Celebrating excellence: College of Arts and Sciences honors distinguished faculty at annual awards ceremony
Distinguished Service Award: Emily Stafford
Research awards: Allison Jaeger, Ryan Folk, Lourdes Cardozo Gaibisso
Teaching awards: Amy Knight, Gary Ervin, Stacey Haynes
Mississippi State’s College of Arts and Sciences honored eight faculty members for outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service at its annual spring awards ceremony in March.
“These faculty members exemplify the dedication and excellence that define our college,” said Rick Travis, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Their achievements in research, teaching and service not only advance their respective fields but also enrich the academic experience for our students and the university as a whole. We are proud to celebrate their hard work and commitment.”
Recognizing faculty who have “demonstrated exemplary institutional service,” the College of Arts and Sciences’ Distinguished Service Award was established last year to honor meritorious service contributions that have had a lasting impact in fulfilling the college’s core vision. The second annual award was presented to Emily Stafford, associate clinical professor and director of the Psychology Clinic.
Created in 2014 in honor of Professor Emeritus Robert E. Wolverton, an MSU professor of classics for more than four decades, the Wolverton Legacy Award recognizes faculty, staff and friends who have made long-term contributions to the College of Arts and Sciences while advocating for the ideals of a liberal arts education.
The 2025 Robert E. Wolverton Legacy Award was given posthumously to Debra “Deb” Mlsna, an associate professor of chemistry. The award was accepted by her husband, Professor Todd Mlsna.
Recognizing faculty whose work has significantly contributed to raising awareness of MSU’s research programs and capabilities, the annual research awards were presented to:
-- Ryan Folk, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, who earned the research award in natural and physical sciences.
-- Lourdes Cardozo Gaibisso, assistant professor in the Department of English, who earned the research award in the humanities.
-- Allison Jaeger, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, who earned the research award in social and behavioral sciences.
Honoring faculty who have demonstrated exemplary performance in the classroom, in out-of-class settings, or through leadership in advancing pedagogy, the outstanding teaching service awards were presented to:
-- Gary Ervin, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, who earned the teaching award in natural and physical sciences.
-- Stacy Haynes, professor in the Department of Sociology, who received the teaching award in social and behavioral sciences.
-- Amy Knight, Instructor II in the Department of Communication, who received the teaching award in the humanities.
MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences includes nearly 5,000 students, more than 300 full-time faculty members, nine doctoral programs, 14 master’s programs and 27 undergraduate academic majors offered in 14 departments. It also is home to the most diverse units for research and scholarly activities, including natural and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities. For more details about the College of Arts and Sciences, visit www.cas.msstate.edu.
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Sarah Nicholas | College of Arts and Sciences
