2021 Fall Foundations by MSU Foundation

Mississippi State University Foundation

Inside Fall 2021 Campus Views p. 22 | Why Give? p. 24 | Center Stage with The University Florist p.35

Volume 21 | Number 2 PRESIDENT AND CEO MSU FOUNDATION John P. Rush BOARD CHAIR MSU FOUNDATION D. Hines Brannan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cathy Lammons MANAGING EDITOR Addie Mayfield GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hailey Hannis WRITERS Addie Mayfield Ashleigh Lee CONTRIBUTING STAFF Erica Way, Marketing Manager CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Megan Bean Robby Lozano Kimberlin Vickers Beth Wynn ••• Post Office Box 6149 Mississippi State, MS 39762 phone: (662) 325-7000 fax: (662) 325-8426 msufoundation.com

Foundations is published two times per year by the Mississippi State University Foundation. Please send comments and questions to P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 397626149 or phone (662) 325-1006. The Mississippi State University Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization that assists the university in accomplishing its goals and mission by cultivating and soliciting private support and ensuring stewardship for all contributions benefiting Mississippi State University. Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

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viewpoint contents

Campus Views

MSU celebrates the 2021 National Champion Diamond Dawgs

features 04 | Women in Philanthropy

20 | Abby Thompson

14 | Shun Williams

38 | Impact of One

Margo and Martha Swain create a lasting legacy at MSU

Alumnus credits MSU as foundation for rewarding career

MSU experience inspires alumna to invest in her hometown

United support of Omega Psi Phi creates positive change

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Noteworthy News 08 | Presidential Scholars Elite students enroll at MSU 26 | College of Forest Resources Explores solutions for sustained progress

42 | Personnel Changes Franklin joins division

In Each Issue 03 | Viewpoint Foundation President and CEO 17 | Student Perspective Flannery Egner in her own words 1 8 | Foundation Favorites Jack McCarty proposes leisure activities 24 | Why Give? Brian Atkins helps students "make it happen"

32 | Get to Know Meet Jeff Little and Jud Skelton 41 | Then and Now Favorite MSU football memories 43 | MSU Foundation Ambassadors 2021-22 officers lead the student organization 44 | Achievements MSU by the numbers 45 | Foundation Board A complete list of our voluntary board

Our Cover 41

A handmade sign, located in the Andrews Forestry and Wildlife Laboratory in Oktibbeha County, displays the direction and mileage to other Bulldog Forest properties named for their benefactors. The Andrews property was donated by MSU alumnus Lester Andrews and is included among more than 17,500 acres that currently make up the university's Bulldog Forest.

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PHOTO

Robby Lozano

viewpoint

An agent of impact In my 27 years as an employee at MSU, this past fiscal year certainly is the most unique one I have ever experienced. Our vice president for student affairs, Regina Hyatt-Young, has often referred to it as the “Year of the Purple Unicorn,” as it was a truly unusual time that no one could have imaged becoming a reality. The COVID pandemic changed the way the world and our university operate. With the ever-evolving health and safety protocols, we learned more than we ever thought possible about remote learning, masks and social distancing—the latter of which is definitely not something us Bulldogs are accustomed to practicing! Yet, despite all the obstacles, MSU thrived. We experienced record numbers in student enrollment, research funding awards and private giving, and the Diamond Dawgs brought home the National Championship! In any given year, we would be thrilled with the outcomes of the past year, but it is especially inspiring to see the Bulldog tenacity shine amid the challenges of a global pandemic. The overwhelming level of private giving for the 2021 fiscal year shattered previous records and etched a new alltime high for MSU’s single-year giving totals. I admit that this remarkable demonstration of generosity came as no surprise, considering the Bulldog family’s history of stepping up in tough times. I first noticed this 20 years ago when the tragic events of 9/11 rocked our nation and world. Nevertheless, that year saw MSU’s fundraising totals soar to new, previously unreached heights. Similarly, the university experienced record-breaking figures in private support following Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. When seasons of difficulty and uncertainty arise, I’m convinced that our alumni are among the first to respond. After assessing their personal situation, their next move is most often finding an effectual way to help others. The subsequent course of action chosen from countless altruistic channels and opportunities has shown time and time again that MSU is a proven and trusted agent of impact. Since 1878, we have worked tirelessly to help young men and women develop a pathway for a better life and a better tomorrow for the world around them. As such, our alumni see their investment in MSU as a great way to impact the future of our students and our world. I remain in awe of the

JOHN P. RUSH '94, '02 President and CEO MSU Foundation

profound and persistent willingness of Bulldogs to make a difference in the lives of others in need. With the outpouring of over $120M in private gifts and pledges, you have shown us that MSU and the work we do is critically important to our collective path forward. We were also very fortunate to gain a 36% return on our investment, bolstering our endowment to nearly $700M. With the current gifts and endowment growth, we have a wonderful opportunity to provide that same pathway to a greater life for generations of Bulldogs who have yet to enroll. Thank you for giving, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s most important. Your unwavering support is changing lives for the better and upholding the Bulldog tenacity—even in the midst of a wild “purple unicorn year.”

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Jim Henry Swain on the job.

women in philanthropy

A lasting legacy Margo and Martha Swain remember their father, honor their careers with endowed scholarships

win sisters Martha and Margo Swain have a lot of similarities that go beyond their DNA. They share a love for education, as well as their home in Starkville, and both are retired educators whose prominent careers centered around helping others. The duo also shares a love for Mississippi State University. And while that trait may not be genetic, it does have strong roots in their family tree. The Swains father, Jim Henry Swain, graduated from the land-grant in 1913 when it was still known as Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College. Their mother, Verna Ellen Welborn received her bachelor’s in education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The couple made their home in the Magnolia State, and their children grew to love their father’s alma mater from an early age. Following in his footsteps, the twins pursued their education at Mississippi State and graduated in 1950. Martha graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in social studies education and Margo with a bachelor’s in business information systems. But their education didn’t stop there. Martha also received a master’s degree in 1954 and doctoral degree in 1975, both in history from Vanderbilt University. Likewise, Margo went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 1956. The siblings pursued careers in higher education, which eventually led them back home to Mississippi State. Margo joined the MSU faculty in 1969 as a member of the social work faculty and retired as director of the program in 1994. Martha served as an adjunct history professor at MSU from 1995 to 2004 after retiring from her position at Texas Woman’s University as professor emeritus of history. “Our master’s degrees wouldn’t be possible without scholarships,” said Martha. “We wouldn’t have known about the different programs we’ve attended, and with that aid, we could focus full time on our studies and not have to worry about financial burdens.”

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Above: The inside of one of Jim Henry Swain's civil engineering text books.

Jim Henry Swain as a senior in 1913.

Mississippi A&M 1913 booklet.

