Mississippi State University

STARKVILLE, Miss.-Forty-seven Mississippi State students are 2023-24 Alumni Delegates. Established in 1980, the MSU Alumni Association's liaison organization involves members in connecting the 145-year-old land-grant institution with its more than 161,000 living graduates. One of the group's primary objectives is to enhance the student body's comprehension of the alumni association's function and mission. For several decades, the volunteer group has supported various organizational programs and activities. These include football tailgates, class reunions, free in-state tuition drawings and other on- and off-campus events. Members are selected through a highly competitive and rigorous interview process each year. More about the MSU Alumni Association and the Alumni Delegates can be found at www.alumni.msstate.edu.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, celebrates students who are serving as circle (chapter) presidents. Students who serve as circle presidents are leaders amongst leaders. Members of ODK must be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate/professional students in the top 35% of their class and embrace the Society's ideals. They also must demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars of campus life celebrated by ODK: academics and research, athletics, service to campus and community, communications, and creative and performing arts. Fewer than five percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

The Mississippi Poultry Association recently awarded Mississippi State students with the Mississippi Poultry Foundation Scholarship and the Mississippi Poultry Foundation Endowment Scholarship. MPA works closely with MSU to provide numerous scholarship opportunities for outstanding students. Through an annual auction, MPA raises funds to support future poultry industry leaders. Donors include First Financial Bank, International Paper, BankPlus, Southern AgCredit and First South Farm Credit. The MPF Scholarship and Endowment are awarded to students who show high academics, community involvement and interest in poultry science. The awards are given to graduating high school students or college students majoring in poultry science or studying poultry-related fields. The endowment was established by the MPF Board of Trustees and administered through the MSU Foundation.

Twenty-one outstanding Mississippi State students are recipients of Presidential Endowed Scholarships, the university's most prestigious undergraduate award. The 2023-24 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 opportunities. 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 have opportunities to 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.

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

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.

The Jackson-based Luckyday Foundation is continuing its pledge of student support and assistance to university students as 49 first-year Luckyday Scholars begin their academic journey at Mississippi State this fall. This most recent cohort, along with 41 already enrolled scholars, are experiencing the positive outcomes of the Luckyday Foundation's influence. It's a collaboration between the Foundation and the university set to further elevate the overall count of scholars to 160 in 2024 and 230 in 2025. "Our Luckyday Scholars truly reflect Mississippi State University's core values of integrity, hard work and respect for others as well as our commitment to taking care of what matters. We are grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with the Luckyday Foundation and so appreciative of the investments Luckyday is making in these students. By working together, we are providing opportunities for young people to grow academically, serve their communities and prepare to be the leaders our state and nation need," MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. Founded by the late Frank R. Day from Jackson, the Luckyday Foundation furnishes each student a scholarship grant of $6,000 annually, culminating in a total of $24,000 over four years. This financial assistance serves as a crucial connection in assisting these scholars in reaching their goal of graduation. Luckyday Scholars are actively engaged in this holistic program which includes a freshman seminar, freshman-year mentoring, academic support, designated housing to encourage connections, and opportunities to grow as leaders. Scholars are introduced to the philosophy of servant leadership and commit to a minimum of 10 hours per semester with a single agency, which enhances the program's fundamental principles: scholarship, community, service and leadership. "Mississippi State University has been an excellent partner in fulfilling the Luckyday Foundation's mission of fostering a community of scholars dedicated to embracing servant leadership," remarked Jamie Houston, Chairperson of the Luckyday Foundation. "The wealth of resources and opportunities extended to these scholars will empower them to flourish and excel as active learners and responsible citizens both in the present and the years to come."

