After an introduction from Robert Holland Faculty Senate President Stacy Haynes, President Mark E. Keenum (right) provided a university update to faculty and other members of the campus community during the Fall General Faculty Meeting in historic Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium and via MSU Television Center livestream last Wednesday [Sept. 3]. PHOTO: Emily Grace McCall | Public Affairs
MSU ranks high on Forbes’ 2025 list of best Mississippi employers
When it comes to the best places to work in the Magnolia State, Mississippi State is extremely high on the list. Forbes is honoring the state’s leading land-grant institution with a top spot on its 2025 America’s Best Employers by State list, ranking it third overall in Mississippi. The university is the state’s highest-ranked educational organization and highest-ranked Mississippi-headquartered entity. “At MSU, you are part of a community that feels like family,” said Leslie Corey, MSU’s chief human resources officer. “Alongside meaningful work and a supportive environment, employees enjoy great benefits, including tuition assistance, generous leave and strong health and retirement plans. It’s a place where people are valued and supported.”
MSU announces formation of Applied Research Collaboratory to focus on advanced technology, real-world challenges
Building on decades of successful collaboration among Mississippi State research centers and institutes, the university is accelerating its focus on solving real-world problems with the creation of the MSU Applied Research Collaboratory. The Applied Research Collaboratory (ARC) is the next evolution of MSU’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory, which was formed in 2002 to bring together research centers with a shared connection to high performance computing and interdisciplinary research. “The Applied Research Collaboratory reflects our mission to solve complex problems with real-world impact,” said Julie Jordan, MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development. “This model helps us align world-class technical infrastructure with our growing strengths in interdisciplinary, high-impact research.
PA program achieves 100% board pass rate, continuing accreditation
Mississippi State University-Meridian’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies 2025 graduating cohort has achieved a 100% board pass rate, a hallmark accomplishment that corresponded with the program receiving continuing accreditation status. “This is the culminating licensure exam to become a physician assistant, and board exams are difficult,” said Lesley Clack, dean of the School of Health Professions. “The faculty does a lot of preparation in getting our students ready for it. “This is a remarkable achievement and the result of hard work of our faculty and staff going back to the program’s founding,” said David Buys, associate vice provost for Health Sciences and interim head of campus. Shey Washburn, program director, said the graduates will contribute significantly to filling critical healthcare roles, especially in rural areas.
New MSU, Wade Inc. partnership strengthens MAFES tractor fleet
A new partnership between Mississippi State University and Wade Inc. will support the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station as it drives agricultural research. Through the agreement, MAFES is leasing 15 John Deere 6M series utility tractors from the Mississippi-based farm equipment supplier for use at on- and off-campus branch stations. “MAFES manages more than 16,000 acres across the state, requiring extensive equipment and manpower,” said Darrin Dodds, MAFES associate director. “In the past, purchasing tractors and machines led to multiple brands and models, complicating maintenance and limiting efficiency. This new partnership ensures consistency and reliability across our operations that will support world-class research with the most up-to-date equipment.” Dodds said the program will enhance research and student learning by providing state-of-the-art technology while reducing downtime, improving safety and increasing productivity at the university’s research station branches.
Callender now leading MSU School of Architecture
Jassen Callender, longtime director of the Mississippi State University School of Architecture’s Jackson Center, has been named F.L. Crane Professor and interim director of the school. Callender accepted the role in Starkville Aug. 15 as Professor Karen Spence, who has served as director since 2021, transitioned to full-time teaching and Visiting Professor David Buege took the reins at the Jackson Center. Callender has taught architecture at the university for more than 20 years. Since 2006, he worked in Jackson at the school’s Fifth-Year Program, where he helped establish a study abroad program in Rome, re-initiated the Jackson Community Design Center research center, and served as interim director in 2008 before becoming program director the following year.
Allard to represent MSU on international housing professionals executive board
Dei Allard, Mississippi State’s housing and residence life leader, is helping guide an international group of housing professionals to its goal of supporting students across the globe. Allard recently was elected to the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International’s executive board, beginning a two-year term as its residence education director. “Dr. Allard’s selection as residence education director is a testament to her deep commitment to student learning, community building, and professional excellence,” said Regina Hyatt, MSU vice president for student affairs. Allard joined MSU in 2017 as executive director for the Department of Housing and Residence Life.
Mathews earns recognition for analysis of global supplement use during the pandemic
Mississippi State University researchers have received Editor’s Choice recognition for a widely cited article published in Nutrients that explores global dietary and herbal supplement use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistant Professor Rahel Mathews in the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, along with co-authors Ishaan Arora, a graduate student, and Shecoya White, an associate professor in the department, published Global Dietary and Herbal Supplement Use during COVID-19 -- A Scoping Review in 2023. Researchers have already cited the article 29 times according to the publisher and 34 times on Google Scholar, reflecting its strong influence across nutrition, health and policy research. Mathews said the idea for the review emerged from the surge of public interest in supplements during the pandemic.
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 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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