Mississippi State University Alumnus Summer/Fall 2012

MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Summer /Fall 2012

SECRETS

OF HELICONIUS

MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Summer /Fall 2012

Summer/Fall 2012 | Vol. 88 | No. 4

USPS 354-520

02

MSU researcher helping unlock secrets of Heliconius Years after sleeping in hammocks in the wilds of Peru and Panama, collecting hundreds of thousands of samples of colorful insects, Mississippi State assistant professor Brian Counterman continues trying to unlock a very difficult puzzle.

06

Raised-bed garden promotes sustainability Landscape architecture students got a hands-on lesson in sustainability when they constructed raised vegetable beds as part of a collaborative project between departments at Mississippi State University.

10

Terreson foresees bright futures ahead When Douglas Terreson makes bold predictions, investors listen intently and take action because he knows what the numbers really mean in the oil and gas industry. Terreson, a Mississippi State graduate, has enjoyed a highly successful and gratifying career as an energy analyst.

14

For the love of horses A lifelong love and respect for horses led Mississippi State alumna Cindy Meehl on a continuing journey as an award-winning filmmaker. Meehl directed and produced the documentary film “Buck,” about renowned horseman and clinician Buck Brannaman.

18

Initiative works to expand Mississippi’s broadband connectivity In the digital age, having high speed access to information and contacts is a vital tool for businesses, communities, and individuals. But for many Mississippians, broadband connectivity is still miles away–both literally and figuratively.

22

MSU alum is BAMA’S BISHOP of the Episcopal Diocese He might be occasionally spotted without his clerical collar and in a t-shirt that’s a shade of red.

However, that red won’t be crimson. MSU alumnus Kee Sloan, the new bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, is true maroon.

This is Our State.

President Mark E. Keenum (’83, ’84, ’88) Vice President for Development and Alumni John P. Rush (’94, ’02) Alumni Association Executive Director and Associate Vice President, Development and Alumni Jimmy W. Abraham (’75, ’77) twitter.com/drjimmyabraham Editorial offices: 102 George Hall, P.O. Box 5325, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5325 Telephone, 662-325-3442 Fax, 662-325-7455 E-mail, snowa@ur.msstate.edu www.msstate.edu Advertising: Contact Libba Andrews at 662-325-3479 or landrews@alumni.msstate.edu.

Editor Allen Snow (’76) Associate Editor Harriet Laird Designer Matt Watson (’05) Photographers Russ Houston (’85) Megan Bean Beth Newman Wynn Mississippi State University Alumni Association National Officers Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96, national president Tommy R. Roberson, ’67, national first vice president Ron E. Black, ’80 national second vice president Jodi White Turner, ’97, ’99, national treasurer Jerry L. Toney, ’96, immediate former national president

26 Campus news 36 Alumni news 45 Foundation news 49 Class news 52 In memoriam

Cover photo by Megan Bean Courtesy of the Entomology Museum

Mississippi State Alumnus is published three times a year by the Office of University Relations and the

Mississippi State University Alumni Association at Mississippi State, Miss. Send address changes to Alumni Director, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526; telephone 662-325-7000; or e-mail fcarr@advservices.msstate.edu. alumni.msstate.edu // twitter.com/msstatealumni // facebook.com/msstatealumni mississippi state A lumnus

1

MSU researcher helping unlock

secrets of Heliconius Assistant professor Brian Counterman continues trying to unlock a very difficult puzzle.

2

S U MMER/FALL 2012

By Robbie s. ward | Photos By Megan Bean

Y

ears after sleeping in hammocks in the wilds of Peru and Panama, collecting hundreds of thousands of samples of colorful insects, Mississippi State assistant professor Brian Counterman continues trying to unlock a very difficult puzzle.

The more-than-century-long challenge has involved a secret of the

Heliconius butterfly, the orange, black, yellow, and red insect that hasn’t easily communicated how all its radiant colors came to be.

For evolutionary biologists, and especially geneticists like Counterman, the butterflies—commonly called passion vine butterflies—make perfect research subjects for better understanding a fundamental scientific

mississippi state A lumnus

3

HOW DO ORGANISMS CHANGE

A few of the butterfly species Counterman studies in his research (Courtesy of the Entomology Museum)

question: How do organisms

to live throughout South and

said, adding that he and a team of

change to survive?

Central America. Through the

researchers recently uncovered the

years, scientists have noticed

gene responsible for the different

researcher in the university’s

that Heliconius with certain red

red wing patterns.

biological sciences department has

patterns survived in certain areas,

been part of an international team

while others didn’t. For these

using field experiments, genetic

butterflies, the appearance of red

mapping, population genetics,

on their wings is literally a matter

in which we’ve found the genetic

and phylogenetics to study the

of life or death.

change that allowed (an organism)

Over the past decade, the

butterflies’ biology and history.

Counterman said the butterflies

Their findings have been featured in Science magazine.

“This is one of the first examples

to live or die in nature,” he said,

use red as a warning signal to

adding that finding the red

graduate in biology and evolutionary

birds and other predators that they

gene was just the first step in

genetics, Counterman studied

are poisonous and should not be

understanding how the butterflies

genetics of adaptation as part of

consumed.

have survived.

A Duke University doctoral

his post-doctoral research at North

“There are very few cases where

Counterman and colleagues

Carolina State University, and later

we understand the genetics that

further analyzed the red gene to

joined the MSU faculty in 2010.

determine if an organism will

reconstruct when the different

survive in nature,” Counterman

red patterns evolved, providing

Passion vine butterflies continue

4

SUMMER/FALL 2012

“This is one of the first examples in which we’ve found the genetic change that allowed (an organism) to live or die in nature.”

— Brian Counterman,

assistant professor, biological sciences

TO SURVIVE?

important clues into how rapidly

genomes—that has generated

new adaptations can arise and

a new understanding of how

spread in populations that nearly

hybridization between species may

encompass entire continents.

have caused the striking visual

This research was showcased on

differences in one of the most

the cover of the 2011 December

charismatic groups of organisms on

issue of the Proceedings of the

earth. This work can be found in a

National Academy of Sciences of the

recent issue of Nature magazine.

United States.

For scientists like Counterman,

While these studies involve one of nature’s most delicate and

finding answers to these questions

enchanting creatures, they are part

may give insight about how and

of a larger, serious inquiry that

why the diversity in the world

most humans consider at some

evolved. And their work continues.

point in their lives: If Counterman has his way, his

Counterman now is part

“How did the world get to

of a team that has completed

where it is?” Counterman said,

research will help the scientific

sequencing the entire Heliconius

discussing his fascination with

community get closer to answering

genome—one of the first butterfly

genetics and biology.

that question. •

mississippi state A lumnus

5

Raised-bed

garden promotes sustainability

By Keri Collins Lewis | Photos By Megan Bean

6

SUMMER/FALL 2012

L

andscape architecture

their family’s vegetables and fruit on

students got a

their own quarter acre and in their

hands-on lesson

larger home landscape,” Melby said.

in sustainability

“Our project here on campus shows

when they

that sustainable living is more than

constructed raised vegetable beds as part of a collaborative project

Melby’s class of juniors and seniors built four 3-foot by 40-foot

State University.

raised beds out of 2-inch by 6-inch

department of landscape architecture,

pine boards.

“We didn’t use pressure-treated

and Sylvia Byrd, associate professor

boards because the nutritionists told

in the department of food science,

us that the copper, chrome and other

nutrition and health promotion, are

chemicals will get into the soil and the

working with Melby’s sustainable

plants will absorb them,” Melby said.

communities class to grow enough

“The nutritionists are the chemistry

fruits and vegetables to feed a family of

minds in this. We’re planting what they

four—an idea that could revolutionize

calculate would feed a family of four

the home landscape.

the recommended amounts of fruits

“Numerous faculty in plant and soil sciences, landscape architecture,

and vegetables, and they will quantify the harvest’s nutritional value.”

and nutrition are interested in

Melby thought the hands-on

sustainability and have a huge

project would teach his students

passion for teaching students where

practical skills for themselves and

food comes from,” Byrd said. “Pete

their clients.

zealously teaches his landscape

— Pete Melby professor, department of landscape architecture

possible: it’s tasty, too.”

between departments at Mississippi Pete Melby, a professor in the

“Our project here on campus shows that sustainable living is more than possible: it’s tasty, too.”

“Southerners can grow all of

“People resist gardening because

architecture students how to make

they think it’s too much work and

our communities both functional

there are too many weeds to contend

and beautiful, while also helping

with. Our community garden has

them understand cost and profit

raised beds—when you’re only

concerns. This project ties together

reaching across a 3-foot-wide bed,

many important lessons.”

weeding isn’t a problem. But the only

With three growing seasons, Mississippi has an ideal climate for showcasing small-scale sustainable

way to prove this to my students was for them to do it,” he said.

After the landscape architecture

living using raised beds for food

students finished the spring garden,

production.

the nutrition faculty and students

mississippi state A lumnus

7

“If parents give their children more flavors to experience—from pregnancy through early childhood— children will accept a greater variety of foods and have a broader palate.”

— Sylvia Byrd associate professor, department of food science

8

S U MMER/FALL 2012

planted a summer garden in

and how they can help their

this long-term installation at the

clients increase their nutritional

landscape architecture building.

intake through gardening.

When the landscape architecture

“If parents give their children

their clients to do the same.”

For many students, sharing in the garden’s bounty was the highlight of the project.

students return in the fall, they

more flavors to experience—

“We got to eat some of the

will plant a fall garden.

from pregnancy through early

food ourselves, and we learned

childhood—children will accept

which plants will be efficient in

a greater variety of foods and

delivering nutrients, like broccoli,

have a broader palate,” Byrd said.

cauliflower and kale,” said Skyler

yielded fresh lettuces, Byrd

“If these students understand

Wade, a junior from Nashville,

held a cooking demonstration

how to prepare and use fresh

Tenn. “The idea is feeding a

and tasting to talk with Melby’s

foods, they’ll be more likely to

family, and not everyone likes

students about taste perceptions

grow it, use it, and encourage

everything we plant, but a garden

“We’ll switch it back and forth between disciplines,” Melby said.

When the spring planting

Students preparing materials for the beds

needs to be diverse so we don’t eat the same

interdisciplinary teaching strategies, and

it, Melby created a Home Food Production

things for four months.

this is a step in that direction. With help

Garden poster and Food Servings

from experts in other departments, we

Calculator that can be found at www.

notice our fruits and vegetables and

plan to create an Extension publication for

energyusereduction.com. The resource

become curious. The project could impact a

homeowners and teachers,” she said. “We

explains how to build raised beds, create

lot of people. As research like this becomes

hope to obtain grants to bring in school

the best soil from leaves, pine straw, and

publicly available, I see a bright future for

teachers and show them how they can

grass clippings, and which vegetables to

home gardens,” he said.

teach science, math and reading by planting

plant in each of the three growing seasons

a school garden. Gardening can be a useful

in the Southeast U.S.

“We hope people who drive by will

For Byrd, the value of the project is the educational impact and the service

way to teach many subjects and increase

provided to the students, the campus, and

healthful eating.”

the community.

“We’ve all been talking about

To share information about how to garden, what to plant, and when to plant

The raised beds are visible from MSU’s sorority row on Bully Boulevard and from the back of the landscape architecture building on Stone Boulevard. •

mississippi state A lumnus

9

TERRESON FORESEES

BRIGHT FUTURES AHEAD

By Amy D. Cagle | Photos By Russ Houston

10

S U MMER/FALL 2012

Terreson said. “The quality of the education I received at MSU was very competitive, in my opinion, and positioned me well in a variety of roles,” he added.

Terreson earns his living as an integrated oil analyst. He is currently a senior managing director and head of the energy research team of International Strategy & Investment Group Inc. Founded in 1991, ISI is a full service broker-dealer offering macro research, fundamental research,

When Douglas Terreson makes bold predictions, investors listen intently and take action because he knows what the numbers really mean in the oil and gas industry.

trading and sales. The company is headquartered in New York and employs more than 200 individuals who work with institutional investors around the world, which include some of the biggest names in the business. The firm has offices across the globe from Dubai, Hong Kong, London, and Shanghai to the U.S. cities of Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C, and Fairhope, Ala. The Fairhope, Ala., location for ISI was ushered in as Terreson joined the firm. He and his wife, Edie, live in nearby Point Clear with their three

Terreson, a Mississippi State graduate who earned

“When I studied at Mississippi State, the university was on the cuttingedge of teaching and research, and I’m proud to say the institution continues to meet the increasing challenges of educating each new generation.”

— Douglas Terreson, MSU Alumnus

children—Catherine, Virginia and Todd. Edie holds

his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, has

degrees from Florida State University and New York

enjoyed a highly successful and gratifying career as

University. She was a money manager for Van Camp,

an energy analyst for more than 25 years.

where she co-managed $37 billion dollars in holdings,

During that time, Terreson has amassed a reputation as one of the best oil and gas executives in

before trading in the role for that of full-time mom.

Enjoying small town life and serving as a role

the United States. He has been ranked by Institutional

model for others, particularly his children, is

Investor magazine as one of the top two analysts for

important to Terreson.

over a decade and has been selected 15 times as a member of the All-America Research Team.

Terreson is at the top of his game and knows

The Mississippi native followed in his family’s footsteps by pursuing his fascination of engineering and the energy business. His dad, Harold, is an MSU

his Mississippi State education has been a driving

industrial engineering graduate who worked for

force behind his success. He exudes confidence in

Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. His maternal

himself and his abilities, in part because of the solid

grandfather, Aubrey Lewis, also graduated from

engineering education he received. He also holds an

MSU with an electrical engineering degree.

MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla.

Terreson honors his family legacy by giving back to

“When I studied at Mississippi State, the university

Mississippi State with his time and financial resources.

was on the cutting-edge of teaching and research, and

He serves on the MSU Foundation board of directors

I’m proud to say the institution continues to meet the

and chairs the board’s investment committee. For his

increasing challenges of educating each new generation,”

involvement with MSU as a dedicated alumnus, he has

Douglas Terreson advises some the biggest names in the oil and gas industry. mississippi state A lumnus

11

Terreson with wife Edie and their children

been honored as an Alumni Fellow for the James Worth

U.S. Gulf Coast provided him with valuable hands-on

Bagley College of Engineering.

experience. Next, he worked as an investment analyst for

Philanthropically, Terreson supports MSU with

Sun Bank Capital Management in Orlando, Fla. Then, it

a special scholarship known as the Terreson Family

was on to Chicago, Ill., as an energy analyst for Kemper

Loyalty Scholarship in the James Worth Bagley College

Investments and to Boston, Mass., as a portfolio manager

of Engineering. The scholarship honors his parents,

with Putman Investments, where he managed the firm’s

Virginia and Harold Terreson. Since its inception, the

energy mutual fund.

scholarship has assisted 23 recipients with their MSU

Prior to joining ISI in 2009, Terreson led the Global

studies. One day, a bequest from Terreson will also

Energy Research Group at Morgan Stanley, where he

benefit the scholarship.

covered integrated oil as well as the refining and marketing

“I want to help students explore engineering, experience

sector. He was also responsible for the firm’s global forecast

all MSU has to offer, and employ their God-given talents to

for crude oil and refined products and energy portfolio

accomplish their goals,” Terreson said.

strategy. In all, he spent 14 years with the firm.

He continued, “I believe my MSU degree has taken me

Terreson has certainly proven his value to the oil

to the heights of success I have achieved, and that a degree

and gas industry, and he has no plans to slow down

from the institution is very competitive in the real world.”

anytime soon. For now, he continues to scrutinize the

Following graduation from MSU in 1984, Terreson set

numbers and utilize the data collected to see where it

a clear course for his future, with stints working in the oil

leads him. In the spirit of competitiveness, his goal is

industry, followed by a path that eventually led to Wall Street.

to reach the pinnacle and again become the highest

Terreson began his career as a petroleum engineer with

ranked analyst in the nation. Once achieved, he hopes

Schlumberger Ltd. in New Orleans, La. His three-year

to retain the title for as long as he is willing to work

stint as a professional driller with the oil refinery on the

hard and remain focused on the future. •

12

SUMMER/FALL 2012

“I want to help students explore engineering, experience all MSU has to offer, and employ their God-given talents to accomplish their goals.”

— Douglas Terreson, MSU Alumnus

While you’re in the area cheering on your Dawgs ...

visit Columbus for even more excitement! We’re just around the corner. n over 900 hotel/B&B rooms n childhood home of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams n fabulous restaurants n beautiful antebellum and Victorian homes n specialty shopping n recreational activities Learn more about what you can do during your stay.

Visit us online at www.columbus-ms.org.

www.columbus-ms.org 662-329-1191 800-327-2686

100 msu ad.indd 1

5/1/12 1:33:17 PM

mississippi state A lumnus

13

For the love of

By Margaret Kovar

lifelong love and respect for horses led Mississippi State alumna Cindy Meehl

humans, and life.

Her clothes were even featured

But Meehl didn’t start out in the

in film and television, as well as magazines and print campaigns.

grew up with horses, competing

The mother of two now lives in

in hunter-jumper classes. After

Connecticut with her husband and

documentary film “Buck,” about

receiving her bachelor’s degree in the

several pets, including horses.

renowned horseman and clinician

apparel, textiles and merchandising

Buck Brannaman. The film garnered

program at MSU in 1979, she moved

that Meehl became interested in

attention from audiences and

to New York City.

Brannaman 10 years ago. After

an award-winning filmmaker.

Meehl directed and produced the

S U MMER/FALL 2012

Phil, and Cindy Hughes Designs.

film industry. The Jackson native

on a continuing journey as

14

fashioned message about horses,

movie critics alike, in part because

For many years, Meehl ran her

of Brannaman’s inspirational, old-

own fashion labels, Sasha, Cindy and

It was because of these horses

participating in his horsemanship clinics, she realized she wanted more

Cindy Meehl

people to experience his exceptional

utilizing a total of nine cameramen

and profound horsemanship skills.

for the documentary, which took

Thus inspired, Meehl founded

“No matter the situation, Brannaman never complained. He’s tough, and he really raises the bar for those around him. He doesn’t let anyone get by with excuses.”

— Cindy Meehl, MSU Alumna

nearly three years to complete from

Cedar Creek Productions LLC

start to finish. The film company

in 2008 and began to craft a

traveled to North Carolina,

documentary. Although a rookie

Washington, Wyoming, California,

filmmaker, her years of artistic

Montana, Texas, and France to film

experience helped in telling

Brannaman.

Brannaman’s story, from his abusive

“No matter the situation,

childhood to his phenomenally

Brannaman never complained. He’s

successful approach to horses.

tough, and he really raises the bar

A real-life “horse-whisperer,”

for those around him. He doesn’t

Brannaman eschewed the violence

let anyone get by with excuses,”

of his upbringing and teaches people

Meehl said.

to communicate with their horses

Upon completion, the movie was

through leadership and sensitivity,

submitted to the Sundance Film

not punishment. The documentary

Festival, held every January in Park

follows the horseman from clinic to

City, Utah. The festival is widely

clinic, as he works with all different

considered the premier platform

kinds of horses and riders in the U.S.

for American and international

and Europe.

independent films.

Cedar Creek Productions filmed more than 300 hours of footage

While hundreds of films are submitted to Sundance every year,

mississippi state A lumnus

15

uck Brannaman sits atop his horse B while helping students at his clinic.

“Buck” movie poster

nominated for awards in numerous

Meehl’s “Buck” documentary

other festivals and organizations,

more than just the awards or

was one of those chosen in 2011,

and played in more than 600 select

renown. As Meehl said, the film

and it went on to win the U.S.

theaters, an unusual feat for a

was created to move people to make

Documentary Audience Award.

documentary film. Meehl’s company

changes in how they deal with horses

is currently marketing “Seven

and life’s challenges.

The film has won many other

Clinics with Buck Brannaman,” a

International Documentary

DVD series of more than 10 hours of

story. I don’t look at it like it’s

Film, Zurich Film Festival 2011;

footage taken during the filming of

something I did. I feel so strongly

Audience Choice Prize, Cinema

Brannaman’s clinics to create a set of

about this message that this was

Eye Honors; Best Documentary

affordable, instructional DVDs. They

truly a passion project,” she said.

Award, Crossroads Film Festival

were made available to the public

2011; and HBO Audience Award

this summer.

Meehl also is in development on a

Meehl often receives feedback from people who say the movie has had a tremendous effect in their lives.

“The film’s message resonates

Provincetown International Film

new documentary project focusing

Festival 2011.

on holistic and alternative healing

so much because people need

methods for animals.

something to feed their souls,” she

The documentary also was

S U MMER/FALL 2012

“The whole thing is a Cinderella

awards, including the Best

for Best Documentary Feature,

16

But the “Buck” project is about

only 16 U.S. films are chosen.

Meehl on set during the filming of Buck.

More than 300 hours were filmed for the movie about the horseman.

“The way Brannaman teaches empowers you in all aspects of your life, not just with horses.”

— Cindy Meehl, MSU Alumna

said. “Wisdom like this transcends all different kinds of disciplines.”

The film also has impacted

“The way Brannaman teaches empowers you in all aspects of your life, not just with horses. In the

Brannaman’s life. He has

film, the horse is a metaphor for

experienced a surge in popularity

life and how to treat people,” Meehl

since the movie’s release; all of his

said. “He teaches people how to

2012 clinics have reached their

communicate with horses, but it

maximum number of participants,

also relates to communicating with

and clinic spectator numbers have

one another.”

vastly increased as well. Along with

All in all, this attitude can best

this year’s U.S. schedule, Brannaman

be summed up by the leading man

traveled to New Zealand and

himself.

Australia, where the film opened in theaters while he was there.

“Horses and life, it’s all the same to me,” Brannaman said.

He also plans to travel later in the

For more information about the

year to Japan for a horse training

film and Cedar Creek Productions,

demonstration.

go to www.cedarcreekmedia.com. •

mississippi state A lumnus

17

By Allison Matthews

18

summer 2012

I

n the digital age, having high speed

E-BEAT operates as a separate entity, but essentially acts

access to information and contacts is a

as the “boots on the ground” to accomplish some of the

vital tool for businesses, communities,

key goals set forth by the MBCC. E-BEAT consists of

and individuals.

state and regional Extension personnel with six regional

But for many Mississippians, broadband connectivity is still miles

Beaulieu explained that while expanding

away–both literally and figuratively.

broadband infrastructure is important, it is not

An initiative based at the Southern Rural

to inform, educate, and expand the effective

pursuing this asset on behalf of all Mississippians.

use of broadband by Mississippi residents and

The Extension Broadband Education and

communities, doing so in partnership with

Adoption Team, or e-BEAT, is helping rural

municipalities and other local governments, small

areas connect through broadband technology

businesses, workforce development specialists, public

as a tool for economic growth, a medium to

libraries, and other appropriate agencies.

provide and receive services, and as an avenue for

Broadband is a term that commonly refers to high-

educational activities. The MSU Extension Service

speed Internet access. A fast connection to the Internet,

is partnering in the effort.

broadband allows users to send emails, surf the web,

yet available, and even in areas where it is, many

download images and music, watch videos, join web conferences, and much more.

people do not realize how implementing broadband

Beaulieu said some very valuable uses include

usage can benefit them,” said Lionel “Bo” Beaulieu,

e-business (the marketing of products and services

SRDC director and e-BEAT project director.

on the web), online educational courses offered

“Our initiative is working not only to guide the

— Lionel “Bo” Beaulieu, SRDC director

the primary goal of e-BEAT. Rather, it is designed

Development Center at Mississippi State is actively

“In many communities broadband access is not

“In many communities broadband access is not yet available, and even in areas where it is, many people do not realize how implementing broadband usage can benefit them.”

broadband coordinators stationed across the state.

by universities and community colleges, and even

implementation of broadband connectivity in

“telemedicine”—a term that refers to the remote

underserved areas of the state, but also to provide

diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of

information and assistance that can spur the

telecommunications technology—which is especially

adoption and application of this helpful technology

important for rural residents who may have limited

in ways that result in real benefits to Mississippians

access to medical specialists.

and their communities.”

Chip Templeton, a regional broadband coordinator

Former Governor Haley Barbour spearheaded

also based at MSU’s Starkville campus, explained that he

the creation of the Mississippi Broadband Connect

and his counterparts in five other regions, are delivering

Coalition in 2009. The coalition seeks to increase

information, education, and assistance activities to

broadband access and expand broadband adoption

meet needs in their respective regions. Key audiences

throughout the state to help Mississippi maximize the

include underserved communities and households,

opportunity to participate in a digital economy.

local governments, small and home-based businesses,

The e-BEAT initiative, funded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

entrepreneurs, and the self-employed.

Collecting data and mapping broadband availability

of the U.S. Department of Commerce, began in July

across the state have been core activities of the broadband

2011 and is expected to continue through 2014.

initiative. From surveys of the state’s municipalities and

mississippi state A lumnus

19

small businesses, to assessments of

contact for reaching out within

require online application submissions,

community anchor institutions and

communities are local public libraries,

and many job announcements are

identification of Wi-Fi hotspots, the

which also make ideal locations for

published online, making Internet

regional coordinators have made

training and workshops.

access critical for those seeking

concerted efforts to gather relevant

“Access to computers is a real issue,

information and then take a “feet on the

and we have found that the computers

The Mississippi Department of

ground” approach to actively engaging

available for use at public libraries are

Employment Security worked with

with organizations and individuals to

in use 90 to 100 percent of the time.

the MSU-based National Strategic

further the e-BEAT goals.

The public is relying heavily on library

Planning and Analysis Research Center

staff members for Internet assistance.

to produce the Workforce Investment

We are working side-by-side with

Network Global Services, or WINGS,

library staff to provide support and

to create “a real-time, integrated web

training for the public. At the same

solution providing workforce services

time, we are employing a ‘train the

to anyone, anywhere, anytime.” The

trainer’ approach to help strengthen

web-based interface will generate

the knowledge and skills of the library

real-time updates. Job seekers can

staff who are experiencing expanded

find available jobs, apply, check their

demands by patrons for help with new

application status, get job search

technology–related tools and social

and interview tips, and more via the

media activities,” Templeton explained.

