The American flag flies over MSU’s historic Drill Field on a sunny summer day. Located at the center of campus, the Drill Field is a popular greenspace gathering area. Because Mississippi A&M College was founded in 1878 as a land-grant institution with a strong military tradition, the area earned its name from morning and evening marching drills required of all early ROTC cadets. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
Groundbreaking evolutionary plant study by Folk, colleagues reverses previous hypotheses
New research from a Mississippi State University biological sciences faculty member reveals the evolutionary history of plant diversification is completely different than decades-old theories. In a groundbreaking study featured this month in “Nature Communications,” a natural sciences journal publishing research advances of significance, Ryan A. Folk, assistant professor of biological sciences, found that, for the past 15 million years, cooling climate patterns have led to dynamic and evolving plant communities in temperate areas like the southeastern U.S. On the other hand, in relatively tropical climates, plants have evolved at a slower rate, an opposite finding of previous research studies.
‘Gridiron greatness’ of Scott Field featured in SportsField Management’s latest issue
Mississippi State’s award-winning Scott Field at Davis Wade Stadium is gracing the July 2020 cover of SportsField Management, the official publication of the national Sports Turf Managers Association. Receiving its third College Football Field of the Year distinction in 2019, Scott Field has “always been recognized for its outstanding turf quality and maintenance while withstanding the demands of NCAA athletics,” according to MSU Sports Turf Superintendent Brandon Hardin. “The demands have increased yearly with more events, media exposure and recruiting importance. In a time where other schools around us perform ‘a complete field resodding’ on a yearly basis, we still practice sound agronomics, sod the very minimal amount possible, and grow-in the rest,” Hardin explained in an STMA article featuring vivid images of Scott Field captured by MSU Athletics photographers.
ORED seeks faculty input for newly launched African Initiatives Working Group
The Office of Research and Economic Development has launched a small working group to explore and maximize Mississippi State’s responsiveness to funding opportunities involving partnerships and implementation of activities in African countries. ORED is seeking to identify any faculty with experience working in Africa and/or with African partners, as well as those with an interest in doing one or both. Dan Reynolds, interim associate vice president and director of MSU’s International Institute, said ORED anticipates convening a group to discuss opportunities within the next few weeks.
Sara Evans offering two showtimes for Aug. 22 concert at MSU Riley Center
Individual tickets are on sale for two shows by country superstar Sara Evans on Aug. 22 at the MSU Riley Center. Structural Steel Services and 970KK radio will present the concerts beginning at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Meticulous safety measures will be in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19. The new rules, among other things, limit seating to 50% capacity and require concertgoers to wear masks at all times inside the Riley Center. Evans, a favorite with Meridian audiences, was originally scheduled to perform April 18. The pandemic forced the postponement of that appearance.
Looking for a way to help? Give to the MSU Student Relief Fund
The Mississippi State University community continually exhibits a great sense of responsibility and caring for enrolled students that make the land-grant institution such a special place. The MSU Student Relief Fund, built with private gifts, helps those members of the student body affected with day-to-day crises or like now, the impact to their daily lives posed by COVID-19. The Dean of Students' Office assesses needs and administers the fund for acute crises that may impact students’ ability to succeed academically. The funds have a direct impact on students in extenuating circumstances in order to help them achieve their academic success. The MSU Foundation accepts gifts year-round for the MSU Student Relief Fund. Contributions for this effort can be made online or by contacting the Annual Giving office at (662) 325-2466.
S.M.A.R.T. passengers now required to wear face coverings
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Area Rapid Transit -- known as S.M.A.R.T. -- is requiring that all passengers in the local community and on campus wear face coverings beginning Monday [July 6]. Ridership capacity will remain at 19 passengers plus the driver, and all buses will continue to be disinfected on a daily basis. “SMART has continued to offer transportation services throughout the pandemic and ridership has continued to climb on our city routes,” said Executive Director of Transportation Jeremiah Dumas. “Given the continual and growing demand for transportation services and the continual threat of COVID-19, we think it is in the best interest of our riders and our drivers to require everyone utilizing our services to wear a mask and, within our capacity guidelines, practice social distancing while on our vehicles.”
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.
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