Mississippi State University

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.

Students from each major in Mississippi State University's College of Architecture, Art and Design launched their fall semester with an interdisciplinary student design competition. Seniors majoring in architecture, art, building construction science and interior design have been competing in the Brasfield & Gorrie Student Design Competition for top honors, including a cash prize, since its inception in 2011. The competition sponsor, Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors, is one of the nation's largest privately held construction firms based in Birmingham, Alabama. This year, 10 collaborative teams-each comprised of nine to 10 students-were tasked with developing an overall design and construction plan for a satellite wellness center on the south side of campus. Students had to work together to develop a cohesive, constructible design that included branding as well as aspects of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-LEED-in line with the university's initiatives. The goal of the interdisciplinary competition is to simulate real-world design processes and help students in MSU's College of Architecture, Art and Design understand the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Learn more about CAAD and its academic programs at www.caad.msstate.edu and on Facebook and Instagram @CAADatMSU.

Thirty-nine outstanding Mississippi State freshmen are recipients of Presidential Endowed Scholarships, the university's most prestigious undergraduate award. The 2024-25 Presidential Scholars are members of the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College and possess strong academic skills, creativity and a drive for success. Endowment-level gifts for the scholarships provide students with financial support to cover the cost of attending the university for four years. The experience offers a one-time educational enrichment scholarship for study-abroad opportunities, internships or other qualified academic pursuits, an undergraduate research fellowship award and mentoring. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum 30 ACT/1330 SAT score, as well as have graduated with a minimum core or overall 3.75 high school GPA (based on a 4.0 scale). Recipients are expected to maintain an overall 3.4 GPA in their respective academic majors. Presidential Scholars can interact with members of the land-grant institution's extensive research faculty and be part of the honors college's summer-study program at Oxford University in England, among other enhanced learning experiences.

Twenty-eight Mississippi State graduate students won prizes for their cutting-edge work during the fall 2024 Graduate Student Research Symposium. More than 110 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 departments and colleges across campus who participated in poster and oral presentation sessions. Student projects were evaluated by 44 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 29 oral and 12 poster sessions, with 20 moderators and additional 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.

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.

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 minority and underserved 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 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 University congratulates 113 recent spring graduates recognized as Stephen D. Lee Scholars for achieving a cumulative 4.0 grade point average during their college careers.

Mississippi State University congratulates 2,364 students who were named to the spring 2024 Deans' List. Deans' List students achieved a grade-point average between 3.5 and 3.79, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.

Mississippi State University congratulates 4,137 students who were named to the spring 2024 President's List. Students on the President's List achieved a 3.80 or better grade-point average, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.

Mississippi State University congratulates nearly 3,500 students who are among the spring 2024 graduates.

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.

Three Mississippi State College of Education students are Mississippi Professional Educators scholarship recipients. Graduate students Ashley Baker of Smithdale and Elizabeth Fisher of Meridian were recently awarded a $1,000 graduate scholarship. Junior Emily Beck of Richton received a $500 Linda Anglin Teacher Preparation Scholarship, which includes complimentary membership to Mississippi Professional Educators, or MPE, for her first year of teaching. Founded in 1979, MPE is Mississippi's largest and premier organization for professional educators, serving approximately 12,500 teachers, administrators and support personnel. MPE offers an annual scholarship to an MPE student member from each school of education at Mississippi's 15 public and private institutions of higher learning and awards up to 20 scholarships every year to MPE members who wish to pursue graduate-level studies at a college or university in the state. Baker is a kindergarten teacher at Amite County Elementary and graduated from MSU with her bachelor's degree in elementary education. A member of MPE since 2018, she is currently a master's student studying elementary education at MSU. Fisher, a gifted teacher at Quitman Upper Elementary, earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and her master's degree from Arkansas State University. She joined MPE in 2012 and is pursuing a specialist degree in education with a concentration in school administration at MSU. Beck is a junior elementary education major in MSU-Meridian's Professional Advancement Network for Teachers and Administrators program. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a pre-K teacher assistant with the Wayne County School District. 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.