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Stemming from their love of Mississippi State and education, the sisters have given back to their alma mater and hometown university in many ways, most notably through scholarships. Martha created a scholarship endowment in honor of two former MSU faculty members that influenced her education—the Glover Moore and John K. Bettersworth Endowed Scholarship—and Margo honored her sister’s history career with the Dr. Martha H. Swain Endowed History Scholarship. They also have made collective commitments that pay tribute to their father and his civil engineering career. The first of their gifts created an endowed scholarship in his name, which benefits civil engineering students at MSU. Another gift in the form of a naming opportunity established the Jim Henry Swain Departmental Library in MSU’s new Richard A. Rula Engineering and Science Complex. Supporting the next generation of students is a top priority for the sisters. They are thankful for the support they received in their educational journeys and the connections it helped them acquire along the way. They also acknowledge it as an inspiration in their individual decisions to give back in support of others. “We love MSU and the wonderful memories we have from our undergraduate experience, and we want more students to have that same positive experience,” said Martha. “We have the means to give back and knowing the quality educational opportunities and people leading the programs at MSU, we have faith that these students will be successful in whatever academic path they choose.”

Margo Swain was a faculty member at MSU from 1969 until her retirement in 1994 as director of the social work program.

Both sisters are Mississippians through and through. Despite having careers that took them away from the state for several years, both were happy to return home and retire in Starkville. Their homecoming sparked a closeness to the university and its faculty, staff and students that fosters a continued appreciation for education and for MSU. They are always pleased to hear from their scholarship recipients, and that communication encourages them to keep instilling a love of education and their alma mater with future generations. “Our daddy loved Mississippi State and had a lot of respect for the university,” said Margo. “We grew up knowing that love and respect. It’s natural to be a Mississippi State fan. I think he was pleased that Martha and I wanted to earn our education here at State, and I know he would appreciate that we are continuing his legacy here. We’re grateful to be a part of students’ stories.”

STORY ASHLEIGH LEE PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Martha Swain was an adjunct history professor at MSU from 1995 to 2004. Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

noteworthy news

Presidential Scholars selected for 2021-22

Presidential Scholars are known for their academic skills, creativity and desire to excel. They are among the elite students in the United States who enroll at Mississippi State University to further their goals as part of the prestigious Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College. Earnings from endowment-level gifts for Presidential Scholarships help cover the cost of attending MSU over the course of four years. The experience provides a one-time educational enrichment scholarship for study abroad, internships or other qualified academic pursuits, an undergraduate research fellowship award and exceptional mentoring opportunities.

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DOMINIC CHAVEZ

HAYDEN CHERRY

Brownsville, TX Biochemistry Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship

Halls, TN Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communication Luke and Ruth Davis Presidential Endowed Scholarship

HANNAH DANIELS

VITOR DA SILVA

Starkville, MS International Business Mickey and Babs Holliman Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Ridgeland, MS Chemical Engineering and Political Science Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship

JULIAN DEDEAUX

SYDNEY DENTON

Gulfport, MS International Business Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship

West Monroe, LA Accounting and Finance Charles and Pat Lee Presidential Endowed Scholarship Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

JOHN GIVENS

KELSEI HARRIS

Knoxville, TN Biomedical Engineering Mike and Nan Sanders Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Coffeeville, MS Accounting San Shuttleworth Adkerson Presidential Endowed Scholarship

REAGAN HENDRICKS

KHAOULA KAMAL

Hoover, AL Biomedical Engineering Sanders Family Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Tupelo, MS Biomedical Engineering Alan Nunnelee Presidential Endowed Scholarship

LILY LANGSTAFF

KYNDLE LEE

Southaven, MS Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship

Memphis, TN History Luke and Ruth Davis Presidential Endowed Scholarship

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LUCY MELLEN

HAYLEE MORMAN

Hattiesburg, MS Environmental Economics and Sustainability Bobby P. and Barbara M. Martin Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Richmond, KY English Charles and Pat Lee Presidential Endowed Scholarship

LAUREN NOE

JOSHUA PHILLIPS

Brandon, MS Biochemistry Jim and Julia Rouse Scholarship

Birmingham, AL Political Science and Economics G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Presidential Endowed Scholarship

ERIN QUINN

ANNEA SCALES

Oxford, MS English Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship

New Albany, MS Geoscience, Meteorology Dean and Turner Wingo Presidential Endowed Scholarship Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

MUNEEBAH UMAR

CONSTANCE WADE

Starkville, MS Biological Sciences Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship

Vancleave, MS Biochemistry Charles and Pat Lee Presidential Endowed Scholarship

RICHARD WHIGHAM

JOSHUA WHITEHEAD

Kosciusko, MS Chemical Engineering Lila and Hunter Henry Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Franklin, TN Finance Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship

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W I T H T H E 2 0 2 2 C A L E N DA R F O R M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

Enjoy beautiful pictures of familiar campus scenes that bring back special memories of your time at Mississippi State. The official State calendar has become a Bulldog tradition. With pictures by MSU’s own award-winning photographers, it’s truly a oneof-a-kind treasure. Order online today at msufoundation.com or call 662.325.7000.

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Set up for success Alumnus credits MSU as the foundation for rewarding career

Shun Williams, 1989 MSU graduate and proud Bulldog supporter.

Shun Williams lives his life by two creeds. The first is to make sure that you always have someone in your life who knows where you come from, where you currently are and where you are aspiring to go. The second is to prioritize the “three Fs of life”: faith, family and fun.  “As long as you put your faith first and take care of your family, whether it’s your related family or chosen Mississippi State family, the fun will follow,” Williams said. “You should always be trying to make that family bond stronger.”  Williams, a 1989 electrical engineering graduate, would not be where he is today without the support and preparation that MSU gave him. However, it wasn’t an easy road for the Hollandale native.  “Everything that could’ve changed my mind about coming to Mississippi State did happen,” said Williams, who became aware of an error in his student account shortly after arriving to campus at the start of his freshman year. “All of my finances and scholarships were messed up. I basically had no money.”  Thankfully Williams didn’t let that discourage him from continuing his journey. Through support provided by MSU alumni, he was able to obtain a short-term loan that helped him cover expenses as he worked out the problems with his financial aid.  “That left an indelible mark on me because I didn’t get everything settled until November,” Williams said. “Without that loan, I would have had to go home, or I would’ve been so hungry that I wouldn’t have performed well enough in class to keep my scholarships. But after I received my financial aid and scholarships, I learned how to budget and make smart financial decisions.”

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One of Williams' fondest memories took place at the YMCA building on campus. There, he crossed paths with engineering classmate Lisa Dodson, who would eventually become his wife.

From that moment, Williams knew that giving back to his Mississippi State family would be a main priority in his life. He pledged the Theta Delta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, “the Bruhz,” where he learned the cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift. The diverse environment and brotherhood helped Williams persist through his most challenging engineering courses in the latter part of his college career.

His service culminated as a senior program manager in the office of the Secretary of Defense and as branch chief and principle continuity advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. He also worked with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Department of Commerce before starting Avenuhs VanBuren Consulting. Everywhere the couple has experienced, they note that their MSU education has been comparable, if not superior, to other engineers that they have worked with, further solidifying their desire to give back to their alma mater. Together they support the Campus Beautification Fund and the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. They also invest in students through the Shun and Lisa Williams Endowed Scholarship and Annual Scholarship.

