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Welcome back, Bulldogs! FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016
The
Reflector
131st YEAR ISSUE 1
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
MSU introduces Provost and Executive Vice President by Kelsey Horn Staff Writer
The Provost and Executive Vice President is a position responsible for guiding the development of academic priorities to continue the success of the university. Judith Bonner has jumped into her new role as Provost and Executive Vice President for Mississippi State University. Bonner said in her fi rst six weeks she has been inspired by many things at MSU. “For example, the work that is being done to ensure student success is extraordinary,” Bonner said. Faculty and staff are a big part of student success. Bonner said MSU faculty and staff have a defi ning practice with initiatives like progress reporting of grades multiple times and programs such as Navigator and Pathfi nder. “I plan to spend my fi rst 180 days getting to know what is being done at Mississippi State,” Bonner said. “What is working. What do our deans, department chairs, faculty and students identify as opportunities for improvement.”
Bonner said she has several ideas and wants the future pathway to emerge collaboratively with the MSU community. Regina Hyatt, Vice President for Student Affairs, said that Dr. Bonner is a great asset to MSU. “Dr. Bonner is an experienced leader and understands institutions like MSU,” Hyatt said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to campus.” Hyatt said she will work closely with Dr. Bonner to fi nd connections and work together on ways to improve the student experience as well as graduation rates for MSU. “Dr. Bonner is a great advocate for students and is a great addition to the Mississippi State family. Student success is her number one priority,” Hyatt said. Bonner already made her presence known by meeting students through orientation this summer and New Maroon Camps. She also participated in welcoming students on move in day. Hyatt said Bonner was the host for the Freshmen Convocation on August 16. Student opinion was also brought to the forefront. Alivia Roberts, a junior communication major said
she thought Dr. Bonner would bring new ideas and it is always good to have different opinions from a different aspect. “Having a woman in a high position just shows other female students that they can break glass ceilings,” Roberts said. “Women empowerment is important in order to continue to process the future.” The connection between Provost and student is a hopeful one. “MSU students want to feel connected to her. With the community-like atmosphere, building that relationship and being accessible is important to us,” Roberts said. Bonner is looking forward to her position as Provost and Executive Vice President. “My favorite part will be working with the team to make a difference for our students,” Bonner said. “We are here to insure that the education our students receive is truly world class.” Bonner previously served at the University of Alabama as a senior administrator and president. She started working at UA in 1981 and was the fi rst woman president at UA. MSU President Mark Keenum announced
Two dorms completed, more construction underway by Reed Gaddis Staff Writer
Office of Public Affairs Courtesy Photo
Judith Bonner, Mississippi State Universityʼs new provost and executive vice president, was former president and senior administrator at the University of Alabama. She began her new role with MSU on July 1. Bonner as provost on May 19. She will serve alongside the president,
deans, vice presidents, and a number of other faculty members.
Many changes have been made and are continuing to be made on Mississippi State University’s campus. New residence halls and the post office moving are two modifications added along with other ongoing improvements. Sid Salter, Chief Communications Officer for the Office of Public Affairs, described the reasoning for the addition of the two new residence halls on the north side of campus. “The two new residence halls, Deavenport and Dogwood, are really state of the art facilities offering excellent opportunities for our students,” Salter said. “Plus, it provided an opportunity for relocating and upgrading the Center for American Veterans, which has been a great priority of the university.” Salter said residence halls are always established based on two things. One is the universities goal to be competitive in amenities offered to potential students in comparison with other similar universities as well as the increased student enrollment over the last five years. Salter said Sonny MontCONSTRUCTION, 2
Bulldog Bash returns to the Cotton District by Savannah Taggart Staff Writer
Bulldog Bash will return to the Cotton District after earlier decisions were made to move the event to the amphitheater on campus. After much collaboration and compromise between university and city leaders, the event will now take place at the east end of University Drive near Coconuts and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Student Association President, Roxanne Raven said her main concern is for everyone attending Bulldog Bash to enjoy the show. “We’re excited, we’re glad that everyone could come together to work on this,” Raven said. “I hope the new partnerships formed through this process will lead to even stronger partnerships in the future.” Earlier this summer, it was announced that Bulldog Bash, famously located in the Cotton District, would be taking place at the amphitheater on campus.
Sarah Dutton The Reflector
Students enjoy the first week back on campus participating in Dawg Daze. Pictured above is Shades of Starkville which provided students introductions to local businesses and avenues to learn more about student organizations on campus. Other Dawg Daze events have included food, a poster sale, movie showings, a free concert and more. Dawg Daze began on August 7. Dawg Daze is a way to welcome previous and new students to campus, helping them to meet new people, and reconnect with friends previously made. Emmalyne Kwasny
Bulldog Bash,3
Weather
Reflections
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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HI: 90 LO: 73 SKY: Cloudy
HI: 89 LO: 72 SKY: Cloudy
HI: 88 LO: 70 SKY: Cloudy
POP: 50%
POP: 50%
Amy Lovely, Campus Connect Forecast POP:60% (Department of Geosciences)
FORECAST: Showers and storms are expected Fri. Similar conditions expected Sat., with more sunshine. The trend continues Sun. with 50% rain chances and cloudy skies. Have a great
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