Mississippi State University

Mississippi State students earned recognition on the global stage by competing in two major robotics competitions. The university's MSUAgRobot team was named a finalist in the 2025 Farm Robotics Challenge in Davis, California, while MSU's Team Torque earned first place in the navigation task and fifth overall at the 2025 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Student Robotics Challenge in Toronto, Canada.

Student participants in Mississippi State's BRIDGES Undergraduate Research Opportunity gain valuable experience preparing them to take the next step toward the workforce or continued studies in graduate school. BRIDGES is short for Building Relationships that Intentionally Develop Generations of Excellent Scholars, and it engages students in meaningful, paid work at various MSU research centers, such as the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Center for Cyber Innovation, Raspet Flight Research Laboratory and Social Science Research Center, among others. The program was established by the university's Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Access, Opportunity and Success. It expands MSU's robust opportunities for undergraduate research. For more, visit https://www.research.msstate.edu/initiatives/bridges and https://www.urcd.msstate.edu/.

The Reflector student journalists at Mississippi State took home three first-place awards this spring at the Mississippi Press Association's O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit and walked away with a dozen top awards. The summit, hosted annually since 1998 by the Mississippi Press Association, honors excellence in collegiate journalism across the state. Named for longtime Mississippi journalist and artist O.C. McDavid, the event features professional workshops, networking opportunities and the presentation of student awards through the MPA's Better News/Media Contest. "I'm proud of our excellent reporters for earning these hard-to-get accolades," said Josh Foreman, Reflector advisor, who also is an instructor in MSU's Department of Communication, Media and Theatre.

Mississippi State is recognizing eight undergraduate researchers as 2025 George Hopper Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award winners. The award, established in 2022, honors top undergraduate researchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Named for the longtime CALS dean and director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, the award reflects Hopper's legacy of leadership and commitment to student research. He also launched the CALS Undergraduate Research Scholars Program to support hands-on learning alongside faculty mentors. "The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, funded through MAFES and CALS, is an amazing opportunity for CALS students to explore and enrich their educational experiences," said Cory Gallo, CALS assistant dean and MAFES assistant director. "Through hands-on, real-world research opportunities, our students work alongside world-renowned faculty to help find solutions for the most pressing global issues in agriculture and life sciences."

Twenty-seven Mississippi State University students from a variety of majors received Spirit of State Awards this past week for their exceptional personal contributions to student life at MSU. Organized by the university's Division of Student Affairs and celebrating its 20th year, the Spirit of State Awards honor those who have made a positive impact on peers and the broader campus community through organization involvement, service to the institution and personal actions promoting school spirit and tradition. This year, MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt and award-winning students also presented President Mark E. Keenum a Spirit of State watch, the award given to recipients, to recognize his continued support of MSU students. "As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Spirit of State Awards, we are proud to honor these outstanding student leaders-individuals whose selflessness, service and integrity exemplify what it means to be a Bulldog," Hyatt said. "This recognition also extends to the families, mentors, faculty and staff who have supported and uplifted these students along the way. It truly takes a village, and it was exciting to be able to celebrate the entire community that helps shape and inspire student success at Mississippi State." The Spirit of State Awards are open to all students, no matter their classification, major or primary campus. Nominees must have a minimum 2.25 GPA and be in good academic standing. "I would describe Mississippi State using the analogy of a wide-open field with nutrient-rich soil where students can form strong roots and a firm foundation that allow them to bear fruit and cultivate qualities to positively impact the lives of others and make a change for good in the world," said August Jones, a junior biochemistry major and 2025 Spirit of State Award recipient from Bay Springs. "During my time here at Mississippi State, I am grateful to have made and continue to make many incredible memories. Along with these memories and all the fun that accompanies them, my fellow students and I have learned valuable lessons, principles and qualities that we will use for the rest of our lives."

Mississippi State University's College of Education is honoring eight graduates for their exceptional work as teacher interns in Magnolia State school districts. The recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Intern Award were nominated for exceeding expectations while completing internships at public schools across the state. The honorees demonstrated exemplary professionalism, performance and a high level of commitment to the teaching profession.

Mississippi State's Graduate School is recognizing eight students for their superb research presentations given during the university's 11th annual Three Minute Thesis competition. The event challenged graduate students to present their thesis/dissertation topics in three minutes or less. Student presentations were judged by a panel of academic and non-academic professionals with a wide range of expertise. This year, 28 graduate students competed for the title of MSU Grand Champion, and nine judges reviewed presentations.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the recipients of a 2024 Love of Learning Award. The awards help fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development for active Society members.