“One of the main things I learned while at MSU was that the structure, difficulty and rigor prepare you for life,” he said. “The long hours, meticulousness and stressful situations gave me a different understanding once I was a commissioned officer in the Air Force during numerous combat operations. It wasn’t easy being at war, but I was prepared for all that I needed to do to be an outstanding military officer. This was impactful and prepared me for life.”  Williams also volunteers with the Bagley College’s Summer Bridge Program to help students understand the realities In addition to strengthening his skillsets and mental of university life and excel during the first semester of their toughness, Williams’ college experience also brought college careers. He is a Distinguished Fellow and member of many happy times that he still holds dear. His greatest the dean’s advisory board in the Bagley College.  moment was meeting his wife, Lisa Dodson Williams, a 1989 industrial engineering graduate, during their time as “You should never forget where you come from,” he said. engineering students. “You should always know where you are and where you are going. It helps keep you balanced. There should always be They briefly met during the early part of their MSU days but a reinvestment in the future generation of students and the had been unable to reconnect. In a chance of fate, the two future of Mississippi State.”  finally crossed paths again at the old post office on campus. Williams was on a break from a Thursday evening class As Shun lives out his creeds, he is hopeful for the when he decided to check his mail. Lisa happened to be in university’s future. He sees its faculty and student the same area and upon seeing him, snuck up behind him populations becoming more diverse and making significant and put her hands over his eyes and asked, “Guess who?”  changes in the world.  “I honestly had no idea who it was,” he said. “I don’t know how I navigated that response, but I did navigate it correctly. We ended up going to the homecoming game together, dating for the rest of our college careers and got married in the Chapel of Memories after graduating.”  Together they have two daughters, Portia and Rian, and make their home in the Washington, D.C. area. Williams’ 20-year military career took them all over the world working in combat operations and electrical engineering.

“I am overjoyed seeing the diversity within the Bagley College of Engineering at the university,” he said. “The relationships I built during my time prepared me for the variety of people I encountered during my career. I can’t wait to see people’s perceptions of Mississippians and MSU graduates change as our graduates take on the world.”

STORY ASHLEIGH LEE PHOTOGRAPHY MSU OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

State to You is a new video series that will bring MSU to you and keep you connected and informed through virtual tours highlighting campus locations and local alumni businesses.

www.alumni.msstate.edu/statetoyou

Bulldog Bites is a new virtual speaker series that will feature MSU faculty, staff, researchers, and alumni sharing their work, expertise, and impact on a wide range of topics.

www.alumni.msstate.edu/bulldogbites

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student perspective

M y B u l ld o g E x p e r i e n ce :

Flannery Egner

Class: Senior Science Major: Political ce and and Natural Resour nservation Environmental Co Branch, MS Hometown: Olive

wanted to be a Growing up, I always og. When I graduated Mississippi State Bulld l able to officially enrol high school and was the have imagined all at MSU, I could never to me throughout ted opportunities presen in one of the most chance to participate the s wa se tho g on Am Weidie Internship my time on campus. ipient of the Wayne W. rec l ura ug ina the as incredible experiences , D.C., Endowment award. summer in Washington me to spend an entire led ab ittee and in en rt mm po co e sup erc e Th intern for the comm an as ce offi r’s cke i’s District 4. The working in Senator Wi working for Mississipp ern int an as es ce offi ’s cess and the intricaci Congressman Palazzo the parliamentary pro t ou ab re mo lot to a d dedicate experience taught me th was intelligent and . Everyone I worked wi ces offi l na that without the d sio lize res ng rea I of co our country, and d an te sta r ou for r helping make life bette do their job. resentatives couldn’t s granted floor staff members, our rep rience was when I wa pe ex my of rts pa g itin vileges, so I was One of the most exc ff don’t have those pri sta st Mo s. res ng Co exciting occasion. I privileges for the 117th get to sit in on such an to y nit rtu po op the ich I will never forget. incredibly grateful for commission vote, wh 6th ry ua Jan the g t of 2021, previously was also present durin on and Competition Ac ati ov Inn tes Sta d ite America forward I worked on the Un l pushes innovation in bil is Th t. Ac er nti Fro known as the Endless ologies and research. dership among techn lea . U.S ild bu to consider applying lps he d an and opened my mind licy po of e lov my w roles are on both The internship gre how necessary those ing see er aft s ion sit po conduct myself and to legislative writing sionalism and how to fes pro t ou ab lot a me sides. It also taught ies in the world. the most important cit of e on in life eer. I encourage l ful a live pitol Hill to pursue a car Ca to urn ret to n pla I ce rooted in history After graduation, se it’s truly a great pla cau be . D.C , ton ng shi rt from the everyone to visit Wa grateful for the suppo cisions of today. I’m so de the gh a once-in-aby ou d pe thr th sha d pa an my future career lize rea me ng lpi he Weidie internship for lifetime opportunity.

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2 1. World Champion Eats | Memphis Barbecue People have been debating about the “best” barbecue since fire was invented. However, I think we can all agree that, as home to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Memphis knows a thing or two about it. I’ve done the work myself and put together this list of “must-try” Memphis barbecue orders: get the Cornish hen at Cozy Corner BBQ, grab a “full order of dry and a pitcher” from Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, and try the smoked chicken at Germantown Commissary. You won’t be sorry.

2. Road Trip | European Christmas in Québec City For a spectacular Christmas getaway, visit Québec City in December. The history, attractions and French-Canadian culture make it a stand-out travel destination throughout the year, but winter is especially magical. Stay in Old Town and never rent a car for an authentic European experience. Take a walking tour after breakfast at Cochon Dingue and enjoy the German Christmas Market and Hotel de Glace Ice Bar at night.

3. Make it Count | IRA Investments While an individual retirement account (IRA) is a common way to save for retirement that allows for growth and tax advantages, it is often overlooked as a method of giving. Both traditional and Roth IRAs are great investments that offer unique opportunities to support MSU. You can make a gift of your unused retirement assets by designating MSU as the beneficiary of all or part of your IRA. Charitable rollover gifts are also an advantageous option to consider when looking to minimize taxable income or subsequent estate taxes. Use the QR code to learn more about IRAs and other gift planning options available through the MSU Foundation’s Office of Gift Planning.

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4. Powerful Partnerships | Weather Station Education A collaboration between the Starkville Oktibbeha School District and MSU’s Department of Geosciences has facilitated the installation of a weather station at the Partnership Middle School. This system will help educate middle school students about the importance of being weatheraware and will give them increased exposure to leaders in the meteorology field as the department houses one of the top 3 broadcast meteorology programs in the nation.