Internet. Employers also can post jobs,

Because e-BEAT is rooted in the

find qualified applicants, and manage

MSU Extension Service, educating the public is a key goal, as well as equipping

“This is going to be an outstanding resource for employers and potential

many cases of having the broadband

Templeton said creating additional

employees alike. It is a truly remarkable

connections available, one thing we are

computers for public access is one

asset, and it is another example of why

working heavily on is digital literacy,”

avenue e-BEAT is exploring.

it is critical that people have the ability

Templeton said. “That is helping people

“Public access is important because

to connect through Internet access,” Templeton said.

who have never interfaced with the

there is a need and a demand. We want

web, to introduce them to the Internet,

people to have access to the Internet,

and often to computers in general.”

and if they don’t have computer access

gain access to the Internet, Region 1

at home, the library is very important,

coordinator Chance McDavid said

had computer experience, Templeton

and we are trying to establish other

working with Mississippi’s small

said basic training and orientation to

public computer access points,”

business owners also is an e-BEAT

computers and the Internet is often

Templeton said.

priority. Recent research found that of

For those who have not previously

the first critical step in breaking the digital divide.

Among the primary points of

S U MMER/FALL 2012

job applications.

them to apply what they learn.

“In addition to limitations in

20

employment, Templeton said.

In addition to helping job seekers

Coordinators also are working

Mississippi businesses, more than 60

with WIN Job Centers to facilitate

percent do not market their products

access for job seekers. Many jobs now

or services online. Many businesses

“In addition to limitations in many cases of having the broadband connections available, one thing we are working heavily on is digital literacy.”

— Chip Templeton

that were operating for years before

of commerce and other economic

the Internet existed have not yet found

development organizations to

how they can tap into e-commerce

introduce broadband connectivity

opportunities in addition to focusing

and e-commerce topics to small

on the traditional aspects of their

business owners in communities

business models.

across the state.

“We want to see our local businesses

Beaulieu said many issues relate to

thrive, and in the digital age, more

access, availability, and adoption of

consumers are shopping or making

broadband connectivity in the state.

decisions based on information

Regional coordinators are serving as

and products available online. We

resources on a broad span of topics,

want to help Mississippi businesses

from using social media to avoiding

market on the Internet and engage in

cyber bullying.

e-commerce so they can avoid missing

Information about upcoming

an opportunity that may pay great

workshops is offered online at www.

benefits,” McDavid said.

srdc.msstate.edu/ebeat. Other

E-BEAT coordinators can offer

resources regarding digital literacy,

training and assistance, and among

local government, and small business

their goals is to partner with chambers

also are available. •

mississippi state A lumnus

21

MSU Alum is

BAMA’S BISHOP of the Episcopal Diocese

22

S U MMER/FALL 2012

By Harriet Laird | Photos By The Birmingham News e might be occasionally

sister at Mississippi State and

without

majored in sociology, receiving his

his clerical

degree in 1976. After short stints in

collar and

counseling and special education-

in a T-shirt that’s a shade of red.

related positions throughout

However, that red won’t be crimson.

Mississippi, he entered seminary in

MSU alumnus Kee Sloan is true

the fall of 1978 and graduated with

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama has definitely embraced the Yellowhammer State

a master of divinity degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., in 1981.

While his passion for MSU had

and its Episcopal flock, but his

never faltered, he did begin to

roots run deep in Mississippi and in

rekindle the flame when he came

Bulldog Country.

to the Church of the Incarnation in

Sloan became head of the

West Point. It was one of his early

Alabama diocese in January,

appointments as a young priest after

after spending four years as the

serving churches in Olive Branch

suffragan or assistant bishop.

and Horn Lake.

“I grew up in a house full of

“I happened to be in West Point

Episcopalians. I’m very grateful

at the same time Will Clark, Rafael

for that and for being active in

Palmeiro and Jeff Brantley were on

the church most of my life,” the

the baseball team. I loved baseball,

Vicksburg native said.

and it was nice to go over and set up

Even though he wanted to be

— Bishop Kee Sloan

Sloan joined his brother and

spotted

maroon.

“I didn’t really know anybody in Alabama, but every time they narrowed the field of candidates I was still in the running.”

people instead of animals.”

a place for myself in left center field,”

a priest from the time he turned

he recalled of the team that went

13, Sloan found it difficult telling

on to compete in the 1985 College

people he was headed in that

World Series.

direction. He talked himself into

During his three and a half

trying the field of marine biology

years in West Point, he also

after graduating from high school

continued his passion for helping

and enrolled at the University of

people with disabilities, having

Southern Mississippi.

been a counselor since the age of

“But after that first year,” he said,

15 at Camp Bratton-Green, the

“I clearly realized I didn’t have an

summer camp for the Episcopal

aptitude for the hard sciences and

Diocese of Mississippi. In 1983, he

that I wanted to concentrate on

became special session director,

mississippi state A lumnus

23

Kee Sloan was installed in January as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.

spearheading 11 years of summer work with those in need.

“Everyone learns from mistakes, and I’ve learned a lot. I wouldn’t sanitize my life so much that I didn’t have those opportunities.”

— Bishop Kee Sloan

24

S U MMER/FALL 2012

For 14 years, Sloan served the St. Thomas parish as rector, starting the church’s medical

As his heart swelled with compassion for

mission to Honduras and beginning the

those less fortunate, so did the membership at

Alabama diocese’s special sessions for the

the churches he served. He moved from West

disabled at its own Camp McDowell. The two

Point to the larger All Saints Episcopal Church

projects continue to this day.

in Grenada, where in 1987 he married Tina

“There were many people who did a lot

Brown of Leland, who also had been on the

of work to get these sessions started, and it’s

special session staff at Camp Bratton-Green.

become an important part of our summer

He continued his ministry three years later at

camping program and the fabric of the

the University of Mississippi, where he became

diocese. These sessions are about treating

the college chaplain and was assistant priest at

people, who have a range of disabilities, with

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

dignity and respect, and I’m so honored

It was in the spring of 1993 that the state

to be a part of it,” he said of the specialized

line between Mississippi and Alabama began

programming that each summer serves more

to blur for Sloan, when a friend suggested he

than 100 participants of all ages.

put his name in consideration as priest for St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Ala. He explained, “I didn’t really know anybody

Zachary Woolley, a wheelchair-bound camper who is also an MSU student, said of Sloan, “I can’t even say all of the ways that he has helped

in Alabama, but every time they narrowed the

me. During my second summer at camp, just

field of candidates I was still in the running.”

after I graduated from high school, I was not in a

very good place in terms of why I had

providing them with meaningful

cerebral palsy. Kee and I had a lengthy

employment. Also, he said

conversation about why things

improvements to the environmental

happen to certain people, and the

center would give young campers

conversation changed my life.”

more opportunities to learn about

Focused on what he calls “creating opportunities for others,” Sloan

natural surroundings, while the

confesses he thought the diocese

folk school would broaden its range

would elect someone more “bishopy”

of offerings in everything from

when he was being considered in

quilting to pottery.

2011 to lead the more than 30,000 Episcopalians in the state.

“I thought they’d want someone

undertaking, and Sloan doesn’t

administration, and knew how to

his new job comes with many

read spreadsheets,” he said of being

challenges. He said, however, that

elected on the first ballot by church

“everyone learns from mistakes,

members in July of last year.

and I’ve learned a lot.

“I wouldn’t sanitize my life so

position as head of the church does

much that I didn’t have those

give him more opportunities to

opportunities,” he said.

that are near and dear to him.

His newest project is a plan to

— Zachary Woolley, MSU student

become reality is a significant hesitate to acknowledge that

continue and expand on projects

“He displays an antique cowbell in his office at the Cathedral of the Advent in downtown Birmingham. He definitely loves his Dawgs.”

Seeing a project like this one

who kept a neat desk, was better at

Admittedly, he said the new

ee Sloan knocked on the door of the Cathedral of the K Advent to begin the service of investiture.

the richness and diverseness of their

And to someone like Woolley who’s been influenced by a man he calls a “big dude and a bishop,”

build what he calls “Bethany Village,”

the 22-year-old has had a very

an expansion of facilities and

positive, first-hand experience

programming at Camp McDowell.

with a spiritual leader whose

An enriched ministry for the

soft-spoken voice and gentle

disabled is part of the vision, along

personality reflect many years of

with an enhanced environmental

challenges–and joy.

center and folk school.

“All buildings will be designed

The two have even shared the good times as MSU sports fans.

a little too large,” he said, “and the

“He displays an antique cowbell

dining hall will have round tables

in his office at the Cathedral of the

instead of rectangular.”

Advent in downtown Birmingham.

With new facilities, Sloan hopes to hire the disabled to work,

He definitely loves his Dawgs,” Woolley said. •

mississippi state A lumnus

25

Campus

NEWS

12

Summer/fall

ALUMNUS

MSU exhibits prove popular in D.C. at Smithsonian Folklife Festival onths of preparation

M

proved to be worth every ounce of effort

when Mississippi State enjoyed a presence on the National Mall during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. The venue gave the university valuable exposure in the nation’s capital over a nearly two-week period that included Independence Day. It was an opportunity for students, faculty and staff representing the university to interact with people from around the country and all over the world.

Held annually since 1967, the festival this year celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act, the congressional legislation passed during the Civil War that created land-grant institutions such as MSU. This year’s theme, “Campus and Community,” also commemorated the 150th

Mobile Veterinary Clinic, “Maggie,”

anniversary of the U.S. Department

a mechanical milking cow and part

of Agriculture, with which MSU has a

of the thermography exhibit, proved

long working relationship.

to be among the most popular

A total of 18 institutions of higher learning participated this year, each

SUMMER/FALL 201 2

“These were wonderful interactive

with exhibits to demonstrate their

displays,” said George Hopper, dean

respective contributions to the

of MSU’s colleges of Agriculture and

modern land-grant system.

Life Sciences and Forest Resources.

Designed to be interactive, each

26

draws for festival visitors.

“Once you’re able to get people

MSU exhibit engaged the public

involved, they start asking questions,

with hands-on activities. Along

and when they ask questions, then

with the university’s nationally

you’ve really got an opportunity to

award winning EcoCAR and the

do some teaching.” •

Top: MSU EcoCAR2 team members visited with the Elkin family of Arlington, Mass., at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Sons Elliot, 6, and Daniel, 4, got a simple lesson in energy. Carl and Sheryl Elkin learned how the team is developing an energy-efficient automobile that also delivers high performance.

Bottom: Parked near the U.S. Department of Agriculture building named for former Mississippi congressman Jamie Whitten, Mississippi State’s Mobile Veterinary Clinic enjoyed a prominent position on the National Mall.

Team Xipiter among top

finishers in international competition ississippi State’s

The aircraft also would need to capture

unmanned aerial

aerial images and relay the files back to

systems team landed

the ground station for team members

M

in the top 10 during a recent international competition.

The university’s Team Xipiter

to identify specific targets.

“The most impressive thing for us was that we were able to fly exactly

finished 10th overall out of 26 student

where we wanted despite the high

groups that were able to fly during the

wind,” said team leader Jared Gates of

two-day Association for Unmanned

Caledonia.

Vehicle Systems International’s

“A lot of teams either weren’t able

student challenge in Maryland. The

to fly or actually crashed,” the senior

major and team surveillance leader,

24-member team also finished sixth in

aerospace engineering major added.

said that, with high-resolution,

flight and 10th in the journal paper and

“The biggest advance from last year’s

wide-field-of-view images, the MSU

aircraft to this year’s is our imagery

students were able to identify targets

subsystem,” explained Jeffrey Morris of

they might not have seen with the

required to design and build a UAS

Gulfport. “We switched from recording

previous system. Among them was

that could be piloted to an unattended

aerial video to taking high resolution

a one-by-two-foot target spotted in

ground station and connect to an

photographs.”

an image taken from 750 feet above

readiness review presentation.

This year’s participants were

antenna to retrieve a data transmission.

Morris, a junior computer science

ground level, he added. •

Civil rights organization gives MSU ‘green light’ rating

community can engage in an exchange

ississippi State is joining

M

Based in Philadelphia, Pa., FIRE is

just 16 other universities

a nonprofit educational organization

of ideas grounded with all the

nationwide as holder of a

of civil rights and civil liberties leaders,

protections provided to it by the first

green light rating from the Foundation

scholars, journalists, and public

amendment.”

for Individual Rights in Education.

intellectuals from across the political

Bourgeois said MSU worked with

and ideological spectrum. Protections

FIRE to address its speech codes and

organization’s highest award

of individual rights, freedom of

no longer maintains any policies

recognizes free speech protection

expression, academic freedom, due

restricting student speech protected by

and a commitment to giving students

process, and rights of conscience at the

the First Amendment.

the best possible education and

nation’s colleges and universities are its

learning environment.

primary mission.

The national civil rights

“The entire Mississippi State

“This rating brings recognition to

MSU’s Team Xipiter members include, kneeling, Jared Gates, Caledonia, team lead; and standing, left to right, Jeffrey Morris, Gulfport; Melanie Shumock, Suwanee, Ga.; Nick Jones, Gulfport; Randolph Follett, assistant professor, electrical and computer engineering; Brett Fore, Saucier; Anthony Favaloro, airframe lead, Collierville, Tenn.; Benjamin Nesbit, Memphis, Tenn.; Alex Hoing, Randolph; Joseph Brown, Amory; Austin Powell, Ocean Springs; William Delcambre, avionics lead, McKinney, Texas; and Calvin Walker, senior flight test engineer for MSU’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory.