Mississippi State recently honored a new cohort of first-year Luckyday Scholars with a pinning ceremony featuring MSU President Mark E. Keenum and the Board of the Luckyday Foundation. Established by the late Frank Rogers Day, the Jackson-based Luckyday Foundation provides scholarship funding up to $6,000 per year for a total of up to $24,000 over four years to each student selected for the program. Luckyday Scholars are exemplary students with the goal of becoming college graduates who possess invaluable leadership skills, a strong work ethic and a commitment to community stewardship. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and participate in an intensive application process. The Luckyday Foundation is continuing its pledge of student support and assistance to MSU students as 74 first-year Luckyday Scholars began their academic journey at the university this fall. Luckyday Scholars are actively engaged in this holistic program, which includes a freshman-year seminar and mentoring, designated housing to encourage connections, and opportunities to grow as leaders through servant leadership programming. Participants commit to a minimum of 10 service hours per semester with a single agency, which enhances the program's fundamental principles: scholarship, community, service and leadership.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the recipients of a 2024 Pioneer Award. The awards are designed to reward undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar

Student members of Global Game Changers, an interdisciplinary Mississippi State program in its third year, recently traveled to Italy for a two-week study abroad trip. Participants ventured through Milan, the Amalfi Coast, Florence and ended the trip in Rome. Students from six of the university's nine colleges traveled abroad with customized itineraries specific to their field of study, meeting daily to enjoy broader cultural activities as a group. Faculty advisors from MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Architecture, Art and Design, Bagley College of Engineering and College of Business include Gallery Director Lori Neuenfeldt, Assistant Teaching Professor Aswathy Rai, Lecturer Rachel Woodward, Associate Professor Harish Chander, Assistant Professor Erik Markin and former MSU Associate Professor Charles Freeman, who coordinated and hosted the study abroad trip. "This is a life changing trip for students. They can study abroad with their peers from campus who soon turn into friends and see sights that you maybe wouldn't be able to see as a regular tourist. Many of my students come back from these trips saying it changed their perspective on everything in life," said Freeman, the trip's faculty lead.

Phi Kappa Phi recently announced the recipients of a 2024 Fellowship. The prestigious $8,500 fellowships were awarded to 54 students nationwide.

Mississippi State University's Department of Aerospace Studies is adding 13 commissioned officers to the U.S. Air Force. Lt. Col. Christopher S. Evans, professor of aerospace studies, recognized the achievements of the graduating cadets of MSU's Detachment 425 during its spring commissioning ceremony. Retired Lt. Col. Russell A. Matijevich, a 1988 alumnus of MSU and Detachment 425, delivered a keynote address highlighting resiliency, adaptability and core values in today's armed services. Matijevich served more than 20 years in the Air Force, working on space operations, testing and space policy. He praised the new officers for their graduation achievements and dedication to joining the Air Force, advising them to be prepared for unexpected opportunities. The graduates were individually administered their oath of office by an officer of personal significance to them and had their new rank pinned by friends and family members. The traditional first salute and the significance of the silver dollar exchange were highlighted, symbolizing the respect and gratitude between the new officers and enlisted soldiers. To learn more about joining or supporting Air Force ROTC at MSU's Detachment 425, visit www.afrotc.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University's Undergraduate Research Symposium allows students to showcase faculty-guided research and creative activity. This bi-annual event includes students from diverse departments and colleges who participate in poster and oral presentation sessions, sharing their research with the MSU community. This past spring, URS had the highest number of student presenters and attendees. More than 270 undergraduate student projects were evaluated by faculty, graduate students and staff. This feedback can be useful in improving current research projects and preparing for future research endeavors. The event is hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Discovery, the Shackouls Honors College and various undergraduate research sponsors. In addition, the event was supported by 90 faculty who helped provide comments on projects and judge special area competitions. Research projects are divided into eight categories: arts, music and design; biological and life sciences; business and economics; education; engineering; humanities; physical sciences; and social sciences. Eleven special area competitions awarded prizes. More information can be found at www.urcd.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State's Department of Sustainable Bioproducts celebrated outstanding students at the annual College of Forest Resources Student Awards Ceremony, honoring undergraduate and graduate students for academic excellence. The department, housed in MSU's College of Forest Resources, is preparing students for a career creating innovative products while protecting natural resources. Graduates enjoy 100% job placement in a high-tech, high-paying industry focused on sustainability. The awards showcase the best and brightest within the department.

Mississippi State's Department of Forestry celebrated outstanding students at the annual College of Forest Resources awards ceremony, honoring undergraduate and graduate students for academic excellence. The department is part of the only nationally accredited educational program in the state for educating and developing future leaders in natural resources. Established in 1954, the forestry department has prepared students for meaningful science-based careers in management and use of forested ecosystems for 70 years. CFR graduates enjoy a 98% job-placement rate upon completion. The awards demonstrate excellence among graduate and undergraduate students within the department.

Mississippi State's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture celebrated outstanding students at the annual College of Forest Resources student awards ceremony, honoring undergraduate and graduate students for academic excellence. The department is dedicated to training the next generation of wildlife and fisheries leaders. CFR graduates are making a difference in nature and society.

Mississippi State University's College of Education is honoring 16 graduates for their exceptional work as teacher interns in Magnolia State school districts. The recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Intern Award were nominated for exceeding expectations while completing internships at public schools across the state. The honorees demonstrated exemplary professionalism, performance and a high level of commitment to the teaching profession. "We are very proud of our Spring 2024 Outstanding Teacher Interns," said Donna Shea, MSU's Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure and Outreach director. "It was inspiring to read the recommendation letters from their mentor teachers. There was a common theme around positive attitude, superior initiative, strong content knowledge and positive relationships with students. Many mentors shared that they learned so much from our interns." MSU's College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu.

Nine Mississippi State University students have been selected as 2024-2025 Student Association Executive Council and Cabinet members and will serve as the governing body and voice for students for the upcoming academic year. Carson McFatridge was elected SA president, and Lucy Mellen will serve as vice president. Maggie Chen and Lewis Fuller will serve as secretary and treasurer, respectively. Mackenzie Sherrell received appointment as the chief of staff, with Hayden Anderson occupying the deputy chief of staff role. Hunter Yelverton was named director of policy, and Joseph Bailey and Amaya Downs-Hameed were tabbed directors of marketing and programming, respectively. The SA, which consists of representatives from academic colleges and at-large members, oversees matters regarding academic policies and other areas of student interest. It also provides opportunities for students to engage in fun, imaginative, diverse, educational and entertaining events and programs at MSU, including Bulldog Bash, Cowbell Yell and Homecoming.

Thirteen teams of Mississippi State students in the College of Architecture, Art and Design's innovative Collaborative Studio recently created a master plan for a hypothetical cultural campus. The plan included a freestanding museum, which would hold the university's collections currently housed at the Cobb Institute Museum, Dunn-Seiler Museum and Department of Art galleries. Located adjacent to The Mill Conference Center, the cultural campus also would include the new Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library. The studio is funded by the PCI Foundation, and its projects are focused on the use of precast concrete for structure and cladding for museum designs.

Five Mississippi State graduate students are receiving awards for innovative research displayed during the College of Education's 2024 Graduate Research Showcase. More than two dozen students participated in the annual symposium, which allows students to present faculty-guided research to a broad audience. The poster presentations were formally judged by a panel of faculty with monetary awards given to the winners. Research projects represented the Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations; Department of Kinesiology; and Department of Teacher Education and Leadership. Winning students received $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place presentations. The event was hosted by the College of Education during the university's annual Research Week.

More than 50 Mississippi State graduate students won prizes for their cutting-edge work during the spring 2024 Graduate Student Research Symposium. Over 130 students participated in the symposium, a bi-annual event allowing students to showcase their faculty-guided research and creative activity. The GSRS featured students from diverse departments and colleges who participated in poster and oral presentation sessions, sharing their research with the MSU community. Student projects were evaluated by 53 judges, who provided feedback that can be useful in improving current research and preparing for future endeavors. Research projects were divided into four categories-Agriculture and Life Sciences; Education, Arts and Sciences, and Business; Engineering; and Forest Resources and Veterinary Medicine-and the event featured 15 oral and four poster sessions, and 22 moderators and volunteers. Winning students received $150 for first-place, $75 for second-place and $50 for third-place entries. The event was hosted by the MSU Graduate Student Association in collaboration with the Graduate School. For more information about the GSRS, visit www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-development/graduate-research-symposium.