6 5. Read All About It | The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw Tom Brokaw’s The Greatest Generation is an instant classic that will change the way readers see World War II and the generation of Americans whose extraordinary stories give new meaning to courage, sacrifice and honor. From military heroes to community leaders to ordinary citizens, Brokaw shares extraordinary stories of men and women who came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to transform this nation into modern America. It also was an inspiring reminder of the positive impacts made by those like Colonel Kenneth D. Johnson, a fellow Bulldog, avid MSU supporter and friend who passed away earlier this year. Colonel Johnson put his education on pause to answer the call of duty at the age of 19. He served his country through three decades and three wars before returning to MSU in 1978 to complete his degree. He is a prime example of the selfless members of the Greatest Generation who left quite a legacy.

Tune In | Clarkson’s Farm If you’re looking for an entertaining watch, check out Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime. Season one is an eight-episode reality series that emulates a modernday version of Green Acres. Set on a thousand-acre spread in the Cotswolds in southern England, the farm’s owner Jeremy Clarkson decides that he will farm the land himself, after learning of the previous farm manager’s plans for retirement. With no previous farming experience, Clarkson and his motley crew contend with disastrous weather, unruly animals, poor crop yields and an unexpected pandemic.

Jack McCarty, a proud alumnus and executive director of development for the MSU Foundation, enjoys sharing more than just investment advice with alumni and friends. His passion extends to sparking people’s interest in a range of topics from entertainment to news. Here’s a sundry of Jack’s latest “top picks” that he hopes all Bulldogs will pass along to others.

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MSU EXPERIENCE INSPIRES ALUMNA TO INVEST IN HER HOMETOWN Like many in her field of study, Abby Thompson recognizes the common threads between engineering and entrepreneurship. Still, despite having experience in both areas, the MSU engineering alumna admits she never expected to be a business owner herself. Having achieved success in a way she never imagined, Thompson is putting her problem-solving skills to work and making a positive difference for others in her hometown. “Engineering always appealed to me, but industrial engineering seemed like the most natural fit for me,” said Thompson, who graduated from Mississippi State University’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering in 2010. “I liked that it was essentially a deep dive into efficiency, and it offered a wider range of career paths than some of the other engineering disciplines.” Thompson continued her studies and earned an MBA from MSU’s College of Business in 2011. During that time, she also served as a graduate assistant for the MSU Entrepreneurship Center, which enabled her to work with startup companies run by students, faculty and others in the community. She credits the experience with expanding her perspective and helping her consider various ways she could build on the engineering principles and business skills she’d acquired to pioneer new opportunities. “That exposure showed me how much I loved entrepreneurship and innovation and really gave me a desire to see growth in those areas in the state of Mississippi,” said Thompson. “Anyone who hangs out at the E-Center on campus for even 10 minutes will want to start something new. It’s an exciting and contagious environment.” After graduation, she served as coordinator for the entrepreneurship program in MSU’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer and managed the Jack Hatcher Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, teaching engineering students basic business skills. The connections she made there led to progressive positions at Starkville-based Camgian Microsystems, followed by HORNE Cyber, both of which began as startups on MSU’s campus. In 2017, Thompson and her husband Brent, a fellow MSU Bulldog, assumed the Starkville-based franchise of Paul Davis Emergency Services. “Brent started his own commercial cleaning business as a student to make his way through college,” said Thompson. “I always thought maybe I would work with Brent one day, but after being involved in the culture of the E-Center, it was an easy decision for me to leave my outside job and take a leadership position in our own venture when the franchise 20

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opportunity came available.” Through their businesses, the couple provide full-service residential and commercial emergency cleanup and restoration services for disasters of all sizes for clients across the Golden Triangle area. Their work became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic as they advanced their contamination services offerings to better aid local businesses in implementing protective barriers, air control and treatment systems and disinfection cleaning assistances. In addition to playing a significant role in maintaining the health and safety of businesses, employees and the general public amid the pandemic, the Starkville couple is also making a difference in the lives of others in their community through the jobs their entrepreneurial undertakings have created. They currently employee some 50 people in the Starkville area, about half of which are MSU alumni and students. Thompson, who earlier taught an entrepreneurial finance course in MSU’s College of Business, is grateful for the opportunity she has in her current role to connect with and help train students through real-world working experience. “MSU introduced me to some of the most inspiring mentors and leaders who invested their time, energy and support in me and my education,” said Thompson. “Their generosity changed my life and helped me get to where I am today. I hope that I can have a similar impact on the lives of the students that come through our doors.” The Thompsons are avid supporters of Bulldog athletics and advocates for the university and surrounding area. They also recently established the Thompson Family Loyalty Scholarship in the College of Business. “Mississippi is a great place to live and raise a family, and Starkville especially has so much to offer with the university and our incredible community. We wanted to build something that not only created job opportunities in our hometown, but also is a place where people actually enjoy coming to work each day,” said Thompson, who hopes to encourage more entrepreneurs to put their roots down and get invested in the Golden Triangle area. “Everyone has something to offer that can help or serve others and build a stronger community.”

STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY KIMBERLIN

VICKERS

“MSU introduced me to some of the most inspiring mentors and leaders who invested their time, energy and support in me and my education. Their generosity changed my life and helped me get to where I am today. I hope that I can have a similar impact on the lives of the students that come through our doors.”

MSU alumna Abby Thompson and her husband Brent in the office of their Starkville-based business. Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

Campus Views

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Welcome Home The MSU baseball team returned to campus victorious after clinching the 2021 College World Series and earning the university’s first national title in any team sport. Bulldog faithfuls of all ages gathered for a parade celebrating the team’s historic achievement. The parade, which began in the Cotton District, wound through campus and culminated at Dudy Noble Field, where a ceremony was held in honor of the 2021 National Champion players and coaches. Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill proclaimed June 30 as Diamond Dog Day in Starkville and gave Head Coach Chris Lemonis the key to the city. MSU President Mark Keenum also recognized the team’s momentous accomplishments and commended the strength of the Bulldog family, declaring that Mississippi State has the “best fans anywhere.” This year marked Mississippi State's fifth College World Series appearance since 2007 and the fifth 50-win season in program history.