“Over the past few years, we have been happy to see increasing numbers of schools eliminate their speech

community should feel extremely

something the university has been

codes, but much work remains to be

proud today,” said Greg Lukianoff,

committed to for the past decade,”

done,” said Samantha Harris, FIRE’s

FIRE president. “The university’s

said Thomas Bourgeois, MSU dean of

director of speech code research. “We

exemplary commitment to free

students. “As an institution of higher

are thrilled to have MSU join the

speech now rings out as loudly and

learning, it is our job to provide an

green light ranks and hope that more

clearly as its famous cowbells.”

environment in which the university

universities will follow suit this year.” •

mississippi state A lumnus

27

Campus

NEWS

12

Summer/fall

ALUMNUS

MSU leads the way with unique mentoring program for blind new nationwide research project at Mississippi

A

“Many students who are blind may have little to no work

State seeks to help students who are legally blind

experience, making it hard for them to find a job in an

find employment through a unique mentoring

already competitive job market,” said Jamie O’Mally, NRTC assistant research professor.

program.

The project by the university’s National Research and

The students currently participating in the program

Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision is designed

work with a career mentor who is blind, receiving

to match students who are legally blind with successful

assistance in career goal development, job placement

mentors in their career fields who also are blind.

and job shadowing opportunities.

Now in its third decade of service on the Starkville

“Both mentors and students are in an amazing mix of

campus, the center is the sole U.S. Department of

fields, which shows the variety of options individuals who

Education-funded program focused on employment

are blind are pursuing for careers,” O’Mally observed.

outcomes of persons with blindness or low vision.

Funded by a five-year National Institute on

Participants are divided into either an intervention group, in which they receive a mentor, or a comparison

Disability and Rehabilitation Research grant, the goal

group, whose members receive traditional career

of this latest project and several others is to improve

resources. Each group participates for a year.

competitive employment outcomes and other success

Each month, those in the intervention group are

indicators for individuals who are legally blind.

required to complete three hours of face-to-face time

Specifically, center researchers will be working to

and a written report. They also receive a stipend that

develop and evaluate new and existing employment

may go toward expenses incurred when meeting with

interventions and practices.

the mentor. •

Grad student gets top U.S. honor for science teaching Mississippi State graduate student completing her degree by distance learning is receiving the

educator has more than two decades of classroom experience.

Presidential Award for Excellence in

She leads beginning and advanced chemistry classes, along

Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Anna Cole of Raceland, La., a master’s degree major in

Cole

28

S U MMER/FALL 2012

Certified to teach chemistry and biology, the veteran

with laboratory sections, at Central Lafourche High School.

Cole said she enrolled in MSU’s interdisciplinary

interdisciplinary sciences, is among nearly 100 across the

sciences graduate program to elevate her skills as a high

United States being honored with the highest recognition

school chemistry teacher in her hometown. She learned

for teachers of mathematics and science. She also is receiving

of the program through a colleague who successfully had

a $10,000 cash award.

completed the program with an emphasis is geosciences.

Additionally, the award includes travel to Washington,

During the coming school year, Cole also will teach

D.C., where she and the other honorees will be recognized

advanced placement and dual enrollment sections. This

formally, participate in various professional development

will be the first year that A.P. classes are available at her

sessions, and meet with government policymakers.

school. •

Institute, Yazoo County school share education partner honor he Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute and Yazoo

involvement, and

County High School are being recognized for their

many other areas that

collaborative work with students and teachers.

are vital to academic

T

The Mississippi Association of Partners in Education recently

honored a record 18 school-community partnership programs

enrichment.

During a three-year partnership, the institute’s reading and

during its 2012 Governor’s Awards luncheon. The institute and

writing instruction specialists trained Yazoo County High English

high school received one of nine Partnership Excellence Awards.

and language arts teachers, as well as instructed nearly 400 students annually. A parent literacy night and career fair also were

The institute is a division of the Center for Educational

part of the program.

Partnerships at Mississippi State University.

“Yazoo County School District believes that highly

Since 1984, MAPE has served as a statewide network of educators and community partners working to provide

trained, highly skilled teachers are at the heart of

training and materials to help build local support for the

student achievement,” said Superintendent Rebecca

success of all students.

Fisher. “During our partnership, MWTI has provided a

The Governor’s Award program recognizes creative, results-

comprehensive, multilayered professional development

oriented partnerships that emphasize student achievement in

plan for improving reading and writing, and we are

reading, science and math, the arts, fitness and health, community

seeing stronger readers and writers each year.” •

Yazoo County High School and the MSU-based Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute received a 2012 MAPE Board of Directors Partnership Excellence Award. At the ceremony were (l-r) Debbie Anglin, MAPE president; MWTI director Kim Patterson and associate director Cheryl Foster; and Angela Hudson, federal programs director, and superintendent Rebecca Fisher, both of the Yazoo County School District.

Former governor William Winter presented the honor.

Workshop helps officials with community development bout 20 municipalities around the

Participants typically include

Magnolia State stand to benefit from

elected officials, chamber of

an economic development workshop

commerce representatives,

A

presented by a Mississippi State institute.

YourTown, Mississippi, an interactive

and business and other community leaders interested

educational workshop, is administered by

in maximizing economic

the university’s John C. Stennis Institute of

development opportunities.

Government and Community Development.

Now in its third year, the workshop recently

The program is designed to teach community

was held at Lake Tiak O’Khata in Louisville.

development methods using basic design and

Sessions covered topics such as arts and

planning principles.

culture, tourism, marketing and branding,

Vicki Rigby (from left) of Plantersville, Karen Ott-Mayer of Como, Gary Phillips of Iuka, and Bill Lyle of Amory consider community development issues impacting the fictitious YourTown, Mississippi during a group exercise.

historic preservation, as well as design.

groups that can help facilitate planning

the training is a collaboration among

Participants also were given opportunities

strategies and communicate with other local

the Appalachian Regional Commission,

to apply concepts to development plans for a

leaders about concepts they learned.

Mississippi Development Authority,

fictitious town called Your Town, Mississippi.

In addition to the Stennis Institute,

Mississippi Main Street, and Mississippi Arts Commission.

Through the program, local leaders engage in efforts to better their respective towns.

Joe Fratesi, the Stennis Institute’s community

“This year, we spent a lot of time discussing how various topics such as planning, design,

development director, said participating

historic preservation, arts and culture, and others

communities are encouraged to send more

help communities create a unique sense of place,”

than one person. Doing so helps form core

Fratesi said. •

mississippi state A lumnus

29

Campus

NEWS

12

Summer/fall

ALUMNUS

ecocar 2 team earns first place finish in competition M ississippi State’s

Best Facilities Inspection, Best Final

and the quality of the instruction in

alternative vehicle

Technical Report, Best Project

our Bagley College of Engineering.

design team returns to

Initiation Approval Presentation,

We are excited for our team and for

the Magnolia State as champions

Best Trade Show Evaluation, and

the message this top finish sends

after being named year-one

Best Controls Presentation. Team

about the role Mississippi State

winners of EcoCAR2: Plugging

member Rachel Wheeler won the

University is playing in developing

Into the Future.

Women in Engineering Award.

fuel-efficient, clean-energy technology for the vehicles of the

The results were announced

“I spoke to our team members in

during a ceremony in Los Angeles,

Los Angeles and congratulated them

Calif., following six days of judged

on behalf of the entire Mississippi

A three-year competition,

competitions. In addition to the

State family,” MSU President Mark

EcoCAR2 asks 15 competitively

overall first place finish, the team

E. Keenum said. “This national

selected collegiate teams to

brings home $13,000 in prize money

recognition speaks volumes about

re-engineer a 2013 Chevrolet

and five individual category awards:

the capabilities of our students

Malibu to improve its efficiency

future.”

while maintaining safety and consumer appeal. The first year of

More than $1 million awarded to university for rural job creation ississippi State will administer

Economic development partnerships and

competition focuses on computerbased modeling and simulations, which test the teams’ design ideas.

existing small businesses,” said Clayton

more than $1 million in federal

M

initiatives in 12 states are receiving awards

Walden, director of MSU’s Center for

grant monies as part of a

from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s

Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension

national effort to bolster job creation in

Economic Development Administration, the

Office based in Canton and the university’s

rural areas.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Delta

principal leader for the grant. He noted

Regional Authority, and the Appalachian

that the project especially will focus on

Regional Commission.

increasing entrepreneurship with minority

The White House announced in August that Mississippi State will receive the maximum award of $1,065,000 as part of

“The focus is to create jobs in rural areas

the multi-agency Rural Jobs and Innovation

of the country, so there is a strong focus

Accelerator Challenge.

on support for entrepreneurs and growing

30

S U MMER/FALL 2012

and underrepresented groups.

Walden explained that MSU’s project will focus on 61 counties that define the combined

Mississippi State’s design features a series-parallel vehicle architecture.

This type of system allows the vehicle’s engine to power the wheels in a traditional sense, or to generate battery power for all-electric operation.

“Series-parallel architecture is more efficient than traditional plugin hybrids,” explained Matthew Doude, the team leader. “It will be

its vehicle to meet consumer

and won multiple awards during the

more challenging to implement than

expectations and present it as a

three-year EcoCAR competition.

our past designs, but we enjoy being

production-ready prototype.

EcoCAR2 is the latest in a series

challenged.”

This year’s Mississippi State team consists of more than 80

of automotive vehicle technology

undergraduate and graduate

that the team’s design will earn 81.4

competitions sponsored by General

students from 16 different majors.

mpg with a 57-mile all-electric range.

Motors and the Department of

It is led by faculty adviser Marshall

Energy. The Mississippi State team

Molen. For more information about

donated Malibu this summer

was formed eight years ago for

Mississippi State’s EcoCAR2 team,

and will spend the next year

ChallengeX, a four-year competition

visit its website at www.msuecocar2.

implementing its designs. During

that MSU ultimately won. Most

com, follow MSStateEcoCAR2 on

the third and final year of the

recently the team re-engineered an

Twitter or “like” Mississippi State

competition, the team will refine

SUV that earns more than 118 mpg

EcoCAR2 Team on Facebook. •

Doude said simulations indicate

The team received its GM-

Delta and Appalachian regions of the Magnolia

The program targets the creation and

EcoCAR2: Plugging Into the Future has named Mississippi State University the competition’s year-one winner. The challenge included 15 universities across North America to reduce the environmental impact of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu by minimizing the vehicle’s fuel consumption and reducing its emissions while retaining the vehicle’s performance, safety, and consumer appeal.

David Shaw, Mississippi State’s vice president for research and economic development.

State. Along with the CAVS Extension Office, the

retention of more than 500 jobs, with an

university-based Southern Rural Development

accompanying economic development impact

Center, the National Strategic Planning and

of more than $30 million including private

example of how major research universities can

Analysis Research Center, the Franklin Furniture

investment, and cost savings.

positively impact rural economic development

Institute, the Office of Entrepreneurship and

“We have taken purposeful steps to make

“We believe that this work is the perfect

in their states,” said Melvin Ray, associate

Technology Transfer, as well as the Department

innovation, entrepreneurship and community

vice president for economic development at

of Agricultural Economics will support the

engagement priorities on our campus. We

Mississippi State. “We are working every day to

initiative. Mississippi Development Authority is

have been building that culture with students,

enhance opportunities in the local community,

an additional partner.

faculty and staff for a number of years,” said

our state and region-wide.” •

mississippi state A lumnus

31

Campus

NEWS

12

Summer/fall

ALUMNUS

NOAA exploration command center opens at MSU at Stennis hat mysteries lie in

W

capable of utilizing

the depths of the

telepresence.

has revealed the hidden world live

Computing

and in high definition, thanks to a

Collaboratory and

long-standing partnership between

NOAA’s National

Mississippi State and National Oceanic

Coastal Data

and Atmospheric Administration.

Development

Gulf of Mexico?

The John C. Stennis Space Center

The university’s new Science and

Center, a division of the agency’s National

County test facility is home to the

Oceanographic Data

country’s now-seventh NOAA

Center, provided

Exploration Command Center. A

technical support

state-of-the-art communication hub,

for the team effort that made the

aboard vessels to be in constant

it enables research scientists at sea and

command center possible.

contact with others ashore

“The MSU Science and Technology

through a combination of high-

view live video streams of the secret

Center at Stennis is the perfect place

definition cameras and remotely

undersea life.

to house the new NOAA Exploration

operated underwater vehicles.

Command Center,” said Steve Ashby,

The network includes an Internet-

Institute--a NOAA cooperative--

NGI associate director. “Stennis is

enabled intercom system for voice

and the agency’s Office of Ocean

known for innovative research and

communication as the ship’s remotely

Exploration and Research are

collaboration among its agencies.”

operated vehicles send a continuous

The MSU-led Northern Gulf

coordinating the first use at Stennis

The idea behind NOAA Exploration

stream of live video and data.

“The key is that this method of

of this highly advanced technology.

Command Centers began in 2003

Another key part of the effort is

when the agency’s Office of Ocean

communication offers a unique,

the Okeanos Explorer, the NOAA

Exploration and Research collaborated

real-time data exchange that enables

exploration flagship currently probing

with internationally known ocean

the shipboard science party to ‘reach

the gulf floor.

scientist and explorer Robert Ballard,

back’ to scientists on shore to take

who first envisioned scientists

advantage of a broader range of

region have been traveling to

participating in ocean exploration

expertise,” said Russell Beard, director

Stennis to participate aboard

through “telepresence technology.”

of NOAA’s National Coastal Data

Scientists from across the

the only ship in the NOAA fleet

S U MMER/FALL 2012

Performance

Technology Center at the Hancock

colleagues on shore to simultaneously

32

MSU’s High

The technology enables scientists

Development Center. •

Yearbook returns in print, online

M

individuals who pre-ordered a copy.

along with a digitized version

Foundation, the university library

through MSU Libraries.

system also has joined with the Lyrasis

ississippi State’s yearbook, “Reveille”

Through a subsidy grant from

is returning in print,

the New York-based Alfred P. Sloan

The photograph-heavy, student-

Mass Digitization Collaborative to

produced record of university life

provide a digital version of both the

was published first in 1898 and then

latest and all previous editions.

from 1906-2008, with the exception

“The Reveille issues are being

of 1944, when the volume was

digitized in reverse order, with the

suspended to conserve paper for the

first batch mostly complete,” said

war effort.

