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Gordon joins national ag organization NAADA’s Board of Directors
Mississippi State’s Lacey Gordon has been unanimously elected as education chair for the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association Board of Directors, or NAADA. Gordon, assistant director of development for MSU Extension, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will assist in NAADA leadership into 2026. The 501(c)3 not for profit national organization is in its 51st year. Gordon’s term of service began July 1 along with more than 20 other board members from across the U.S. following NAADA’s 50th annual conference. A third-generation Bulldog from Saltillo, Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in communication in 2018. She joined the university in her professional capacity in 2021.
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Lyceum in the ‘Fast Lane’: Eagles tribute band Disco Stranglers headline Lee Hall performance Friday
From “Hotel California” to “Life in the Fast Lane,” fans of the legendary ’70s rock band Eagles are set to enjoy a night of hit singles and deep tracks from the Starkville-based Disco Stranglers this week. Borrowing their name from an iconic song off “The Long Run,” Disco Stranglers is part of MSU’s 78th annual Lyceum Series, performing at 7 p.m., Friday [Oct. 17], at Lee Hall’s historic Bettersworth Auditorium. Known for their start-to-finish cover of the classic 1976 album “Hotel California,” band members bring an authentic Eagles sound to every performance, which features steel, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, keyboards, bass and drums. The group was founded by and features numerous members with Mississippi State ties, including Jerry Carnathan, Bill Cooke, Bob Damm, Drew Diekmann, Raymond Miller and Dale Robertson.
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MSU Extension launches Walk Mississippi challenge
A new exercise and nutrition initiative is challenging Mississippians to improve their health and fitness, one step at a time. Walk Mississippi and Live Healthy... One Step at a Time is a six-week wellness program developed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service that encourages youth and adults to be more physically active and adopt healthier nutritional habits. The objective is for everyone who signs up to virtually walk 180 miles (the equivalent of the width of Mississippi), learn strategies and tips from MSU Extension’s Walk-a-Weigh wellness program, and improve dietary and lifestyle behaviors. This no-cost program officially begins Oct. 11 and wraps up on Nov. 21.
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Airport shuttle departure schedule adjusted to meet airline baggage check changes
A 45-minute cutoff for checking baggage with Delta and American airlines has changed the express shuttle times offered by Mississippi State Transportation to Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The GTRA express shuttle now departs The Mill at MSU two hours before flight time and arrives at the airport one and a half hours before flight time. This is 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule. Shuttle pickups from the Starkville campus and hotels along Highway 12 also can be scheduled with MSU if reservations are made at least 24 hours prior to the requested departure time from these locations. This service is available by emailing GTRShuttle@transportation.msstate.edu or calling 662-325-5204.
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Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.
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Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.

 

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MSU recognizes university researchers, innovators with annual awards
Mississippi State University is celebrating excellence in research and innovation with its annual research awards last week. Among the top 100 research universities nationally, MSU’s robust research and development programs are known for advancing scientific fields, impacting lives and providing world-class learning opportunities for students. “This celebration is always a highlight for me personally because I am so proud of the work that our scientists and researchers are doing for our state, nation and world,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “I also want to thank our faculty for being outstanding mentors to our graduate and undergraduate students who are aspiring to learn about science and research and giving them opportunities to get involved in the world-class research taking place at our university.”
MSU-Meridian expands with faculty, community support
Mississippi State University-Meridian held its annual fall State of the State tailgate gathering earlier this month with an inspirational message from MSU President Mark E. Keenum on the growth of the MSU-Meridian campus. New construction of recently purchased properties soon will house students and faculty, and the university is expanding into nearby existing buildings with the growth of its Healthcare Administration program and its new Behavioral and Mental Health facility, now accepting new clients in downtown Meridian. “Mississippi State contributes $4 billion a year to Mississippi’s economy, and Meridian is a major part of that contribution,” Keenum said, congratulating the faculty and staff on new programs and milestone achievements.
MSU Riley Center named Venue of the Year by Mississippi Tourism Association
The Mississippi Tourism Association recognized the impact and accomplishments of the state’s tourism industry at its annual Tourism Awards Program, held during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg, Oct. 1-3. When the MSU Riley Center opened in 2006 after a $25 million renovation and restoration, it proved to be a powerful performing arts showcase, meeting venue and tourism magnet that helped spark a renaissance of historic downtown Meridian. Beloved by audiences, performers and meeting attendees, it draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and generates an annual economic impact of $4 million. Its ripple effects have spread throughout the city, drawing national media attention to Meridian as a tourism destination and cultural capital. Its uniqueness, versatility and elegance make the MSU Riley Center a fitting choice for Venue of the Year.
Digging Into 50 Years: MSU’s Cobb Institute celebrates half a century of discovery
Mississippi State’s Cobb Institute of Archaeology is celebrating its 50th anniversary Thursday [Oct. 16] through Saturday [Oct. 18] with a weekend of special events highlighting a half-century of groundbreaking research, student engagement and community outreach. “From its earliest days, the Cobb Institute has combined world-class research with a commitment to serving students and the broader public,” said Director Jimmy Hardin, professor and head of the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures. “For 50 years, our faculty, staff and students have worked to broaden our understanding of the past, share knowledge and inspire the next generation of archaeologists. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our past while looking ahead to future discoveries.”
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