center. Its
provides landscape design and vegetation assistance in restoring
current mission is to support needed transformations in American
the hurricane-damaged coastal beachfront.
education through tighter connections between teaching practice,
For more than three decades, the Carnegie Classification has been the leading instrument used by researchers for defining insti-
evidence of student learning, the communication and use of this evidence, and structured opportunities to build knowledge.
tutional diversity in U.S. higher education. Until 2006, the distinc-
CAVS Extension receives national award The university’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension Office took
West Point. “UEDA’s Awards of Excellence winners
versities are well suited to serve as thought leaders and to help find solutions.”
home a top honor from the University Eco-
earned this prestigious recognition through
nomic Development Association’s annual
their superior performance,” said Steve
“The Role of MSU’s CAVS Extension in
meeting in Reno, Nev., recently.
Holland, the association’s outgoing presi-
Supporting Rapid Commercialization at
dent and director of the Montana Manufac-
Navistar Defense’s Plant in West Point,
the winner of the 2010 Award of Excellence
turing Extension Center at Montana State
MS,” is an example of Mississippi State’s
in Business Assistance and Entrepreneur-
University. “Our country is facing serious
commitment to service, said Clay Walden,
ship for its work with the Navistar plant in
economic issues, and our colleges and uni-
director of CAVS Extension and a research
Based in Canton, CAVS Extension was
24 Alumnus Spring 2011
The winning project, officially titled
professor at the land-grant institution.
mented the manufacturing system, including
team,” said David Shaw, Mississippi State’s
“CAVS Extension and the university as
the use of advanced modeling and simula-
vice president for research and economic
a whole are actively engaged in the lives of
tion techniques, to help Navistar enhance
development. “Working to meet the needs
Mississippians,” he said. “Our work with
production of the company’s mine-resistant
of business and industry is a clearly-defined
Navistar illustrates the assistance we pro-
armored protection vehicles, commonly
priority of the university. Our researchers
vide and the partnerships we develop with
called MRAPs, for the U.S. Department of
and resources have vital roles to play as the
employers in the state.”
Defense.
state’s economy grows and diversifies.”
In West Point, CAVS Extension engineers led by Glenn Dennis designed and imple-
“All of us are very proud of the excellent work being done by the CAVS Extension
Walters selected for
NATIONAL ENGINEERING ED PROGRAM An MSU assistant professor of chemical
nized some of the finest young engineering
engineering is among 53 of the nation’s most
educators in the nation and will better equip
innovative young professionals selected to
them to transform the educational process at
participate in a National Academy of Engi-
their universities,” said Edward F. Crawley,
neering program.
Ford Professor of Engineering at Massachu-
Keisha B. Walters was the only university
setts Institute of Technology and chair of the
faculty member from Mississippi to attend
Frontiers of Engineering Education planning
the “Frontiers of Engineering Education”
committee.
symposium in December in Irvine, Calif.
Sarah A. Rajala, dean of MSU’s Bagley
During the event, early career faculty
College of Engineering, nominated Walters
developing and using innovative educational
for the engineering symposium.
approaches in a variety of engineering dis-
“Dr. Walters’ desire to develop her ability
ciplines shared ideas, learned from education research, and encouraged each other to improve their home institutions.
Keisha B. Walters Charles M. Vest.
to effectively teach in a variety of classroom environments is a positive departure from the
The program focused on ways to ensure
norm of university pedagogy,” Rajala wrote
“The Frontiers of Engineering Education
students learn engineering fundamentals, the
in her recommendation. “Her skills signifi-
program creates a unique venue for engineer-
expanding knowledge base of new technol-
cantly enhance the teaching program within
ing faculty members to share and explore
ogy, and the skills necessary to be an effective
the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering
interesting and effective innovations in
engineer or engineering researcher.
and for the academic mission of Mississippi
teaching and learning,” said NAE President
“By holding this event, we have recog-
State University.”
Alumnus Spring 2011 25
Campus
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
TEXTBOOK RENTAL PROGRAM BRINGS
savings to students
I
n partnership with the Barnes & Noble campus bookstore,
The program gives students a chance to rent their textbooks for
Mississippi State officials say a textbook rental program saved
less than 50 percent of the purchase price of a new printed textbook,
university students more than $125,000 during the 2010 fall
either by visiting the store or placing an order online.
semester.
Cecilia Brooks, manager of the Barnes & Noble at MSU, said the
“We’re very sensitive to the financial pressures our students face,
store was thrilled with the results. “By offering rentals, we allow
and we partnered with Barnes & Noble to implement this program
students access to any type of book they need with one stop,” she
for the fall semester to help reduce out-of-pocket costs,” said Lisa
said, adding that students also may continue to find new, used and
Harris, associate vice president for student affairs. “We’re pleased
electronic texts at the campus store.
it’s making an impact.” FEATURES OF THE TEXTBOOK RENTAL PROGRAM ARE STUDENT-FOCUSED, SAID BOTH BARNES & NOBLE AND CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVES. AMONG FEATURES: -- Students can pay the rental fees using any form of tender currently accepted by the bookstore,
purchased book they planned to sell back to the bookstore. -- Students may convert their rental
including student financial aid and
to a purchase during the first two
campus debit cards.
weeks of class.
-- Students may highlight or mark the rented books, as they would a
26 Alumnus Spring 2011
“We’ve been very pleased with the response,” Brooks said.
MSU JOINS INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO REDUCE HUNGER
cation to advance capacity development,” Keenum said. “We are well positioned to be in the forefront of developments that can reduce hunger and help other nations improve the response to needs within their own borders. This formal agreement with FAO is another step forward in that process,” he said. The UN established the FAO in 1945 to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living for all people in FAO member countries; to secure improvements in the efficiency of production and distribution of food and agricultural products; and to contribute towards expanding the world economy and ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger. Keenum said the memorandum would create a partnership to assist FAO in its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; reduce child mortality; ensure environmental sustainability; and enhance development activities. This agreement will complement ongoing work the university is doing with FAO’s
Mississippi State officially has established
MSU and the FAO, which began when he
sister UN organization, the World Food
ties with the United Nation’s Food and
visited with agency representatives in Rome
Program. That collaboration includes MSU
Agriculture Organization to work together
last summer. He also was tapped to lead food
research to develop a nutritional food source
on initiatives to address world hunger and
aid and capacity discussions at the Interna-
based on cashews. “Our food science,
poverty.
tional Food Aid and Development Confer-
nutrition, and health promotion department
ence held in August.
will be leading the effort on this project,”
MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Daniel Gustafson, the FAO liaison for North
The partnership was enhanced further
Keenum said.
America, signed a memorandum of under-
when MSU Vice President for Research
standing that lays the foundation for collabo-
David Shaw and Vice President for Agricul-
world hunger is to find nutritious, inexpen-
rations focusing most immediately on food
ture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Greg
sive food products that don’t require water
safety and nutrition. Other areas addressed
Bohach met recently with FAO officials in
and can serve a range of ages, from children
in the agreement are agriculture, poverty is-
Washington, DC. As a result, Gustafson’s
to adults. Mississippi State has much exper-
sues relating to children, and environmental
visit to campus also included a series of
tise it could bring to bear that would benefit
sustainability.
presentations on MSU capabilities.
not only the efforts in other countries, but in
Keenum’s signature on the document comes after months of dialogue between
“As a land-grant institution, Mississippi
He added, “One challenge in addressing
our own.”
State has a long history of research and edu-
Alumnus Spring 2011 27
Campus
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
JORDAN NAMED RCU DIRECTOR Julie Jordan has been named director
Jordan has more than 25 years of profes-
of the Research and Curriculum Unit for
sional experience as a business owner,
Workforce Development, Vocational and
entrepreneur, teacher, and trainer, and previ-
Technical Education at MSU.
ously worked for the university as a project
The Mississippi State alumnus will
manager for the Mississippi State Commu-
oversee operations of the campus unit that
nity Action Team. Most recently, she served
provides a wide range of services designed
as director of operations for the Mississippi
to enhance the state’s workforce, including
School Boards Association. She is currently
curriculum and personnel development,
enrolled in the international development
research and assessment, online training
doctoral program at the University of
and program improvement. The RCU also
Southern Mississippi.
works closely with the Mississippi Depart-
Julie Jordan
“We are excited about the energy and
training and workforce development are
ment of Education’s Office of Vocational
ideas that Julie brings to RCU,” said David
central to Mississippi State’s longstand-
Education and Workforce Development to
Shaw, vice president for research and eco-
ing commitment of teaching, research and
improve technical education and job train-
nomic development at the land-grant insti-
service to the state and nation.”
ing programs.
tution. “The RCU’s leadership in education,
MSU AMONG TOP
M
military-friendly colleges ississippi State University has been ranked among the top 20 best colleges and universities in the United States for military
personnel and veterans. Military Times EDGE, a career and education supplement published
Andrew Rendon, director of the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans at MSU, said, “The staff and students at our center were excited to see Mississippi State’s high national ranking related to military- and veteran-friendly campuses. MSU has always
with the Military Times newsweeklies 10 times a year, ranked MSU at
been very supportive of our men and women in uniform, and this
No. 20 among 4,000 colleges and universities evaluated.
recognition is well deserved.” Schools were evaluated based on financial assistance provided, specifically for veterans and their dependents, including the Yellow Ribbon program, relaxed residency restrictions for in-state tuition, academic flexibility, campus culture, and support services quality. “The Center for America’s Veterans will continue to strive for excellence when playing a supporting role at Mississippi State and remain committed to work on behalf of our student veteran and military population to ensure their success,” Rendon added. In addition to its print edition, Military Times EDGE is produced online and updated throughout the month with news and information about career and educational opportunities available to military personnel and veterans.
28 Alumnus Spring 2011
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
Alumni
NEWS
ADKERSON NAMED
ALUMNUS OF THEYEAR Mississippi State University named Richard C.
Adkerson of Phoenix, Ariz., the national Alumnus of the Year for 2011. Adkerson was honored in February in front of hundreds of alumni and friends at the annual Alumni Association awards banquet. A 1969 alumnus, Adkerson graduated with highest honors with a degree in accounting. He completed a master’s in business administration in 1970, and scored second highest nationally on the certified public accounting examination the same year. He later completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Adkerson joined Arthur Andersen & Co. in its New Orleans office in 1970. Six years later, he was selected for a coveted two-year fellowship with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., where he worked on oil and gas accounting and reporting standards. He was later named partner and managing director at Arthur Andersen’s Houston, Texas office, where he led the firm’s Worldwide Oil and Gas Industry Practice. In 1989, he joined Freeport-McMoRan, where he was assigned positions of increasing responsibility.
Left to right: Dr. Mark E. Keenum, MSU president; Richard C. Adkerson
Since 2003, Adkerson has served as president and CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.,
a major contribution for the new basketball practice facility. He is
which is now the world’s largest publicly traded copper producer.
a member of the James D. McComas Benefactors in the Mississippi
He is also co-chairman of McMoRan Exploration Co., a NYSE oil
State University Foundation.
and gas exploration company. An active supporter of his alma mater, Adkerson has served as
Among his many accomplishments, Adkerson’s leadership in the global mining industry was acknowledged in 2009 when he was
president of the MSU Foundation board of directors for three terms
named “Copper Man of the Year” by the Copper Club Inc. Institu-
He has also participated on the boards for the Bulldog Club, MSU
tional Investor magazine has also ranked him as the top CEO in the
Alumni Association and College of Business. Additionally, Adker-
metals and mining industry for the past four years. Most recently,
son served as volunteer chairman for the $462 million “State of the
he was inducted in 2010 into the American Mining Hall of Fame.
Future” capital campaign steering committee. In 2007, Adkerson contributed $5 million to the accounting
Mississippi State has honored Adkerson for his continued support of academics and athletics. In 1989, he was named Outstanding
program within the MSU College of Business. The Richard C. Ad-
Accounting Alumnus of the Year. Two years later, the College of
kerson School of Accountancy became the sixth named accounting
Business honored him as College Alumni of the Year. In May 2010,
school at a Southeastern Conference institution. In 2009, he made
MSU awarded him an honorary doctoral degree.
Alumnus Spring 2011 29
Alumni
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
2011 COLLEGE ALUMNI OF THE YEAR E
ach year, outstanding alumni are recognized for their personal, professional and community accomplishments. These individuals truly represent the mission and values of Mississippi State around the state, nation
and world. The 2011 College Alumni of the Year were named in February at the annual Alumni Awards Banquet.
The recipients include: Pictured from left to right are: James A. Dubovsky, College of Forest Resources. Dubovsky holds master’s and doctoral degrees from MSU in wildlife ecology in 1987 and 1990, respectively.
Richard C. Adkerson (center), National Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Brigid Lea Nodurft Elchos, College of Veterinary Medicine. Elchos,
Regional chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Migratory Bird
who earned a doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1999, is deputy state
Management, he also is a Michigan State University graduate.
veterinarian with the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. She also holds a
Turner A. Wingo, College of Busines. Wingo, a retired retailer, is a 1967
joint appointment as state public health veterinarian for the Mississippi Board
general business graduate currently serving on the MSU Foundation board
of Animal Health and Mississippi State Department of Health. Additionally,
of directors.
Elchos is an adjunct professor with the MSU veterinary college.
Jacqueline Van Zyverden Hogan, MSU-Meridian. A 1996 business informa-
David C. Burt, College of Architecture, Art and Design. A member of the
tion systems graduate of the Lauderdale County campus, she is CEO of Van
American Institute of Architects, the 1995 architecture graduate is a principal at
Zyverden Inc., Wholesale Flower Bulbs & Plants.
LS3P Associates LTD in the historic port city.
Martha H. Swain, College of Arts and Sciences. Both are retired. A 1950 social
Mark S. Jordan, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. A 1976 land-
science education graduate, Swain was the Cornaro Professor of History at Texas
scape architecture graduate, he is a real estate developer and owner of Mark S.
Woman’s University who later taught history at MSU.
Jordan Cos.
Jane A. Moring, James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. With a 1979
Paul Shane McNeill, College of Education. A 1999 kinesiology graduate,
bachelor’s degree and 1990 master’s in petroleum engineering, she is the reservoir
he directs the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of Healthy Schools.
technical adviser for ExxonMobil U.S. Production Reservoir Engineering.
McNeil also holds a master’s degree in education from Jackson State University.
30 Alumnus Spring 2011
She currently serves as the assistant director of college counseling at Brentwood Academy, where she advises students in the college search and application process. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, and has presented her knowledge to Middle Tennessee counselors at a Drive-In Workshop. As president of the Nashville Alumni Chapter, Jones has been instrumental in helping the chapter promote Mississippi State throughout Middle Tennessee. She helps organize chapter events such as Dawgs on Demonbreun, which are young alumni socials, Left to right: Karen Dugard Lawler, Courtney A. Jones
C
and Dawgs in your District, an event designed to reach alumni throughout Middle Tennessee. Jones also facilitates chapter par-
ourtney A. Jones of Nashville, Tenn., was recognized as
ticipation in events such as the Music City Marathon, SEC/BIG 10
the 2010 outstanding Young Alumna of the Year at the
Bowling Challenge and SEC/ACC Golf Tournament.
alumni awards banquet. Jones, a 2002 and 2006 graduate, earned
The Alumni Association is proud to recognize Jones. Her service
a bachelor’s in geosciences and a master’s in counselor education.
to the university helps promote the Bulldog spirit around our nation.
