Mississippi State University officials cut a ribbon last week to mark the completion of the Richard A. Rula Engineering and Science Complex. Standing behind the ribbon are, from left, Interim Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Director Isaac Howard, project benefactors Sherry and Richard Rula, MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Bagley College of Engineering Dean Jason Keith. PHOTO: Robby Lozano | Public Affairs
White discusses African Americans’ letters to Abraham Lincoln during MSU’s fourth annual Frank and Virginia Williams Lecture
An author whose newly published book brings to light 125 letters written by African Americans throughout the Civil War era to President Abraham Lincoln was the featured speaker last week for a signature lecture series at Mississippi State. Jonathan W. White, associate professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University in Virginia, was the guest for the fourth annual Frank and Virginia Williams Lecture on Lincoln and Civil War Studies. The timely visit was just two days after publication of his newest book, “To Address You As My Friend: African Americans’ Letters to Abraham Lincoln” (The University of North Carolina Press). Donald M. Shaffer Jr., MSU associate professor of English and director of the African American Studies program, lauded the book, calling it “a page-turner.”
Mississippi Museum of Art and Mississippi State announce new, innovative partnership
The Mississippi Museum of Art and Mississippi State University announced a new partnership last week that includes expanded educational opportunities and professional growth for MSU students. “MSU’s new partnership with the Mississippi Museum of Art will offer several advantages to students, including free unlimited admission for all students with a valid student ID, free gallery visits, and group tours for classes, among other benefits,” said MSU College of Architecture, Art, and Design Dean Angi Bourgeois. “The collegiate partnership program with MMA is a great fit for MSU because we both are working to advance innovation and education in the arts.” Through the new partnership, MSU faculty have the opportunity to extend learning and research beyond the classroom, along with access to MMA archives and education resources.
MSU deer study finds some are travelers, others homebodies
As Mississippi hunters wonder where all the bucks have gone, Mississippi State University Deer Lab scientists are looking for answers. White-tailed deer hunting is big business in the Magnolia State, annually contributing almost $1 billion to the Mississippi economy. This time-honored tradition is why hunters and researchers keep a watchful eye out for the elusive, antlered mammal. In recent years, a noticeable number of bucks have seemed to disappear from their preferred home, only to return after hunting season ended. This wandering behavior raised questions amongst hunters, researchers in the MSU Deer Lab and biologists in the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Steve Demarais, a renowned expert in deer ecology and Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction in the MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center, took up the question to understand more about the recent movement of bucks along the Big Black River in Madison and Yazoo counties.
International Institute shares passport reminders
Mississippi State's International Institute is encouraging all students and faculty who are considering travel within the next six months to apply or renew (if needed) their passport now. Current U.S. passport processing times are significantly longer than normal, so it is more important than ever that you plan early. First-time passport applications and renewals are taking up to 18 weeks for routine service and up to 12 weeks for expedited service (additional $60). If you aren't sure if you need to renew your passport, check the expiration date and make sure it is valid for six months after the end of your potential travel dates. Additionally, keep in mind that if your travel requires a visa, you often need to send your passport to the embassy to receive your visa prior to travel.
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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