Mississippi State University

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Pioneer Award. The awards are designed to reward undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar

Mississippi State's Department of Forestry celebrated exceptional students at the annual spring College of Forest Resources Student 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. CFR graduates enjoy a high rate of employment across the U.S. and Mississippi in an industry that provides almost 70,000 jobs and has a $13.12 billion economic impact on the state.

More than two dozen Mississippi State students won top honors, including "General Excellence" for the third year in a row for The Reflector, MSU's student newspaper, at the annual Mississippi Press Association's O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit in March. Reflector writers captured first place in General News Story, Feature Story, General News Photo and General Interest Column. In addition to the first-place awards, the Reflector won 15 second- and third-place awards. Bulldog Online Newsroom won one second-place award. Founded in 1866, the Mississippi Press Association, located in Jackson, is the sixth-oldest association of its kind in the United States and continues to be a leader in service to print journalism across the nation.

More than a dozen Mississippi State students won top awards at the 2023 Mississippi Association of Broadcasters ceremony for their work in broadcast, print and online journalism. At the April 1 ceremony in Jackson, MSU students won more honors in radio and television than any other college or university in the state. For the third year in a row, MSU students won both the Radio Student Broadcaster of the Year-Jackson Smith-and TV Student Broadcaster of the Year-Eli Thurman.

Mississippi State students swept numerous categories at the Public Relations Association of Mississippi's annual conference, including Student of the Year and Outstanding PR Student. Additionally, seven Awards of Excellence or Merit were given to MSU students for strategic programs during the April ceremony in Tupelo. PRAM is a statewide network of professionals and students who come together for networking opportunities, as well as to advance their knowledge of public relations by connecting with others in the field.

More than a dozen Mississippi State students won top awards at the 60th annual National Electronic Media Association Competition in April. MSU Communication Instructor Victoria Helena Bailey won first place for her news report, "Amory Plant Layoffs." Also, Bailey and Josh Foreman, a communication instructor, won first place in the production "other" category for Story State 2022: Fostering Innovative Storytelling. At this event, MSU won two of the six professional/faculty categories. Other MSU students won in a wide array of media categories. Since its founding in 1943, the NEMA has brought together college students and professionals in electronic media. NBS-level membership is open to all students with an interest in electronic media. Alpha Epsilon Rho, the national honor society for electronic media, recognizes the best students in the field. The organization is dedicated to help make the transition from student to professional efficient, effective and fun by sharing real-world experience and focusing on the ethical challenges they may face in the future.

Mississippi State students broke MSU records this year for their speech and debate skills. The MSU Speech and Debate Council, led by communication faculty member Cheryl Chambers and Office of Civil Rights Compliance Director Brett Harvey, garnered 250 awards and 52 individual event (speech) honors this year, both annual record highs. The team finished strong at the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament Qualifiers, hosted by Santa Ana College, with more students qualifying for the national event than in previous years.

Mississippi State students won top awards-and broke university records this year-at the International Public Debate Association National Championship Tournament this spring. The MSU Speech and Debate Council, led by Department of Communication Instructor Cheryl Chambers and Office of Civil Rights Compliance Director Brett Harvey, garnered 250 awards and 52 individual event (speech) honors this year, both annual record highs. The team finished strong at the IPDA National Championship Tournament, hosted by Boise State University, taking home several sweepstakes awards, including third-place season-long sweeps and third-place national tournament sweeps.