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE AWARD WINNERS RECOGNIZED Lee A. Benoist, Exton R. “Buck” Johnson and Rhonda D. Stutts were honored as the 2010 Distinguished Service Award winners at the Alumni Awards Banquet in February. Chosen for their years of service and dedication to the MSU Alumni Association, these three individuals repre-
Left to right: Exton R. Johnson, Karen Dugard Lawler, Lee A. Benoist
sent the most excellent alumni volunteers. Benoist, of Jackson, is a 1981 and 1984 graduate with degrees in
Stutts, of Hampton Cove, Ala., volunteers with the Huntsville-
agricultural economics. He is a financial advisor with Sterne Agee
Decatur Alumni Chapter. She serves as the student recruiting
Financial Services, and has served on the alumni national board of
chairperson for her chapter, and has a passion for recruiting area
directors and the Central Mississippi Chapter board of directors.
students to MSU.
Starkville native Johnson is a 1963 business graduate and ac-
The Alumni Association is proud of our 2010 Distinguished
tive member of the Harrison-Stone Alumni Chapter. Currently of
Service Award winners and grateful for their overwhelming support
Gulfport, he also served as regional director for the national board
of our university.
of directors. He is retired.
Alumnus Spring 2011 31
Alumni
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
The 21st class of Alumni Fellows includes, front row, left to right, Dr. James W. “Jimmy” Hollingsworth–MSU-Meridian Campus; C. Donald “Don” Whitmire Jr.–College of Business; Dr. Mark E. Keenum–MSU president; Cindy M. Stevens–College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Susan M. Pearce–College of Veterinary Medicine. Middle row, left to right, Alfred F. “Al” Eaton–James Worth Bagley College of Engineering; Dr. Wayne H. Smith–College of Forest Resources; and Dr. James Jeffry Pearce–College of Veterinary Medicine. Back Row, left to right, Robert E. “Bob” Luke–College of Architecture, Art and Design; Dr. Rick Young–College of Education; and Michael Hatcher– College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
21
TWENTY-FIRST
CLASS OF ALUMNI FELLOWS HONORED Ten alumni have been selected as the 2010 class of Alumni Fellows. Representing each college and the Meridian campus, these individuals have distinguished themselves in their respective careers,
alumni who are willing to talk about specific competencies, attitudes and efforts needed to succeed. The Alumni Fellows were on campus in October to meet with
and returned to campus in October to meet with students, faculty
students and faculty members to discuss their field of expertise. The
and staff members.
Alumni Association honored this year’s Fellows inductees during
Through the years, the Alumni Fellows program has sought to recognize some the Mississippi State University’s most accomplished alumni. This program has served as a means for enriching students’ university experiences by exposing them to outstanding
32 Alumnus Spring 2011
halftime at the football game versus Kentucky. For individual biographies on the 2010 class of Alumni Fellows, visit www.alumni.msstate.edu/fellows.
The MSU Alumni Association honored the long-time “Voice of the Bulldogs” at the February awards banquet. Jack Cristil, the famed play-byplay announcer for MSU Athletics, was recognized for nearly 60 years of service to the university. Cristil grew up in Memphis, Tenn., with the dream of one day becoming a radio broadcaster. He pursued this dream in college by studying broadcast journalism at the University of Minnesota. In 1948, Cristil landed his first broadcasting job as a minor league baseball announcer in Jackson, Tenn. He continued working as an on-air commentator in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama until he submitted audition tapes for a job opening at Mississippi State. In 1953, legendary athletic director and coach C.R. “Dudy” Noble hired Cristil, and he began his long career as the “Voice of the Bulldogs.” Best known for his game winning phrase “you can wrap it in maroon and white,” Cristil has received many accolades during his illustrious ca-
Jack Cristil Since 1953, Cristil’s voice has become synonymous with Mississippi
reer. He has been named Mississippi Sportscaster of the Year 21 times, and
State sports. In 2002, MSU paid homage to the legend by awarding him an
received the Southeastern Conference’s Broadcaster of the Year award in
honorary doctoral degree. He also served as the grand marshal for the 2010
1998. In 1992, Cristil was awarded the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achieve-
homecoming parade.
ment Award, and was the first non-coach or non-athlete to be inducted into
In February, Cristil’s career ended when he announced his retirement.
the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. He also won the prestigious Chris
His service to the university will always be remembered as forever maroon
Schenkel Award in 1997 for excellence in college broadcasting.
and white.
Alumnus Spring 2011 33
Alumni
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
ALUMNI DELEGATES celebrate 30 YEARS of SERVICE As the Alumni Association closed out its 125th year, it observed another important milestone since its founding. In December, the Alumni Delegate organization celebrated 30 years of service to Mississippi State University. Founded in 1980, Alumni Delegates serve as student liaisons between the university and its alumni. Their purpose is to improve the understanding of the role of the Alumni Association by educating and involving students
Left to right: Nnedi Ezeala-Harrison, secretary; Matt Stratton, vice president, education; Meg Swindoll,
in activities and events of the association.
president; and Katie Landry, vice president, public relations.
The delegates began with a small group of students who helped with alumni and campus
“Being a delegate, along with several other
“I have learned that the little things you
events, as well as represented the student body
organizations, taught me the importance of
do for someone have a greater impact than
on behalf of the association.
giving 100 percent to whatever I was involved
we will ever know,” stated Davis. “It is the
with,” said Hill. “It also helped me develop
organization where I realized what it meant to
graduate, was a member of the first class of
confidence in my communication skills and
have a servant’s heart and to put others before
Alumni Delegates.
interaction with others.”
you, something that everyone should realize at
Max Bowman, a 1982 accounting
“We were essentially ambassadors to the
Hill, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., remains ac-
alumni of Mississippi State, and our role was
tive with her alma mater by serving on the
to thank alumni for their service to the univer-
national board of directors for the Alumni
the community by participating in service
sity,” he said. “It was rewarding to work with
Association and with the Northwest Florida
projects benefitting the Lamia Afghan Foun-
alumni who wanted to talk to and interact with
Alumni Chapter.
dation, Habitat for Humanity, Montgomery
student leaders.”
“Mississippi State not only gave me a great
some point in their life.” In the last year, the delegates have served
Gardens and Rolling Hills, among others.
Throughout the years, Bowman, a Jackson
education, it gave me a strong foundation for
They also serve as the first point of contact
resident, has served with the Central Mississip-
the rest of my life, through the incredible life
for campus events such as the alumni football
pi Chapter as a board member and president.
lessons and experiences I was afforded during
tailgate, the annual awards banquet and
school,” continued Hill.
leadership conference, Preview Days, as well
“Having a chance to represent MSU in any way was always an honor,” he stated. From its earliest, delegates have participated
As the Alumni Association grew, so did the
as events for the president’s office.
need for its student representatives. Through
The Alumni Association is very proud
in service activities that teach leadership and
the years, the group has grown from 10 to 20
of its student volunteers. The passion and
team building. It also exposes students to work
to now over 40 members. Delegates continue
enthusiasm exhibited by each of these students
of the Alumni Association and how the organi-
to endorse campus activities and events, and
represents the true spirit of Mississippi State.
zation could benefit them after graduation.
also promote membership to the association
MSU alumna Susan Jennings Hill recalls her time as a delegate in the early 1990s.
for students and new graduates. Price Davis, 2010 president, values his time
She believes her participation as a Delegate
as a delegate. Davis, a Jackson native, is in his
helped prepare her for roles she would fulfill
third year as a delegate and considers his role
later in life.
an important teaching opportunity for life.
