An Experience Unlike

Any Other

For more than 100 years, BCoE has upheld a commitment to the provision of quality, comprehensive educational experiences. Nearly 15,000 students have come to MSU—whether through Starkville, the Gulf Coast campus or remotely—to be challenged and trained by the best engineering minds, and to achieve their full potential.

From research opportunities to competition teams to co-ops, the hands-on experiences MSU engineering students receive deliver a deeper understanding of their chosen discipline. BCoE graduates complete their degree program with the confidence that their education and time at MSU prepared them for success in life outside the university. Ready to take on the industries of tomorrow, their preparedness also translates to progress for those around them as they navigate new technologies and solutions to serve a modern world.

“I frequently meet with our current students and alumni and come away impressed every time,” said Keith. “The impact of the Bagley College continues to grow, and we are thankful for all the support we have received over the years.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GIVING OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT THE BAGLEY COLLEGE AND ITS PROGRAMMING, CONTACT THE COLLEGE’S DEVELOPMENT STAFF.

BENNETT EVANS, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

662-325-0386

BEVANS@FOUNDATION.MSSTATE.EDU

JORDAN SMITH, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

662-325-0461

JSMITH@FOUNDATION.MSSTATE.EDU

PAUL ZIMMERMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

662-325-0009

PZIMMERMAN@FOUNDATION.MSSTATE.EDU

Bennett Evans, a thirdgeneration MSU alumnus and Columbus native, holds a 1989 bachelor’s degree in political science and a 1991 master’s degree in public policy and administration. He worked for eight years with the Boy Scouts organization, where he found his passion for fundraising. Wanting to put his passion to work in a more meaningful way at his alma mater, he joined the MSU Foundation in 2002 as a fundraiser for the College of Architecture, Art and Design. Bennett later transitioned to the development position for the Bagley College, where he serves as senior director of development. This November will mark his 20th anniversary working for the Foundation. In his free time, Bennett enjoys wildlife photography, watching movies and exercising. He and his wife Heather have two daughters, Adaline and Caitlin.

Paul Zimmerman is a 2000 MSU business graduate with a degree in business administration. Hailing from a family of Bulldogs, Paul’s parents and brother are also proud MSU alumni. The Starkville native’s grandparents dedicated their careers the university, from which they retired, and his children, Sarah Bailey and Henry, are current students. Prior to joining the MSU Foundation in 2011, Paul worked in sales for Flexsteel Industries. He is an avid MSU baseball fan who has many fond memories cheering on the Diamond Dawgs from Left Field Lounge and is proud to serve his alma mater as assistant director of development for the Bagley College.

Jordan Smith is a 2019 MSU business graduate and second-generation Bulldog from Saltillo. As a student, he interned with the university’s athletic department in the areas of communication broadcasting and football recruiting. He also served as a broadcaster for Starkville High School’s football program from 2017-2018. After graduation, Jordan worked as a recruiter for Itawamba Community College. He returned to MSU to assume his current role as assistant director of development for the Bagley College last year. Jordan also recently completed the Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education degree program through the University of West Alabama. He enjoys playing golf, being outdoors and cheering on the Dawgs with his wife, Farris.

Favorite Movie?

Bennett : Shawshank Redemption

Paul: Any movie by the Coen Brothers

Jordan: Top Gun—the old one, not the new one

What do you usually listen to on the way to work or when traveling?

Bennett: Spotify music and podcasts. I really like Conan O’ Brien Needs a Friend—funny stuff!

Paul: Jason Isbell, Turnpike Troubadours and Tedeschi Trucks Band are probably at the top of my Spotify playlist. A couple good podcast for the road are Broken Record and Revisionist History.

Jordan: I am a big podcast guy—everything from outdoor shows to MSU and SEC athletics.

Favorite place on campus?

Bennett: Our development office in McCain—it’s a favorite hangout for our dean. We all can tell some good stories and get some work done.

Paul: South Farm at sunrise on a Saturday morning on my bike.

Jordan: The Left Field Lounge at Dudy Noble. In my opinion there is no better venue in all collegiate athletics.

Tell me something you admire about the college you fundraise for?

Bennett: There are so many cutting-edge technologies and programs within the Bagley College that are moving the needle in a positive way, and each offers a unique investment opportunity for our donors to make a significant impact.

Paul: It’s impressive to me how hard the students work for their degrees, especially the ones involved in extracurricular activities, and how much it means to them. A lot of the students receive scholarship support and are happy to reciprocate that support after graduation.

Jordan: I enjoy getting to visit with people from so many different careers and career paths. With eight different departments, the Bagley College of Engineering is very well rounded. No two days are the same for me. And as someone who has experience in recruiting, I understand just how life changing private gifts can be for our students.

Fresh vegetables aren’t just for the summer. With abundant colors, flavors and varieties, a winter garden is the perfect DIY project for the cold weather months. The Mississippi State Extension Service recommends planting greens anywhere from September to March. Starting your garden in the early fall will ensure you’re ready to harvest by wintertime.

Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are hardy and can endure colder temperatures of 28 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Semi-hardy vegetables like beets, cauliflower and parsnip can grow well in the 28 to 32-degree range.

1. Consider your garden’s location. Make sure it’s in a spot that will receive ample sunlight and won’t be cast in shadows during the short winter days.

2. Keep plants watered, fertilized and groomed. Fertilizer and weed-free garden beds are just as important in the winter as in the spring.

PRO TIP: Where a water source is not close to the garden, partially bury 1-gallon plastic milk jugs between widely spaced plants. Punch a few small holes near the bottom of the jug before burying. Fill the jug periodically with water hauled to the garden and 1 to 2 tablespoons of fertilizer as needed. The water will slowly seep into the soil, providing moisture to the root zone and reducing your watering trips.

3. Pay attention to the weather and don’t abandon the garden when freezing temperatures come. Protect and keep roots warm by adding mulch or other coverings.

PRO TIP: Several sheets of newspaper make a good mulch after plants are established. Hold newspaper to the soil surface with soil, sticks, or coat hanger wires. You could also use a thin layer of pine needles to hold the newspaper down. Like other organic mulches, newspaper decomposes rapidly and adds organic matter to the soil.

Hardy

• Broccoli

• Brussels Sprouts

• Cabbage

• Collards

• Kale

• Garlic

• Rhubarb

• Rutabaga

• Radishes

• Turnips

• Leeks

• Onions

• Spinach

Homemade shelters can help protect vulnerable plants from frigid temperatures and icy winter storms. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Wire tomato cages wrapped with breathable burlap or newspaper. You can also use plastic but be sure to leave the top of the cage unwrapped to prevent moisture from being trapped inside.

• Paper grocery bag pinned down over the plant

• Cardboard box

• Upside-down flowerpot or basket

• Milk jug or plastic container with bottom cut off semi-Hardy

• Beets

• Parsnip

• Cauliflower

• Celery

• Chard

• Chicory

• Napa Cabbage

• Endive

• Lettuce