Seven Mississippi State ROTC cadets took the U.S. Army commission oath during a May ceremony led by honorary speaker Maj. Gen. David Wilson. The cadets' commission as part of the MSU Bulldog Battalion Cadre signifies the formal beginning of the spring 2024 graduates' military careers. Commissioned cadets include Zachary Wright, a secondary education major from Double Springs, Alabama; Joshua Walton, a business administration major from Pelham, Alabama; Paul Richardson, a psychology major from Tupelo; Micah Layton, a math major from Irondale, Alabama; Jacob Guthrie, a psychology major from Gulfport; James Baker, an electrical engineering major from Duck Hill; and Joseph Adams, a kinesiology major from Jackson.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the 2024 Study Abroad Grant recipients. The grants, worth $1,000, were awarded to 125 students nationwide.

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.

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.

Twenty-nine Mississippi State University students from a variety of majors and backgrounds are being honored with Spirit of State Awards for their exceptional personal contributions to student life at MSU. Organized by MSU's Division of Student Affairs, the 19th annual Spirit of State Awards honor students making a positive impact on peers and the broader campus community through organization involvement, service to the university and personal actions promoting school spirit and tradition. "This year's Spirit of State winners exemplify Mississippi State University's commitment to meaningful and impactful service," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. "They lead by example and strive to make the university and their communities better every day, and I am proud of their dedication to others, strong work ethic and willingness to make a difference." 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 grade point average and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

For the first time, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are national champions of collegiate debate. The MSU Debate Team claimed top honors at the April 2024 International Public Debate Association National Tournament. In another first, MSU also served as the tournament host, with 50 colleges and universities making their way to Starkville to compete for national titles. The International Public Debate Association is the largest intercollegiate debating association in the U.S., with more than 200 colleges and universities from across the country competing in IPDA tournaments in 2023-24. IPDA debating emphasizes a mix of logic, rhetorical skill and adaptability, as students debate a new topic each round and have only 30 minutes to prepare. The MSU team squared off over four days of competition against hundreds of top competitors from programs across the country, including the universities of Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, and Southern Methodist, Boise State, Cal State, Abilene Christian, Dallas Baptist and Union universities.

MSU student-journalists won top awards at the 2024 Mississippi Press Association Better News/Media Conference in Ridgeland this spring. The Reflector, MSU's student newspaper, won the overall General Excellence award for the fourth year in a row. MSU students took home 11 first-place awards, including Best General News Story, Best General Interest Column and Best Sports Photo, and left the conference with 25 total awards. In an unusual turn for the MPA contest, the award for Best Series of Investigative Packages was given to The Reflector and the University of Mississippi's Daily Mississippian for a joint climate change-focused project the two newspapers completed in the fall. At the conference, students from the state's universities and community colleges heard from Mississippi journalism legend Felder Rushing, national director of the Garden Writers Association, and sports columnist Rick Cleveland.

Mississippi State University students are transforming a Cadillac LYRIQ as members of MSU's EcoCAR Electric Vehicle Challenge team. The EcoCAR team spent more than a year developing designs to implement an all-electric powertrain as well as connected and autonomous features into the vehicle. The interdisciplinary team of students is now implementing these designs as they compete against some of the top universities in the country in the four-year competition. MSU has a long history of success in EcoCAR competitions, part of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors and MathWorks. The competition gives an interdisciplinary team of students hands-on experience to complement what they learn in the classroom, with many EcoCAR alumni receiving high-paying jobs in their chosen industry because of the technical and soft skills learned in the competition.

More than 40 Mississippi State seniors have been inducted into the Gamma of Mississippi Chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society for 2024. Phi Beta Kappa inductees are among the top 10% of their graduating class who have completed a broad range of liberal arts and sciences coursework, including foreign language and mathematics. Honored April 1 with an induction ceremony and dinner sponsored by MSU's Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, the students were selected for their extraordinary academic achievement. The Phi Beta Kappa Society was founded in 1776 and is the nation's most prestigious academic honor society. Only 10% of U.S. colleges and universities have PBK chapters. Noteworthy members include 17 U.S. presidents, 42 U.S. Supreme Court justices and more than 150 Nobel laureates. Read more about the new PBK inductees at Mississippi State at https://www.pbk.msstate.edu/members/members-in-course/2024-inductees.