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Why GIVE ? Atkins grows scholarship support through well-rooted connections

Anyone who’s met Brian Atkins knows he never meets a stranger. A third-generation farmer who’s more commonly recognized as the “peanut man,” Atkins is notorious for his trademark phrase, “make it happen”—which is exactly what he has been doing throughout his life. The Monroe County native is a two-time graduate of Mississippi State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering technology and business in 1994, followed by a master’s in agricultural and extension education in 2000. Atkins then began working with the MSU-Extension Service, where he served as an Extension agent for Lowndes County for 12 years. “It was a great way to get more connected in agriculture at both the local and state levels,” said Atkins. “I wanted to help people who were involved in farming, like I was, and to encourage more young people to get involved through

“I wanted to help people who were involved in farming, like I was, and to encourage more young people to get involved through programs like 4-H. Being able to serve and educate others in an area that I’ve always been passionate about was really important to me and it helped open a lot of doors for me.” 24

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programs like 4-H. Being able to serve and educate others in an area that I’ve always been passionate about was really important to me and it helped open a lot of doors for me.” In 2006, when cotton prices plummeted, Atkins used his education and experience to find an alternative crop that could help keep local farms—including his own family farm—in business. That alternative was peanuts, and it led to more than just a change of crops for Atkins. The successful swap led to a career change as well when Virginia-based Birdsong Peanuts established a buying point near Atkins’ home and offered him a position at the helm of the operation. Atkins became manager for the buying point in 2008 and the following year, he and his wife, Misti, opened MS Peanut Supply Co. in Aberdeen. The family-owned and operated business, which specializes in the sale of peanut production equipment, created a way for the couple to continue serving others in the agricultural industry. In particular, the couple has supported internship opportunities for several MSU students to gain working experience, furthering the family’s connection to Atkins’ alma mater. As the couple’s entrepreneurial ventures grew, so too did their interest in giving back to their community. In 2015, as Atkins was making plans for a mid-season update meeting with peanut growers and customers, a new idea emerged.

Brian Atkins (left) and Will Cantrell, current recipient of the Ag Night Foundation Scholarship at MSU, during a recent visit to Atkins' family farm.

“We always try to get growers together for a dinner in early fall to discuss the crop situations, answer any questions and make sure everyone is prepared for harvest,” said Atkins. “It’s sometimes tough to get people, especially those as busy as a farmer, to show up for things like this, so we were constantly looking for ways to get more engagement.” Atkins decided the best way to get people involved was to give them something in return. As a result, the first annual “Ag Night” event came to fruition. Atkins rallied the help of other businesses to incorporate a live auction fundraiser at the dinner event and invited MSU’s Coach Ron Polk to serve as a special guest speaker. The outcome was a huge success, not only in the number of people who attended, but also in the amount of support raised.

hopes that in addition to helping students, it will also be a long-term investment for others involved in agriculture as candidates for the award will be majoring in agricultural or environmental-science driven programs that will prepare them for future careers in the industry. “I have a committee of people including Bradley Burroughs, Glenn Gilmer and Brad Stevens who have helped me grow this fundraiser over the years, and we are really proud to continue developing this program to support more deserving students,” said Atkins. Will Cantrell of Amory is the current recipient of the Ag Night Foundation Scholarship. He is a junior agronomy major who hopes to put his education to work as a field agronomist after graduation.

“The first year, we did the fundraiser to help our local school build a new athletic facility. After that project was completed, we started looking into other areas that would benefit from the fundraiser. I knew I wanted to help give more kids from our area the opportunity to get a higher education and decided a scholarship fund was the best option,” said Atkins.

Atkins hopes to grow the scholarship awards over time and is eager to see the positive outcomes that stem from the investment. Whether through their career paths, community involvement or by educating their peers and colleagues about the importance of agriculture, Atkins believes the Ag Night scholars will “make it happen” in all the best ways.

Accordingly, the Ag Night Foundation Annual and Endowed Scholarships were created in 2018 to benefit students from Monroe County who are pursuing their degree in the MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Atkins

STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY ADDIE MAYFIELD

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

noteworthy news

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

PRESERVES INTEGRITY OF THE LAND AND ITS INHABITANTS For more than 65 years, the College of Forest Resources (CFR) has worked to promote, support and enable the management, conservation and utilization of forests and natural resources of Mississippi. A renowned source for integrated approaches to sustaining a wide range of natural habitats, CFR students, faculty, staff and graduates have and continue to benefit stakeholders as they engage in and grow the college’s outreach mission. “The College of Forest Resources is building collaborations around shared priorities,” said Wes Burger, college interim dean and director. “We’ve built an intentional approach to creating a pipeline of longterm research and conservation efforts that will produce informed citizens. Through habitat restoration and sustainable bioproducts and manufacturing, we can better serve the wildlife and land of Mississippi.” CFR is the only nationally accredited educational program in the state for educating and developing future leaders in natural resources and has graduated more than 4,200 students since its inception in 1954. It is comprised of three departments—forestry; wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture; and sustainable bioproducts— that collectively offer four majors and fourteen concentrations and hundreds of careers.

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

On and off campus, the college serves external entities within the diverse industry through the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, which serves as CFR’s research arm, and through its affiliation with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and MSU Extension Service. This position enables students to gain valuable field and research experience and provides educational programming and resources for landowners, state agency partners and people of all ages around the state.

EVOLVING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The idea of forest management has evolved over the past 100 years. From timber production and habitat protection to conservation and urban forestry, the Department of Forestry has been at the forefront of understanding the importance of how people interact with the land around them. As environmental conditions shift, priorities and focus also change. Don Grebner, department head and George L. Switzer Professor of Forestry and Forest Economics, sees firsthand the challenges, opportunities and objectives that change and affect the management of the land.

“More than 65 percent of land in the state is forest. It plays such an important part in our lives, even in some ways that we don’t think about. It’s pivotal in providing clean air and water, recreational opportunities, enhanced mental health and wildlife habitat. Everything that we do in this college is all-encompassing.” “More than 65 percent of land in the state is forest,” says Grebner. “It plays such an important part in our lives, even in some ways that we don’t think about. It’s pivotal in providing clean air and water, recreational opportunities, enhanced mental health and wildlife habitat. Everything that we do in this college is all-encompassing.” According to the MSU Extension Service, forest-related activity in the state has generated tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in income. People often consider forest management as only timber production, but forestry plays a crucial role in maintaining wildlife habitat and other ecosystem services. Some see foresters as the original environmentalists that balance both human and ecological needs. 28

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

“We have to be efficient in what we manage and the way we manage forestlands,” said Grebner. “Forests are always subject to external threats, and we have to understand how these affect forests, the forest products industry, ecosystems and even the people that live across the forested landscape.” As forestry as a profession evolves, so must the Department of Forestry. Since the 1950s, students have received a traditional production perspective with a field-orientated education that gives skills they can apply post-graduation and easily translate to the outside world. Now, it still explores field-focused and experiential-based education, but also incorporates a host of collaborative, non-traditional studies in areas like ecosystem services. Additionally, through a distance learning master’s program, students can remotely earn a Master of Science degree while combining their professional experience with their online education. Along with expanded programming through online learning opportunities, Grebner also understands the benefit of broadening the department’s reach among a more diverse faculty and student demographic dedicated to forestry. “The online program is a great way to get those midcareer students that can contribute great change to

forest industries, but it’s not only the students that make this department and college successful,” said Grebner. "We also need to attract and maintain quality faculty over time. They will champion greater educational opportunities and help secure valuable resources to boost the college's reputation and outreach. Investments in esteemed faculty created long-term stability for our efforts both locally and in the national arena." Grebner sees the future of the program producing people of positive change. “I think that we can change the world, but we need help to do so. With greater support, we can do long-term research to better address particular problems and promote programming through all stages of education. Outreach is critical in recruiting students, retaining top faculty and having the resources to do more in our communities and provide an awareness of what forestry is and how broad its reach is.”