Randall McMillen, coordinator of

Through considerable efforts of the 2011-12 Student Association, the latest edition has been printed and was mailed over the summer to

complete download.

For updates on the digitization

MSU Libraries’ Digital Projects and

process, interested MSU students,

Access Unit.

staff, faculty, alumni, and others

The easily searchable volumes will be freely available for partial or

should check the library website, http://library.msstate.edu/. •

IMPACT program continues free services for children s it has for more than

skills. The IMPACT team includes

to go to multiple places,” Cirlot-

a decade, Mississippi

three teachers, along with a speech

New said.

State’s T.K. Martin

and language pathologist and

A

Center for Technology and

occupational therapist.

She regularly advises parents that “the earlier intervention is

Parent and caregiver training

started, the better the outcomes,”

program for young children unlike

and support, occupational therapy,

emphasizing that, “If parents see

any other in the area.

speech and language therapy, and

their children seem to fall behind

special instruction all are offered in

their peers, let someone know.”

Disability is continuing a free

Funded by the Mississippi Department of Health, Project Insuring Mississippi Parents’

the family-centered approach.

Center director Janie Cirlot-New

Cirlot-New also explained that a play-based assessment is used

And Children’s Tomorrows--or

said the fact that both assessments

to tailor an individualized family

IMPACT--provides assessments

and interventions are provided in

service plan or an individualized

of children from birth to age 3 and

one place makes Project IMPACT

education plan for a family’s and

interventions for children from

unlike any other offered in the area.

child’s specific needs. Depending on

birth to age 5.

The wide range of ages and disability

the needs, classroom activities are

levels served also sets it apart from

tailored to help improve fine motor

other programs.

skills, including coloring, cutting

Each year, the university-based services are provided for more than 40 children who may have

“Project IMPACT provides a

and buttoning, as well as large

delays in cognitive, language, social/

place where children can have all of

muscle functions, such as learning

emotional, motor, and self-help

their needs met, instead of having

to walk. •

mississippi state A lumnus

33

Campus

NEWS

12

Summer/fall

ALUMNUS

MSU joins exclusive list as presidential library host ississippi State is

M

serving as host to a presidential library–

one of only five universities in the nation to share such a distinction.

Ulysses S. Grant Association President Frank J. Williams formally announced the decision of the organization’s board of directors to designate the Ulysses S. Grant Collection at MSU’s Mitchell Memorial Library as the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library.

The announcement came during the association’s annual meeting in May as part of the organization’s 50th anniversary observance.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum recently received a letter from

University with the long-term

David S. Ferriero of the National

responsibility for managing and

late scholar and longtime USGA

Archives congratulating the

showcasing this treasure trove

executive director by recognizing

university on the presidential

of vital American history,” said

significant achievement in

library designation. The National

Keenum. “Our university feels a

advancing “historical knowledge

Archives has responsibility for 13

deep bond with this organization

about General-President Ulysses S.

presidential libraries across the

and a shared vision for what a

Grant.”

nation, including libraries affiliated

marvelous resource this collection

with the universities of Michigan

is and what it can and will become.”

Library has been the repository

Highlights of the USGA’s 50th

of correspondence, photographs,

Since 2008, Mitchell Memorial

(Lyndon Johnson), as well as Texas

anniversary meeting included the

books, memorabilia, and other

A & M (George H.W. Bush) and

dedication and ribbon cutting for

documents related to the military

Southern Methodist (George W.

the new Ulysses S. Grant Exhibit

career and presidency of America’s

Bush) universities.

Area on the first floor of Mitchell

18th president.

“We are extremely grateful to

SUMMER/FALL 201 2

The Simon Award honors the

Archivist of the United States

(Gerald R. Ford) and Texas

34

MSU now has the distinction of being one of only five universities nationwide to host a presidential library.

Memorial Library and presentation

The Grant Presidential

the Ulysses S. Grant Association

of the USGA’s prestigious John Y.

Collection consists of some 15,000

for entrusting Mississippi State

Simon Award.

linear feet of correspondence,

research notes, artifacts,

recognized Civil War scholar and

photographs, scrapbooks, and

MSU Giles Distinguished Professor

memorabilia and includes

Emeritus, was named its executive

information on Grant’s childhood

director and managing editor.

from his birth in 1822, his

Marszalek continued a 46-year-

later military career, Civil War

old project begun by the late John Y.

triumphs, tenure as commanding

Simon, another nationally renowned

general after the war, presidency,

scholar who died in 2008.

and his post-White House years

Marszalek said MSU now

until his death in 1885. There are

becomes one of only a few U.S.

also 4,000 published monographs

institutions to house a collection of

on various aspects of Grant’s life

presidential papers.

“Mississippi State is now the

and times.

Through a 2008 agreement with

premier source of materials for

the Ulysses S. Grant Association,

research about a seminal figure in

the MSU Libraries became the

the nation’s history,” he noted. “This

official host of the Grant papers.

is a remarkable accomplishment for

John Marszalek, a nationally

our institution.” •

Additional grant equips MSU to reach rural entrepreneurs ississippi State’s College

M

enable MSU’s College of Business

include mentoring and assisting

of Business is receiving

to have a real, measurable impact

entrepreneurs as they consider

an additional $650,000

on creating jobs and opportunities

business opportunities, make

grant to leverage university resources

for Mississippi businesses and

plans for successful business

for economic development.

communities,” said Jeffrey Rupp,

plans, and weigh risks and other

director of outreach for MSU’s

factors that may affect their

College of Business.

outcomes.

The award from the federal Economic Development Administration will enable the

The University Center will

Drew St. John, chief executive

university to continue housing a

partner with the Venture Incubator,

officer of New South Mats in

University Center, an entity designed

a non-profit organization in Jackson,

Madison, said his company was

as a resource for entrepreneurs in

to meet entrepreneurial needs by

fortunate to tap into a valuable

rural areas. This grant comes on the

taking training to people in rural

resource as part of the program.

heels of an additional $1,065,000

areas rather than requiring them to

Recently named by Inc. magazine

awarded to MSU and announced

come to the campus to benefit from

as one of the 500 fastest growing

by the White House last week to

university resources.

companies, New South manufactures

stimulate jobs in the rural Delta and Appalachian counties.

“This EDA grant will further

Mark E. Keenum, MSU president, said the university feels a deep bond with the Ulysses S. Grant Association for entrusting the institution with this vital part of American history.

Local people will be used in

mats for heavy equipment which

each community to engage others

minimize environmental effects of

in the training programs, which

operation. •

mississippi state A lumnus

35

Alumni

NEWS

12

sUMMER/FALL

ALUMNUS

Alumni Association helps revitalize senior gift campaign his spring, the 2012 senior

T

class partnered with the MSU Alumni Association

to restore a time-honored landmark on campus. The Bull Ring, which once served as a gathering place for students on campus, will be reconstructed between Colvard Student Union and the YMCA building.

With a lead gift of $25,000, the Alumni Association is a major sponsor of this campus beautification project.

“We are so happy to partner with the senior class to bring the

The new Bull Ring will be reconstructed close to its original spot near Colvard Student Union.

historical campus landmark back to mark on their university just as we

said Jimmy Abraham, associate

were charged to do by the class of

opportunity to donate $50 and

vice president for development and

1922. We are so excited to be able to

receive a personalized engraved

alumni and executive director of the

revitalize the class gift program this

brick that will pave the surrounding

MSU Alumni Association.

year to help restore a great piece of

area of the Bull Ring structure.

Mississippi State history,” said Rhett

A smaller gift of $20.12 can be

senior gift to MSU. Students raised

Hobart, 2011-12 Student Association

made in honor of the 2012 senior

$2,000 to build two gateway arches at

president.

class. There is no permanent gift

The class of 1922 made the first

the entrance of campus on University

S U MMER/FALL 201 2

It is not too late to make a gift to

recognition for this level.

Drive. One still stands today across

the Bull Ring project. Several giving

Alumni, parents, faculty and

from the Hunter Henry Center.

opportunities are available, honoring

staff are encouraged to support the

the past mascots of the university.

Bull Ring project as well. For more

to support their respective class

Gifts of $250 will be honored at the

information, contact the Student

gift projects. It affords them the

Aggie Level, $500 is the Maroon

Association at 662-325-2930 or

opportunity to leave a permanent

Level, and $1,000 is the Bulldog level.

Barbie Hampel at 662-325-5975. •

“It is vitally important for students

36

Students also have the

our students, alumni and friends,”

Chapters host summer picnics ummertime provides the

S

joined Mississippians from other

and it included live music, a catfish

perfect atmosphere for

universities and organizations for an

dinner and lots of Southern hospitality.

gathering family and friends.

afternoon of fun and excitement.

The Greater Atlanta Chapter also

Grady Champion, a native

participated in Mississippi in the Park

several of its chapters have a long

Mississippi bluesman, provided

on June 30. Held in Chastain Park

tradition of hosting summer picnics

musical entertainment for the crowd,

in Atlanta’s Buckhead district, the

that not only bring together Bulldogs of

along with The New York City

event featured live music from The

all ages, but also celebrate our beloved

Slickers, which includes two home

Shufflejunkies and Chick Willis.

home state of Mississippi.

state musicians, Faser and Annie

The MSU Alumni Association and

On June 9, the annual Mississippi in the Park was held in New York City.

Chadwick Hardin.

The Mississippi Society of

For more on all of MSU’s alumni chapters and events in your area, visit alumni.msstate.edu/

The picnic took place at the Central

Washington D.C., hosted its annual

chapters. Pictures of these events

Park Bandshell on 5th Avenue and

picnic on the National Mall on June

can be found on the MSU Alumni

72nd Street. MSU alumni and friends

23. This was the 22nd year of the event,

Association Facebook page. •

classes gather for 2012 reunions he Alumni Association hosted

T

vice president for development and

reunions for the classes of

alumni. “We enjoy this special time

1942, 1947, 1952, 1957 and

each year reminiscing and reliving

1962 in March. Alumni from 17 states

many wonderful maroon and white

gathered on campus to fellowship with

memories.”

fellow classmates and friends at an open

Next year, the association will host

house, campus tours, a group breakfast,

reunions for the classes of 1943, 1948,

as well as a grand luncheon.

1953, 1958 and 1963. For more details,

“Class reunions are a wonderful opportunity for us to welcome our alumni back “home,” said Jimmy Abraham, executive director of the Alumni Association and associate

stay tuned to alumni.msstate.edu/ reunions.

View photos of the 2012 class reunions on our Facebook page. • Left to right: Claude R. "Bob" Horton, '62, Marilyn Horton, Christiane Merrell, Robert H. Merrell, '62, Gus Colvin, '62, Chris Colvin

mississippi state A lumnus

37

Alumni

NEWS

12

sUMMER/FALL

ALUMNUS

Millea and Eksioglu chosen for alumni faculty awards College of Engineering.

eghan J. Millea and

M

varied as the Wall Street Journal or

Sandra D. Eksioglu have

videos on YouTube. She also uses

both been chosen as

her expertise and sense of humor to

many students over the years, who

recipients of faculty awards from the

help students understand difficult

fondly refer to her as “Dr. Sandra.”

Mississippi State University Alumni

economic graphs and figures.

Her students receive the benefit of

Association for 2012.

“Dr. Millea’s fervor for teaching is

Eksioglu has been a mentor to

her personal experience in their

truly phenomenal,” said Dr. Jimmy

research work. Eksioglu’s mentorship

Excellence in Undergraduate

Abraham, associate vice president

does not stop at the classroom, as she

Teaching Award. An associate

for development and alumni and

often stays in contact with students

professor in the College of Business,

executive director of the MSU Alumni

about additional opportunities for

Millea received her bachelor’s degree

Association. “The tactics she uses to

research and funding. Her honesty

from Western Kentucky University

teach her students show how much

also helps students with their

in 1992. After earning her doctorate

she really cares about them and their

research because she helps identify

from the University of Nebraska-

opportunity to learn.”

their best skills and areas where they

Millea was honored with the

Lincoln in 1998, she joined the MSU

Eksioglu received the Outstanding

need improvement.

faculty in the Department of Finance

Graduate Student Mentor Award.

“Dr. Eksioglu’s has a special skill

and Economics.

She received her doctoral degree in

for working with students that is not

industrial and systems engineering

often seen in professors,” Abraham

students and colleagues for her innate

from the University of Florida in 2002.

said. “The fact that she has positively

ability to teach. She uses a variety of

She started working at Mississippi

affected so many students is excellent

techniques to benefit her students,

State in 2005, and is an assistant

proof of her great ability to be a

such as using in-class resources as

professor in the James Worth Bagley

mentor.” •

Millea is loved and revered by her

Dr. Jimmy Abraham presents Drs. Meghan Millea (right) and Sandra Eksioglu (left) with a 2012 faculty award.