34 Alumnus Spring 2011
For more information on the Alumni Delegates, visit www.alumni.msstate.edu/ alumnidelegates.
2010 OUTSTANDING CHAPTERS NAMED Each year the Alumni Association recognized chapters for their dedication to MSU throughout the state and nation. In February, more than 30 chapters were honored at the annual Alumni Awards Banquet. Gold, silver and bronze cowbells were given to chapter representatives in appreciation for their service.
CATEGORY I
CATEGORY III
HONOR CHAPTERS
(membership of 1-324)
(membership of 750 and
(in state)
(out-of-state)
Gold – George-Greene Chapter
above)
Alcorn County
Birmingham, Ala.
Silver – Lawrence-Jefferson
Gold – Oktibbeha County
Attala County
Cincinnati-Dayton, Ohio
Harrison-Stone
Huntsville-Decatur, Ala.
Jackson County
Memphis, Tenn.
Jones County
Montgomery, Ala.
Lee County
Nashville, Tenn.
Prentiss County
Northeast Florida
Scott County
South Texas
Davis Chapter Bronze – Covington County
Chapter
CATEGORY II (membership of 325-749)
Chapter Silver – Central Mississippi Chapter Bronze – Desoto County Chapter
Gold – Panola County Chapter
CATEGORY IV
Silver – Lincoln County
(out-of-state)
Southwest Mississippi
Gold – Atlanta, Ga., Chapter
Tippah County
Chapter Bronze – Hancock County
Silver – East Texas Chapter
Chapter
Bronze – Houston, Texas,
Simpson County
Chapter
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BREAKS ALL-TIME RECORDS IN 2010 For the second year in a row, the MSU Alumni Association marked its highest membership record in 126 years of establish-
events on campus and around the globe. “Our alumni play a vital role in the success of Mississippi State,”
ment. As of Dec. 31, 2010, the association boasted 39,418 active
continued Abraham. “They serve as the face of the university in
members.
their communities and spread their love of maroon and white far
“Our alumni and friends have shown overwhelming support to the university we love so much,” said Jimmy Abraham, associate
beyond the boundaries of our campus.” A gift or pledge of any amount to the MSU Foundation or Bull-
vice president for development and alumni and executive director
dog Club qualifies a person for active membership. Membership
of the Alumni Association. “We are thankful for each and every
lasts for one year and may be renewed annually with additional
member who gave of their time and resources to support Missis-
financial support.
sippi State.” In 2010, the association and its 91 chapters hosted more than 500
For more information on the MSU Alumni Association, visit the website at www.alumni.msstate.edu or call 662-325-7000.
Alumnus Spring 2011 35
Alumni
NEWS
11
SPRING ALUMNUS
FORMER ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL PRESIDENTS
REUNITE
Front row from left to right: Charles Cascio, Karen Lawler, Allen Maxwell, Betty Black, A.D. Hunt. Next row back: Ronnie Walton, Lamar Conerly, Montie Ramsey, Buddy Twitty, Bill Long, Clay McWilliams, David Jones. Back row: Walter Becker, Bob Montgomery, Billy Gillon, Joe Bryan, Charlie Brown, Jackie Ford, Steve Taylor, Pap McElroy, Durr Boyles, Keith Winfield and Gary Blair.
Twenty-six past national presidents of the MSU Alumni Association came together Sept. 3-4, 2010, for
a reunion. The alumni leaders met with several university representatives, and joined President Mark E. Keenum for an evening reception. The group was honored before kickoff at the MSU vs. Memphis football game.
36 Alumnus Spring 2011
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
SOUTH 3 REGION DIRECTOR
CHAIR, MSU PROFESSIONAL AND
Vacant
SUPPORT STAFF ADVISORY COUNCIL
YOUNG DIRECTOR, SOUTHERN REGION
Mary L. Vaughn, ‘00, ‘01
Jessica H. Maholm, ‘02
PRESIDENT, MSU FOUNDATION
OUT-OF-STATE DIRECTORS:
James J. “Jim” Rouse, ‘62
Mr. Robert L. “Rob” Carpenter, ‘72
PRESIDENT, BULLDOG CLUB
The 2010-11 national officers will be joined
Mrs. Susan J. Hill, ‘93
John W. “Johnny” Chapman, ‘69
by board members from all around the
Mr. Daniel E. “Danny” Hossley, ‘65
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOP-
country. These individuals will serve as the
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS:
MENT AND ALUMNI AND EXECUTIVE
national board July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011.
David T. Cozart, ‘86
DIRECTOR, MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIAION
Members include:
Jonathan J. Lee, ‘00, ‘02
Jimmy W. Abraham, ‘75, ‘77
2010-11 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kieu-Anh Tran, ‘96 NATIONAL PRESIDENT
ATLANTA CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Karen Dugard Lawler, ‘82, ‘94
Michael W. “Mike” Criswell, ‘80
NATIONAL FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
BIRMINGHAM CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Jerry L. Toney, ‘96
Matthew B. “Matt” Frederiksen, ‘00
NATIONAL SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER DIRECTORS:
Camille Scales Young, ‘94, ‘96
Steven A. “Steve” Corbitt, ‘76
NATIONAL TREASURER
Angela W. Dallas, ‘82
Jodi White Turner, ‘97, ‘99
Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves, ‘02
IMMEDIATE FORMER NATIONAL PRESIDENT
HARRISON-STONE CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Charles A. Cascio, ‘79
Colleen F. Johnson, ‘83
NORTH 1 REGION DIRECTOR
HOUSTON CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Robert L. “Lance” Peacock, ‘02
Dale M. Saul
NORTH 2 REGION DIRECTOR
HUNTSVILLE-DECATUR CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Cheryl W. Thurmond, ‘81
James D. “Jim” Pepper Jr., ‘69, ‘91
NORTH 3 REGION DIRECTOR
LAUDERDALE COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Sandra L. Murray
Gary A. Futch, ‘75
YOUNG DIRECTOR, NORTHERN REGION
LEE COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Audrey T. “Taneka” Milliner, ‘07
William H. “Beau” Lacey, ‘69, ‘72
CENTRAL 1 REGION DIRECTOR
LOWNDES COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Lea Margaret M. Hamilton, ‘90
John C. Dowdle, ‘97
CENTRAL 2 REGION DIRECTOR
MEMPHIS CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Andrew C. Frank, ‘91
Thomas R. “Tommy” Roberson, ‘67
CENTRAL 3 REGION DIRECTOR
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY CHAPTER
H. Riley Nelson, ‘99, ‘01
DIRECTORS:
YOUNG DIRECTOR, CENTRAL REGION
Loren “Bo” Bell, ‘91
Louie Arthur “Art” Smith, ‘01
Daniel J. “Jason” Ryder, ‘00
SOUTH 1 REGION DIRECTOR
PRESIDENT, STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Ronald E. “Ron” Black, ‘80
Thomas L. Sellers
SOUTH 2 REGION DIRECTIOR
PRESIDENT, HOLLAND FACULTY SENATE
Christie D. Walters, ‘98
R.H. “Hart” Bailey, ‘75, ‘77
Alumnus Spring 2011 37
Foundation
NEWS
11
spring ALUMNUS
GORDY ESTABLISHES ENDOWED FACULTY POSITIONS IN HORTICULTURE
Left to right: Joe Gordy; Carol Gordy
A 1963 alumnus from Mississippi State University recently created two endowments to ensure the future of floral management and horticulture education in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Joe Gordy, of Brewton, Ala., and his wife, Carol, established the Joe and Carol Gordy Endowed Chair in Horticulture and the Joe and Carol Gordy Endowed Professorship in Horticulture in a bequest
mission of teaching, research and service. The Forest native began his career in retail floristry in Starkville after receiving a degree in horticulture. As a student, he won several floral design competitions and design awards that drew attention to his knowledge and expertise of flowers and design. In 1978, Knud Nielsen Co., a leading importer and manufacturer of
through his will. Both faculty positions will be used to attract and
dried flowers, invited Gordy to design several pieces for a wholesale
retain top performing faculty members who exemplify the university’s
florist show in Dallas. The dried designs were damaged during transit,
38 Alumnus Spring 2011
and Gordy was flown to Dallas to repair the arrangements and
native, who serves as chairman and CEO. He remains active with
attend the show. Several weeks later, Gordy was offered a position
the company as a director, but devotes most of his time to running
as director of product development at the Evergreen, Ala. facility.