Mississippi State recognized 16 top transfer students this fall with Presidential Partnership Scholarships, the university's most prestigious awards for those coming from the state's community colleges. Presidential Partnership Scholars receive funding to cover their full, on-campus tuition costs for two years. They are enrolled in MSU's Presidential Partnership Leadership Class, co-taught by Catherine "Cat" Walker, assistant dean of students and director of the Office of Parent and Family Services; Clay Armstrong, executive director of the Center for Student Success; and Paul McKinney, director of the Office of Financial Aid. They are members of Phi Theta Kappa, nominated by Magnolia State community college presidents and selected by the MSU Scholarship Committee. "Each student represents a commitment to taking full advantage of the community college experience, then transferring to Mississippi State," McKinney said. "The class they are taking will teach them invaluable leadership skills they will use for many years to come."

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 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, student-presenters came from 46 different academic majors and eight colleges. More than 250 undergraduate student projects were evaluated by faculty, staff and graduate students. 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 and the Shackouls Honors College, with other undergraduate research sponsors including the Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Graduate School, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Office of Research and Economic Development, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President and the Student Association. In addition, the event was supported by 170 faculty, staff and graduate students who provided comments on projects and judged special area competitions. Research projects are divided into four categories: biological sciences and engineering; social sciences; humanities and arts; and physical sciences and engineering. Twelve special area competitions awarded prizes. More information can be found at www.urcd.msstate.edu.

Twelve Mississippi State students have been selected for summer internships in Washington, D.C., through the William A. Demmer Scholars Program. Designed for students to learn about policymaking on natural resources and conservation, the Demmer Scholars Program allows students to complete a 12-week, 40-hour per week internship with a government or non-governmental organization active in natural resources policymaking and take a 400-level policymaking course. Created in 2009 and named after Michigan State graduate, conservationist and businessman William A. Demmer, the program selects students from Mississippi State, Michigan State and the University of Montana to work with internship partners including the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and House Natural Resources Committee. It is affiliated with the Boone and Crockett Club, one of the oldest U.S. conservation organizations in which Demmer once served as president.

Mississippi State University congratulates more than 4,000 students who were named to the spring 2023 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 course work with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, welcomed 486 new initiates from 24 universities during May 2023. Students initiated into the Society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate/professional students in the top 35% of their class, demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars, and embrace the ODK ideals. Fewer than five percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

Mississippi State University congratulates more than 2,300 students who were named to the spring 2023 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 course work with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.

Mississippi State University congratulates more than 4,100 students who are among the spring 2023 graduates.

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.

Mississippi State's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture celebrated exceptional students at the annual spring 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 the only program in the state for educating and developing future leaders in wildlife and fisheries management. CFR graduates enjoy a high rate of employment across the U.S. and in Mississippi. MSU wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture graduates go on to serve in pivotal roles working with private companies, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies and educational institutions, promoting and practicing wise natural resources stewardship and management. Graduates of the program can be certified as an associate wildlife biologist by The Wildlife Society, associate fisheries biologist by the American Fisheries Society or associate ecologist by the Ecological Society of America.

Mississippi State's Department of Sustainable Bioproducts celebrated exceptional students at the annual spring 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 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 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.

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.

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.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the 2023 Study Abroad Grant recipients. The grants, worth $1,000, were awarded to 125 students nationwide.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, welcomed 1,869 new initiates from 78 universities during April 2023. Students initiated into the Society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate/professional students in the top 35% of their class, demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars, and embrace the ODK ideals. Fewer than five percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

Twenty-four Mississippi State students have been honored with Spirit of State Awards, the university's premier student recognition. The award honors students making 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.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Research Grants. The grants of up to $1,500 were designed to support graduate students who are active Society members seeking funding for research in support of career development opportunities.

More than 40 Mississippi State seniors have been inducted into the Gamma of Mississippi Chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society for 2023. 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 this spring 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 in the arts and sciences. The Phi Beta Kappa Society was founded in 1776 and is the nation's most prestigious academic honor society. Mississippi State is among just 10% of U.S. colleges and universities granted PBK chapters. Noteworthy members include 17 U.S. presidents, 42 U.S. Supreme Court justices and more than 150 Nobel laureates.