38

S U MMER/FALL 201 2

University celebrates

graduating Bulldogs he MSU Alumni

T

Senior Celebration for our students,”

Association welcomed the

stated Jimmy Abraham, associate

newest members to the

vice president for development and

Bulldog alumni family at a special

alumni and executive director of the

event in April. Adding to the more

MSU Alumni Association. “Despite

124,000 living alumni, nearly 1,000

a rainy day, we had a good turnout

students attended the event held in

and everyone seemed to enjoy the

the Hunter Henry Center.

event.”

Commencement for the 2012

The annual Senior Celebration, cosponsored by the Division of Student

class was held on May 11 and 12 at

Affairs and the Student Association,

Humphrey Coliseum. The university

included crawfish, MSU ice cream,

graduated nearly 2,500 individuals.

For photos of the Senior

and lots of fun.

“Each year we look forward to celebrating graduation by hosting

Celebration, visit our album on Facebook. •

New ‘Our State Tour’ a success n May, Bulldog faithful visited with

the MSU Alumni Association. “We have had a great

members from Mississippi State University

turnout for each of our events, and our alumni and

Athletics and the Alumni Association

friends continue to show overwhelming support

I

during the 2012 Our State Tour presented by

for MSU.”

BancorpSouth. The tour made its first stop in

Continuing in June, the tour made its way to

Hattiesburg on May 21, and continued on to

Birmingham, Ala., Tupelo and Houston, Texas.

Biloxi, Meridian, Olive Branch and Greenwood

The tour culminated July 19 in Jackson at the

later that week.

Central Mississippi Summer Extravaganza. Fans

Director of athletics Scott Stricklin, head

were able to meet with coaches and players for

football coach Dan Mullen, men’s basketball

autograph sessions, and visit with vendors from

coach Rick Ray, and women’s basketball coach

the university and local businesses.

Vic Schaefer attended each event, along with

The 2012 Our State Tour, a revamped

other university representatives from alumni

version of the Road Dawgs tour, included

and athletics.

videos highlighting the university and athletic

“The Our State Tour was a tremendous success,”

department. Photos of the event can be seen on

said Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for

the alumni Facebook page at www.facebook.

development and alumni and executive director of

com/msstatealumni. •

Top: Alumni and friends packed the Biloxi Yacht Club to hear from MSU representatives on the first day of the Our State Tour.

Bottom: Over 280 people attended the tour stop in Greenwood, held at the Leflore County Civic Center.

mississippi state A lumnus

39

Alumni

NEWS

12

sUMMER/FALL

ALUMNUS

MSU Staff honored at event M ississippi State University

live entertainment. The

has more than 3,000

Office of the President,

individuals who provide

university vice

professional and support staff services

presidents, the Alumni

alumni and executive director of

within the various departments,

Association and the Professional

the MSU Alumni Association. “The

colleges and administrative offices.

and Support Staff Advisory Council

Alumni Association is proud to be

In May, the university honored these

sponsored the annual event.

one of the sponsors for this event

hard working individuals at the Staff Appreciation Day in the Junction.

“The hard-working and dedicated staff members at Mississippi State

each year.”

Mississippi State is grateful for

The “Luncheon in the Junction”

do so much for our university”

the service of all of its dedicated staff

provided all university staff members

said Jimmy Abraham, associate

members who make it such a great

with lunch, games, a photo booth and

vice president for development and

university. •

Former national presidents

reunite in March said Jimmy Abraham, associate

addition, MSU President Mark E.

vice president for development and

Keenum hosted a reception for all

alumni and executive director of the

attendees at his home.

All former national presidents were

a day when we could come together

honored before the baseball game versus

and celebrate the friendships forged

Lipscomb. Representing the group as

through the years, and honor these

the former president with the earliest

n March, the Alumni Association

I

men and women for their tireless

tenure, Tommy Everett, 1973 national

hosted a special reunion day for

efforts for the Bulldog family.”

president, threw out the first pitch.

Twenty-five alumni past leaders, along

speakers from the university and

each of our former national presidents

with guests and spouses, attended this

a luncheon at the Hunter Henry

and all of our board members and

special event.

Center. Speakers included Student

chapter officers for the invaluable

Association President Rhett Hobart,

service they offer to Mississippi State

athletic department representatives

University. •

“Our national presidents, past and present, do so much of our

S U MMER/FALL 2012

and university vice presidents. In

MSU Alumni Association. “This was

all former national presidents.

40

Alumni Association and university,”

The group enjoyed guest

The Alumni Association thanks

A letter from your 2011-2012 national alumni president erry L. Toney, 2011-12

with a local chapter, I challenge you

national president of the MSU

to consider becoming involved.

Alumni Association, shares

Our chapters now cover 13 states,

J

his thoughts on his year of service.

and we have an international chapter in South Korea. Chapter

Dear fellow alumni, As I write this letter, my year of

involvement is not only a great way to meet and visit other Bulldogs

service as your national alumni

in your area, but it’s also another

president has drawn to an end. I

way you can give back to your

want to say what an honor and

university. I also challenge you to

privilege it was to serve as your

support the Alumni Association

92nd president and to represent this

by becoming an active member.

great institution. It has been such

You can do this by making

that is guiding Mississippi State

a rewarding opportunity to attend

a contribution to the MSU

University going forward.

numerous alumni and university

Foundation or the Bulldog Club.

I am very pleased that Camille

events and to experience the passion

This past year, your Alumni

Scales Young succeeded me as your

and excitement that is shared by our

Association partnered with the

93rd national alumni president.

alumni and friends.

Student Association to bring the

Camille is “true maroon,” and her

Bull Ring back to campus. This

dedication and love of MSU has been

Abraham and the staff of the

integral piece of MSU history will be

evident during her years of service in

Alumni Association, not only for

placed in front of Colvard Student

the Central Mississippi Chapter and

their support, but also for their hard

Union for future generations of

the national alumni board. Camille

work and dedication. As I’ve said

MSU students, alumni and friends

will do an outstanding job.

on so many occasions, we could

to enjoy. We are proud of the strong

not have a better executive director

relationship that exists between our

opportunity to serve our university

of the Alumni Association than we

Student Association and the Alumni

in this capacity. We can be very

do in Dr. Abraham. During this

Association.

optimistic about the future of

I would like to thank Dr. Jimmy

past year, under the direction of Dr.

I have been encouraged to

I thank you again for the

our university and our Alumni

Abraham, the Alumni Association

see firsthand the strength of

Association. We have excellent

hosted 643 events. We not only saw

the relationship that also exists

university administrators, students,

our membership grow to a record

between the university and the

faculty, staff, and especially alumni.

number, but we also welcomed

Alumni Association. I would like

Tuscaloosa, Ala., as our 93rd chapter.

to thank Dr. Keenum and his staff

I am excited about the growth of the

for recognizing the importance of a

Alumni Association and the direction

strong Alumni Association and its

Jerry L. Toney, ’96

that it is headed.

impact on our university. We can

2011-2012 National President

all be proud of the leadership team

MSU Alumni Association •

If you are not currently involved

Go Dawgs!

mississippi state A lumnus

41

Alumni

NEWS

12

sUMMER/FALL

ALUMNUS

MSYOU survey results released n fall 2011, the MSU Alumni

I

gender, highest degree earned, and

Association conducted an

state of residency, among others.

online survey to gauge the

Of the topics covered, the value

attitude, opinions and perception

of an MSU degree ranked as a

of its 124,000 alumni worldwide.

top priority. Ninety percent of

Titled MSYOU, the survey covered

respondents stated that the value and

topics in the areas of the overall

respect for their degree earned in the

student experience, alumni relations

marketplace greatly affected their

and university communications.

opinion of the university.

Communication from the

attend MSU as a “great decision.”

to 84 universities and colleges

university to alumni is another

The survey showed that the vast

around the nation for an overall

priority area derived. Most

majority of alumni have a positive

school average. Similar institutions

respondents agreed that university

view of both their academic and

such as Auburn, Clemson, Florida,

communications meet expectations,

alumni experiences. They also feel

Georgia, and Southern Mississippi

and feel that more information

that MSU adequately prepared them

were also selected as comparable

about alumni services, benefits and

for a career in their field of study.

universities for a more detailed

events is welcomed.

Survey results were compared

result. Responses were also evaluated by demographics on the basis of age,

Nearly 80 percent of all respondents rated their choice to

Complete results from the MSYOU survey can be viewed online at www. alumni.msstate.edu/msyou. •

New national alumni officers named N ew members of the

treasurer. Jerry L. Toney, of Starkville,

management graduate who also

Mississippi State University

continues on the board as immediate

earned a masters degree in agriculture

Alumni Association’s

former national president.

and extension education in 1996, is vice

national board of directors are

Alumni Association have worked

Affairs in Jackson. She was a member

appointed in February.

tirelessly to promote and help

of the Central Mississippi Chapter

Mississippi State University in whatever

board of directors, and has served

team includes Camille Scales Young

way possible,” said Jimmy Abraham,

on various committees including the

of Madison, president; Tommy

the association’s executive director.

Evening in Maroon, Young Alumni

R. Roberson of Memphis, Tenn.,

“These newly elected officers will

and Central Mississippi Tennis

first vice president; Ron E. Black of

continue that tradition and will do an

Tournament. She has served as

Meridian, second vice president; and

outstanding job leading our association

national first and second vice president.

Jodi White Turner of Montgomery,

and representing our alumni.”

Ala., will continue her role as

SUMMER/FALL 2012

president of Cornerstone Government

beginning one-year terms after being Officially taking office July 1, the

42

“For 127 years, the leaders of our

Young, a 1994 communication

“I am looking forward to meeting MSU alumni from around the

world and sharing our love of MSU,”

National officers of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association include (l-r) Jerry L. Toney, immediate former national president, Jodi White Turner, treasurer, Camille Scales Young, president, Tommy R. Roberson, first vice president, and Ron E. Black, second vice president.

stated Young. “I hope to encourage younger alumni to support our Alumni Association and the university’s continued efforts to produce graduates who are making a positive difference in our state, country and world.”

Joining Young are four fellow alumni.

Roberson, a 1967 political science and history graduate, is retired from Kraft Foods after 34 years of service. He has

has served on the executive committee

Certified Financial Planner and vice

served the Memphis Maroon Club as

for two years. He has been active

president of Cadence Bank in Starkville.

the former president, vice president and

in the Lauderdale County Alumni

He has served as president of the

membership officer, and has served on

Association.

Oktibbeha County alumni chapter.

the executive committee of the board of

Turner received a bachelor’s degree

The Alumni Association was

directors for three years, most recently in

in accounting in 1997 and a master’s

founded June 17, 1885, by the first

the role of national second vice president.

degree in business administration

three graduating classes of what then

in 1999, both from Mississippi State.

was Mississippi Agricultural and

is director of human resources for

She serves as chief financial officer for

Mechanical College. A full-service

Southern Pipe & Supply Company

PrimeSouth Bank in Tallassee.

organization, it now includes 93

Black, a 1980 marketing graduate,

Inc. Ron has served as South 1 Region

Toney is a 1996 business graduate

chapters and has more than 124,000

director on the national board of

with a degree in real estate, mortgage

alumni worldwide. For more, visit

directors for the past three years, and

finance and economics. He is a

alumni.msstate.edu. •

mississippi state A lumnus

43

Alumni

NEWS

12

sUMMER/FALL

ALUMNUS

MSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013 National President *Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96 National First Vice President *Thomas R. “Tommy” Roberson, ’67 National Second Vice President *Ronald E. “Ron” Black, ’80 National Treasurer *Jodi White Turner, ’97, ’99 Immediate Former National President *Jerry L. Toney, ’96 North 1 Region Director David Randall “Randy” Allen, ’87

Leflore-Carroll Chapter Director Paige H. Hunt, ’00, ’06

Out-Of-State Directors Courtney A. Jones, ’02, ’06 Edward A. Sanders, ’06 *Daniel E. “Danny” Hossley, ’65

Lowndes County Chapter Director William T. “Will” Cooper, ’90

At-Large Directors David T. Cozart, ’86 Jonathan J. Lee, ’00, ’02 Kieu-Anh Tran, ’96 Atlanta, GA Chapter Director Susan B. Yeosock, ’89 Birmingham, AL Chapter Director Matthew B. “Matt” Frederiksen, ’00

Memphis, TN Chapter Directors Paul R. Hopkins, ’91 Stephen R. Woo, ’94, ’95 Nashville, TN Chapter Director Sarah R. McDonnell, ’03 Oktibbeha County Chapter Directors Donna B. Rupp, ’93 Daniel J. “Jason” Ryder, ’00 Southeast Mississippi Chapter Director Lori B. Perkins, ’93

North 3 Region Director Trina M. Dendy, ’93, ’00

Central Mississippi Chapter Directors Thomas R. “Tommy” Byrd, ’81 Steven A. “Steve” Corbitt, ’76 Angela W. Dallas, ’82 John K. Pitts, ’04 *Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves, ’02

Young Director Northern Region Audrey T. “Taneka” Milliner, ’07

Desoto County Chapter Director Hillary Phillips Jordan, ’03

President, Student Association Shelby C. Balius

Central 1 Region Director Lea Margaret M. Hamilton, ’90

Harrison-Stone Chapter Director Janice R. Nichols, ’88

President, Holland Faculty Senate Meghan J. Millea

Central 2 Region Director Andrew C. Frank, ’91

Houston, TX Chapter Director Jon D. Sanders, ’93, ’94

Chair, Staff Council Marshall C. “Cade” Smith, ’02

Central 3 Region Director H. Riley Nelson, ’99, ’01

Huntsville-Decatur, AL Chapter Director James D. “Jim” Pepper, Jr., ’69, ’91

President, MSU Foundation James J. “Jim” Rouse, ’62

Young Director Central Region John Paul “J.P.” Walker, ’05

Jackson County Chapter Director John “Carl” Weihing, ’70

President, Bulldog Club Beth C. Clay, ’67

South 2 Region Director *Christie D. Walters, ’98

Lauderdale County Chapter Director William T. “Will” Carpenter, Iii, ’00, ’02

South 3 Region Director Christine E. Cuicchi, ’94, ’99

Lee County Chapter Directors Kimberly C. “Kim” Fandel, ’87, ’94 William H. “Beau” Lacey, ’69, ’72

Associate Vice President, Development and Alumni, and Executive Director, MSU Alumni Association (Ex Officio) *Jimmy W. Abraham, ’75, ’77 •

North 2 Region Director Cheryl W. Thurmond, ’81

44

Young Director Southern Region Mr. Jeffery M. “Jeff” Ellis, ’06

S U MMER/FALL 2012

Warren County Chapter Director Thomas P. “Tom” Kendall, ’89 Washington County Chapter Director Charles “Parker” England, ’01, ’02

* Indicates members of the executive committee for 2012-13

DSC_9174.tif

Mortensen Forest gift benefits students and promotes conservation

12

DSC_9179.tif Foundation sUMMER/FALL NEWS ALUMNUS

avis K. Mortensen believes trees and wildlife are among Earth’s

D

greatest natural resources. He also understands the importance of responsible timber management and conservation efforts, and the

necessity of educating the students of Mississippi State University to be good stewards of their environment.