the couple’s other business, Gordy Development Inc.
“This opened the door for my career in floral design and prod-
With their gift to Mississippi State, the Gordys hope to enrich
uct development,” said Gordy. “The opportunity to work at Knud
the plant and soil sciences department by providing opportunities
Nielsen prepared me for a lifelong career in retail floristry.”
for outstanding faculty members. Both endowments will provide
Gordy’s passion for flowers stems from childhood days spent
funds for creative research, teaching and outreach efforts within
on a farm. He grew up working in the garden with his family, and
the department, thus improving the scope and mission of the Col-
drew inspiration from the surrounding environment and beauty of
lege of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Mother Nature. “It was a love I was born with,” he commented. “And I man-
“The endowments created by the Gordys at Mississippi State will strengthen the university’s stance as the center for floral de-
aged to get steered in the right direction to turn my passion into a
sign education,” said Dr. Jim DelPrince, professor of plant and soil
career.”
sciences. “Joe is a creative talent and has a big heart.”
A love of nature and creative ability helped Gordy succeed as a floral designer. Among his many accomplishments, he was invited in 1984, 1986 and 1987 to decorate the White House at
The Gordys’ commitment to the university is a tribute to the education he received at Mississippi State. “I felt like I wanted to give back,” stated Gordy. “A lot of the
Christmas for the Ronald Reagan administration. He also served
things I have achieved have been because of MSU. I have memo-
as one of three international judges at the 93rd Tournament of
ries of people who pushed me along when I didn’t want to be
Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., as well as one of six floral de-
pushed, and our hope is to help future students and horticulturists
sign experts asked to judge the 1993 World Cup of Floral Design
achieve their dreams.”
“
BOTH JOE AND CAROL HAVE MADE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY OF FLORAL DESIGN... THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INDUSTRY AND TO MISSISSIPPI STATE WILL CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE FUTURE DESIGNERS AND FLORISTS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
in Stockholm, Sweden. Through the years, Gordy has been involved with several
In recent years, Gordy has been recognized by Mississippi State and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as an
”
professional organizations such as the American Institute of Floral
Alumni Fellow and College Alumnus of the Year. The Gordys also
Designers (AIFD), where he served as a member of the board of
participated in an “Artist in Residence” program with horticulture
directors, as well as national vice president and national president.
students, which centered on time/motion studies they conducted in
Additionally, he has been a member of the AIFD Foundation
the production of permanent floral designs.
board of directors. In the early 1990s, Gordy and his wife purchased Natural
“Both Joe and Carol have made a tremendous impact on the industry of floral design,” continued DelPrince. “Their contributions
Decorations Inc., a manufacturer of fine fabric floral designs and
to the industry and to Mississippi State will continue to influence
botanical reproductions located in Evergreen, Ala.
future designers and florists for many years to come.”
As president and director of product development, Gordy
Gordy is active on the Brewton Tree and Beautification Board,
helped bring NDI into the forefront of the retail floristry industry.
an organization that seeks to improve the landscape of the city of
“As a designer, my goal was to develop botanical floral repro-
Brewton by planting trees and flowers, and assisting in street and
ductions that mimicked the same colors and textures found in
park renovation projects. He enjoys growing orchids, gardening
nature,” said Gordy.
and traveling with his wife Carol.
NDI moved the headquarters and productions facility to Brewton, Ala., in 1999, where Gordy remained president of the company until he retired. Currently, NDI is led by Gordy’s wife Carol, a Dublin, Texas,
Alumnus Spring 2011 39
Foundation
NEWS
11
spring ALUMNUS
Ruth Cook
takes forestry career
to new heights, supports MSU
Like the branches of a large oak tree,
MSU in 1982. Cook is a registered forester
friends and she gave me the drive to always
alumna Ruth Cook is capable of providing
in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. She is
do my best,” Cook said.
sturdy support.
immediate past president of the Mississippi
Nearly 25 years ago, when Cook entered
Today, Cook lives in the Covington Coun-
Forestry Association and a member of the
ty town of Seminary and works in nearby
the forestry profession, there were few op-
Society of American Foresters, the Louisiana
Hattiesburg for a timberland investment man-
portunities for women in operational roles. In
Forestry Association and the National Alli-
agement organization. She has a demanding
achieving industry success, Cook has gained
ance of Forest Owners.
job as director of client information and
confidence she now shares with others.
In 2007, Cook was honored as one of Mis-
reports for Molpus Timberlands Management
“Women can successfully manage for-
sissippi’s 50 Leading Business Women for
LLC. In this role, she is responsible for the
est operations–logging crews, woodyards,
her many accomplishments and leadership
coordination of efforts in relation to client
chipmills, procurement purchases, and the
roles. Her advice to other women, in response
reporting, operational budgeting and property
list goes on,” she proudly acknowledged.
to the honor, is to “be a cause.” She doesn’t
valuations.
“During my career, I’ve placed a value on
want people to sit on the sidelines; they
people–men and women–and tried to help
should step up and do what needs to be done.
them further develop their skills.” Cook’s extensive resume is marked with experience she acquired after receiving her bachelor of science degree in forestry from
40 Alumnus Spring 2011
Cook credits her mother, Dorothy, as her role model. “She instilled in me a curiosity in the world around me. She’s a nurturer of family and
Cook previously was director of strategic planning for the company. She provided support services, technical information and analyses for leadership within its parent company, The Molpus Woodland Group, which is based in Jackson. Before joining Molpus in
1999, Cook spent 17 years in forestry manage-
Ruth and Sally, along with two other sib-
the group in 2006.
ment operations, much of it with Scott Paper
lings, Peggy and David, grew up in Canton and
The Crosby Arboretum, located in Picayune,
Company, and later with Kimberly-Clark
graduated from Mississippi State. They learned
was established in 1980 as a living memorial to
Corp.’s Southeast Timberlands after the two
an appreciation of the university from their
timber pioneer and philanthropist L.O. Crosby
companies merged.
father, James Cook, who also attended and was
Jr. It is part of MSU’s Coastal Research and
a resident of the famed Old Main Dormitory.