EXPLORING SOLUTIONS

For thousands of years, people have used wood as a building material. It’s sustainable, reliable, economical and environmentally friendly. Rubin Shmulsky, department head and Warren S. Thompson Professor of Wood Science and Technology, is excited to maximize the value of products from the forest within the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts.

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

“By making wood stronger, we can build more and more houses with fewer and fewer trees, thereby making wood more cost-effective,” said Shmulsky. “By developing products that compete with and displace concrete, we grow the markets for wood and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction. And by developing the next generation of forest stewards, we take great comfort in knowing these resources will be in the best of hands in perpetuity.” Through the department, students are able to explore the versatility of forest products while incorporating sustainability with natural resources and new technologies. One example of this practice in the timber and bioproducts industry is found in the sustainability and carbon sequestration associated with wood. People and industries are not only using wood for its aesthetics and performance, but also for its regard for environmental stewardship. However, sustainability does not apply just to the forest and wood products industry. Supporting students' success and the college creates a domino effect. With financial support, CFR can better maintain its program prominence as it advances Mississippi’s timber industry. “Endowed resources help us solidify national and international leadership positions,” said Shmulsky. “The ability for us to recruit and retain the best faculty and staff hinges largely on our ability to offer additional, often endowed, resources and incentives. Likewise, our graduate students also benefit from financial assistantships that provide them with professional work and enhanced research opportunities while they go to school.”

GROWING FUTURE LEADERS

Today’s digitally connected youth and young adults are increasingly disconnected from the land and natural resource management. Cultivating the next generation of natural resource professionals will require strategic investments in building a pipeline of talent from K-12 to undergraduate education to graduate training. Filling this pipeline will require intentional efforts to build environmental literacy, create a passion for science and nurture a resource stewardship ethic. As the demographic composition continues to evolve, professional programs must be inclusive and appealing to traditional and nontraditional populations. Accordingly, CFR emphasizes the necessity for community outreach and early education. “The sooner we can reach out to students, the better,” said Shmulsky, who helps lead CFR’s Wood Magic Science Program that is offered to K-12 students. “We are proud to be engaged with Mississippi communities

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

and keep an open door toward communicating with the citizens of our great state. Every time one can connect with a young person and communicate a message of sustainable forestry and resource management, it’s a win.” Burger agreed, “Building these programs to provide an early education for kindergarten through high schoollevels is vital to getting the next generation outdoors and involved in STEM interests. It’s a promotion of not only what our college does, but also it promotes the university.”

SUSTAINING PROGRESS

Mississippi forests and natural resources are facing new and growing challenges from many sources such as loss of traditional markets due to mill closures, forest fragmentation due to intergenerational transfers and estate taxes, and deforestation due to urbanization and population growth, while at the same time being asked to provide an increasing array of environmental services and societal values. Sustainable management of our forests and related natural resources are increasingly important considering these challenges.

threaten our natural resources and ecosystems. As we grow tomorrow’s leaders, continued support from alumni and friends is essential.

For more information about the college and giving opportunities to support its programming, contact Jeff Little, senior director of development, at (662) 325-8151 or jlittle@foundation.msstate.edu.

STORY ASHLEIGH LEE PHOTOGRAPHY ROBBY LOZANO (MSU OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

The College of Forest Resources provides students with the professional skills to become innovative pioneers who are well equipped to address the complex problems that

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

Get to know

YOUR DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS: Jeff Little & Jud Skelton

The Mississippi State University Foundation’s Real Estate Services is led by a dynamic duo—Jeff Little and Jud Skelton. While each has unique responsibilities, the collaborative efforts of the two senior directors of development help secure support for the university through gifts of real estate. Little’s primary focus is the solicitation, management and stewardship of the properties within Bulldog Forest. A McComb native, Little earned an MSU bachelor’s degree in English in 1995 and completed a juris doctorate degree in 1999 from the Mississippi College School of Law. He joined MSU as the primary fundraiser for the College of Forest Resources in 2005 and assumed responsibilities for the Bulldog Forest in 2007. Prior to his role at MSU, he was serving as senior attorney for the Mississippi State

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

Tax Commission. He resides in Starkville with his two children, Sarah Shelton and Jack, and their two dogs. When he’s not chasing his “wild” children, he likes to spend his free time chasing wild game. Similarly, Skelton is responsible for the solicitation, acquisition, management and sale of real estate gifts benefitting all areas of the MSU campus through Bulldog Properties. He is a Mississippi Delta native of Winterville and 1998 MSU business administration graduate who earned a master's degree in business administration from Millsaps College in 2000. He joined the MSU Foundation in 2001 as major-gift fundraiser for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and in 2007 expanded his role to include real estate. He lives in Starkville with his wife, Shannon, and their three children, the oldest of which plans to attend MSU next fall. He enjoys spending time outdoors and attending Bulldog football and baseball games.

Q&A

Favorite or most memorable gift you’ve closed? JEFF: I don’t have a particular gift, but I’m really proud of the entire system we have built to help people invest support in meaningful ways. We’ve established chairs and professorships in all the major game species areas and have used Bulldog Forest gifts to provide these professors with land to serve as their laboratories and classrooms. Universities from all over the country have reached out or visited us to try and duplicate our model. JUD: Working with Coach Polk recently on a planned gift of real estate that will eventually fund the Ron Polk Excellence Endowment in Baseball was near the top! His passion and pride for MSU runs so deep and that was evident when he made this commitment. I’m so glad he was able to share in our winning the National Championship this year!

Quote or message to live by? JEFF: Stay in school. Forever. JUD: How you do anything is how you do everything.

What do you usually listen to on the way to work or when you’re on the road? JEFF: The MSU Deer Lab’s Deer University podcast is a favorite. JUD: My list is quite varied but Out of Left Field, Your Money’s Worth and the GameKeeper podcasts are a few of the more popular ones that I listen to.

Favorite spot on campus and why? JEFF: The exact spot on the walkway in Davis Wade between Club Level and the Scoreboard Club, where I was standing when we went up 21-0 against Auburn in 2014. JUD: Dudy Noble Field would be my choice because the overall atmosphere and camaraderie among fans is unique among college athletics, and it really sets our university apart from all others.

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

Real Estate that makes a Real Difference. Gifts of real estate can greatly benefit students and enable Mississippi State University to grow and thrive. Whether retained and preserved for educational purposes or liquidated for immediate support, gifts of real property create strategic opportunities in the donor’s area of choice and also provide certain personal benefits. A variety of real estate types that can be transformed into rewarding charitable gifts exist. • Timberland

• Vacation Home or Condominium

• Recreational Property

• Commercial Investment

• Agricultural Farm

• Undeveloped Property

• Residential Home

• Mineral Interests

The MSU Foundation offers two programs to assist property owners with utilizing their real estate – Bulldog Properties and Bulldog Forest. Both avenues offer meaningful ways to begin a remarkable legacy. Contact the MSU Foundation’s real estate services team today to learn how easy it can be to make a real difference.

