The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has launched a new experiential student farm. Located near the A.B. McKay Enology Laboratory and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station’s R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, the farm is immersing students in sustainable agriculture, design education and modern food production, preparing them for diverse careers through hands-on learning and community engagement. Here, students plant the first seedlings at the new farm while Pawel Orlinski, an instructor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, looks on. PHOTO: David Ammon | Agriculture and Natural Resources Marketing
College of Education announces Robichaux-Davis as assistant dean
Rebecca Robichaux-Davis, a Mississippi State professor with a wealth of experience in both K-12 and higher education, is now serving as assistant dean of MSU’s College of Education. Robichaux-Davis has served as an elementary and middle-level mathematics education faculty member in MSU’s Department of Teacher Education and Leadership since 2007. In her new role, she works with accreditation, assessment, undergraduate and graduate academic programs and recruitment. “As we continue to build on the College of Education’s legacy of excellence, Dr. Robichaux-Davis brings a combination of leadership, expertise and vision to her new role,” said Teresa Jayroe, dean of the College of Education. “Her extensive background in education and her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration make her an invaluable asset to our college and to the university as a whole.”
Spotlight on Excellence: Hays, Wade earn prestigious theater awards
Leaders in Mississippi State University’s theater program, part of the Department of Communication, are adding to their faculty awards this academic year, showcasing the program’s outstanding achievements in theater arts and dedication to creative excellence. Assistant Clinical Professor Jesse Wade recently received a Meritorious Achievement in Scenic Design award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for his contributions and work on the play, “A Piece of My Heart.” Assistant Professor Tonya S. Hays was honored with the Tom Behm Award from the Southeastern Theatre Conference this past fall. “Jesse Wade and Tonya Hays continue to achieve at a high level, bringing great notoriety to MSU,” said Terry Likes, professor and head of the Department of Communication.
MSU named Magnolia State’s top ‘Dream Employer’ by Forbes
Mississippi State University is the Magnolia State’s only institution of higher learning named to Forbes’ inaugural America’s Dream Employers list for 2025. The recently released list includes 500 companies and organizations employing at least 1,000 people and spanning all sectors of industry. MSU joins 40 other education-related organizations on the list, including universities, community colleges and service providers. Headquartered in Gulfport, Hancock Whitney Bank is the only other Mississippi-based entity to make the list. In February, MSU was named to Forbes’ 2024 list of America’s Best Large Employers. Ranked No. 41, it was one of only three universities in the U.S. and the only Southeastern Conference school ranked in the Top 50.
Partnership with The Conversation puts research in national spotlight
A Mississippi State partnership with The Conversation -- now in its sixth year -- continues to put the university and its outstanding faculty researchers in the national spotlight as scholar authors. A national nonprofit news analysis and commentary website, The Conversation publishes faculty-written articles for a general audience under a Creative Commons license, which allows other news sources around the world to republish the content after author approval. Recognizing the importance of sharing research with a wide variety of audiences, MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development provides an annual $500 incentive for each MSU faculty member whose work is published in this outlet.
Website provides support, resources for free speech
Mississippi State offers a website dedicated to supporting and promoting freedom of speech and expression within our university.
You can access the website at www.freespeech.msstate.edu. This platform has been created to provide accessible resources and guidance to foster a campus environment where open dialogue, respectful debate and diverse perspectives can thrive. All members of the MSU community -- students, faculty and staff -- are encouraged to explore this site and take advantage of the materials and opportunities it offers. Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of free speech principles, enhance your ability to engage in thoughtful dialogue or learn more about your rights and responsibilities, this resource is here to support you.
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 now available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s new 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.
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