Mississippi State’s W.L. Giles Distinguished Professors recently met for a campus luncheon to mark the start of a new academic year. Named after MSU’s 13th president, the honor is one of the most prestigious ranks bestowed on faculty members. Giles Distinguished Professors include (front row, left to right) Mark Horstemeyer, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Chair in Computational Solid Mechanics; Lori Mann Bruce, associate vice president for academic affairs, dean of the Graduate School, and professor of electrical and computer engineering; Janice E. Chambers, professor and director for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Environmental Health Sciences; (second row, l-r) Brent Funderburk, professor of art; Allison Pearson, associate vice president for academic affairs and professor of management; Keith Coble, professor and head of agricultural economics; Arthur G. Cosby, Social Science Research Center director and professor of sociology (ret.); (third row, l-r): Alan I. Marcus, professor and head of history; and Richard Brown, professor of biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology and plant pathology. Not pictured are Mark Novotny, professor of physics and astronomy; and David Shaw, vice president for research and economic development and professor of plant and soil sciences. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs