viewpoint
Learning Curves The commercialization of the world-wide Internet was experiencing its coming of age around the same time I was taking a business information systems class with Dr. Rodney Pearson, who assigned my classmates and me the task of sending him an email. At the time, I thought it was the most ridiculous concept—why was it necessary for me to walk across campus to a computer lab to send the man a message when I could simply walk to his office or pick up a telephone to communicate with him instead? Little did I know just how important that assignment would be to me in the coming years as we began to rely more and more heavily on technology for daily correspondences. This story likely comes as no surprise to many of you who know that I am a devout people person. I enjoy talking with people and getting real "face-time," not just the kind we experience through screens these days. But for most of last year, that wasn't an option. As a result, we had to shift our methods and find new ways to communicate. The adept response of faculty, staff, and students across Mississippi State University in the transition to online methods enabled our institution to continuing serving constituents in several unique ways. In particular, our division was able to facilitate remote stewardship visits and has hosted countless meetings via the web. Additionally, the Alumni Association remains hard at work in producing the engaging "State to You" and "Bulldog Bites" video series to increase interaction and learning opportunities among the Bulldog family. It has been truly impressive to see the ways MSU has strategically used available resources to not only address present needs but to create new opportunities to reach wider audiences. Although new technology typically involves a learning curve, our knowledgeable teams at MSU have helped
make the transitions as smooth and userfriendly as possible. In retrospect, I'm thankful for Dr. Pearson's assignment. It didn't seem like it at the time, but he was helping prepare my classmates and me with skills for the future. And as we continue to find new ways to connect, I am grateful for the valuable resources, worldclass experts and educators, and incredible support of alumni and friends like you who continue to make these opportunities possible.
Spring 2021 | FOUNDATIONS
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