Jeff Little, Senior Director of Development, Bulldog Forest (662) 325-8151 | jlittle@foundation.msstate.edu Jud Skelton, Senior Director Development, Real Estate Services FOUNDATIONS | Fall of 2021 34 (662) 325-0643 | jud.skelton@foundation.msstate.edu

CenterStage

Floral arrangements bring elements of elegance and drama to any setting. With football tailgates in full-swing and the holiday season fast approaching, the University Florist is ready to help you brush up on your design skills to be the host with the most this fall.

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

The University Florist has served Mississippi State University and the surrounding community for more than 80 years. Located in the heart of campus, the facility is operated by faculty and students of MSU’s floral management program and positions MSU as one of only two universities in the SEC, offering a student program with a florist on campus. Along with selling flowers, MSU-labeled gifts, candles, the popular McCarty Pottery and more, the University Florist also creates a space for students to gain valuable, hands-on experience through their involvement in postharvest care, floral arrangement and design and visual merchandising display. The shop has also added personal enrichment classes to its offerings, providing unique and fun ways for visitors to learn some tricks of the trade.

Commonly referred to as “Make Your Own Masterpiece,” the classes offer opportunities for individuals or groups to participate in a student-led design session to create their own floral arrangements. Options are also available for groups celebrating a birthday or other special event to gather for a fun learning experience. To book a session or to learn more, contact Lynette McDougald, horticulture instructor and senior designer of the floral management program at (662) 325-3585 or lmcdougald@pss.msstate.edu. The University Florist is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and every Saturday of home football games for three hours prior to kickoff. Delivery is available on campus. To learn more, visit florist.msstate. edu.

DIY: Floral Arrangement MATERIALS:

GREENERY

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

STEP 1: SELECT YOUR FLOWERS

Decide on a color scheme. Monochromatic schemes show off the variety of different hues of the same color, while complementary colors display a more dramatic pop against each other. Choose 3-4 varieties of varying size and texture for added dimension. Design tip: No matter what color combination you use, allow one color to dominate within a design.

STEP 2: TRIM THE STEMS

Using a sharp knife, remove extra leaves, damaged petals and unwanted buds. Bacteria grows quickly in vase water when submerged leaves are allowed to remain, so be sure to remove any foliage that falls below the water line in vase arrangements. Once the stems are cleaned up, make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of the stems. Cutting on an angle makes it easier to lodge stems into fresh floral foams when arranging and ensures good water uptake. If stems are cut bluntly, there is a chance that the end will be positioned squarely on the bottom of the bucket, blocking water uptake. Design tip: Vase water in arrangements made with stems cut with scissors becomes cloudier faster than those with knife-cut flowers. Simply put, sharp knives make clean cuts. Be sure to draw the stem through the knife blade; don't bend it over the blade until the stem snaps and breaks.

STEP 3: HYDRATE

STEP 6: CREATE A FOCAL POINT

STEP 4: PREP YOUR VESSEL

STEP 7: ADD FILLERS

Place stems into a bucket or container that is approximately 1/3 full of water. (This is not the final container for your arrangement.) Make sure not to pack them too tightly, leaving room for air circulation. Allow the flowers to stand in the water in a cool location for 1-4 hours before using in design. As your flowers hydrate in the bucket, clean the vessel you will use for the arrangement using antibacterial solution and a scrub brush. Allow it to air dry and then prep it for the arrangement by inserting a water-soaked floral foam or applying tape in a grid pattern over the mouth to hold stems in place.

STEP 5: FORM A BASE

Start with a base of greenery using cuttings from your yard or storebought eucalyptus stems to frame the arrangement. Place the longest pieces on the sides and use the more upright stems to fill in between the longer pieces. This creates both a horizontal and a vertical presence.

Focal flowers are usually the largest blooms or most visually dominant cuttings. Make sure to add in odd numbers for a more natural (not symmetrical) look. Avoid positioning them in ways that make them stick straight out over the sides, as this can make them look droopy and heavy. Add smaller flowers and neutralcolored textural elements at different heights in the arrangement to fill around the focal flowers. Combine smaller flowers together in groups of three or five to create clustering and ensure that some are more perpendicular to the vessel, extending over the edge. Draw more attention to the focal flowers by placing complementary fillers on either side in a balanced, but nonsymmetrical style.

STEP 8: FINISHING TOUCHES

Finish the design with more delicate blooms. Place them in last to ensure they’re not buried by heavier blooms. Fill any gaps with remaining pieces of fillers, greenery and snippets of foliage, allowing some pieces to trail over the edges. Refill the vase with water as needed to keep the flowers hydrated and fresh. Design Tip: The rule of thumb to keep a vase arrangement proportional is to make the design 1 1/2 to 2 times the height of the container. An arrangement in a 3-inch-tall container should measure approximately 5–6 inches in height when finished.

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

The Impact of One: United support of Omega Psi Phi creates positive change For more than a year, the world has been in a state of unknown. Many people wondered if they would return to school, if they were going to keep their jobs or when they were going to get their next meal. But for students at Mississippi State, relief and encouragement were readily provided through the outpouring of support from the Bulldog family.

knew we were doing the right thing and helping people get through their week,” Bobbs said. “Our members are proudly living out the creed and cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi through our dedication to service and ongoing efforts to uplift the community. We may have different backgrounds and ideas, but we can always come together for one thing.”

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals and organizations from across the university network came together to show support for others in need. From fundraising to volunteering, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends kept the good work going while keeping campus safe from the spread of the virus.

The fraternity not only takes care of its community, but it also supports its members in many ways—primarily with scholarship opportunities. Last year, alumni members expressed interest in establishing an endowed scholarship to support undergraduate students at MSU. To ensure support during the first year, while the endowment matured, the group also established an annual scholarship for immediate assistance.