Mortensen, a longtime MSU contributor and Mississippi native, has decided to further his investment in the university’s students by enabling MSU to acquire a 352-acre tract of timberland near Camp Shelby military base as one of its Bulldog Forest properties.

Mortensen retired in 1997 as executive vice president for building products with Georgia-Pacific Corp., which included responsibility

Davis K. Mortensen is furthering his investment in the university's students by enabling MSU to acquire a tract of timberland as one of its Bulldog Forest properties.

for 5.6 million acres of company-owned timberland. A 1956 industrial

buffers around military installations. These buffers proactively limit

management graduate, he served 35 years with the company and credits his DSC_9180.tif

encroachment while allowing Camp Shelby to maximize the land DSC_9183.tif

MSU degree with much of his success.

inside the installation to support its mission.

“I attended MSU on the G.I. Bill and had it not been for that, I would

“This effort is a partnership between Davis Mortensen, The Nature

have been unable to attend college due to the cost. Giving back so that

Conservancy, the National Guard Bureau, Camp Shelby and MSU,” said

students have a means to pursue a college education is very important to

George Hopper, dean of the College of Forest Resources. “It is a unique

me,” said Mortensen who resides in Greensboro, Ga.

property to have in the Bulldog Forest, and we are delighted to have this

Through the years, Mortensen and his wife, Ann, have supported MSU in a number of ways including establishing scholarships in the academic disciplines of business and forest resources.

The couple’s most recent gift establishes The Davis and Ann Mortensen

opportunity to work with these organizations in restoring longleaf pine.”

The Nature Conservancy will hold a working conservation easement on the Mortensen Forest, which allows for agricultural uses such as timber production and harvest. Under the terms of the easement, much of the

Forest, which will be managed by the university’s College of Forest

timber will be managed according to a plan that promotes native longleaf

Resources. The college will utilize it for teaching, research and timber sales.

pine savanna and habitat suitable for threatened or endangered wildlife

When the property adjoining Camp Shelby became available, Mortensen

species dependent on this type of ecosystem. These include the gopher

realized that he could provide an asset to the university while helping restore

tortoise, red-cockaded woodpecker, and black pine snake. Other species,

the pristine longleaf pine forest of long ago at a familiar and special location.

including bobwhite quail, ground-nesting birds, turkey and white-tailed

Mortensen has fond memories of the time he spent on the Camp Shelby base. He completed basic training there as a member

deer, also inhabit the longleaf pine ecosystem.

Over time, portions of the land will be restored to the longleaf pine

of the Mississippi National Guard 631st Field Artillery Battalion

native to the area. Future proceeds from the harvest of the timber and other

headquartered in Hattiesburg. A native of nearby Moss Point, he served DSC_9184.tif

revenue from the property will fund MSU scholarships.

two years in the Army prior to attending community college and later enrolling at Mississippi State.

The property will be a unique acquisition for Mississippi State because of its classification as an Army Compatible Use Buffer.

Mississippi State currently has over 18,000 acres in the Bulldog Forest program. Proceeds generated from Bulldog Forest properties may be used to assist any college or area on campus.

Individuals interested in MSU’s Bulldog Forest program should contact

Under the ACUB program, the U.S. Department of Defense partners

Jeff Little, director of development for the College of Forest Resources, at

with non-federal programs or private organizations to establish

jlittle@foundation.msstate.edu or 662-325-8151. •

mississippi state A lumnus

45

Foundation

NEWS

12

sUMMER/FALL

ALUMNUS

StatePride approaches goal, continues to impact MSU hen Mississippi

W

State launched StatePride: An

Initiative for Students and Faculty more than three years ago, the university began necessary steps to prepare for anticipated record enrollment growth.

With gifts through the initiative, MSU has been able to provide many students with much-needed scholarships and also fund vital development opportunities for faculty.

Since the start of the initiative, launched with MSU President Mark E. Keenum’s investiture in 2009, university enrollment has increased at a steady rate from 18,600 students to more than 20,400 students. This fall’s expected headcount should see that

The university’s most recent six-year

scholarships, and many new annual

number further climb.

graduate rate is 60 percent. Another

scholarships are now in place university-

impressive statistic is the freshman-

wide. Another result of StatePride

MSU to help address the need in

to-sophomore retention rate,

has been the creation of 17 endowed

Mississippi for more college graduates

which at 83 percent is the highest

positions in the form of chairs and

in our work force, and for the need

rate among Institutions of Higher

professorships. This brings the total of

to better train faculty to instruct

Learning universities.

endowed positions at the university to

The StatePride initiative is allowing

those students as they move toward graduation, Keenum said.

Fundraising efforts for StatePride remain in full swing, and alumni and

strides as the state’s leading university.

needs of StatePride continue to

friends may contribute or increase

Over the past three years, MSU has

revolve around scholarships and

an existing commitment. For more

proudly awarded almost 11,500

endowed positions.

on the initiative, visit the MSU

bachelor’s and graduate degrees– more than any other state university.

S U MMER/FALL 201 2

more than $98 million as it moves

53, with an additional 12 committed.

toward its $100 million goal. Primary

Mississippi State is making great

46

As of July, StatePride had attracted

Thus far in the initiative, nearly 200 endowments have been established for

Foundation online at www.msufoundation.com. •

Scholarship honors Holder’s desire for lifelong learning T he best advice alumnus

Charles B. Holder Jr. can

Holder with his inaugural scholarship recipient Steven Morgan

give future recipients of a

Mississippi State scholarship named in his honor is to select a career you believe you can enjoy and excel in for the rest of your life.

Growing up in the small Mississippi town of Louin, Holder was always building castles in the air and daydreaming about what he wanted to do with his life. The dreams he had of becoming an engineer, and his fascination with

the industry, is as strong today as it was then.

Seventy-three year-old Holder

Holder graduated from Louin

her husband through MSU by

is an MSU graduate with an

High School and continued his

working at the campus laundry until

inspirational success story. During

education at Jones County Junior

he earned a degree in mechanical

his younger days, he faced great

College in Ellisville by way of a

engineering in 1961.

financial hardship. The son of a

basketball scholarship. He married

The couple was married for 54

homemaker and a railroad worker,

his lifelong sweetheart, the former

years until her death in 2011. They

he lost his mother at age 12, and his

Joyce “Jo” Warren, during his

had four boys, Charles III, Jamie,

father the following year.

sophomore year at Jones while she

Jeffrey and Rory, who are all active in

was attending cosmetology school.

the family business.

Since Holder’s dad worked for Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad as

The couple made their way

As a father and an

a depot agent, he and his younger

to Mississippi State University,

entrepreneur, Holder relies on his

sister, Charlene, received $50 each in

where he enrolled as a liberal arts

faith, promotes lifelong learning,

monthly survivor benefits. Holder

student because he lacked certain

and believes a solid college

took on odd jobs and hauled lumber

coursework. To compensate for this,

education enriches lives. He has

for a groundhog saw mill to earn his

he attended a night class at Starkville

lived his life by making sound

way, while his sister went to live with

High School and obtained entry into

decisions, both personally and

relatives in Laurel.

MSU’s engineering college. Jo helped

professionally.

mississippi state A lumnus

47

Foundation

NEWS

12

sUMMER/FALL

ALUMNUS

and devoted his energies to the

When Holder speaks with

the scholarship named for him.

students, he shares his personal

A sophomore from Laurel,

partnership business, which became

testimony and encourages them to

Morgan will receive the Charles

Southern Welding and Machine Co.

follow career paths that will allow

Holder Endowed Scholarship

He purchased his partner’s interest,

them to achieve their ambitions, not

for the 2012-13 academic year.

and formed Hol-Mac Corp. in 1969.

just their financial goals.

Recipients of the scholarship must

Today the successful Hol-Mac

be full-time students enrolled in

Corp. employs over 600 people

he entered the workforce following

either the James Worth Bagley

throughout central Mississippi.

graduation from MSU. He was

College of Engineering, majoring

Hol-Mac has four manufacturing

offered 10 positions with well-

in mechanical engineering, or the

facilities with three in Bay Springs,

known companies from Boeing

College of Education, majoring in

and one in Winona. The company

Aircraft to Gulf Oil. He settled on

industrial technology.

has over 40 years in steel fabrication

Holder enjoys recounting how

one in particular – a position with

“I feel very honored to receive

and value added services.

“I have a desire to help students obtain the tools necessary for them to have a good life and become stable, sound citizens. The right kind of spiritual life is also important.” – Charles B. Holder Jr. the Charles Holder Scholarship.

“Although the position with

Mr. Holder is a great example of

numerous awards, including

the pulp and paper company paid

dedication and hard work, and

recognition as one of Mississippi’s

the least and was probably less

his passion for excellence is an

Fastest Growing Companies by

exciting than the others, I knew

inspiration to all,” said Morgan.

the Mississippi Business Journal in

it was the perfect fit for me and

of how to succeed in the engineering

position,” he said.

business with Morgan, and also

decision, and takes every opportunity to stress the lessons he learned.

2005 and as one of the Best Places to Work in Mississippi in 2011.

Holder, who believes the

about the benefits of remaining in

learning process never ends,

Mississippi.

remains active in Hol-Mac’s day-

After working with Tennessee

to-day operations. He spends

River Pulp and Paper Co., Holder

the majority of his time training

obtain the tools necessary for them

returned to Mississippi and worked

machinists at the company’s

to have a good life and become

for Neco Eletrical Products Corp. in

research and development facility.

stable, sound citizens. The right kind

Bay Springs. While employed with

of spiritual life is also important,”

Neco, he opened a small machine

castles in the air anytime soon.

Holder said.

and welding shop with partner

Thanks to the scholarship that bears

A.T. Land in 1963. They began the

his name, future MSU students will

venture in a livestock sale barn.

also have the opportunity to pursue

“I have a desire to help students

One student Holder looks forward to inspiring is Steven Morgan, the inaugural recipient of

SUMMER/FALL 201 2

Holder can definitely share advice

that is why I was successful in that Holder has never regretted the

48

Hol-Mac has been cited with

Tennessee River Pulp and Paper Co.

Six years later, Holder left Neco

He has no plans to stop building

their dreams. •

Class

NEWS ’50 Jean Garretson

figures that still hang in university

12

summer/fall

ALUMNUS

buildings today. The Captain and

Julian H. Wright

’79 Carl Pennington,

of Leakesville, an artist and retired

his Lady is available online at

(M.S. ’72), director of recreational

a resource conservationist with the

school teacher, has illustrated a

Amazon.com and through Barnes

sports at the State University

Natural Resources Conservation

children’s book entitled Mutton

& Noble.

of New York at Cortland,

Service in Grove Hill, Ala., has

has received a prestigious

received the NRCS Jerry L.

State University of New York

Johnson Award for Excellence in

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

Public Service.

Bustin.

’65 Dennis S. Nordin

Leon Standifer,

(Ph.D. ’69) of Starkville, a former

a World War II veteran of the

adjunct faculty member at

European Theater, recently

Mississippi State, is the author of

’73 Terry S. Smith

received the French Legion of

From Edward Brooke to Barack

(M.Ed. ’74) of Austin, Texas,

Paul Vinson and Peggy Smith Vinson

Honor Medal aboard the French

Obama, a history of biracial

executive assistant to the president

have been honored by Rotary

frigate FS Germinal during Navy

elections in the United States. He

at Huston-Tillotson University,

International as Paul Harris

Week in New Orleans, La.

also is the author of five other

has received an honorary doctor

Fellows for their years of service.

books.

of humane letters degree from the

’59 Edwin Scott Barland

university.

’81 James C. Nelson,

of Marietta, Ga., has received the

’67 Jerry Wilson

Federal Aviation Administration’s

of Columbus, former president

’74 Jim Koerber,

highest recognition for pilots, the

of BankFirst Financial Services in

a certified public accountant

Warren Fuller Award from the

FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot

Macon, has been chosen by Gov.

with The Koerber Co., recently

Alabama-Mississippi Section

Award.

Phil Bryant to become the state’s

presented a program to CPAs

of the American Water Works

next banking commissioner.

at the National Association of

Association.

’60 Dave Moreau was honored by the North

’70 Leonard B. Cobb

Carolina Environmental

of Meridian, an attorney, has been

Management Commission and

elected a Fellow of the Mississippi

the North Carolina Department

Bar Foundation.

of Environment and Natural

Certified Valuators and Analysts’

vice president of Allen & Hoshall, has received the 2012 George

2012 annual Consultant’s

’83 David Dillard

Conference in Dallas, Texas.

of New Orleans, La., a preservation

’77 Leonard C. Martin

architect, has painted what he considers 14 of the most beautiful

of Jackson, of Baker, Donelson,

churches in the Archdiocese of

Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz

New Orleans. He is selling signed

Resources by creating the Dr.

Roger McLeod

David H. Moreau Environmental

of Lucedale has been named

PC, has been appointed state chair

and numbered prints, with 10

Stewardship Award.

assistant principal at George

of Mississippi for the American

percent of the proceeds benefitting

County High School.

College of Trust and Estate

the churches depicted.

Ellen Weatherly

Counsel.

(M.S. ’63) of Starkville has written

’71 Fred Burke

a book, The Captain and his Lady,

(M.S. ’72), CEO and co-founder of

Glenn McCullough Jr.,

owner and president of Herbi-

’84 Kenny D. Crenshaw,

about the lives of her parents,

Guardian Pharmacy, has received

former chairman of the Tennessee

Systems Inc., has been named

George N. Randolph and Ruth

the regional Ernst & Young

Valley Authority, has been

Entrepreneur of the Year by the

Morrison Randolph. George

Entrepreneur of the Year award

appointed to the board of directors

Bartlett (Tenn.) Area Chamber of

Randolph was an instructor at

for 2012.

of K2 Holdings Inc.

Commerce.

MSU in the 1950s who painted portraits of prominent MSU mississippi state A lumnus

49

Class

NEWS

12

summer/fall

ALUMNUS

’85 Henry A. Dulaney

Ervin R. Fox

’94 Michael F. Smith

’97 Keesha Middleton

(M.S. ’93), chief of the

of Jackson, professor of cardiology

of Columbus, a Pushcart Prize

of Utica has received Mississippi

Engineering and Construction

and researcher at the University

nominee, has entered into a

College School of Law’s Betty B.

Division for the Corps of

of Mississippi Medical Center, has

publishing agreement with

Tucker Award for a female law

Engineers, Vicksburg District, has

received a Presidential Early Career

Simon & Schuster for the 2013

student who shows academic

received the 2012 Black Engineer

Award for Scientists and Engineers,

publication of his novel, RIVERS.

promise.

of the Year award for career

the highest honor bestowed by the

The novel follows the acclaimed

achievement in government.

U.S. government on science and

publication of his novella, The

’98 Michael E. Richardson

engineering professionals in the

Hands of Strangers.

(M.P.P.A. ’00) has been promoted

’95 Matthew Gray,

to vice president and commercial

associate professor of forestry,

Bank in McLean, Va.

Aubrey Jackson, a Sturgis native, has been named president of the Steel Structures Division of Thomas & Betts Inc.

early stages of their independent research careers.

Eric Neil Zacharias

wildlife and fisheries at the

banking officer at Chain Bridge

of Boulder, Colo., a physician and

University of Tennessee-

’00 Richard D. Russo II

assistant clinical professor at the

Knoxville has received the

has received a master’s degree

of Leland, an engineer for the

University of Colorado Health

Chancellor’s Award for

in educational leadership from

Mississippi Department of

Sciences Center, has written a

Professional Promise in Research

Arkansas State University.

Transportation and a key engineer

book entitled The Mediterranean

and Creative Achievements.

on the new U.S. Highway 82

Diet: A Guide for Healthcare

Mississippi River Bridge, has been

Providers. He frequently makes

’96 Vincent J. Allen

of Gulfport passed the CPA

recognized for his work on the

presentations on the subject to

of Dallas, Texas, has been named

exam in December 2011 and is

project by the American Council of

physicians.

Baylor Law School Young Baylor

a certified public accountant in

Lawyer of the Year by the Baylor Law

Mississippi.

’87 kevin magee

Engineering Companies.

James E. Prince III

’91 Chris Marszalek of Memphis, Tenn., has graduated

Alumni Association. He is a partner with Carstens & Cahoon LLP.

’01 Quinn Rigby

Timothy B. Smith

of Philadelphia, president of

from Leadership Memphis, a

Prince Newspaper Holdings

program that shapes community

Jamie Mahne

Inc., is 2012-13 Mississippi Press

leaders in the Memphis area.

(M.B.A. ’98) of Jacksonville, Fla.,

Tennessee at Martin, is the author

has been named vice president-

of James Z. George: Mississippi’s

client services and CCO for The

Great Commoner, published by

Energy Authority.

University Press of Mississippi.

Association president.

’89 Greta Carlene

Crawford-Chandler has retired as a teacher in the

’92 Angela D. Simmons (M.S. ’94) has been named director of student conduct at Virginia Tech.

’02 Jennifer B. Kimble

a government relations representative

has been recognized in the 2012

for Capitol Resources LLC, has

“Rising Stars” listing, published

Batesville, Mississippi Chapter of

been named executive director for

in Alabama Super Lawyers

Rotary International.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

magazine. She is an attorney

by the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional

with Haskell Slaughter Young &

Airport Authority.

Rediker LLC.

’93 Judd Gentry

District. She has been an

has been elected president of the

elementary school teacher for more than 30 years.

S U MMER/FALL 201 2

of history at the University of

Clay Williams,

West Point (Miss.) City School

50

of Adamsville, Tenn., lecturer

Leslie Penn Petro of Madison is publishing a book, Cowbell Tales, in November. The publisher is Mascot Books.

Heath Steede of Lucedale has been named George County extension director for the MSU Extension Service.

’03 Jared Darby has been named director of planning

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Brody Cannon Green, March 28, 2012, to Brandon Green (’05) and wife Lauren.

Annabella Ruth Moore, March 25, 2011, to Ian Moore (’07) and wife Lauren of Lucedale.

for the city of Hernando by the

Margaret Grace Muncie,

Hernando Board of Aldermen.

March 28, 2012, to Jim Muncie (’05)

and Mary Beth Nanney Muncie

Jessica M. Dupont

(’04) of New Albany. •

of Pascagoula, an attorney with Heidelberg, Steinberger, Colmer Burrow, has been selected to serve on the Merit Selection Panel to consider the reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert H. Walker Jr., whose term is due to expire in November.

’05 Adam B. Harris has joined the law firm of Phelps Dunbar LLP as an associate in its Gulfport office.

’09 Drew Hollinghead is an assistant junior varsity/varsity baseball coach at George County High School.

Photos by Megan Bean

mississippi state A lumnus

51

In

MEMORIAM

12

summer / FALL

ALUMNUS

Hildred Stanley Amsler (’33)—102, Ridgeland; retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and World War II veteran, May 23, 2011.

Arthur William Tait (’51)—83, Shreveport, La.; owner of Tait Shreveport Dodge and former professional football player, Feb. 14, 2012.

Charles W. Dedmon Jr. (’69)—Monroe, La.; controller for Southeast Foods Inc., December 2011.

Alva L. Brothers Jr. (’39)—Dayton, Ohio; retired from United States Air Force, May 11, 2012.

Glenn Long McCullough (’53)—83, Tupelo; lifelong farmer and businessman and Korean War veteran, April 18, 2012.

Thomas C. Blount (’72)—62, Jackson; Trustmark National Bank employee, June 17, 2012.

Norman Moore (’54, M.S. ’59)—Dalton, Ga.; retired teacher and counselor, April 28, 2012.

Douglas P. Buchanan (’74)—59, Flowood; dentist, June 14, 2012.

Fred J. Dolan (’58)—Huntsville, Ala.; retired engineering manager for NASA, Nov. 18, 2010.

Donald L. Ray (’74)—60, Columbus; retired hospital administrator, July 2, 2012.

Mary Elaine Jenkins McIntire (’58)—87, Ackerman; retired teacher, March 10, 2011.

Thomas R. Runnels (’74)—60, Middletown, Ky.; retired banker and entrepreneur, June 28, 2012.

Jane Smith Weaver (’39)—92, Ackerman; retired insurance agent, former co-owner of Weaver Insurance Agency, May 18, 2012.

William Bruce P’Pool (’42)—90, Baton Rouge, La.; retired chemical engineer for Copolymer Corp. and World War II veteran, July 7, 2011.

Thomas Zeno Singley (’42)—91, Columbia; retired businessman and World War II veteran, Aug. 6, 2010.

Ralph Lee Hicks (’47)—88, Cashiers, N.C.; U.S. Air Force and NASA employee, attorney, and World War II veteran, Dec. 2, 2011.

Mike P. Sturdivant (’47)—84, Glendora; lifelong farmer and businessman, former member of the Mississippi Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning, and Korean War veteran, May 1, 2012.

William C. Trotter Jr. (’47)—89, Greenville; retired insurance agent and World War II veteran, June 17, 2012.

Coy Hailey Watkins (’48, M.S. ’54, M.Ed. ’61)—87, Carthage; retired biology, chemistry, and vocational agriculture teacher and World War II veteran, Dec. 27, 2011.

Ralph S. Wofford (’48)—88, Starkville; retired professor of accounting at MSU and World War II veteran, Feb. 5, 2012.

George Cecil McLeod Jr. (’49)—84, Leakesville; former state senator, farmer, dairyman, and World War II veteran, Sept. 5, 2011.

Robert O. Beisel (’50)—86, Salado, Texas; retired chemical engineer and World War II veteran, June 2, 2012.

C.W. Riley Jr. (’50)—89, Florence, Ala.; retired plant manager for Reynolds Aluminum and World War II veteran, Jan. 13, 2011.

Ben W. Ruscoe (’51, M.S. ’54)—86, Leland; retired school teacher and coach and World War II and Korean War veteran, March 17, 2012.

52

SUMMER/FALL 2012

Charlie Fortson McKellar Jr. (’58)—76, Ocean Springs; political consultant, author, and entrepreneur, June 7, 2012.

Noble D. Teal (’58)—Warner Robins, Ga.; March 20, 2012.

John W. Rial (’60)—78, Saltillo; retired bank vice president, former national president of the MSU Alumni Association, and Korean War veteran, June 12, 2012.

Earl Glade Woods (’60)—75, Picayune; retired Stennis Space Center and NOAA employee and former director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, May 25, 2012.

Malcolm Jordan (’61)—Selma, Ala.; retired U.S. Air Force pilot and small business owner, April 6, 2012.

John Sherman Havard (’75)—63, Leakesville; electrical engineer for Northrop Grumman, June 18, 2011.

Sandra Kaye Behel (’80, Ph.D. ’89)—56, Gardendale, Ala.; department manager for Energen Corp. and editor of Energen Corporation (Images of America Series), March 12, 2012.

Michael Gregory Cranston (’92)—47, Tanner, Ala.; International Paper Co. employee, March 29, 2012.

Casey Cameron Dunagan (’02)—34, Fairfax, Va.; program analyst for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement in the Department of the Interior, Nov. 30, 2011.

Julius Mark Merritt (’62)—Starkville; retired mechanical engineer, April 13, 2012.

Larry H. Graves Sr. (’64, M.Ed. ’67)—69, Starkville; head of government technology and community development for the MSU Extension Service, June 14, 2012.

Michael J. Diggins (’66)—69, South Buffalo, N.Y.; retired health and physical education teacher and high school track coach, May 11, 2012.

Helen Pauline Booth Shumaker (Ed.S. ’72)— 90, Batesville; retired school teacher, Oct. 31, 2011.

David Charles Mize (’67)—69, Bradenton, Fla.; retired engineer for Manatee County Port Authority and Kimley-Horn, July 12, 2012.

Robert Clark Parker (former employee)—69, Starkville; professor emeritus of forestry, May 28, 2012.

Mohamed El-Attar (former professor)—80, Starkville; professor emeritus of sociology, Feb. 28, 2012.

Dempsey Merritt (friend)—46, Lucedale; retired road construction worker, April 11, 2011.

James Rackley (friend)—68, Pontotoc; Presbyterian minister, April 13, 2011. •

TAILGATE SOX

TM

Like A Jersey For Your Car

Be a true Bulldog!

Show your Pride with the Tailgate Sox!

order at: www.TailgateSox.com

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID BIRMINGHAM, AL PERMIT NO. 159 Post Office Box AA One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526 www.alumni.msstate.edu CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Made with recycled paper.

Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.

Draft a winning charitable gift plan with our help.

You probably know that Mississippi State University thrives with gifts from alumni and friends like you. But, you might not realize that by making a planned gift, you can often create a much larger impact on MSU’s tomorrow, without sacrificing as much today.

Take that first step and start your charitable gift planning now. Contact the MSU Foundation’s Office of Planned Giving at 662.325.3707. Or, visit our website at msufoundation.com and click on “Planned Giving.”

Don’t stand on the sidelines… get in the game!

MSU is an AA/EEO university.