For the second year in a row, Starkville has officially been named the Best Small Town in the South by USA Today. Starkville topped small-town destinations such as Lewisburg, W. Va., Inverness, Fla., Clemson, S.C., and Orange Beach, Ala. USA Today editors wrote: Though it’s home to Mississippi State University, Starkville is much more than just a college town. You’ll find a thriving arts scene, multiple historic districts, many opportunities for birdwatching, and plenty of great food. Be sure to check out the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, a treasure trove of artifacts and correspondence. PHOTO: MSU Office of Public Affairs
Wang wins Mississippi Academy of Sciences Early Career Award
Haifeng Wang, a Mississippi State Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering assistant professor, is a 2025 Mississippi Academy of Sciences Early Career Award winner. The prestigious award recognizes Wang’s contributions to the scientific community through teaching, research and mentorship. He will be formally honored with this award at the annual MAS meeting in Biloxi later this month. Wang said the award is a testament to the support and guidance he’s received throughout his career. ISE department head Mohammad Marufuzzaman said Wang’s contributions have been significant to the entire scientific community.
In ‘Hidden History of Vicksburg,’ Foreman sheds light on Deep South’s mysteries, uncovers forgotten past
Mississippi State University’s Joshua K. Foreman, an instructor in the Department of Communication and advisor to the student newspaper, The Reflector, has released the latest installment in his acclaimed Hidden History series. Co-authored with longtime friend and fellow Jackson native Ryan Starrett, “Hidden History of Vicksburg” debuted last month as the sixth book in the duo’s exploration of the Deep South’s lesser-known stories and mysteries. “Vicksburg is an old city with an outsize role in Mississippi’s history,” Foreman said. “Everyone knows about its significance in the Civil War, but we wanted to go beyond that well-documented chapter and uncover stories that have been overshadowed by time.” With their latest release, the duo is approaching a milestone of 10,000 books sold.
Nunnery ‘defeats the giant’ with book release on narcissistic personality disorder
It took 40 years and a Mississippi State doctorate in counselor education before Rosanne Nunnery saw the giant that had knocked her down her entire life as the child of a parent with narcissistic personality disorder. “After that, it became my passion to help people recognize narcissistic abuse and how to help themselves heal from that exposure,” said Nunnery, who in March celebrated the release of her new book “Defeating the Giant: A Guide to Recognizing and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse.” Realizing her trauma was a gift to help others, Nunnery took the vulnerable step in sharing the pain of her upbringing.
Humanities fellows to share discoveries during research showcase
Mississippi State’s Institute for the Humanities will spotlight innovative faculty research during its annual Fellows Presentation Showcase April 23. The event, free and open to the public, features brief talks by the Institute’s 2024-25 Faculty Fellows -- Brian Davisson, Courtney Thompson and Eric Vivier -- beginning at 4 p.m. in the College of Arts and Sciences Vault, located in Allen Hall Room 526. “Our fellowship program is designed to support deep, focused work in the humanities,” said Morgan Robinson, director of the Institute for the Humanities and associate professor of history. “By offering faculty members protected research time and a vibrant community of scholars, we help them take their work to new levels of depth and clarity.”
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Alexis Brookins
Research shows that children who receive early developmental support are more likely to succeed later in life. For families in Mississippi seeking guidance and resources for their young children, the Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network through the Mississippi State University Extension Service provides a place to turn. Through centers like the Midtown Jackson Resource & Referral (R&R) Center, parents and caregivers gain access to educational tools, expert support, and a community that prioritizes early learning. At the heart of this effort is Alexis Brookins, who is committed to empowering families and educators.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Patricia Cross
For the past eight years, Patricia Cross has been the welcoming face and voice of the Mississippi State University Extension Office in Desoto County. As an Office Associate, she plays a crucial role in daily operations, ensuring community members receive the support and resources they need. “When someone walks in the door or calls our office for help, I am the first point of contact,” Cross said.
Her role extends beyond administrative duties -- she serves as a vital link between Extension programs and the people they impact. Whether she’s guiding visitors to the right resources, volunteering with the Lucky Leaders 4-H Club, or collaborating on special projects, Cross embraces every opportunity to make a difference. Building relationships with community members has become one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
MSU expands Engineering Student Success program with support from ExxonMobil Foundation
A $110,000 gift from the ExxonMobil Foundation is allowing Mississippi State’s Bagley College of Engineering to establish the ExxonMobil Foundation Engineering Student Excellence Program. The program aims to support engineering students by providing vital academic assistance, mentorship and career development, helping them achieve long-term success in their educational and professional careers. Jean Mohammadi-Aragh, director of the Bagley College of Engineering Office of Student, Faculty and Staff Professional Development and associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, said the collaboration between MSU and the ExxonMobil Foundation marks an important step in creating a supportive environment for students who might otherwise struggle to stay on track in their academic journeys.
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 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.
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