Two outstanding Mississippi State students in the College of Forest Resources were named Minorities in Natural Resources Conservation Fellows during the 77th annual Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies conference. To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must be current undergraduate students, graduates within the past 12 months or enrolled in a post-graduate program in select Southeastern states. Applicants also must have a career interest in conservation and natural resources and minimum 2.5 GPA and be at least 18 years old. The MINRC committee accepts approximately 25 fellows per year, and the application process is highly competitive. Fellows participate in discussions and gain information on selected topics relevant to seeking employment in natural resources fields. SEAFWA cultivates friendly relations and mutual understanding among officials engaged in natural resources conservation. It also promotes public understanding and appreciation of the importance of conserving natural resources and encourages the management of fish and wildlife resources. For more information about SEAFWA, visit seafwa.org. For more information about the College of Forest Resources, visit www.cfr.msstate.edu. Mississippi State is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University's College of Forest Resources named 10 officers to its Dean's Council, a student-led organization that provides the student body, faculty and administration opportunities to exchange information and ideas. These exceptional students create community and a sense of belonging within CFR while connecting with peers across campus. "The CFR Dean's Council of Student Leaders provides a voice for students and student organizations to communicate directly with the CFR administration and share their experiences, needs and concerns. As a service organization, it has an important role in engagement within the college and across the MSU campus," said CFR Dean Wes Burger. "The CFR is fortunate to have a strong cadre of extraordinary student leaders who create a sense of community that enriches the academic experience for all CFR students." Morgan Alexander, CFR student diversity coordinator and Dean's Council advisor, said these officers have made great efforts this year. "This year's officers have gone above and beyond to not only increase the visibility of CFR on MSU's campus, but also increase a sense of belonging within CFR," Alexander said. "They have hosted impactful and inclusive events that have been inviting to all students. I am very proud of their efforts and cannot wait to see what they do next semester." CFR presents a broad array of opportunities through the departments of Forestry; Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Sustainable Bioproducts, which offer four majors and 14 concentrations leading to hundreds of careers. For more information, visit www.cfr.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University's College of Forest Resources is announcing 15 exceptional students to serve as CFR ambassadors-representatives of their respective departments and majors who showcase their MSU experiences in connecting with communities on campus and beyond-for the 2023-2024 academic year. "These students are officially carrying the brand of Mississippi State University and the College of Forest Resources and must be good representatives in the classroom, across campus and within the community," said Cory Bailey, CFR senior admissions coordinator. "More importantly, they are an extension of the admissions coordinator in assisting with the university and academic college enrollment goals," Bailey added. "Their conversations throughout the year and recruitment efforts absolutely impact decisions made by prospective students when choosing to attend MSU. Many of these students can recall the ambassador that worked with them. That tells me that these students play a very significant role in helping students choose MSU." CFR presents a broad array of opportunities and through the departments of Forestry; Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Sustainable Bioproducts which offer four majors and 14 concentrations leading to hundreds of careers. For more information, visit www.cfr.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences selected 47 exceptional students to serve as CALS ambassadors-representatives of their respective departments and majors who showcase their MSU experiences in connecting with communities on campus and beyond-for the 2023-2024 academic year. "These students are officially carrying the brand of Mississippi State University and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and must be good representatives in the classroom, across campus and within the community," said Cory Bailey, CALS director of enrollment, retention and outreach. "More importantly, they are an extension of the admissions coordinator in assisting with the university and academic college enrollment goals," Bailey added. "Their conversations throughout the year and recruitment efforts absolutely impact decisions made by prospective students when choosing to attend MSU. Many of these students can recall the ambassador that worked with them. That tells me that these students play a very significant role in helping students choose MSU." CALS presents a broad array of opportunities through its nine schools and departments which offer 17 majors and 45 concentrations for undergraduates, plus 18 majors and 41 concentrations for graduate students. For more information, visit www.cals.msstate.edu.

More than 170 Mississippi State students have been inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for 2023. National Society of Collegiate Scholars inductees are first- or second-year undergraduate students who have completed credits equivalent to one term of full-time study and hold a cumulative 3.4 GPA. The NSCS was founded in 1994 and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, and the society is a recognized organization at nearly 300 campuses across the U.S.

Mississippi State University's College of Education is recognizing 12 graduates for their exceptional work as teacher interns in Mississippi and Alabama school districts. The recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Intern Award were nominated for exceeding expectations while completing internships at public schools across Mississippi and in Hoover, Alabama. The honorees demonstrated exemplary professionalism, performance and a high level of commitment to the teaching profession.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the recipients of a 2023 Love of Learning Award. The awards help fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development for active Society members.

Mississippi State students won top awards at the 2023 Broadcast Education Association's On-Location fall ceremony for their work in the broadcasting field. With a field exceeding 120 submissions, MSU students won Best of Show or Awards of Excellence. The BEA is the premier international academic media organization, driving insights, excellence in media production and career advancement for educators, students and professionals. The association's publications, annual convention, web-based programs and regional district activities provide opportunities for juried production competition and presentation of current scholarly research related to aspects of the electronic media. The BEA serves as a forum for exposition, analysis and debate of issues of social importance to develop members' awareness and sensitivity to these issues and to their ramifications, which will ultimately help students develop as more thoughtful practitioners.