Extension Center, and has become a premier
“My college education and job experience have enhanced the scope of my forestry
Today, Cook remains involved with MSU
knowledge in the southeastern United States,”
and the College of Forest Resources. She was
she said. “My technical disciplines include
recognized as Alumna of the Year for the col-
ter is important to Cook. Her most recent gift
silviculture, biometrics, GIS, computer appli-
lege in 2005. Cook has served as the college’s
in support of MSU has funded a faculty award.
cations, forest law and accounting and business
alumni president and continues to be active in
The award, created through StatePride, will
practices.”
alumni relations.
recognize a meritorious member of the College
native plant conservatory in the southeast. Maintaining a connection with her alma ma-
Cook was initially intrigued by forestry at
“My work with the college alumni group
an early age. As the Cook family traveled and
has helped me build relationships with a new
teaching, research or service activities in ac-
camped across the country, she developed a
set of professors I would not otherwise have
cordance with the university’s mission.
love of the outdoors. From there, the fascina-
met,” she said. “I view it as an honor to serve
tion grew as she excelled in her studies.
on advisory boards for the Bulldog Forest and
lucky to work for companies that awarded
the College of Forest Resource’s Department
performance,” she said. “I see the award as the
of Forestry.”
little something extra an individual needs as
Since MSU’s College of Forest Resources is the only nationally accredited forestry educational program in the state, it was logical for
Despite a busy career, Cook sets aside time
Cook to enroll as a student in the late 1970s.
for special projects. Her focus has centered
She followed her older sister, Sally Cook, into
around work with the Crosby Arboretum
the forestry program.
Foundation since she was elected president of
of Forest Resources faculty for the individual’s
“During my professional career, I’ve been
recognition for a job well done.”
Crosby Arboretum
Alumnus Spring 2011 41
Foundation
NEWS
11
spring ALUMNUS
msu foundation announces officers, INCOMING
James J. Rouse
members
The Mississippi State University Foundation has elected new members for its 45-seat
Rounding out board leadership are John
board of directors for 2011 and appointed
P. Rush, vice president for development and
officers to a second term.
alumni, who serves as board CEO, and David
The 2010 officers returning for a one-year
Easley, executive director of finance for the
appointment beginning Jan. 1 are James J.
MSU Foundation, who serves as chief finan-
“Jim� Rouse and Bobby Shackouls, both of
cial officer for the board.
Houston, Texas, and D. Hines Brannan of At-
Bobby Shackouls
Board members are traditionally appointed
lanta, Ga. Rouse will serve as president, while
for a three-year term. Individuals beginning
Shackouls and Brannon are vice president and
their inaugural term in 2011 include: Tommy
treasurer, respectively.
Dulaney of Meridian, Joe F. Gordy of Brew-
Rouse is a retired vice president of Exx-
ton, Ala., and Tommy Nusz of The Woodlands,
onMobil and a 1962 management graduate.
Texas.
Shackouls is retired chairman, president and
Dulaney is owner of Structural Steel Ser-
CEO of Burlington Resources Inc., and a 1972
vices Inc. Gordy is a 1963 horticulture gradu-
chemical engineering graduate. Brannan is a
ate who owns and directs Gordy Development
retired partner with Accenture who earned an
and Natural Decorations Inc. Nusz is a 1982
industrial engineering degree in 1970, and an
petroleum engineering graduate, who is presi-
MBA the following year.
dent and CEO of Oasis Petroleum, Inc.
D. Hines Brannan
John P. Rush
42 Alumnus Spring 2011
David Easley
Tommy Dulaney
Joe F. Gordy
Members may return to the board after vacating their seat for a one- year period. Those returning for three-year appointments are five Mississippi residents and two out-of-state residents. They are James K. Ashford of Highlands, N.C.; William B. Berry of Katy, Texas; Johnny Crane of Fulton; E. M. “Hoot” Gipson of Meridian; Rusty Linton of Columbus; Don
Tommy Nusz
James K. Ashford
William B. Berry
Johnny Crane
E.M. “Hoot” Gipson
Rusty Linton
Don Mason
C.R. “Bob” Montgomery
Mason of Gulfport; and C. R. “Bob” Montgomery of Canton. Ashford is a 1958 accounting graduate and the retired president and CEO of CASE International. He steered Mississippi State’s first capital campaign. Berry earned two degrees in petroleum engineering from MSU, a bachelor’s in 1974 and a master’s in 1976. He is a retired executive vice president for ConocoPhillips. Crane is the retired CEO of F.L. Crane & Sons Inc., and Gipson is CEO of Gipson Steel Inc. The two are longtime friends of the university. Linton is a 1980 biochemistry graduate and orthopedic surgeon with Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic P.A. He also is a team physician for the MSU Athletic Department. A 1964 business administration and industrial engineering graduate, Mason earned an MBA the following year. He is a consultant and the retired vice president of Mississippi Power Co. Montgomery has served several terms on the board. He is a 1961 marketing graduate and partner with Montgomery, McGraw, and Collins PLLC. Founded in 1962, the MSU Foundation administers the majority of the institution’s fundraising activities and endowment funds. The Foundation’s current endowment stands at approximately $300 million. For more information on the MSU Foundation and its work, visit www.msufoundation.com or contact Rush by e-mail at rush@devalumni.msstate.edu or telephone 662-325-9306.
Alumnus Spring 2011 43
Foundation
NEWS
11
spring ALUMNUS
Faculty, students receive first StatePride awards
Harold and Virginia Terreson (second and third from left) of Moss Point
Rodger and Jill Johnson (center) of Atlanta, Ga., caught up with the
and their son Doug Terreson (second from right) of Fairhope, Ala., greeted
recipients of the Theo and Nelle Johnson Legacy Scholarship in the
recipients of the Terreson Family Loyalty Scholarship in the James Worth
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering over dinner.
Bagley College of Engineering for breakfast.
Mississippi State University is on its way to reaching the goals set
The StatePride initiative has made some exciting advancements this
by President Mark E. Keenum to raise $100 million by 2012 and enroll
fiscal year. The first StatePride scholarships were awarded to nearly
22,000 students by 2015. As of March, StatePride: An Initiative for
400 entering freshman and community college transfer students for
Student and Faculty Support has raised almost $52 million toward
the 2010-2011 school year. More than 400 faculty members have also
its four-year goal. MSU also reached a record enrollment of 19,644
received StatePride faculty awards this year.
students in fall 2010. The StatePride initiative, which began in January 2009, raises private funds to provide scholarships for the best and brightest students,
Faculty members are grateful to receive the StatePride awards, which recognize those who contribute to MSU through teaching, research and service.
as well as for financially deserving students. The funds also support
“The StatePride faculty award is a great reminder that our hard
endowed professorships, chairs, fellowships and annual awards for
work and effort to educate students is noticed and appreciated. These
faculty.
private awards serve as an encouragement during these tough financial
In addition, the MSU Foundation has formed a unique partnership with the Bulldog Club to provide $750,000 in annual matching gifts toward the initiative for faculty and student support.
