MSU again praised for campus landscape achievements
For the second year in a row, Mississippi State University has received a Green Star Award from the Professional Ground Management Society for “exceptional grounds maintenance” among U.S. universities and colleges. MSU Associate Director of Campus Landscape Bart Prather presented the award to MSU President Mark E. Keenum while Vice President of Campus Services Amy Tuck (front left) and Executive Director of Campus Services George Davis (front right) look on. The campus landscape crew includes: Front row, from left to right: Brandon Hardin and Terrell Brantley; Second row: Alex Miller, Willie Neely, Jordan Gleim, John Rice, Dashun Blair, Sammy Vaughn and Jim Bo Hearnsberger; third row: James Blair, Johnnie Turnipseed, Melvin Turnipseed and Shawn Higgins; fourth row: Randolph Calmes, Jimmy Rice, Frank Fulton, Jarmairo Carter, Katzman Rogers and Jamarius Tallie; back row: Anthony Johnson, Zeb Rice, Will Lawrence, Ivan Harris and Richard Nurse. Not pictured: Joey Boutwell, Victor Fulton, Edwin Lindsey and Perry Sellars. PHOTO: Russ Houston | Public Affairs
For the second consecutive year, a longtime national professional organization is praising the continued upkeep and appearance of Mississippi State’s Starkville campus.
The 138-year-land grant institution again is being honored by the Maryland-based Professional Grounds Management Society with a Green Star Award for “exceptional grounds maintenance” among U.S. universities and colleges, one of nine judging categories.
Founded in 1911, the society is dedicated to advancing the grounds management profession. Sustainability, landscape enhancements, seasonal plantings, safety, signage and training are among criteria used for its award designations.
At MSU, landscape operations is part of the Campus Services division directed by Vice President Amy Tuck.
“This award represents the tremendous pride our university takes in keeping Mississippi State’s grounds beautiful. I congratulate the hard working staff members who are so dedicated to this effort and have earned this recognition through their constant attention to detail throughout the year,” Tuck said.
Bart Prather, MSU associate director of campus landscape, formally accepted the award at the society’s recent convention and exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. The complete winners list is found at http://pgms.org/2016-green-star-award-winners/.
For more on the society, visit www.pgms.org.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Addison Arledge | Public Affairs
