In conjunction with the Robert Holland Faculty Senate, President Mark E. Keenum speaks during the spring general faculty meeting in Colvard Student Union’s Bill Foster Ballroom earlier this month, which was also available via livestreaming by the MSU Television Center. He was joined by Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw, Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development Scott Willard, and Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Keith Coble, who offered updates from their respective areas. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs
Marshall named elite finalist for 2026 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize, shares expertise on C-SPAN
Anne E. Marshall, Mississippi State Department of History professor and executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, is a finalist for the 2026 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize, one of the most significant honors for scholarship in the field of American history. Marshall is being recognized for her book “Cassius Marcellus Clay: The Life of an Antislavery Slaveholder and the Paradox of American Reform,” published by the University of North Carolina Press last year. It examines the complex life of Cassius Marcellus Clay and explores the contradictions at the heart of 19th-century American reform and antislavery politics. Marshall’s work was selected as one of seven finalists from a pool of 90 submissions reviewed by a national jury of historians.
National award to Stafford spotlights MSU’s excellence in clinical psychology education
Emily Stafford, associate clinical professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Psychology, has earned an inaugural national award for Best Clinical Foundations Course in a clinical psychology doctoral program. Presented by the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology, the honor recognizes excellence and innovation in doctoral-level clinical psychology education. Stafford was selected for her Scientist Practitioner I-IV course sequence at MSU, which prepares doctoral students for ethical, effective clinical practice through a strong emphasis on theory, skill development and professional identity. The course will be featured on the CUDCP website as a model for clinical psychology programs across the country.
Wade takes home Mississippi Theatre Association award
Mississippi State University Assistant Clinical Professor of Theatre Jesse Wade has received the Adult Playwriting Award from the Mississippi Theatre Association for his original play, “Touch,” the story of a scientist who gives emotions to an android she has created, exploring themes of technology, humanity and connection. The announcement was made at the MTA’s 2025 convention, held this fall at the Ford Center at the University of Mississippi, and highlights the creativity and excellence of faculty and students in the performing arts. Wade has previously earned recognition for his work in theatre, including a 2024 Meritorious Achievement in Scenic Design award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for his work on the play “A Piece of My Heart.”
Grant helping Lukasik unite scholars to rethink diaspora in American religion
Mississippi State University Assistant Professor Candace Lukasik has received a highly competitive 2026 Collaborative Research Grant from the American Academy of Religion to examine religious communities through the lens of diaspora—populations dispersed beyond their ancestral homelands while maintaining strong cultural and social ties. Lukasik, a member of MSU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion and a faculty affiliate in the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, is collaborating with Professor Leonard McKinnis of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their work will convene an interdisciplinary group of scholars to examine religious communities during a workshop in Illinois, “The Idea of Diaspora in the Study of American Religion.”
DAFVM Spotlight: Alexis Lawson
As a 2023 graduate of Mississippi State University’s Animal Health Technician program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Alexis Lawson knows firsthand what is expected of students during a clinical rotation at the MSU Animal Emergency and Referral Center, or AERC. “As an animal health technician trainee, I try my best to create a comfortable and productive teaching environment for these students,” Lawson said. Along with providing student orientation, mentorship and submitting student evaluations, Lawson’s primary role at AERC is as an ER and ICU nurse. For Lawson, the long shifts are rewarding when she sees patients recover.
DAFVM Spotlight: Nikki Mann
After more than 20 years as a pharmacy technician, Nikki Mann needed a change of pace. Like many others, the COVID-19 pandemic caused healthcare workers in various roles to reflect on their careers. For Mann, it was a moment that signaled the need to pursue a different path. In May 2024, she began a new role at Mississippi State University as an administrative assistant in the Department of Human Sciences. She now coordinates and processes travel reimbursements and arrangements for more than 100 employees working in early childhood. In this role, she manages end-to-end conference travel, including registration, flights, lodging, and related logistics.
Stennis: Celebrating 50 Years of Service
Mississippi State University's John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development staff celebrated 50 years of service and research last Tuesday [Feb. 10]. Established Feb. 9, 1976, in honor of the long-serving senator's service to the Magnolia State and his alma mater, the institute was created to strengthen Mississippi's state and local governments, advancing the mission through applied research, training, technical assistance and civic education. The milestone celebration continues April 16 with a formal anniversary event at The Mill at MSU.
MSU AI Community: Join the conversation!
Mississippi State University is taking steps to advance artificial intelligence adoption across campus. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or staff member, these resources are designed to help you learn, collaborate, and stay informed about AI initiatives at MSU. The AI Innovation Hub SharePoint Site is your one-stop hub for AI-related learning opportunities, workshops, user guidance, industry news, tips, and updates. It's available at https://mstate.sharepoint.com/sites/AIInnovationHub. You can also connect through the MSU AI Community Teams Site. If you have any questions about AI at MSU, please contact Senior Advisor for AI and Data Governance Julie Jordan at julie.jordan@msstate.edu.
MSU International Fiesta to hold interest meetings for potential performers, vendors
Those interested in participating in this spring’s 34th annual International Fiesta at Mississippi State University are encouraged to attend one of two interest meetings this month. The first meeting is Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., with the second one set for Feb. 20 at 11:30 a.m. Both are in Old Main Academic Center, Room 1030, 560 Barr Ave. The sessions are hosted by MSU’s Center for Student Activities, and attendance is a must for those wanting to participate as performers and booth vendors. The International Fiesta, scheduled for April 11 at 11 a.m., has grown over the years to become one of MSU’s largest events, attracting hundreds of students, employees, local community members and visitors from across the state and region.
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.
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.
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.
The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.
Web links are subject to change. Submit news, questions or comments to
Jim Laird.