44 Alumnus Spring 2011
times for our state and university,� said Karyn Brown, a communication professor and recipient of the Dr. Nino A. Bologna Faculty Award. Last fall, many StatePride scholarship recipients had the opportu-
John and Nelle Cohen (far right) of Starkville invited their College of Arts
Sid and Leilani Salter (far left) of Starkville met the recipients of the
and Sciences scholarship recipients to get to know one another at the campus
Sheila Salter Klimetz Memorial Loyalty Scholarship for lunch during
baseball complex .
the fall semester.
nity to meet their scholarship donors. Students and donors gathered at
“We’re happy to contribute to the education of Mississippi State
receptions, dinners and tailgating events to connect with one another.
students,” said Mickey Holliman, who, with his wife, established the
Through these meetings, students were able to gain valuable advice and
Mickey and Babs Holliman Loyalty Scholarship. “When a student
express gratitude to their donors in person.
acknowledges financial hardship and then talks about his or her desire
“The opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Moore made my StatePride scholarship even more meaningful,” said Spencer Pipitone, freshman and recipient of the Roderick and Jane Moore Loyalty Scholarship.
to fulfill a dream, you appreciate the honor of making an investment in someone’s future.” Fundraising for the StatePride initiative will continue through
“Not only are they willing to assist me with my college tuition, but they
December 2012, with faculty support awards and student scholarships
also take a genuine interest in my background, my hobbies, and my
being awarded for years to follow. For more information on StatePride,
future.”
contact the MSU Foundation at 662-325-7000 or visit www.msufoun-
Donors also enjoy meeting and forming relationships with the stu-
dation.com.
dents who are benefitting from their scholarships.
Mandi Alexander (left) of Tampa, Fla., got to know the recipient of her Col-
Charles and Zona Dale Taylor (far right) of Collierville, Tenn., hosted
lege of Education StatePride scholarship over coffee.
a reception for the students who received the StatePride scholarships they funded in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Alumnus Spring 2011 45
Class
NEWS
11
spring ALUMNUS
’63 L.E. Gibens
of Tupelo has been named Tupelo’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year at the Tupelo Junior Auxiliary’s 2011 charity ball.
’65 Bobby Jones
of Naples, Fla., is retiring as principal of Everglades City School.
’66 Jo Huddleston
has been inducted into Lincoln Memorial University’s Literary Hall of Fame in Harrogate, Tenn. Huddleston is the author of four non-fiction books and more than 200 articles and short stories published in more than 50 periodicals.
’68 Harris H. Barnes III
, a partner in the Barnes, McGee and Associates law firm, has been named one of the “Top 50 Lawyers in Mississippi” by the Mississippi Business Journal.
’72 Charles G. Copeland
of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush has been named Best Insurance Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers peer-review publication.
Ewin Henson
of Greenwood is serving as 2011 president of the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association.
’74 Jim Koerber
of The Koerber Co. in Hattiesburg has been named an Accredited in Business Valuation Champion by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
’75 Kelly L. McQueen
has been named a partner with HORNE LLP, one of the country’s top 50 accounting and business advisory firms.
Charlie Mitchell
, former executive editor of the Vicksburg Post and past president of the Mississippi Press Association, has been named assistant dean of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi.
James R. Moore Jr.
, an attorney with Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, has been named in Super Lawyers 2010 Edition.
’77 Richard T. Carson
, a professor of economics at the University of California, San Diego, has been elected a Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
46 Alumnus Spring 2011
and a Fellow of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists.
William A. Taylor III
officer of EFG/ProVest Wealth Management Group.
’87 Ed Simmons
of Louisville, chairman and CEO of the Taylor Group and president of Taylor Machine Works, is 2010-11 chairman of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association.
, a certified public accountant, has been named a shareholder with The Koerber Group.
Phil Turnipseed has been named director
of the U.S. Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, La.
(M.S. ’90) of Philadelphia, a registered dietitian for Choctaw Health Services, is the author of a book, The 40-Day Diet Makeover.
’79 Stan Weeber
’89 Melissa Crews
of Lakes Charles, La., associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at McNeese State University, participated in the Oxford Roundtable on Social Justice at the University of Oxford, UK, in July 2010.
’88 Penny W. Dickerson
(M.Ed. ’91) has received a doctor of education degree in public administration from the University of West Florida and is employed with the University of New Mexico.
Laurie Rosenbaum Williams, an attorney ’90 Todd Hunt, director of Bancorpwith the law firm of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, has been selected for the 2011 edition of Who’s Who in Law Professionals. She also has been elected president of the board of directors of the Mississippi Girlchoir.
South Arena in Tupelo, has earned the Certified Facilities Executive designation from the International Association of Assembly Managers.
’80 Adolphus B. Baker
Corpus Christi as director of the Center for Coastal Science.
of Jackson has been named president and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods Inc. He previously was the company’s president and chief operating officer.
William A. Gillon
of Germantown, Tenn., principal of Gillon & Associates law firm, has been named president and CEO of the Cotton Board in Memphis.
’83 Brad Berbette
is president of SaveOnParcel.com, based in San Antonio, Texas.
’84 Jeannie Smith
of Memphis, Tenn., has been named assistant vice president for finance at the University of Memphis. She previously served as the university’s controller.
’86 Clay Brown
has been named vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He previously was vice chancellor for student affairs and university relations.
Mary Elam
, along with husband Calvin, have received the 2010 African American Achievement Award from the March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter. She is chief operating
Paul Zimba has joined Texas A&M University-
’91 Mandi Stanley
, a Certified Speaking Professional and corporate adviser, has written a book, The No-Panic Plan for Presenters.
’92 Robert E. Hayes Jr.
(M.S. ’96), an attorney, has been named a 2010 Mid-South Rising Star by Mid-South Super Lawyers Magazine.
’94 Hal B. Clark
has joined Civil Site Design Group PLLC as associate principal of the Nashville, Tenn., civil engineering design firm.
Rob Ivy (M.P.A. ’95) of Brentwood, Tenn.,
has been named chief financial officer for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. He previously was CFO of Salix Ventures.
Michael F. Smith
, assistant professor of English at Mississippi University for Women, has just had his first novel, The Hands of Strangers, published by Mint Hill Books. He was awarded the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Literary Arts Fellowship for this year. Smith also is collaborating on a screen adaptation of his short story, “Hero.”
Kevin Tate
’07 Hunter Jones
of Tupelo has been promoted to vice president of media productions for Mossy Oak Brand Camo.
of Bay Springs has joined Hol-Mac Corp. as engineering and quality manager.
’98 Mike Tagert
Jason R. Wiles
(M.P.P.A. ’07) of Starkville, administrator of the TennesseeTombigbee Waterway Development Authority, has been named to the Trade & Transportation Advisory Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
, assistant professor of biology in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, has received the 2010 Science and Technology Outreach Award from the Technology Alliance of Central New York.
Derek T. Winstead
Floyd Wood, a natural resources specialist
of Hattiesburg is a physical therapist at Forrest General Hospital. He received a doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of South Alabama in May 2010.
and program manager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, is spending a year in Afghanistan to help rebuild that country’s agricultural sector.
’09 Jason Moss
is enrolled in the doctor of osteopathic medicine program at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W.Va.
’99 Girish H. Panicker,
director of conservation research at Alcorn State University, has received the Pride of India 2011 award, the highest honor awarded by India.
Robyn Powell is a procurement specialist for
Hastings Puckett of Jackson completed
Ironman Canada with a time qualifying him for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in which he competed in October. He also qualified for the Boston Marathon.
Christinia Townsend of Winona, a second-
year law student at Mississippi College School of Law, has received the Best Respondent award during the Frederick Douglass Southern Regional Moot Court competition, held in Raleigh, N.C.
’00 Matt Allen
, an associate with the Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes law firm, has been included in the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40.
Andrew Novarini
(M.B.A. ’02) has been promoted to chief executive officer at the Cypress Station branch of the Bank of Houston [Texas].
’01 C. Meade Hartfield
has been named an associate with the Jackson and Birmingham offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz law firm.
’02 James R. Armstrong
(M.S. ’03) has been promoted to partner with May & Company LLP in Vicksburg.
Saks Fifth Avenue.
Nathan Cummins (M.S. ’04) has been
promoted to partner with May & Company LLP in Vicksburg.
Jennifer B. Kimble
, an attorney with Haskell, Slaughter, Young & Rediker, has been named co-chair of the Birmingham, Ala., Bar Association’s Scholarship committee and co-social chair of the association’s Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section.
Kimberly Hankins Neal
Birth
Announcements Miller Hayes Gilstrap,
Dec. 13, 2010, to Alan Gilstrap (’93) and Elizabeth McRee Gilstrap (’93) of Brandon.
of Baltimore, Md., an attorney with Wagonheim Law, has been named a “Legal Elite” by SmartCEO magazine.
Banks Irby Johnston,
’03 Marc Rolph
, March 21, 2010, to Anna M. O’Nan (’08) and Seth W. O’Nan (’01) of Starkville.
of Jackson has joined the staff of Millsaps College as marketing coordinator. He previously was a senior video producer at Mississippi State for 10 years.
’05 Nick Thompson
of Poplarville has joined the Hattiesburg office of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush PA as an associate.
Meg Walley Jones of Bay Springs has joined
the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation as coordinator of donor relations and special events.
Nov. 23, 2010, to Bryan Irby Johnston (’99) and wife Tori.
Ryder Dalton O’Nan
Michael David Thompson III, Aug. 11, 2010, to Michael Thompson Jr. (’07) and Lindsey Necaise Thompson (’07).
Easton Jack White
, May 20, 2010, to Brian M. White (’99) and wife Jenny of Brandon.
Alumnus Spring 2011 47
In
MEMORIAM
11
spring ALUMNUS
ROBERT CURTIS WESTBROOK (’36)—96, Greenwood; retired engineer for the Convair Division of General Dynamics Corp. in San Diego, Calif., Sept. 13, 2010. RUFUS ULMER JOHNSON (’37)—95, Man-
sfield, La.; retired consulting forester, county agent for DeSoto Parish, La., and former agriculture teacher and school principal, Aug. 20, 2010.
R.L. MURPHREE (’40)—93, Knoxville, Tenn.; retired professor of animal science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and World War II veteran, Feb. 1, 2011. DANIEL W. DENMAN JR. (’41)—85, Knoxville, Tenn.; retired marketing consultant and World War II veteran, June 2009.
JAMES CARL FORBES (’41)—94, Dallas,
Texas; retired mechanical engineer for General Electric, June 21, 2010.
J. COLLINS WOHNER SR. (’42)—90,
Canton; retired attorney and businessman and World War II and Korean War veteran, Aug. 20, 2010.
JOSEPH S. IUPE SR. (’43)—86, Canton;
retired owner of Iupe’s Department Store and World War II veteran, Nov. 26, 2010. CLIFFORD N. BRANDON (’48)—Huntsville, Ala.; retired, Oct. 19, 2010.
CLAUDE H. HUDSON JR. (’48)—83, Brooksville; retired industrial application engineer for General Electric, Aug. 4, 2010. CLARENCE V. MITCHELL (’48)—Philadel-
phia; retired from the insurance business, Oct. 28, 2010.
JOE G. MOSS (’48)—86, Raymond; retired
Hinds County chancery judge, attorney, state representative (1956-75), and World War II veteran, March 22, 2009.
EARL HARRISON TRIPLETT SR. (’48)—86,
Memphis, Tenn.; retired Memphis banker and World War II veteran, Jan. 20, 2011. JAMES E. GARRISON (’49)—86, Murray, Ky.; president of Ryan Milk Co. and World War II veteran, Jan. 29, 2011. LAWRENCE E. SMITH (’49)—84, Brookhaven; retired from the Mississippi State Department of Health, self-employed dairy farmer and World War II veteran, Oct. 12, 2010.
48 Alumnus Spring 2011
ARVIL ALLEN WEATHERS (’49)—85, Fairhope, Ala.; retired commercial credit manager for Continental Grain Co. and World War II veteran, Jan. 28, 2011. SHED D. YOUNG (’49)—84, Savannah, Tenn.; retired district conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and World War II veteran, July 8, 2010. JAMES O. ARNOLD (’50)—81, Baldwyn; retired teacher and administrator and Korean War veteran, Feb. 29, 2008. PAUL E. FITZGERALD (’51)—Huntsville, Ala.; retired geologist, July 9, 2010. WILSON HOUSTON MCCLAIN (’51)—81, Edwards; retired owner of McClain Gas Co. and Texaco distributorship in Vicksburg and Central Pipe Co. in Jackson, Nov. 26, 2010. EARL WILLIAM STANTON (’52)—Jackson; retired veterinary medical officer, U.S. Army National Guard colonel, Mississippi National Guard brigadier general, and Korean War veteran, March 15, 2010. NORMAN DUPLAIN (’53)—80, Biloxi; professional consultant and former owner of Hugo’s Restaurant in Biloxi, Sept. 21, 2010. LEBRUN HUTCHISON (’54)—81, Littleton, Colo.; retired engineer for the National Park Service, Dec. 21, 2010. HAROLD H. HARRIS (’55)—Baton Rouge, La.; June 27, 2010. WILLIAM K. SUTTLE (’56)—79, Florence, Ala.; retired electrical engineer for Tennessee Valley Authority, Nov. 22, 2010. DAVID A. EVANS JR. (’58)—80, Clarksdale; retired civil engineer and Coahoma County engineer, June 10, 2010. JAMES D. DENTON (’60)—71, Starkville; retired Coca-Cola manager, July 24, 2010. GEORGE PATRICK WILSON (’61)—72, San Destin Beach, Fla.; retired property manager, Oct. 26, 2010. CHOW T. LING (’62)—Cerritos, Calif.; retired Hughes Aircraft Co. employee, Dec. 29, 2010. LOUIE EDWARDS KEMP (’77)—93, Louisville; teacher and former employee of the Research and Curriculum Unit at MSU, Dec. 16, 2010.
SUSAN GREGORY DILLARD (’87)—43, Louisville; English teacher at Nanih Waiya Attendance Center, June 20, 2010. SUSAN ELAINE EGGEN MCINTOSH
(’91)—52, Florence; former employee of the U.S. Geological Survey, Jan. 9, 2011. WILLIAM AARON BARR (’05)—27, Macon, Ga.; process engineer for Active Minerals and Iraq War veteran, Aug. 21, 2010. TAYLOR LYONS (’10)—22, Ocean Springs; pursuing second degree at MSU, Dec. 13, 2010.
LEROY H. BOYD (former faculty)—Starkville; professor emeritus of animal and dairy sciences at MSU, Jan. 6, 2011. MARION “MIKE” BLASS COUVILLION
(former faculty)—67, Starkville; associate professor emerita of communication and John Grisham Master Teacher at MSU, Sept. 29, 2010. E. SAMUEL “SAM” DUDLEY (former faculty)—87, Starkville; professor emeritus of communication and founding member of the department at MSU and World War II veteran, Feb. 6, 2011.
COLEMAN Y. WARD (former faculty)—82, Nashville, Tenn.; former professor of turfgrass management at MSU, Feb. 16, 2011. JERRY D. WILLIAMS (former faculty)—80, Starkville; professor emeritus of music education at MSU and founder of the Madrigal Singers, Dec. 21, 2010. JOHN DYE (attended)—47, San Francisco, Calif.; film and television actor, best known for his role as Andrew in the television series Touched by an Angel, Jan. 10, 2011.
Please send obituaries to Allen Snow, P.O. Box 5325,
Mississippi State, MS 39762-5325
or e-mail to
snowa@ur.msstate.edu
“
“
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SPRING 2011