One example of such generosity was demonstrated by the Theta Delta Delta chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. With the help of alumni from the organization, student members secured and distributed more than 1,000 boxes of food filled with fruit, meat, milk and yogurt to the Starkville community earlier this spring. Will Bobbs, a senior engineering student from Fairfield, Alabama, is grateful to see the fraternity’s service’s positive effects on the community. After a year of hardships, he was proud to help put smiles on people’s faces. “It felt good just seeing people’s faces light up under the masks. When we saw their smiles through the masks, we

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

As a result, the Omega Psi Phi – Theta Delta Delta Endowed Scholarship and the Omega Psi Phi – Theta Delta Delta Annual Scholarship were created. Candidates for the awards are required to submit an essay on the importance of higher education during the application process. This measure helps to facilitate meaningful discussion and further promote academic excellence and integrity. Bobbs and Arrington Ervin, a junior biomedical engineering major from Overland Park, Kansas, were the recipients of the annual scholarship for the 20202021 academic year. This year, sophomore biomedical

engineering major and Vicksburg native Nathan Mosely was chosen as the inaugural recipient of the endowed scholarship award. Bobbs praises the alumni for making sure undergraduate members have everything they need to go from students to well-positioned working graduates. “The alumni support we receive is what the brotherhood built the past 100-plus years of our fraternity on,” Bobbs said. “When you build scholarship in these young Black men, they’re able to leave school with everything they need to succeed in adulthood. It’s something that I will always take with me.” Alumni members are also investing in the success of student members in other important ways, from proofreading emails and resumes to offering professional advice. Having personal experience in their respective career fields, the graduates are eager to share their knowledge and expertise. Students need the support and encouragement of others who have gone before them to help guide them along their paths, especially in times of rapid change and uncertainty. Alumni who engage with and share students’ interests—from major degree program, career goals, or even through shared experiences in an extracurricular activity or organization—are critical to the ongoing success of current and future students. Likewise, as student members of the Theta Delta Delta chapter continue to uplift the MSU campus and surrounding community through their service, alumni members of the organization remain diligent in their efforts to put in the good work as well. The shared interest and collective investments made by members of one organization will continue to return dividends of positive change for years to come. STORY ASHLEIGH LEE PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

Then and Now

Tailgating at The Junction

There's nothing like gameday at Mississippi State University. Looking back at some great Bulldog football memorabilia sparks excitement for tailgating in The Junction, hearing the Famous Maroon Band and cheering on the team during the Dawg Walk and singing "Don't Stop Believing" together with the crowd of fans at Davis Wade Stadium. What are some of your favorite football memories? Send them to sbaker@advservices.msstate.edu, and we will feature them on our social media posts this football season.

noteworthy news

Franklin joins division as assistant athletic director for development

In his new role, Franklin serves as a liaison between MSU Athletics and the MSU Foundation as he works to secure major gifts for both organizations. He began his duties on July 1 alongside veteran fundraisers and associate athletic directors of development Stephen Foshee and Rob Jenkins.

He later transitioned into progressive roles in athletic fundraising and development, serving first as athletic development associate at the University of AlabamaBirmingham, and later as assistant director of athletic development at the University of South Alabama. Before returning to MSU, Franklin managed a large major giving portfolio across the southeastern U.S. and assisted with external revenue and communication strategies as director for athletic development for major gifts at Purdue University.

Franklin served as a graduate assistant for Bulldog Athletics while pursuing his master’s degree in kinesiology and sport administration at MSU from 2015-2016. Prior to attending MSU, he played collegiate baseball at Meridian Community College and at Jackson State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics in 2015. He also holds a second master’s degree in higher education with a focus in college administration and leadership, which he earned from Purdue University Global earlier this year.

Adding to his resume and MSU connections, Franklin also has been an active member of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) since 2015 and became an inaugural member of the NAADD Diversity Working Group sub-committee upon the group’s creation in 2020. Through this, Franklin is helping to build a support network for minorities in collegiate athletics development through education, advocacy and awareness. He also was selected to attend the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar in 2016.

In 2016, Franklin began his career in athletics at Hinds Community College. Employing his former experience in baseball as a student athlete, he held a joint role as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Hinds baseball program and as the sports information director for the school’s athletic department.

“Alvin’s experience as a student athlete combined with his fundraising skills makes him a perfect fit for this role,” said Jack McCarty, executive director for development for the MSU Foundation. “We are so proud to welcome him back home to Mississippi where he will be working with the generous alumni and friends of MSU athletics.”

Alvin Franklin of Jackson has joined the Mississippi State University Foundation staff as assistant athletic director for development.

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

A second-generation Bulldog, Franklin’s parents Alvin and the late Quoinsetta Watts Franklin, met on campus in the 1970s and maintained strong connections with the university over the years. His father is a 1979 graduate of the MSU College of Business and a current Bulldog Club board member.

“Having the opportunity to pursue my career at the university that means so much to my family and me is such a blessing,” said Franklin. “I love what I do because of the positive impact it has on student athletes, and I’m proud to be a part of growing that impact at Mississippi State.”

Upon his mother’s death, Franklin joined his father and sister in creating a gift to support MSU athletics, which also carried a naming opportunity. As a result, a banner bearing his mother’s name now hangs in Davis Wade Stadium near the season-ticket seats the Franklin family has occupied for many years.

Franklin’s office is located in the Bryan Athletic Administration Building, and he can be reached at 662325-1244 or afranklin@athletics.msstate.edu.

MSU Foundation Ambassadors Launched in 2011, the Mississippi State University Foundation Ambassadors is a student organization created to support the MSU Foundation. The core purpose of the MSU Foundation Ambassadors is the development and sustainability of student leaders who promote and encourage leadership, service and philanthropic activities. Members enhance MSU’s positive image and the relationship between the university and its students, administration, alumni and friends.

Officers of the 2021-22 MSU Foundation Ambassadors include: Parker Consterdine Vice President

Senior | Germantown, TN Business Administration

Flannery Egner President

Senior | Olive Branch, MS Political Science and Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation

Patricia “Trish” Reese Secretary

Senior | Brassfield, MS Business Administration

For a full list of officers and members or to learn more about the Foundation Ambassadors organization, visit msufoundation.com. Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

achievements

MSU

BY THE NUMBERS: MSU'S CAMPUS ACCOUNTS FOR

4,551 OF THE MORE THAN

40,000

acres collectively held by the university and the MSU Foundation

REGISTERED HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI LANDMARKS ON CAMPUS

$1.1 BILLION NET CAPITAL ASSETS

BUILDINGS: THE STARKVILLE 460 ON CAMPUS AND

641

STATEWIDE, TOTALING OVER

9.2M

GROSS SQUARE FEET

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2021

STUDENT HOUSING Residence Hall

Residents Floors

Cresswell

300

Critz

216

College View

656

Deavenport

300

Dogwood

350

Griffis

300

Hathorn

274

Herbert

120

Hull

290

Hurst

250

Magnolia

382

McKee

256

Moseley

350

Nunnelee

250

Oak

382

Ruby

400

Sessumus

254

TOTAL

5330

foundation board

Officers:

CHAIR — D. Hines Brannan | Managing Director of Accenture (retired) | Atlanta, Ga. VICE CHAIR — Anthony L. Wilson | Chairman, President and CEO of Mississippi Power Company | Gulfport, Miss. TREASURER — Mike M. McDaniel | President of Saber Power Services LLC (retired) | Rosharon, Texas PRESIDENT AND CEO — John P. Rush | Vice President of Development and Alumni, Mississippi State University | MSU MSU SECRETARY — Jack R. McCarty | Executive Director of Development, Mississippi State University | MSU CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER — Janet H. Carraway | Executive Director of Finance, Mississippi State University | MSU

Members:

Fall 2021 | FOUNDATIONS

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 134

Post Office Box 6149 One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 www.msufoundation.com

Mississippi State University Foundation @MSU_Foundation @msu_foundation

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED