Alumnus - Summer 2013

MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Summer 2013

• DIAMOND DAWGS MAKE HISTORY • STADIUM ARCHITECT: JANET MARIE SMITH

• AGENT TO THE STARS: BO MCKINNIS • HOPPER FEATURED IN FILM ‘42’

SUCCESS

DISCOVERY

OUTREACH

GLOBALIZATION

EXPERIENCE

Reporting Success Each day, Mississippi State University’s faculty and students are finding success through opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Thanks to the financial support from our many alumni and friends, students like Kaitlyn can gain valuable real-world experience while at MSU.

KAITLYN BYRNE CLASS OF 2014 REFLECTOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT, FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR

FRANCES MCDAVID MSU ALUMNA REFLECTOR ADVISER, JOURNALISM INSTRUCTOR

Summer 2013 | Vol. 90 | No. 1

USPS 354-520 This is Our State.

President Mark E. Keenum (’83, ’84, ’88) Vice President for Development and Alumni John P. Rush (’94, ’02) 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

MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Summer 2013

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Making History The 2013 sojourn to Omaha by the MSU Bulldogs has raised an already storied baseball history to new and unprecedented heights. For Mississippi State folks, this was a dream season, but it was about more than baseball.

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Hard work, passionate conviction and unwavering courage Despite never having played the game beyond childhood, one of Mississippi State’s most influential figures in professional baseball is architect, planner and experienced Major League Baseball front office executive Janet Marie Smith.

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Bo McKinnis takes care of his guys Bo McKinnis is regarded as one of the most respected sports agents in the business. He is the only agent ever to represent both MLB Cy Young winners from the same season.

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Before Jackie Robinson went pro, he trained under MSU alum Amid the storyline of Jackie Robinson’s struggle and ultimate success to break major league baseball’s color barrier is the lesser known story involving a former outfielder who played for MSU.

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Anything but lazy: Aalums brew up success For two Mississippi State graduates, brewing the state’s first craft beer may be about getting the recipes and processes right, but what sends people in search of their special ale is the experience behind it.

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MSU alumnus drops the bomb Howard T. Richardson, an MSU grad and former Air Force pilot, recalls the night he gained the distinction of being the only pilot ever to drop an H-bomb.

Mississippi State University Alumni Association National Officers Tommy R. Roberson, ’67, national president

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Researcher examines causes of pandemic flu Led by Henry Wan, associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, a research team is trying to unravel the intricacies of pandemic influenza.

Ronald E. Black, ’80, national first vice president

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Advertising: Contact Libba Andrews at 662-325-3479 or landrews@alumni.msstate.edu.

Editor Allen Snow (’76) Associate Editor Harriet Laird Designers Eric Abbott (’07) Hal Teasler (’12) Photographers Russ Houston (’85) Megan Bean Beth Wynn

Brad. M. Reeves, ’02, national second vice president Jodi White Turner, ’97, ’99, national treasurer

Campus news Alumni news Foundation news Class news In memoriam

Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96, immediate former national president

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

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

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S U MMER 2013

B

aseball is a great Mississippi State University tradition and one that matters to us all year long, year after year, decade after decade.

At MSU, the goal is always to win the SEC, always to make it to NCAA regional play, and always to advance to the College World Series.

We love Dudy Noble Field and the Left Field Lounge. We love how the place smells, how it sounds, and how being there makes us feel. We love the energy of the record crowds that gather there.

The 2013 sojourn to Omaha by Head Coach John Cohen and our MSU Bulldogs has raised an already storied baseball history to new and unprecedented heights. We came closer to a major sport NCAA national championship than MSU has ever been — closer even than the storied 1985 MSU squad led by future major-league All-Stars Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro, Jeff Brantley and Bobby Thigpen. We came closer to an undisputed NCAA Division 1 major sport national championship than any Mississippi university has been since 1960.

For Mississippi State folks, this was a dream baseball season. The Bulldogs got to challenge UCLA for the national championship, and I wasn’t surprised that most Mississippians rooted for them to win the whole thing.

The ESPN commentators seemed surprised that the Bulldog Nation traveled in such overwhelming numbers to Omaha. I wasn’t, for I knew what the chance to see the Bulldogs compete meant to our fans.

It was about more than baseball. It was about history and Mississippians finishing at the top. More than anything, it was about an MSU baseball team that earned a program-best 3.38 gradepoint average this year while winning 51 games to get to the CWS championship series.

I was in the MSU dugout when the final out was called and this magical season ended. I saw some long embraces. I saw some tears. But I also saw thousands of MSU fans rise to their feet after the loss and defiantly chant “Maroon!” and “White!” - and I’ve never been prouder to be a Bulldog.

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JUNE 3

JUNE 10

JUNE 15

JUNE 17

MSU wins its 12th regional

The Bulldogs qualify for the

In the first game of the CWS, the

The Bulldogs create more exciting

title at home, defeating Central

College World Series by beating

Diamond Dawgs clinched the 5-4

drama in a 5-4 victory over

Arkansas 6-1.

Virginia 6-5 in the Charlottesville

win over Oregon State in a nail-

Indiana as Brett Pirtle motions for

Super Regional.

biting bottom of the ninth. Hunter

“safe� from the umpire as he leaps

Renfroe made an incredible catch

over the Indiana catcher. And,

in the warning track, leaving OSU

pitcher Jonathan Holder throws a

with runners on base. Also, first

bouncing ball to first for the final

baseman Wes Rea gets two RBIs to

out in the ninth inning.

help capture the win.

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SUMMER 2013

JUNE 21

JUNE 24

JUNE 25

JUNE 27

Facing Oregon State again, MSU

The outpouring of fans and the

Holding on to the fact that they had

Amid shirt-soaking humidity,

eliminated the Beavers in a confident

hopes of winning a national

played 13 postseason games in true

hundreds of fans turn out at

4-1 victory, earning the Bulldogs

championship weren’t enough in

Bulldog style, the last two turn out

Dudy Noble Field to honor the

their first-ever berth in the NCAA

game one of the CWS finals as the

to be disappointing when UCLA

2013 College World Series finalists

national championship. Hunter

UCLA Bruins beat the Bulldogs 3-1.

clenches its second win in the finals

and now the most legendary team

Renfroe’s three-run homer was

and defeats MSU 8-0. For the team

in MSU baseball history.

the deciding factor.

and fans, though, it’s time to celebrate the most accomplished season in Mississippi State athletics.

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Camille Scales Young

Dr. Meghan Millea

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SUMMER 2013

Shelby Balius

MSU alumna Janet Marie Smith has made her career as a professional baseball stadium architect and master planner.

Currently the Los Angeles Dodgers’ vice president for planning and development, she is overseeing renovations to the 56,000-seat Beth Dodger Clay Stadium, a project estimated at more than $100 million. Submitted photo.

HARD WORK, PASSIONATE CONVICTION UNWAVERING Courage and

By Sid Salter and Leah Barbour

D

espite never having played the game

conviction and unwavering courage are the skills that lead

beyond childhood, one of Mississippi

to success.

State University’s most influential

Smith told the Los Angeles Times in a 1996 interview:

figures in professional baseball is architect, planner and

“Baseball has always been a real passion. But the real reason

experienced Major League Baseball front office executive Janet

I was interested in taking the job with the Orioles, in 1989,

Marie Smith.

had as much to do with the urban revitalization aspect of that

A 1981 Mississippi State alumna and current Los Angeles Dodgers executive, Smith believes hard work, passionate

project as it did the sports aspect of it. What can you do to make cities better?

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Before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, Janet Marie Smith worked for the Baltimore Orioles and with Buck Showalter, also an MSU alumnus who’s entering his fourth year as the team’s manager. Along with the Dodgers and Orioles, Smith has worked for the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves.

Submitted photo

“So when the Orioles announced, in 1988, that they were going to work with the state to build a new ballpark, and they selected a site in downtown Baltimore, I was very struck by that, because Baltimore has long had a reputation of being truly cutting edge about urban redevelopment. And in an era when a lot of cities talk about it, and pay homage to their downtowns through gesture, Baltimore truly rebuilt their downtown,” said Smith.

Janet Marie Smith was instrumental in the development of Oriole Park at Camden Yards in the early 1990s. Today, it is considered by many Major League Baseball fans as the “greatest stadium in baseball.” Submitted photo

While a student at MSU from 1976-80, Smith was active in Kappa Delta social sorority, Associated Women’s Studies, the Student Association (SA) Senate, the Interschool Council, and served as secretary of the College of Architecture and director of student activities for the SA. Smith, who was the keynote speaker at MSU’s 2013 spring commencement ceremonies in May, emphasized those ideals in her remarks to MSU graduates. As an internationally recognized baseball stadium architect, Smith knows how a college degree can offer opportunity.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from MSU and her master’s in urban planning from City College of New York. Over the course of her career, Smith has designed stadiums for the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles. She currently works for the Dodgers as senior vice president of planning and development.

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Mississippi State hosted Janet Marie Smith in the spring of 2013 as the university’s graduation speaker.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum presented her with a chrome cowbell in appreciation for her motivational address to the graduates. Photo by Russ Houston

In the Feb. 8, 2011 edition of the Baltimore Business Journal,

“I hope that you’ll find inspiration, comfort and maybe some

former Baltimore Orioles executive Larry Lucchino described Smith

solace that you don’t have to conquer the world in order to contribute

as his best hire during the 1989-1990 offseason. “I’ve told her she’s

to humanity,” Smith said. “All you really need to do to give back is to

from another planet where people only sleep three to four hours a

find something that you love to do.”

night,” Lucchino, later CEO of the Boston Red Sox, said of Smith.

She explained in her commencement speech that she wasn’t the

“You always want some people from those planets to work with you.”

best student academically, but her strong work ethic, her desire to

The Los Angeles Dodgers leadership echoed those sentiments

succeed and her unflinching determination to achieve her goals took

when Smith was hired to lead their stadium renovation effort.

“Dodger Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in sports and

Smith to the places she wanted to go and gave her the opportunity to do the things she wanted to do.

Janet Marie is one of the few people I would trust with its future,” said

“You don’t just wind up with great successes in life, either

Dodger president Stan Kasten. “She respects baseball’s tradition and

personally or professionally,” Smith said. “You create it for yourself

knows how to retain a ballpark’s distinctive charms while providing

by what you are able to contribute and by your willingness to make

fans with the amenities and comfort they’ve come to expect. Any

everything a learning experience.

fan that has walked through the gates at Oriole Park at Camden

“It is important to keep a sense of humor, for the worst situations

Yards, the renovated Fenway Park or Atlanta’s Turner Field has been

can make the best locker room tales. And it is important to keep

a beneficiary of her understanding of what a ballpark means to its

things in perspective, for nothing is forever. Not the good. Not

community. Every new baseball stadium built since 1992 has been

the bad.”

influenced by what she helped build at Camden Yards.”

To take advantage of opportunities, however, Smith told MSU graduates they must be willing to work hard, stick to their principles

Smith, a Jackson native, still has family in Mississippi. She and her husband, Bart Harvey III, are the parents of three children: Bart IV, Nellie Grace and Jack. The family resides in Baltimore, Md.

and remain strong even in the face of adversity.

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takes care of his guys

By Steve Ellis

T

wenty years ago, MSU’s Alumnus magazine featured the

After receiving his graduate degree, he turned down an offer to become

story of James F. “Bo” McKinnis, a 1989 MSU graduate

a Wall Street investment banker to pursue fulltime a less secure—and

who was just beginning a career as a sports agent.

possibly less stable—life representing professional athletes.

McKinnis had spent four years as a manager for Coach Ron Polk’s

Bulldog baseball teams before graduating and moving to Nashville

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So, how’d things turn out for the MSU accounting graduate from Waynesboro, Va.? The answer: very, very well, thank you.

to pursue an MBA at Vanderbilt. While in graduate school, he began

Today, Bo McKinnis is regarded as one of the most respected sports

representing professional baseball players as an agent for former

agents in the business. Last season, two of his clients, David Price of

Bulldog pitcher Pete Young.

the Tampa Bay Rays and R.A. Dickey, then of the New York Mets,

S U MMER 2013

Opposite page, Bo McKinnis and his wife Nikki, along with their son Clayton, enjoyed a game this past spring at Dudy Noble Field. Photo by Beth Wynn

Left, McKinnis’ latest client is Hunter Renfroe, the 13th overall pick by the San Diego Padres in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.

Submitted photo

McKinnis, center, represents such MLB players as 2012 Cy Young Award winners David Price, left, and R.A. Dickey. Submitted photo

won Cy Young awards, the most prestigious honors given

relationships in baseball go back to Coach Polk,” McKinnis

annually to pitchers. Dickey, now with the Toronto Blue

said recently. “I give him so much credit for that because he

Jays, took the National League award while Price took the

was such a tremendous role model in terms of networking

American League award.

and building relationships. He showed us that there was

McKinnis is the only agent ever to represent both Cy Young winners from the same season. Both trophies sit in his Cummins Station office in downtown Music City.

value in every person on that team, whether star player or bench warmer.

“Pat showed us every day how to care for people, to let

His success is praised not only by the players he

them know how much they meant to us and to not be

represents, but by those who cover the sport. In a January

afraid to let others know that you loved them. Brian Shoop

FOXSports.com article, national MLB writer Jon Paul

was the hitting coach; what a loving man and a great man

Morosi observed that “David Price doesn’t have the biggest

to have as a mentor.”

contract in baseball. But it’s very possible that he has the smartest.”

McKinnis credits the relationships he developed with Bulldog players as a key element that helped launch his

The common thread in the professional fabric of agent

career. Young, an All-American pitcher and third baseman

Bo McKinnis is his skills in building and maintaining

who spent a short time in the big leagues with the Montreal

relationships. In addition to learning accounting in McCool

Expos, sought McKinnis’ guidance and advice because he

Hall, his undergraduate education was enhanced under the

knew he could trust him.

direct and indirect tutelage of head Bulldog baseball coach

Former MSU star, Cincinnati Reds All-Star and current

Ron Polk and assistants Pat McMahon and Brian Shoop.

Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley is another McKinnis credits

All are proven masters of interpersonal relationships.

for helping him lay the foundation of a philosophy for

“The foundation of my network of friends and my

dealing with clients.

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“My clients are my livelihood, but they are also my friends. They know that I have their best interests at heart. They know they can count on me to help them with every aspect of their career off the field, so that they can concentrate on what they do on the field.”

“Jeff told me that the problem with the sports agent business is that agents are relentlessly chasing players, trying to recruit them by any means to be their clients,” McKinnis said. “He said that players should seek out their agents, not the other way around.

“He said, ‘Big league players know who the good agents are.

They see the guys who treat their teammates right.’ He told me not to chase players, to make my reputation and let them come to me.”

– Bo McKinnis

Brantley’s advice has served well. “Jeff Brantley was right, and to this day I’ve followed his advice,” McKinnis said. “I try not to actively recruit players; instead, every guy comes to me because we have that third person. Usually, it’s one of my current clients but oftentimes it’s a mutual friend or a coach or someone of that nature who has recommended me. It’s allowed me to end up with good people, in addition to great baseball players.

“I’ve had 98 players in the Major Leagues now, have had 20 first-round draft picks, and literally you can draw a chain from this guy to this guy to this guy, all the way down. It’s really neat how that’s happened.”

Many agents deal primarily with client contract negotiation.

The only major contact they have with the athlete is when it’s renegotiation time with team management. McKinnis’ philosophy, on the other hand, is to do much more for his clients.

In addition, he offers to handle players’ financial management, endorsements and appearances, and, not insignificantly, the taxes they must pay on those big salaries. He also works hard to keep in close contact.

“I try to communicate with my guys at least once a week,” he said. “I get on the road and visit them as often as I can. My clients are my livelihood, but they are also my friends. They know that I have their best interests at heart. They know they can count on me to help them with every aspect of their career off the field, so

Current Atlanta Braves left-hander and former MSU All American Paul Maholm also is a client of McKinnis Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Braves

that they can concentrate on what they do on the field.”

Unlike many larger agencies, McKinnis Sports Management normally has an active roster of only 20 to 25 clients. While there are various support staff members, he is his company’s lone agent.

“I want to have a personal relationship with every one of my guys,” he insists. “I want to be the one they deal with, not someone else in the company. When they sign with me, they’re going to know that I’m the one they’ll deal with, that I’m their agent.”

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SUMMER 2013

McKinnis also works hard to build his reputation with the

of it. That allows me to just go out and pitch knowing that

general managers of the clubs with which he will be negotiating.

everything else is taken care of for me. We’ve been together

“I once read a quote from Marvin Miller, (former executive

for 11 years now and it’s worked out well.”

director of the Major League Baseball Players Association), that

The special relationship McKinnis has with his clients also

said, ‘If you ever hear the other side say that I’m doing a good

may be appreciated in the fact that he’s now been a member

job, then fire me.’ I get that, I understand that.”

in 18 of their weddings. Not only that, but his wife Nikki first

“At the same time, my way of contract negotiation is to take

was introduced to him by R.A. Dickey and Dickey’s wife Anne.

your money and make you feel good about it. My players have

Nikki McKinnis is a figure competitor and owner of an

to live with the people in these franchises. You know, once the

online fitness company. She and Bo are the proud parents of

contract negotiation is over with, my players have to look them

a three-year-old son, Clayton.

in the face every day. I sit up here in Nashville and I don’t have

“There’s no way I could have built this business as a

to look at them; I don’t have to be around them. So I think it’s

married man because of the amount of time that I’ve spent on

important that they’re not in love with me, because they are my

the road and just living out of my car for so long,” McKinnis

adversaries, so-to-speak, but it’s important to my players that we

admitted. “There were some lean years getting this career off

get along well.”

the ground. I ate peanut butter for years. Now at the level it’s

McKinnis’ relationships he’s developed with management have had some unexpected consequences.

“I’ve had two general managers say repeatedly that they want me to be the agent for their sons. One of their sons is approaching draft age and he’s saying it to me very seriously. My first thought was if that gets out, is that a bad thing? But, then my second thought was, no, these dads don’t want their sons to get bad contracts. They want them to be represented well.”

established and the level of success I’ve had, it is special for my family now. If you ask me my greatest accomplishment in life, it’s my marriage to Nikki. Without a doubt, she’s the love of my life.

“To think R.A. set us up on a blind date really is funny,” he added, with a broad grin.

“Bo is such a trusted friend,” says Dickey. “All good relationships begin with trust and that is where my

Four players on McKinnis’ current client roster are former

relationship begins with him. He cares for me as a person

Bulldogs. Paul Maholm is a former All American pitcher, first-

and that is why I refer to him as my friend and brother first,

round draft pick, current member of the Atlanta Braves, and one

and my agent second. Bo is my most trusted confidante. I

of the top starting pitchers in the game. Chris Stratton, another

lean on him for all matters in my life. In baseball, I appreciate

All American pitcher and first-round selection while at MSU

the respect he has among players and teams. I am proud he

in 2012, is a member of the San Francisco Giants organization.

is my representative.”

Devin Jones, a 2011 draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles, is

One final barometer of how successful James F. “Bo”

currently a member of their AA club in Bowie, Md. The last is

McKinnis has become may be found in interest received

Hunter Renfroe, a member of the MSU Bulldogs 2013 College

from peers in the industry.

World Series team who was drafted in the first round of this summer’s draft by the San Diego Padres.

Of McKinnis, Maholm said, “Obviously I’ve been blessed to

“You know, if you were to ask about my greatest accomplishments, my answer would be an evolution of what’s gone on these past few years,” he reflected.

be represented by Bo and to have him take care of my contract

“Just in the last two years, I’ve had three veteran agents,

and my investments and everything else off the field so I don‘t

guys that have been in the business a long time, ask me to buy

have to worry about any of that. He has negotiated a lot of big

them. One offered to hand me his business in exchange for

contracts and done a great job for everybody he’s ever worked

me giving him a salary.

with, so I’m confident in him. I like the fact that I deal directly with Bo. Whatever I need, I make one call and Bo takes care

“I’ve also had three other agencies ask me to merge with them and you know, with each of those six, I took it as a compliment.”

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By Sammy McDavid

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mid the storyline of Jackie Robinson’s epic struggle and ultimately successful effort to break major league baseball’s color line is a smaller storyline involving a former outfielder who played for what now is Mississippi State University.

Prior to making his April 15, 1947, national debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson played in Canada for the minor league Montreal Royals. His manager there was Mississippian Clay Hopper.

Though born in Porterville in Lauderdale County, Robert Clay Hopper spent a good portion of his life on the other side of the state in Leflore County. As a three-year letterman in the mid1920s on Mississippi A&M College’s baseball team, he was coached by the legendary C.R. “Dudy” Noble.

A search of the limited MSU athletic records from the period found that Hopper’s first collegiate year was Noble’s 1924 team that won the last of A&M’s six baseball championships in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Before eventually becoming a manager, Hopper played a number of years with various minor league teams around the country. He retired from managing in 1956.

According to one biographical sketch, he also owned a farm near Greenwood and worked offseason during his baseball years as a cotton broker.

Mississippi A&M’s Clay Hopper MSU archival photo

In the 2013 box office hit, “42: The Jackie Robinson Story,” Hopper is portrayed by veteran actor Brett Cullen.

In

“Baseball’s

Pivotal

Era,

1945-1951”

(University of Kentucky Press, 1999), author William Marshall tells how Dodgers’ president Branch Rickey had hired Hopper for the Montreal job because he “respected Hopper for his baseball knowledge, his soft-spoken manner and his ability to work with players.”

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In an opinion piece featured recently in Canadian newspapers,

first black in professional baseball since the 1880s,” Lamb wrote.

Indiana University journalism professor and baseball historian Chris

Both Lamb and Marshall relate how Hopper begged Rickey not to put

Lamb specifically addresses what he characterizes as “The redemption

him in charge of an integrated team. In his column, Lamb said Hopper

of Clay Hopper.” Lamb is the author of “Blackout: The Untold Story

implored Rickey: “Please don’t do this to me . . . I’m white and I’ve lived

of Jackie Robinson’s First Spring Training” (University of Nebraska

in Mississippi all my life. If you’re going to do this, you’re going to force

Press, 2004).

me to move my family and home out of Mississippi.”

According to Lamb, Hopper understandably was excited when Rickey

Rickey would not budge, however.

promoted him to lead what then was the Dodgers’ top minor league team.

Lamb continued, “Hopper remained the team’s manager, and,

“He was elated--until Rickey told him the team had Jackie Robinson, the

according to Robinson, put aside his racist attitudes and treated the

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ballplayer fairly well during the season, which ended with the Royals winning their first International League championship.

“By overcoming his own sense of bigotry, Hopper became redeemed.

But more than that, he represented how countless others--baseball players, managers, spectators, and even those who previously had given little thought to baseball--were transformed by Jackie Robinson.”

Left to right, Brett Cullen as Clay Hopper, Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ drama “42,” a Warner Bros.

Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Hopper died in Greenwood in 1976 at age 73.

In 2009, he was inducted posthumously into the International League Hall of Fame.

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anything lazy ALUMS BREW UP BUSINESS

By Harriet Laird

M

ost travelers who take Interstate 59 to Exit 4 in Picayune

door,” said Leslie Henderson, who began Lazy Magnolia Brewing

are destined for the well-known Stennis Space Center, a

Company in 2003 with her husband and business partner Mark.

13,800-acre NASA field center.

For these two Mississippi State alumni, brewing the state’s first

But, there’s another facility not far from the edge of the space

craft beer may be about getting the recipes and processes right, but

center’s expansive property that’s drawing more and more

what sends people in search of their specially concocted ale is the

inquisitive visitors each day.

experience behind it.

It sits in an unassuming metal building in an inconspicuous

“We’re engineers and we’re all about making the product

industrial park just down the road from the small town of Kiln, or

perfect, but at the end of the day a lot of people can make a great

as the locals say, “Da Kill.” What’s happening inside is what curious

beer. It’s really about the story. We’re told over and over again that

minds – and palates – are pursuing.

our product is ‘a little vacation’ or that it ‘brings back memories,’ so

“You can see it in people’s faces when they walk through the

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Photos by Beth Wynn

SUMMER 2013

it’s not about the flavor of the beer but the flavor of the experience,”

Opposite page, Lazy Magnolia owners Leslie and Mark Henderson

The right ingredients and proper processes add to the overall Lazy Magnolia

“experience.”

said Leslie, a 1998 Mississippi State chemical engineering graduate and native of Nanih Waiya.

“We started inviting a few people over, and then a few more people would show up. One Friday afternoon, I came home from

While good times and memorable occasions go hand-in-hand

work and the street was blocked off and lined with cars on both sides.

with Lazy Magnolia’s brews, Mark and Leslie can personally

There were people there that I didn’t directly know, but they knew

confirm that their own recollections of starting their business

somebody who knew somebody who knew me,” said Mark. “That’s

definitely play a role in the day-to-day testing and tasting of the

when we thought this might could turn into something more.”

many beer varieties they now produce.

Mark, a 1995 MSU electrical engineering graduate, said

After Leslie purchased a brewing kit for Mark for Christmas

another indication that he and Leslie needed to make a decision

one year, the two suddenly realized they were spending 20

about moving forward with turning their pastime into a profitable

hours on the weekend making 10 gallons of beer for friends and

partnership was when he couldn’t get to his home computer

neighbors.

because of the 500 pounds of grain stacked in front of it.

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The Waynesboro native said, “I was also using the breezeway

From attorneys to judges to the Mississippi Department of

under the house to make coolers and modify air conditioners

Revenue’s Alcohol Beverage Control Board, none seemed to

while Leslie was developing different varieties. I told her that

have been asked previously about the legality of brewing craft

with a little effort we could be brewing 1,000 more gallons of

beer in Mississippi.

beer at one time and possibly turning this into a business.”

Deciding to become craft brewers was only one step down

Tax Commission, the answer was an immediate “yes.” The

the road of putting the town of Kiln on the map for more

two, who also hold master’s degrees from MSU, scaled back

reasons than it being the home of Brett Favre, 3-time NFL

their original business plan and turned to approximately 10

most valuable player and future hall of famer. Mark and Leslie

investors – mostly friends and family – who were willing to

knew that to be MVPs in the brewing business, they had to

“dedicate a little money to the cause,” Mark said.

develop a business plan and secure financing.

“Again, it came back to experiences and relationships.

Even with his tenacious entrepreneurial spirit, Mark was

Instead of directly approaching a banker in his office to match

turned down over and over again by bankers who weren’t

the money we had raised, we met one at a party through our

going to loan him a dime to produce what one called “a

social networks. I ended up giving him my pitch while he

bunch of fru-fru beer” in a state that had never manufactured

drank one of our beers,” he said.

craft beer.

And, everyone he talked to kept telling him that it was illegal.

20

After finally being put in contact with the Mississippi State

S U MMER 2013

Today, Lazy Magnolia has 30 employees who each year are producing 14,500 barrels of beer in 14 varieties that include

Opposite page, Operating at 110 percent capacity, the brewery is growing and adding a new warehouse.

Lazy Magnolia produces 14,500 barrels of craft beer in 14 varieties, with Southern Pecan being the company’s flagship.

Indian Summer, Timber Beast, Southern Gold, Jefferson

“However, in rural or developing craft beer markets,

Stout and the company’s flagship Southern Pecan. These

brewing is in vogue, and that number is almost one in five.

craft brews are currently sold in nine states, with the largest

Our competition is simply a lack of knowledge about what

markets being New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

we do and what’s available,” Mark said. “We want to sell as

While large retailers such as Walmart, Kroger and Publix

much beer as our customers want to buy, we want it to be

have begun to stock the Lazy Magnolia brand, Mark and

good enough to make people happy, and we want to change

Leslie said they rely on the smaller business owners and

enough lives that our business does grow bigger and bigger.”

operators because they share their spirit, passion and love for

Now operating at a 110 percent capacity, Lazy Magnolia is

the company’s flavors.

“They have a sincere respect for brewing and what it means,” Leslie said.

Also, there’s no David and Goliath syndrome for Mark

unquestionably growing, with construction underway on an additional warehouse to accommodate more fermentation tanks. The progress has also allowed Mark and Leslie to pass along their enthusiasm for the business to their employees.

and Leslie when looking at the larger national scale of beer

“Our job is to make sure our people understand our culture

production in the U.S., where about 95 percent of beer

and what we’re after with our beer. After that, they can run

consumers buy from conglomerates such as Anheuser-Busch

with it,” Leslie said.

Companies or MillerCoors LLC. Only about one out of 20 or 5 percent of consumers buy craft beer.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

21

MSU ALUMNUS DROPS

THE

BOMB

By Sammy McDavid

T

ybee is a beautiful 2.7 square-mile barrier island once

military strategists on both sides clearly understood that masonry

known as Savannah Beach that sits 18 miles from the

fortifications had become defensively irreverent.

historic Georgia city and, geographically, is the state’s

easternmost point.

In addition to its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, Tybee is known to many visitors for its distinctive black-and-white 18th century lighthouse and nearby Fort Pulaski built in the 1840s on adjoining Cockspur Island to protect the city and valuable harbor from naval attacks.

In a planned 1862 Civil War exercise against the five-sided fort, Union Army forces on Tybee made the first significant use of

22

In 1958, more than a century later, Tybee also gained notoriety as the location of another historic-of-sort military clash—this one in the Cold War and cold winter skies high above, and definitely unplanned.

Not long after midnight Wednesday, Feb. 5, a U.S. Air Force F-86 Sabre jet on a defensive training mission had a mid-air collision at more than 30,000 feet with a massive, six-engine B-47 Stratojet bomber from Florida on the homeward leg of its offensive training flight.

rifled cannons, both to test their high-speed power against brick-

Happily, the collision—in which no lives were lost—was less a

and-mortar fortifications and, if successful, to cause the occupying

full-frame impact and more of a glancing blow that, nevertheless,

Confederates to surrender. After portions of the walls shattered from

sheared the fighter’s wing and severely damaged the bomber’s far-

a two-day artillery onslaught and the occupants had surrendered,

right engine.

S U MMER 2013

“The memories haven’t disappeared.

I’m serious; I still have a vivid memory of what went on” that night.

– Col. Howard Richardson

Submitted photo

Unhappily, the F-86 Sabre from Charleston Air Force Base in

To help make the training mission as realistic as possible, their

neighboring South Carolina quickly lost its other wing and, as

long-range Boeing aircraft was loaded with a nearly 12-foot-long,

an impromptu missile, began hurtling toward earth. The pilot,

7,600-pound thermonuclear bomb; specifically, a Mark 15 model 0,

Lt. Clarence Stewart, ejected and, after his parachute employed,

serial number 47782, property of the Atomic Energy Commission.

found he and the fuselage heading to different spots in what

Richardson still has a framed copy of the AEC receipt for the

turned out to be a South Carolina swamp. He would be rescued several hours later.

bomb that he had signed. He also has more.

“The memories sure haven’t disappeared,” the now 91-year-

At the controls of the B-47 bomber was Maj. Howard T.

old Winston County native and longtime Brandon resident said

Richardson, a Mississippi State University and Sigma Chi alumnus

recently. “I’m serious; I still have a vivid memory of what went on”

then stationed at Homestead Air Force Base near Miami. A seasoned

that night.

veteran of World War II bombing flights over France and Germany,

Richardson said the impact crushed the bomber wing “quite a

he had gone on to log extensive time in the jet-powered models of

lot,” adding, “We saw the engine hanging down but we couldn’t see

the post-WWII Strategic Air Command. On board with him were a

the rest of the damage. It just wasn’t visible to us from our positions

co-pilot and a radar navigator.

in the aircraft.”

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

23

The B-47 crew was on its way back from mission simulating an

Richardson estimated it took about an hour between the time of the

intercontinental flight over the Soviet Union in time of war. The SAC

mid-air collision and the tense landing at Hunter. To slow the plane

flight plan had the plane first traveling north, then west toward New

even more on the runway, he had deployed a special rear parachute

Orleans, north toward the Canadian border, then back south toward

that helped achieve a full stop. After killing the engine, he and the crew

Virginia and, finally, along the Atlantic seaboard to the South Florida

quickly exited the damaged craft.

With the crisis now concluded—the required official investigation

home base.

In all, the three-man crew had been in the air “about 10 hours” when

later pointed to inadequate radar capabilities of the F-86 fighter as the accident’s cause—the Air Force and other authorities began considering

the accident occurred, Richardson said.

Though heavily damaged, the bomber’s wounded engine still was operating. Richardson’s first action was to cut its power, reduce the

the dangerous government property left behind southeast of Savannah in Wassaw Sound.

plane’s overall speed and descend to 20,000 feet in an effort to achieve

Despite an extensive two-month-long search, the thermonuclear

more stable flight. The next goal was to reach the nearest runway that

bomb as long as two queen-size beds and weighing more than a

could handle a swept-wing B-47, in this case, Hunter Air Force Base

Chevrolet Suburban couldn’t be located—and hasn’t been to this day.

Thus began the mystery of the Tybee Island bomb.

near Savannah.

Even a second, privately sponsored recovery effort in 2004

“When we reached 20,000, I contacted the controller on

came up empty. What was thought to be a specific area

the ground (at Savannah AFB) and our communications

of higher-than-normal radiation was found to be “You know, caused by natural conditions and not harmful. said. “I then put the landing gear and flaps that weight hitting For those who find it scary that a down to see if I could maintain control.” the water would kind of be military weapon of mass destruction Finding “we had enough control like (hitting) concrete, causing the is “missing” near a heavily to begin retracting the wheels,” 400 pounds of TNT to explode.

It’s populated area, Richardson offers a Richardson then realized he would a possibility, and the rest of it calming observation. need even more stability to safely land could be buried.”

While the bomb was the real deal, it did and get everyone out alive from a flying were transferred to SAC headquarters,” Richardson

monster that boasted a 107-foot-long fuselage and

– Richardson

not contain a device necessary to achieve fullforce detonation, he said. Nevertheless, it still was very

wingspan of 116 feet.

“I finally decided that, if I could get rid of the weight of the bomb, I could have much better control,” he said of that

the 400 pounds of conventional explosives required to achieve a

fateful moment in time. “So, we took her out over the water and

thermonuclear-level blast.

asked permission to release the weapon over water.”

Richardson said, “For one thing, we’re not sure (the conventional

Finding SAC headquarters slow in responding to his crisis and “because I still had the authority to do it, I dropped the weapon offshore of Tybee Island,” he added. SAC approval of the action soon followed.

Recent runway repair work at Hunter was a major reason Richardson needed to have the bomber as light and stable as possible. The repairs had left the runway’s end exposed “and we didn’t know if that would be a hang-up or not,” he said.

“I knew what the (normal) throttle speed was but I purposely flew faster just for insurance,” he recalled. “The aircraft did skip when we first touched the ground and went back up in the air, but not far. When it came back down, I had control.”

24

dangerous, due to the possibility of escaping uranium and

S U MMER 2013

ordinance) didn’t explode. We were in a turn at the time of reaching the water, so we couldn’t have seen it.

“You know, that weight hitting the water would kind of be like (hitting) concrete, causing the 400 pounds of TNT to explode,” he continued. “It’s a possibility, and the rest of it could be buried.”

Still, Richardson joins others in wondering how, if it had remained intact, so large an object couldn’t be found using conventional detection technologies.

“It could be in that silt; it could have just shifted down in the silt,” he said. “But, I’ve always thought it exploded.”

As Richardson relates details of his nightmare experience, a listener

can immediately wonder how Air Force

and, later, an MBA from Catholic University

superiors reacted to the loss of two planes—the

in Washington, D.C., while serving in the

B-47 eventually had to be scrapped—and that

Pentagon.

hide-and-seek Mark 15 property of the AEC.

In time, Richardson would retire from

“After we landed and before we went to

his business to enjoy a well-earned life of

bed, I told the crew to write down all the notes

leisure with wife Vivian, their children and

they could,” he said. “I had been exposed to

grandchildren. (On Sept. 2, 2014, the couple

aircraft accident investigations when I was in

will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.)

(the) personnel (branch) at the Pentagon and

For its part, Tybee Island has remained

I knew that, in fact, we were considered guilty

largely out of the American military history

and had to prove ourselves innocent. That’s

spotlight since then. For Hunter Air Force

the truth!”

Base near Savannah, that wasn’t the case.

It wasn’t long before the B-47 crew was

On March 11, 1958—just 34 days after

awakened and informed that SAC personnel

Richardson had brought in his crippled

had arrived at Hunter. The SAC team was

Stratojet—another B-47 stationed at Hunter

led by four-star Gen. Thomas S. Power, the

departed for to England to deliver a model

organization’s commander in chief.

Mark 4 thermonuclear bomb that weighed

“He wanted to interview us all,” Richardson

more than 10,000 pounds and contained the

said. “So, I got a map and we went through

usual conventional explosives. Shortly after

everything.” After the crew’s briefings and despite

takeoff, a problem in the plane’s bomb bay

their “guilty-‘til-proven-innocent” worries, this

caused the weapon to be released accidentally

near-tragic story has a happy ending

over rural Florence County, S.C.

“By the time we got through (with the

According to news accounts, the Hunter

interviews), General Power said, ‘Get your

bomb’s TNT exploded on impact with the

stuff together and come on with me back

ground. In addition to injuring one person, it

to Homestead.’” Pausing to affect a bit of

seriously damaged a residence and, less so, a

sarcastic military humor, Richardson added,

church. The detonation also created a 70-by-

“So, there went my court martial!”

50-foot crater and caused walls within a five-

Not only was Richardson not court-

mile-radius to crack.

martialed, but later he would receive the

This second incident—among some 60

Distinguished Flying Cross for his quick-

military aircraft accidents recorded during

thinking actions that fateful night, and would

1958, according to one source—would seem

go on to command the Air Force’s nuclear

to validate Richardson’s quick command

weapons training program. His crew received

decision to dispose of his bomb over Wassaw

other awards for their part in the mid-air triage.

Sound. It also appears to support his later

Retiring as a full colonel after a 31-year

personal opinion of what became of his Mark

service career, the 1947 MSU business

Missing since 1958: One Mark 15 model 0 thermonuclear bomb, as long as two queen-size beds and weighing more than a Chevrolet Suburban. Submitted photo

15 when it hit the hard surface of the water.

administration graduate returned to his home

Perhaps someday, a piece—maybe even

state and began a civilian career in real estate.

one bearing AEC serial number 47782—will

He had used his G.I. Bill benefits to complete

wash ashore and help solve the mystery of the

both his undergraduate degree in Starkville

Tybee Island bomb.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

25

RESEARCHER EXAMINES CAUSES OF PANDEMIC FLU

T

he topic of pandemics permeates pop culture today, as evidenced by the number of books, movies and television shows about the (sometimes

fanciful) scenarios that could play out if a pandemic illness struck.

While those situations are just for entertainment purposes, scientists around the world try to figure out the many real-life intricacies of pandemics, including a group of researchers studying the possible causes for the multiple peaks seen in pandemic flu.

Led by Henry Wan, associate professor at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the research group included scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Marshall University and the Universidad Miguel Hernandez in Spain.

By Margaret Kovar and Karen Templeton Photos by Tom Thompson

A normal U.S. flu season starts with a low number of infections, climbs to a maximum and then decreases to a low level that continues until the next flu season. But pandemic flus, as shown by the country’s past four outbreaks, do not follow this pattern.

Instead, pandemics may go through this process multiple times, resulting in several peaks of infection.

“With the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, we experienced multiple waves of infection,” Wan said. “The first wave began in March 2009 and peaked in late June and early July. Then there were fewer cases in August and then a second, larger wave hit in late October and early November. But China only experienced a single wave of infection. So we created infection models and analyzed the outcomes.”

Using five mathematical models, the researchers looked at transmission rates, interactions between populations, virus mutation, and waning immunity as mechanisms producing two waves of infection.

“In 2009, China instituted strict border controls at the onset of the outbreak,” said first author Anna Mummert, assistant professor of mathematics at Marshall University. “We developed models explaining the occurrence of the multiple peaks and tested border control strategies to determine if a strict border control in the United States could reduce the total number of infections.”

The models showed that while stricter border control could have resulted in a single wave of infections, it did not decrease the total number of infections.

“What was really remarkable was that all of the models

Henry Wan, associate professor in the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is a leading researcher of influenza viruses.

showed that strong border control would not have decreased the total number of infections,” said Howie Weiss, professor in Georgia Tech’s College of Sciences.

26

SUMMER 2013

Jason Banish, seated, and Nicole Marotta, studied with Wan as students in the Summer Research Program at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

The study also found that the actual H1N1 vaccination schedule

to identify this H5N1, Wan uncovered the first molecular evidence

played only a small role in curtailing the outbreak, but that an earlier

linking live poultry markets in China to human H5N1 avian influenza.

vaccination schedule could have eliminated the second wave of

Through collaboration with scientists in the World Health Organization

infections.

Collaborative Centers for Influenza in China and St. Jude Children’s

This research builds upon Wan’s focus on blending biology with

Research Hospital, an evolutionary study was performed on this virus

computer science for a better understanding and tracking of influenza

to identify the links between the human and avian strains of the virus at

viruses. The scientist has developed computer programs to track how

the molecular level.

a novel influenza virus has emerged. His program identifies potential

Wan also studies what environmental factors affect viruses’ spread.

precursor viruses for an emerging influenza virus from a large

Currently, he is working with researchers at The Ohio State University

influenza database, which has more than 50,000 viruses. The program

to study bird migration routes in the U.S. His focus is studying how

displays each virus’ gene segments and provides a map showing the

influenza A viruses move along with Mississippi Bird Migratory Flyways

distances between the segments. The information is used to determine

through bird migration from Northern America down to the Mississippi

how the segments relate to each other and group together to form

Delta region, and how these viruses will affect the animal industry and

different influenza viruses.

public health of the Mississippi Delta.

Another of Wan’s projects is the extensive study of the highly

Wan’s ultimate goal is to use findings from his various branches of

pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, which was first identified in

research on influenza viruses to aid in the development and production

1996 and has been epidemic across Asia, Europe and Africa. The virus

of vaccines while ultimately making the process more efficient. The work

has caused more than 600 confirmed human cases and also led to the

done in his lab also helps provide the foundations for policymaking to

culling of millions of birds both domestic and wild. The first scientist

protect public health.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

27

Campus

NEWS

13 Summer

ALUMNUS

Photo illustration by Hal Teasler

Global food security threat

remains growing focus of research

A

new report from The Chicago Council

of Agriculture prior to assuming the leadership of

on Global Affairs seeks U.S. government

MSU in 2009, is a member of the Chicago Council’s

urgency in focusing the nation’s global food

Global Agriculture Development Initiative (GADI), a

security strategies on prioritizing scientific research

bipartisan group of agriculture, development and U.S.

initiatives like those already under way at Mississippi

foreign policy experts who collaborated to produce a

State University.

report entitled “Advancing Global Food Security: The

President Mark E. Keenum, who holds an MSU doctoral degree in agricultural economics and who served as Under Secretary of the U.S. Department

28

S U MMER 2013

Power of Science, Trade and Business.”

“The problem of food security is one that will be solved by research universities like Mississippi State,”

said Keenum. “This report reflects

but also because it is important to

entirely achievable goal, although

the scope of the problem and

our national security.”

not an easy one.

the challenges that exist in truly

Keenum explained that

Along with U.S. Sen. Thad

addressing the threat of global

Mississippi State has expertise

Cochran, Keenum led MSU in

food security. I believe this report

pertinent to every aspect of

hosting an international global

provides a bright line example

the food chain, including

food safety and security conference

of why maintaining adequate,

crop production, post-harvest

last year. Organized by the MSU

competitive public and private

processing, livestock, aquaculture,

International Institute and titled

research funding is so imperative.”

food policy, water resources,

“Technology Implementation at

geospatial technologies and

the Local Level: Food Security

for the U.S. government to improve

biofuels. That expertise includes

for the Future,” the conference

global food security by “prioritizing

the contributions of both MSU

explored new opportunities for

science, increasing trade flows

faculty and the university’s students

Mississippi agriculture, building

for agriculture and food, and

involved in research as well.

capacity through technology and

The GADI group report called

incentivizing greater business

Along with research, Keenum

investment, global challenges and

activity in low-income countries.”

The report was released this week as part of the Chicago Council’s annual Global Food Security Symposium in Washington, D.C. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Rajiv Shah took part

“If food production does not increase significantly, the number of people living in poverty will increase greatly.”

in the symposium during which the report was unveiled.

Keenum has made global food

MSU President Mark E. Keenum

security a university research priority during his tenure at MSU.

said the university has formed

university engagement, and other

In speeches to diverse groups,

strategic partnerships, including

issues related to the world’s growing

Keenum reminds audiences that

a memorandum of understanding

food needs.

by the year 2050, the world’s

for research with the United

population will increase from 7

Nations Food and Agricultural

the Rome headquarters of the U.N.

billion to 9 billion.

Organization (UNFAO), as well as

Food and Agriculture Organization

a formal agreement with Nigeria to

to outline MSU’s capabilities in

increase significantly, the number

educate poultry science students,

addressing food security and

of people living in poverty will

among other alliances.

hunger. While there, he also visited

“If food production does not

increase greatly,” he said. “We

Keenum said the United

In 2010, Keenum traveled to

with the executive director of the

are compelled to help feed the

States and the nation’s land-grant

World Food Program and the

world and alleviate suffering, first,

universities have the resources to

ambassador to the U.N. Agencies

because it’s the right thing to do,

help make feeding the world an

for Food and Agriculture.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

29

Campus

NEWS

13 Summer

ALUMNUS

Library welcomes

Grant Presidential Library donation

T

he Ulysses S. Grant

dismantle the collection following

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Presidential Library at the

her husband’s death in July 2012,

and nationally recognized Civil War

MSU Libraries accepted a

but her cousin disagreed. The

historian and author, said the Lynn

formal donation of materials in June

relative suggested, instead, that she

Collection significantly enhances the

that scholars say will significantly

contact retired MSU professor John

existing Grant Presidential Library.

add to visitors’ experiences in

F. Marszalek, who now serves as

visualizing Grant’s place in history.

executive director of the Ulysses S.

framed Harper’s Weekly pages,

Grant Association and the Grant

and all the other material that Mrs.

Presidential Library.

Lynn has donated allows the average

Over 20 years, Jorja Lynn and her late husband Mike E. Lynn III gathered numerous items Jorja Lynn, second from left, donated a collection of Ulysses S. Grant memorabilia to the Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State University. From left are Executive Director of the Grant Presidential Library John Marszalek, Lynn, MSU President Mark E. Keenum, and MSU Dean of Libraries Frances Coleman.

Photo by Jim Tomlinson

Despite her family’s traditional

“This bust, the lithographs, the

visitor the chance to return to an

related to Grant as they renovated

support for the University of

earlier era,” he said. “We are, after

Walter Place, a Holly Springs

Mississippi, Lynn said MSU would

all, a teaching institution, and these

home where Grant, his wife and

be the most appropriate place

kinds of remembrances of Ulysses

children lived. The Union Army

to house the materials. Not only

S. Grant teach all of us and all those

commander prepared the Vicksburg

will scholars and visitors have an

who visit what life had been like in

campaign, which effectively split the

opportunity to view the donated

America more than 100 years ago.”

Confederacy and gave the U.S. total

items, but the collection will be in

control of the vital Mississippi River.

place for future generations of Lynn’s

said he and other leaders of the

family to see.

land-grant institution take the

Jorja Lynn told those in attendance that she planned to

Marszalek, also an MSU Giles

MSU President Mark E. Keenum

responsibility of maintaining the presidential library very seriously, especially its mission to share Grant artifacts and other memorabilia with visitors, scholars and students.

The Grant Presidential Library is located on Mitchell Memorial’s first floor. To provide maximum exposure resources of the historical archives, Keenum recently announced plans to add another floor for the extensive — and growing — Grant collection, among other major holdings.

30

S U MMER 2013

Governor speaks at Manufacturing Summit

M

ississippi Gov. Phil Bryant delivered the keynote address at the third annual Mississippi State University Manufacturing Summit.

Held at the Franklin Furniture Center in the spring, Bryant explained

his vision for state manufacturing and furniture industries, which employ 12 percent of Mississippi’s non-farm workforce.

Hosted by MSU’s Franklin Furniture Institute and the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the summit addressed many of the challenges and opportunities facing Magnolia State manufacturers.

MSU faculty experts joined leaders from state manufacturing furniture industries and representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Appalachian Regional Commission and Delta Regional Authority. Summit sponsors included CertiPUR-US, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, the MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center and the MSU Extension Service.

Along with opening remarks from MSU President Mark E. Keenum and a welcome by Franklin Furniture Institute Director Bill Martin, the program included a number of presentations, panel discussions and

Gov. Phil Bryant made keynote remarks during MSU’s Manufacturing Summit at the Franklin Furniture Institute. The governor emphasized the importance of education and workforce development to the state's manufacturing industries before an audience of more than 100 state and federal stakeholders. Photo by Russ Houston

question-and-answer sessions by other summit participants.

University is center of excellence for cyber operations

T

“Key skills will be the ability to conduct

he National Security Agency and U.S.

research. Mississippi State is the only institution

Cyber Command have designated

of higher education in the state to attain the

penetration tests of computer networks, as

Mississippi State as a Center of

three designations.

well as reverse engineering software, including

Academic Excellence in cyber operations.

The certification comes after a rigorous,

As a CAE for cyber operations, the university may now issue certificates to

viruses, Trojan horses and other forms of malware,” he said.

In addition to Dampier, the MSU team

two-year application process by faculty in

graduates in the computer science master’s

the departments of computer science and

degree program who have completed

which worked to attain the designation were,

engineering and electrical and computer

the necessary cyber operations courses,

from CSE, Cindy Bethel, Yogi Dandass, Wesley

engineering.

Dampier explained.

McGrew, Mahalingam Ramkumar, Ed Swan

David A. Dampier, a professor of computer

“This certification further enables us to teach

and Byron Williams; and from ECE, Sherif

science and engineering at the land-grant

skills that are used by federal agencies engaged

Abdelwahed, Bryan Jones, Pan Li, Tommy

institution, led the effort.

in cyber war — giving Mississippi State students

Morris and Robert Reese.

“MSU is among a relatively elite group of schools helping the nation meet its need for highly-skilled cyber warriors,” he said.

an added edge when competing for these jobs,” Dampier said.

According to Dampier, students who include

The university’s cyber security capabilities include three dedicated research centers: the Center for Computer Security Research, the

the cyber ops option in their coursework will

National Forensics Training Center and the

CAE designations in information assurance

be exposed to a diverse range of cyber security

Critical Infrastructure Protection Center.

education and in information assurance

skills and in-depth study.

Of note, the university also holds national

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

31

Campus

NEWS

13 Summer

ALUMNUS

From left are American Legion legionnaire Eddie Merriman, Boys State delegates Malik Pridgeon and Chauncey Mullins, Boys State Chairman Don Cabrol and Mississippi Past Department Commander Joseph D. Kersh. Mississippi State University hosted the 2013 Boys State.

Photo by Russ Houston

University hosts Boys State participants seniors from across the

S

diverse group of political and

state recently gathered at

government leaders in historic Lee

Mississippi State to learn about

Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium.

Boys State officials believe the

state and local government and the

Speakers included Starkville Mayor

partnership with MSU will help

electoral process.

Parker Wiseman, U.S. Rep. Gregg

take the program to a higher level.

Harper, State Rep. George Flaggs

Boys State has a history of training

was selected as the 2013-15 host

of Vicksburg, Commissioner of

excellence dating back to 1939,

campus for Mississippi’s American

Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith,

he said.

Legion Boys State, the nation’s

State Treasurer Lynn Fitch, Gov.

premier program for teaching how

Phil Bryant, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker,

government works, developing

U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee, Attorney

leadership skills and nurturing

General Jim Hood, Secretary of State

students from around the state,

an appreciation for the rights and

Delbert Hosemann, State Rep. Toby

MSU President Mark E. Keenum

responsibilities of citizenship.

Barker of Hattiesburg, and Lt. John

said having the week-long

Poulos of the Mississippi Highway

program is a tremendous honor

Patrol.

for the institution.

ome 350 rising high school

Earlier this year, the university

The May 26-June 1 program provided more than $100,000 in scholarships from the American Legion, MSU and other universities.

32

S U MMER 2013

Participants heard from a

In addition to government and electoral issues, participants had

opportunities to compete in sports and a talent show.

State director Neal Boone said

“Boys State reaches our next generation of leaders,” Boone said.

In welcoming high school

MAROON EDITION PICK

GUIDE FOR ‘FUTURE PRESIDENTS’ A book praised as “a marvelously readable

class, and many of you, will read the book before the

and level-headed explanation of basic

semester begins,” Keenum said.

science and how it relates to the issues” is

Mississippi State’s selection for its fifth-annual common

“We also encourage participation in the many

related activities planned during the school year,

including a campus visit

reading experience.

by Professor Muller during

In an April campuswide announcement,

the first semester,” he

university President

added.

To those for whom the

Mark E. Keenum said “Physics for Future

word “physics” might bring

Presidents” by Richard

pause, Keenum stressed—

A. Muller will be the

as have scores of readers

focus for the Maroon

and reviewers—that the

Edition program during

book provides a “highly

the 2013-14 academic

readable, non-technical

year.

discussion of the science behind several major

First published in 2008 by W.W. Norton &

issues that will confront

Co., the 384-page book

future U.S. presidents,

is the work of a physics

business leaders and,

professor and Lawrence

certainly, future graduates

Livermore National

of Mississippi State.”

Keenum said books

Laboratory senior

are being provided to all

scientist honored in 1982 with a prestigious MacArthur Foundation

Illustration by Eric Abbott

incoming freshmen who took part in spring and

Fellowship, popularly known as the “genius grant.”

summer orientation programs. Copies also may be

“Should be required reading for all informed

obtained at the Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State

citizens” was Publisher’s Weekly’s opinion of the book

bookstore, as well as from other brick-and-mortar and

based on Muller’s highly popular course for non-

online outlets.

science majors at the University of California, Berkeley.

“The Science Behind the Headlines” is the subtitle.

“We hope that all of next fall’s incoming freshman

The Maroon Edition website, http://maroonedition. msstate.edu, provides updated information about related events and activities.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

33

Campus

NEWS

13 Summer

ALUMNUS

Zacharias Awards honor distinguished staff members MSU Zacharias Distinguished Staff Award winners for 2013 include front, left to right, Sharon K. Womack, Anna Dill, Charlotte Tabereaux, Dorothy Cannon, Lisa Noffsinger, Effie Anne Hopkins, Gail Bishop.

Standing, left to right, presenter Jerry Gilbert, Angela Waller, Phillip Allen, Ronnie White, Gail Maddox, Dan Coleman, and presenter Tommie Zacharias.

T

welve Mississippi State staff members are

life department; Dan Coleman, former director of

selections for the university’s 2013 Donald

student recruitment in the Office of Admissions

W. Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards.

and Scholarships; Anna Dill, director of The

The honors are a memorial to the university’s

Learning Center in the College of Education; Effie

15th president, in whose 1985-97 administration

Ann Hopkins, Campus Transit bus operator; Gail

Staff Appreciation Day and the accompanying

Maddox, business coordinator in the plant and soil

awards program were established. Taking place at the

sciences department; Lisa Noffsinger, administrative

conclusion of each spring semester, the day of fun

assistant to the vice president for agriculture, forestry

activities and the awards program are organized by

and veterinary medicine; Charlotte Tabereaux,

the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council.

education director for the MSU Riley Center for

This year, Tommie Zacharias of Starkville, President Zacharias’ widow, and Jerry Gilbert, MSU

Waller, assistant director for business operations

provost and executive vice president, presented each

with the physical plant administration; Ronnie

honoree with a plaque and check for $1,000.

White, associate director of the G. V. “Sonny”

The 2013 winners include Phillip W. “Phil”

SUMMER 2013

Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans; and

Allen, journey lineman with the physical plant

Sharon K. Womack, research technician in the

administration; Gail Bishop, administrative

poultry science department.

assistant with the College of Veterinary Medicine’s

34

Education and Performing Arts in Meridian; Angela

For more information on the campus staff

clinical science department; Dorothy T. Cannon,

council, its awards program and other activities, visit

senior custodian with the housing and residence

www.staffcouncil.msstate.edu/zachawards/.

MSU’s 2013 faculty award winners include, from left, Kimberly Walters, Daniel “Tim” Fancher, Randall Little, Gary Ervin, Josh Winter, Joel Collier, and Mark Novotny. Jerry Gilbert, fourth from right, provost and executive vice president, is pictured extending congratulations to the recent honorees during the university’s annual Faculty Awards and Recognition Program.

MSU honors outstanding faculty with annual awards

F

Associate Professor Joel E. Collier

Prof. Randall D. Little

and Sciences, Business, and Agriculture and Life Sciences,

of the marketing, quantitative

department with the Irvin Atly

as well as a member of the campus ad-

analysis and business law

Jefcoat Excellence in Advising

vising center staff, are 2013 selections

department with the Alumni

Faculty Award.

for Mississippi State’s annual faculty

Association Graduate Teaching

awards.

Excellence Award.

Instructor Kimberly W. Walters

head of the physics and astronomy

Prof. Gary N. Ervin

of the mathematics and statistics

department, was announced as the

of the biological sciences

department with the John

newest William L. Giles Distinguished

department with the Alumni

Grisham Master Teacher Award.

Professor, the university’s highest

Association Outstanding

academic rank.

Graduate Student Mentor Award.

Instructor Joshua B. Winter

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

Academic Coordinator Daniel T. Fancher

of the physics and astronomy

and MSU Alumni Association, the annual spring university-wide awards

of the University Academic

Association Early Career

program also recognized:

Advising Center with the Irvin

Undergraduate Teaching

Atly Jefcoat Excellence in

Excellence Award.

aculty in the colleges of Arts

Mark A. Novotny,

of the agricultural economics

department with the Alumni

Advising Staff Award.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

35

Campus

NEWS

13 Summer

ALUMNUS

Syracuse’s Messac is new Bagley College of Engineering dean

A

Polytechnic Institute and was a

tion administrator and

faculty member at Northeastern

engineering is the oldest academic

faculty member is Missis-

University in Massachusetts.

curriculum at the 135-year-old

“We are fortunate to have

land-grant institution. From its

sippi State’s new engineering dean.

attracted a person of the caliber of

first freshman class of about a

to lead the university’s James Worth

Dr. Messac,” said Jerry Gilbert, MSU

dozen, the Bagley College—one

Bagley College of Engineering. He

provost and executive vice president,

of approximately 40 named

also holds the Earnest W. and Mary

in making the announcement.

engineering colleges in the nation—

Achille Messac has been selected

Messac

Along with agriculture,

New York higher educa-

“He has an outstanding record

Ann Deavenport Chair and is MSU’s first African American dean.

and is well prepared to take the

At Syracuse University,

Bagley College to a new level of

Messac has been serving as chair

excellence,” Gilbert added.

has grown to a current enrollment of more than 2,000.

Nationally, the college is ranked 34th among all engineering colleges

and distinguished professor of

Messac, a naturalized U.S.

in research and development

the mechanical and aerospace

citizen born in Haiti and fluent in

expenditures, according to the

engineering department. A

French, also holds MIT bachelor’s

National Science Foundation. It also

Massachusetts Institute of

and master’s degrees in aeronautical

is among the top 25 in graduating

Technology doctoral graduate in

and astronautical engineering. He

African Americans.

aeronautical and astronautical

began his professional career in 1981

engineering, he previously held

with the internationally recognized

who left earlier this year to

administrative and faculty positions

Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in

accept a similar position at Iowa

at the Troy, N.Y.-based Rensselaer

Cambridge, Mass.

State University.

Messac succeeds Sarah Rajala,

Giles Distinguished Professor is new graduate dean

L

ori Mann Bruce is the new associate vice

“an outstanding record of research and experience in

president for academic affairs and graduate

graduate education, with 13 years of experience at MSU.”

school dean at Mississippi State.

Bruce is a University of Alabama in Huntsville

Bruce, associate dean of the university’s Bagley College doctoral graduate in electrical and computer engineering.

Bruce

of Engineering since 2008, succeeds the retiring Louis

She also holds a UAH bachelor’s degree in electrical and

D’Abramo. Like D’Abramo, she is a William L. Giles

computer engineering, as well as a master’s in electrical

Distinguished Professor, MSU’s highest faculty rank.

engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“We are delighted that Dr. Bruce has agreed to be our next associate vice president and dean of the Graduate

interview, Bruce said her vision for the Graduate School

School,” said Jerry Gilbert, provost and executive vice

was based on a belief “that graduate programs should

president.

encompass diverse areas of study, provide a foundation

“As dean, she will build on the great progress made under Dr. D’Abramo,” Gilbert added, noting that she has 36

S U MMER 2013

In a candidate statement submitted as part of her

for the continuing evolution of new knowledge and foster leadership.”

Veteran teacher, administrator named A&S dean

A

longtime Mississippi

curriculum issues, student advising

the state’s only criminology degree

State sociology professor

and awards, and scholarships.

program.

and former sociology

As dean, the Baltimore, Md.,

In addition to master’s and

department head is the university’s

native will oversee all academic

doctoral degrees in sociology

new dean of the College of Arts and

programs and fiscal affairs of the

from the University of Cincinnati,

Sciences.

college and report directly to Provost

Dunaway holds a bachelor’s degree in

and Executive Vice President Jerry

the same field from Loyola University

Gilbert.

Maryland in Baltimore.

In 2011, Greg Dunaway became associate dean of the college and,

“Dr. Dunaway is a man of great

Last year, he was honored with the

integrity and vision. I am delighted

Dean of Students Award of Excellence

that he will be providing leadership

in recognition of contributions to

responsible for academic affairs and

for our College of Arts and Sciences,”

student well-being at the 135-year-

student services in MSU’s largest

Gilbert said. Dunaway was the

old land grant university. He is the

academic unit. He also coordinated

college’s Thomas Bailey Professor

second to receive the MSU Division

all aspects of the undergraduate

of Sociology from 2008-11 and, as

of Student Affairs honor since its

instruction programs, including

department head, led in developing

inception in 2007.

since last year, has served as its interim dean.

As associate dean, he was

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

Dunaway

37

Campus

NEWS

13 Summer

ALUMNUS

University bestows two honorary degrees

D

commencement

two-term president of

ceremonies

the state chapter of the

in May, the university

American Institute of

bestowed honorary

Architects and former

doctoral degrees on,

member of the national

respectively, former

AIA board. A partner for

governor William F.

more than three decades in

Winter and Madison

the Jackson architectural

architect Robert V.M.

firm of JH&H, he was

Harrison. Winter’s

instrumental in helping

degree is in public service; Harrison’s, in science.

Additionally, he served on the architecture school

nationally recognized for leadership in helping bring

faculty for 13 years, and continues two decades of

about the state’s education reform act that created the

service on the school’s advisory council.

An intern development program for architecture

other school improvements. A former state legislator

graduates that Harrison proposed in his University

who later was elected state tax collector, treasurer and

of Florida master’s degree thesis was adopted, after

lieutenant governor, he has been honored with a Profile

being pilot tested, by Mississippi as the model in 1978.

in Courage Award by the John F. Kennedy Presidential

It now is mandatory for architectural registration in

Library and Museum and the 2009 Mississippi Medal

all 50 states.

of Service by his home state.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi and its

He helped found the state chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute and served as its

law school, the Grenada native also holds a Mississippi

president. He remains among only a few professionals

Bar Association Lifetime Achievement Award and

to hold the distinguished rank as a Fellow of both the

is a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation. He

AIA and CSI.

currently is special counsel for the Jones Walker firm’s Government Relations Practice Group in Jackson.

Winter is a World War II veteran who continually

S U MMER 2013

establish MSU’s architecture academic program.

Winter, Mississippi’s chief executive 1980-84, is

Magnolia State’s first public kindergartens, among

38

Harrison is a former

uring spring

Harrison’s continuing support of the MSU architecture program includes endowment of a lecture series, gifts for scholarships and facilities in both

has been praised for a lifetime of work involving efforts

architecture and landscape architecture, and fund-raising

to expand opportunities for others. He is the namesake

assistance. The popular campus auditorium in Giles Hall,

of Ole Miss’ racial reconciliation institute and the state’s

home of the College of Architecture, Art and Design, is

teacher scholar loan program.

named for him and his wife Freda.

Mississippi State signs UAS agreement

M

ississippi State is opening a new chapter in its research of unmanned aerial systems.

Officials from the land-grant institution

were at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala., in July for a memorandum of understanding signing with the U.S. Army’s Project Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PM UAS).

The agreement will foster collaboration between PM UAS and MSU that complements one of the university’s key research focus areas, according to a senior administrator.

“Our state is well positioned to continue to play a significant role in unmanned aerial systems research and development, as well as manufacturing, and it is one of the priorities for research that we have established at MSU,” said David Shaw, vice president for

test aircraft to examine how to safely and ethically

research and economic development.

integrate unmanned aircraft into U.S. airspace,” said

According to Shaw, the use of unmanned air systems

Maj. Gen. James Poss, USAF (Ret.), the director of

in non-conflict situations is growing with applications

strategic initiatives for MSU’s High Performance

well suited for natural disaster response, humanitarian

Computing Collaboratory.

relief efforts, environmental impact assessment and precision agriculture, among others.

“This MOU will allow Mississippi State to boost its research capabilities and retool curricula, allowing students and faculty to research and study UAS use

“MSU is uniquely suited to provide research in cutting-edge unmanned aircraft systems. We want to lead the way to find peaceful applications for this technology,” he said.

Part of the university’s Bagley College of

in the national airspace,” said Lt. Col. Robb Walker,

Engineering, Raspet Flight Research Laboratory was

director of external programs for PM UAS.

established in 1948. Since that time it has grown and

“There are an endless number of things you could

expanded to include two state-of-the-art facilities

use UAS for. It is amazing to see what these students

and research endeavors with government and private

think of and how they conquer problems,” he added.

industry including the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lockheed

As part of the MOU, the Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center has

Aircraft Corp., Honda Research and Development, and NASA.

provided the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory at MSU

Recently, Raspet has served as a start-up facility for

with a Raven unmanned aircraft system, which consists

various aerospace companies in Mississippi, providing

of three airframes and ground control equipment.

workspace, technical training, and assistance with

“Our researchers will be able to use this advanced

Col. Tim Baxter, left, project manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and David Shaw, MSU vice president for research and economic development, signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate collaborative research opportunities between the Army and MSU.

product development and research.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

39

Campus

NEWS

13 Summer

ALUMNUS

MSU writing-to-learn QEP begins

I

nstead of encouraging students to learn about writing, a diverse

Addressing his campus colleagues at the first session in early June,

team of Mississippi State faculty members is beginning a process

Rich Raymond expressed excitement about the plan. Head of MSU’s

to encourage their undergraduate majors to write to learn.

English department, he is the institute’s moderator and facilitator.

Launching a writing-focused culture at the university is the primary

focus of the “Maroon & Write” quality enhancement plan--QEP, for

“It’s an excellent, excellent sign that the campus chose this QEP,” Raymond said. “We’ve found ourselves using the words ‘culture change’ as we figure out how to get both

short.

students and faculty to think

Ten selected faculty

differently about writing.

representatives of the colleges of

“It’s not just about correctness,”

Agriculture and Life Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business,

he added. “It’s about thinking;

Education, and Forest Resources

creative thinking, critical thinking

make up the founding Maroon

and reaching audiences for

Institute for Writing Excellence, a month-long intensive workshop.

A plan to improve freshman through senior learning, the QEP

purposes that actually matter.”

Each of the 10 educators--including Raymond--read and kept a

is critical to reaffirming MSU’s accreditation with the Southern

journal about writing-to-learn selections from some of the more well-

Association of Colleges and Schools. Participating faculty learned how

respected theorists in the field.

to better employ writing-to-learn strategies as a vehicle to help students process and retain the information presented to them.

“This is not about just improving writing,” Raymond emphasized.

“Some people mean bad grammar when they say that, but we’re about

‘YOURTOWN’ workshop teaches collaboration Mississippi State’s John C. Stennis Institute for Government and Community Development continues to educate the state’s

Nearly 40 people from some two dozen Magnolia State communities attended.

“The biggest thing that I’ve learned is that

accept opportunities--especially economic development or tourism expansion--as they arise, she emphasized.

small-town community and civic leaders about

citizens need to take pride and ownership in

This fall, community leaders will gather

the latest methods for spurring economic

their town,” said Keisha Bogan of Okolona.

for a local design charrette. That meeting will

development and quality-of-life improvements.

“We have to look for the opportunities for us to

involve a presentation of branding design ideas

take care of it ourselves.”

to link community organizations and tourist

Staff members of the university institute recently held another in its popular “YourTown,

Bogan is affiliated with Okolona’s North

opportunities, using a logo unique to Union County.

Miss.” interactive workshop series for elected

Mississippi AmeriCorps VISTA Project

officials, tourism representatives, business

that works to increase parental involvement

owners, community volunteers, Main

and empowerment locally. The workshop

YourTown activities. From a wide range of

Street Association members and economic

demonstrated how citizens invested in

guest speakers and collaborative exercises,

development representatives.

their communities are better prepared to

participants learn how to address a variety of

40

S U MMER 2013

Brand design creation is among several

improving writing as a way of improving learning.

There’s an underlying premise here: It’s that you can learn anything, not just literature; math, science, anything, if you write about it.”

After completing the training, team members revised their individual class syllabi to include the techniques acquired during the experience.

Two English department members, instructor LaToya Bogard and associate professor Matthew Little, along with forestry professor Stephen Grado, said they plan to incorporate writing-tolearn strategies in their courses this fall.

The other participants will introduce theirs Support systems for educators using writing-

either in the 2014 spring or fall terms. They include Michael Brown, music department head;

to-learn strategies will be in place, said Connie

Jamie Larson, animal and dairy science assistant

M. Forde, QEP topic selection task force and

professor; Deborah Lee, library professor; Robert

development co-chair. In addition to Raymond

Moore, marketing professor; Rick Noffsinger,

and the QEP committee, writing coordinators

part-time human sciences instructor and senior

also will be available in each college to offer input

extension associate; Donald Shaffer, English and

and advice.

African American studies assistant professor; and

MSU just launched its first Maroon Institute for Writing Excellence, a faculty training initiative designed to enhance student learning through writing. Among the participants are, left to right, Robert Moore of marketing, Jamie Larson of animal and dairy science, Donald Shaffer of English and African-American studies, and Rich Raymond, also of English and the institute’s moderator and facilitator.

Photo by Russ Houston

Raymond.

common issues, including struggling downtown commercial areas,

invested in outcomes. “’Communities can be shaped by

newly built highway bypasses and

choice or they can be shaped by chance.

identification of the best guidance for

You can keep on accepting the kinds of

future development.

communities that you get, or you can

Joe Fratesi, the institute’s project

start creating the kind of communities

director, expressed appreciation to

you want,’” he said. “That’s what we

participants for their hard work, as

hope you’ve learned here.”

well as those making presentations. He

For additional information about

quoted Richard Moe, former director

“YourTown, Miss.” and other Stennis

of the National Trust for Historic

Institute community development

Preservation, to remind the audience

programs, telephone 662-325-6703 or

how community improvements

visit www.sig.msstate.edu/programs.

can only happen when residents are

php.

Phil Nanney of New Albany and Keisha Bogan of Okolona, second and third from left, explain their community development plans during a recent MSU-sponsored “YourTown, Miss.” workshop. The interactive session teaches participants about how community development enhances economic opportunity.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

41

Alumni

NEWS

13 SUMMER

ALUMNUS

National alumni officers assume roles

N

ew members of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association’s national board of directors

are beginning two one-year terms after being appointed in February.

The team, which officially took office July 1, includes President Tommy R.

Beginning terms as national officers for the MSU Alumni Association are, from left, Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves, second vice president; Jodi White Turner, treasurer; Thomas R. “Tommy” Roberson, president; Camille Scales Young, immediate former president; and Ronald E. “Ron” Black, first vice president.

Roberson of Memphis, Tenn., Ronald E. Young, a 1994 communication

Black of Meridian, first vice president;

served as South 1 region director on the

Jackson resident Bradley M. Reeves, second

national board of directors, and has served

management graduate who also earned a

vice president; and Jodi White Turner of

on the executive committee for three years.

master’s degree in agriculture and extension

Montgomery, Ala., will continue her role as

He is active in the Lauderdale County

education in 1996, is vice president of

treasurer. Camille Scales Young, of Madison,

Alumni Chapter.

Cornerstone Government Affairs in Jackson.

continues on the board as immediate former

The newest officer elected, Reeves, is

She was a member of the Central Mississippi

a 2002 management and construction of

Chapter board of directors, and has served

Roberson, a 1967 political science and

land development alumnus. After MSU, he

on various committees including the Evening

history graduate, is retired from Kraft Foods

received a law degree from the University of

in Maroon, Young Alumni and Central

after 34 years of service. He has served

Mississippi, and now is a practicing attorney

Mississippi Tennis Tournament.

the Memphis Maroon Club as the former

with Balch and Bingham LLP. Reeves is

president, vice president and membership

active with the Central Mississippi Alumni

June 17, 1885, by the first three graduating

officer, and has served on the executive

Chapter, where he served as president,

classes of what then was Mississippi

committee of the board of directors for three

among other roles.

Agricultural and Mechanical College. A

national president.

years, most recently in the role of national

Turner received a bachelor’s degree in

The Alumni Association was founded

full-service organization, it now includes

accounting in 1997 and a master’s degree in

95 chapters and has more than 125,000

business administration in 1999, both from

alumni worldwide. For more, visit

director of human resources for Southern

Mississippi State. She serves as chief financial

alumni.msstate.edu.

Pipe and Supply Company Inc. Ron has

officer for PrimeSouth Bank in Tallassee.

first vice president.

Black, a 1980 marketing graduate, is

42

SUMMER 2013

MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

2013-14 National Board of Directors

NORTH 1 REGION DIRECTOR

TEXAS DIRECTOR

David Randall “Randy” Allen, ‘87

Daniel E. “Danny” Hossley, ‘65

NORTH 2 REGION DIRECTOR

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

Cheryl W. Thurmond, ‘81

David T. Cozart, ‘86 Jonathan J. Lee, ‘00, ‘02

NORTH 3 REGION DIRECTOR Trina M. Dendy, ‘93, ‘00 CENTRAL 2 REGION DIRECTOR

ATLANTA, GA. CHAPTER DIRECTOR Susan B. Yeosock, ‘89

Andrew C. Frank, ‘91

LAUDERDALE COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR

WARREN COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR

William T. “Will” Carpenter III, ‘00, ‘02

Thomas P. “Tom” Kendall, ‘89

LEE COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR

Kimberly C. “Kim” Fandel, ‘87, ‘94

Charles “Parker” England, ‘01, ‘02

LEFLORE-CARROLL CHAPTER DIRECTOR

FORMER NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Paige H. Hunt, ‘00, ‘06

George T. “Tommy” Everett III, ‘50 PRESIDENT, STUDENT ASSOCIATION

CENTRAL 3 REGION DIRECTOR

CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER DIRECTORS

H. Riley Nelson, ‘99, ‘01

Thomas R. “Tommy” Byrd, ‘81

LOWNDES COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR

Steven A. “Steve” Corbitt, ‘76

William T. “Will” Cooper, ‘90

Michael A. Hogan

MEMPHIS, TENN. CHAPTER DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT, HOLLAND FACULTY SENATE

Paul R. Hopkins, ‘91

Gerald A. “Jerry” Emison

YOUNG DIRECTOR CENTRAL REGION

John K. Pitts, ‘04

John Paul “J.P.” Walker, ‘05

DESOTO COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR

SOUTH 2 REGION DIRECTOR

Hillary Phillips Jordan, ‘03

Stephen R. Woo, ‘94, ‘95 CHAIR, STAFF COUNCIL

Christie D. Walters, ‘98 NASHVILLE, TENN. CHAPTER DIRECTOR

Natalie L. Ray, ‘01, ‘07

SOUTH 3 REGION DIRECTOR

HARRISON-STONE CHAPTER DIRECTOR

Christine E. Cuicchi, ‘94, ‘99

Janice R. Nichols, ‘88

Sarah McDonnell Stephens, ‘03

PRESIDENT, MSU FOUNDATION

YOUNG DIRECTOR SOUTHERN REGION

HOUSTON, TEXAS CHAPTER DIRECTOR

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTORS

Bobby S. Shackouls, ‘72, ‘10

Jeffery M. “Jeff ” Ellis, ‘06

Jon D. Sanders, ‘93, ‘94

Donna B. Rupp, ‘93

PRESIDENT, BULLDOG CLUB

Daniel J. “Jason” Ryder, ‘00

Beth C. Clay, ‘67

OUT-OF-STATE DIRECTORS Courtney A. Jones, ‘02, ‘06

HUNTSVILLE-DECATUR, ALA. CHAPTER DIRECTOR

Edward A. Sanders, ‘06

Brian M. Sabourin, ‘83

SOUTHEAST MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER DIRECTOR Lori B. Perkins, ‘93

JACKSON COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR John “Carl” Weihing, ‘70 M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

43

Alumni

13 SUMMER

NEWS

ALUMNUS

A LETTER FROM

Camille Scales Young 2012-13 National President | MSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Dear Bulldog Family, than 125,000 alumni worldwide. Our

friendships we made, and the life lessons

graduates have received recognitions

learned as students. Our continued

in their respective disciplines from the

support of this great institution is what

boardrooms of corporate America to

ensures those positive experiences for the

of my life to serve you as president of

the playing fields of innumerable sports.

students who have followed us and will

the Mississippi State University Alumni

From the halls of Congress to research

come in the future.

Association. Your commitment to our

laboratories around the globe, Mississippi

university is amazing and commendable!

State alumni command credibility, respect

Throughout the years, MSU has been

and honor.

In the heart of Mississippi, made by none but God’s own hands.

It has been one of the greatest honors

privileged to have an alumni base that supports and lifts the university to greater heights in learning, service and research.

Stately in her natural splendor our alma mater proudly stands.

With each passing year, the MSU

Life shall bear thy spirit ever; loyal friends we’ll always be.

Thank you for the privilege of serving

Mississippi State, we love you;

our Alumni Association. I will cherish

fondest memories cling to thee.

every moment and fondly remember

Mississippi State enjoys a diverse

each opportunity. You are the foundation

student body and alumni base and that

on which our association will grow and

makes us strong. We hail from every

prosper.

county in this state, every state in this

Alumni Association increases our fold

country, and many countries around the

and brings new graduates into our ranks.

world. Our loyalty to our alma mater

The class of 2013 now joins the more

stems from the education we gained, the

Forever Maroon and White

Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96

JOIN THE ALUMNI ONLINE COMMUNITY 44

S U MMER 2013

alumni.msstate.edu

Alumni Association names new student delegates

T

wenty-two Mississippi State students have joined the Alumni Association’s student liaison group.

The Alumni Delegates serve as liaisons

between the 135-year-old land-grant institution and its more than 125,000 living graduates.

Founded in 1980, one of the group’s main missions is helping improve the student body’s understanding of the association’s role and purpose.

Over the years, this group of students has become invaluable in assisting with alumnisponsored programs and activities, including football tailgate gatherings, class reunions and numerous other events, both on and off campus.

Delegate officers for 2013 include President Vijay Kannuthurai of Hazlehurst; Casey McGee of Starkville, vice president for public relations; Mary Lowry Nemeth of Starkville, secretary; and Samuel Bragg of Rienzi, vice president for education.

Members are selected through a highly

The MSU Alumni Association student delegates include Donny Banerjee, Mari Micci Bramuchi, Natalie Ethridge, Alex Ezelle, Yance Falkner, Hannah Farris, Amanda Fones, Morgan

competitive interview process. This year’s group

Ford, Rob Hairston, Josh Hancock, Tyrus Hill, Emerson Holliman, Leslie Howard, Amari Jenkins,

was chosen from more than 300 applicants and

Anne Caroline Lovitt, Khanh Nguyen, Hayden Nix, Victoria Poole, Neil Rosenbaum, Russ Singleton,

joins 23 returning delegates.

Rachelle Thomason, and KeAirra Williams.

Did you know the MSU Alumni Association offers a free online community? As a member of the Bull Ring, alumni have access to class information, an online alumni directory, networking opportunities, photo albums, a free email forwarding address, and much more! Membership is exclusive and free to all graduates.

If you are not already registered with the Bull Ring, now is the time! Registration is easy, and

allows access to information regarding campus and community activities, athletic events and important MSU announcements.

Alumni can also keep contact information up-todate online. By providing a correct email address, phone number and mailing address, alumni can be sure not to miss any MSU news or events. For information on how to update your profile, please visit alumni.msstate.edu/login.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

45

Alumni

NEWS

13 SUMMER

ALUMNUS

Alumni Association awards meritorious faculty

T

he Mississippi State University Alumni Association honored three esteemed faculty members with a special recognition in April. From the College of

Business, Joel Collier, a marketing professor, was presented the Graduate Teaching Excellence Award. The Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award went to physics instructor, Josh Winters, and Gary Ervin was named Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor Award. Winters and Ervin are both from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Collier, who came to MSU in 2006 from the University of Memphis, was recognized for his inspirational exercises and experiences in the business graduate program. He has helped students gain real world experience through innovative projects in the MBA program. One of his projects garnered a national award for philanthropy and supporting local charities.

A familiar face to football fans, Winters was recognized for his fun and approachable methods of teaching physics.

He participates in activities promoting science education with high school students and secondary teachers in Mississippi, and educates fans in Davis Wade Stadium each football Saturday with his popular “Physics of Football� videos. Winters is a two-time MSU graduate, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.

A professor in the department of biological sciences, Ervin is described as a passionate and flexible mentor, who tailors his work with graduate students to their specific strengths and needs. His love for science is infectious and motivates his students to tackle challenges with an astute and intellectual attitude. Ervin has been a faculty member at MSU since 2001.

The Alumni Association is proud to partner with university faculty to recognize meritorious teachers and researchers for the impact they make on students each day.

46

S U MMER 2013

Winners, from left to right, are Gary Ervin, Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor Award; Joel Collier, Graduate Teaching Excellence Award; and Josh Winters, Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award.

Information, videos housed online for new graduates

R

ecent graduates of Mississippi State University

officially licensed jewelry, and M-State license plates in

have access to helpful information and

Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. For information on

services through the Alumni Association

all of these items, please visit the alumni website and click on “marketplace.”

website. Housed at alumni.msstate.edu/newgrads, new

“Our goal is to provide as much support as possible

alumni will find useful links and videos containing information to help with their transition from college

to our new graduates in order to ease the transition

life to the workplace, as well as important alumni and

from college life to the workplace,” said John P. Rush,

university links.

vice president for development and alumni. “MSU’s growing alumni base is vitally important to the future

In addition, through several corporate partnerships, all MSU alumni and their families are

success of our university, and our desire is to keep

eligible to purchase short-term or long-term health

graduates informed and engaged as they enter a new

insurance, as well as home and auto coverage. For

chapter in their lives.”

We congratulate the new graduates of Mississippi

a list of participating companies and links to policy

State University. To find out more information, please

information, visit alumni.msstate.edu/insurance.

visit alumni.msstate.edu/newgrads.

Other items available exclusively to MSU graduates and friends include a Bank of America credit card,

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M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

47

Foundation

NEWS

13 summer

ALUMNUS

MSU delivers promise

to married student couple Tyson and Anna Laura Davis will graduate from the university in December, having earned their degrees with the assistance of MSU Promise. As Promise graduates, the couple will begin their post-college lives with a manageable financial slate because they were beneficiaries of these special awards funded by alumni and friends. and Brookhaven native Tyson

Tyson is working toward a Bachelor

help capable students, like Tyson and

attended Copiah-Lincoln Community

of Science in mechanical engineering.

Anna Laura, “bridge the gap” between

College. Tyson initially enrolled at

Following graduation, they hope to

the cost of tuition and required fees

Mississippi State prior to Anna Laura,

stay in their home state and raise their

not covered by financial aid. Recently,

but encouraged her to continue her

six-year-old daughter Isabel.

Contributors for Promise Awards

“MSU Promise has allowed me

California couple Dr. Niles R. Moseley and his wife Mary Lyn created an endowment for the awards and its accompanying student support program.

Moseley is a Mississippi native who understands programs like Promise are crucial to the education of students from low-income families in his home state.

Since the program’s 2006 inception, nearly 200 Promise

“It was a great relief to both of us to receive Promise so we can focus on our studies.”

-Anna Laura Davis

are following their path. Recipients

I’ve maintained a 3.9 grade point average of which I am very proud.”

Tyson chose MSU because of the stellar reputation of the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering and, in particular, its top-notch mechanical engineering program.

“I am confident the mechanical

education after they married.

“My husband’s heart was at MSU,

at MSU, along with cooperative education experience, will help me

so I followed him here,” Anna Laura

find a great job to support my family,”

incoming freshmen or community

said. “It was a great relief to both of us

Tyson said.

college students transferring to MSU

to receive Promise so we can focus on

as Anna Laura and Tyson chose to do.

our studies.”

attended Hinds Community College,

SUMMER 2013

Laura said. “During this time,

must be Mississippi residents who are

Flowood native Anna Laura

48

time to motherhood,” Anna

engineering education I receive

recipients have graduated, and many more from Mississippi families

to utilize work study and devote

While at MSU, Tyson has participated in the engineering

Anna Laura is completing a

college’s Fred and Sara Jean Burke

Bachelor of Arts in English, while

Study Abroad program, spending

time in Germany, and for five semesters has been a co-op student.

His co-op experiences include work with Northrop Grumman Corp., Huntington Ingalls Industries and International Paper.

In coming to MSU, the Davis’ had a goal to graduate and better position their family for the future. They have been successful because their grades have qualified them for Promise each semester.

“With MSU Promise, we have been given the means to graduate sooner and together,” Anna Laura said. “It has been a relief to have the cushion that Promise provided us and we look forward to a debt-free start.”

She continued, “As parents, we

The Moseley Promise Student

wonderful for students like Tyson

already dream of a college education

Support Program makes every

and Anna Laura who deserve the

for our daughter. However, we realize

effort to ensure recipients retention

chance to have a quality education,

that Mississippi cannot progress

and success in academics and

and the complementing Moseley

unless it helps citizens earn a quality

college life. The program provides

Promise Student Support Program

education through programs like

academic counseling, course-

provides intervention strategies to

Promise.”

progress monitoring and networking

keep recipients focused on their

Tyson agrees, saying, “We

opportunities to assist these Promise

studies,” Dill said. “We are proud

have learned that by investing

recipients with their transition to the

to say some of our recipients have

in education you can bring that

university. Participants must be full-

appeared on campus honor rolls

investment full circle, as in our case,

time students who maintain a college

because of the success of the services

because we will become responsible

grade point average of at least 2.5

we offer combined with their desire

working citizens in our state as

as they make satisfactory progress

to achieve.”

products of Promise.”

toward a degree.

Through the university’s Learning

Anna Dill, Learning Center

Gifts of any amount are welcome in support of MSU

Center in the College of Education,

director, is proud of the efforts

Promise. Alumni and friends

Tyson and Anna were eligible for

Mississippi State makes to ensure the

may learn more about Promise by

a helping hand in their studies

success of Promise students through

visiting www.sfa.msstate.edu or

with the Moseley Promise Student

financial and academic assistance.

give in support of the program at

Support Program.

“The MSU Promise Awards are

From left, Anna Laura, Tyson and Isabel Davis.

Photo by Russ Houston

www.msufoundation.com.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

49

Foundation

NEWS

13 summer

ALUMNUS

Mississippi farmers invest in

soybean education, research A Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of

investment in the Edgar E. and Winifred

the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment

B. Hartwig Endowed Chair in Soybean

Station. “An endowed chair will sustain research,

Agronomy will enhance soybean research, teaching and

teaching and service focused on improving soybean

service at Mississippi State University for years to come.

cropping systems.”

Hopper added that the future of soybean research

Named after the late Edgar E. Hartwig, a renowned

Hartwig

soybean breeder, the investment will help fund an

and education will include development of new

endowed chair in MSU’s Department of Plant and Soil

soybean varities, integrating tillage systems, crop

Sciences.

rotations, soil and water conservation, cover crops, pest

“We are excited to partner with Mississippi State

management and sufficient plant nutrition.

A 2007 contribution from Hartwig’s wife, Winifred,

University, the Hartwigs and our industry partners to establish this chair focused on soybean production,”

established the endowed chair and provided support

said Jimmy Sneed, soybean farmer from Hernando and

for graduate student research at Mississippi State. The

former chairman of the Mississippi Soybean Promotion

investments form the state’s Soybean Promotion Board

Board. “This investment will benefit all soybean farmers and its industry partners will be added to the original with applied research to improve soybean production.”

fund.

“The investment from the soybean promotion

“An endowed chair is valuable to MSU and Syngenta because a commitment to research and development

board, the Hartwigs and industry supporters will also

leads to new advancements and innovative practices

be used to recruit outstanding graduate students who

in soybean production,” said Rex Wichert, head of

will become future leaders in agriculture,” Hopper said.

Syngenta’s soybean portfolio. “Through university-

An endowed chair is a significant faculty position

driven research, producers and industry will have

filled by a prominent researcher and professor. MSU

access to technologies and training that enhance

will conduct a national search for the chair holder in

soybean productivity.”

the coming months. The selected chair will have a joint

Hartwig spent 47 years with the U.S. Department

appointment in the College of Agriculture and Life

of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in

Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry

Stoneville. He developed many of the soybean varieties

Experiment Station.

The Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board is made

grown in the Southern United States and regions around the world with similar climates.

Soybean production in Mississippi set a record in

farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas

value of production at more than $1 billion.

of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial

and environment,” said George Hopper, dean of the S U MMER 2013

the soy checkoff on behalf of all Mississippi soybean

2012, with average yields of 45 bushels per acre and “Soybean production improves our state’s economy

50

up of farmer-directors who oversee the investments of

utilization, industry relations, market access and supply.

MEMORIAL TREES : A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A

lumni and friends can honor and remember a friend or loved one with a creative and enduring “living gift”- a new tree on one of

integrated into the overall landscape.

An 8” x 10” plaque will display the name of the honoree and the donor name, along with the common

the most beautiful college campuses in the Southeast.

name and scientific name for the tree. Trees planted

With support for the university’s Campus Beautifica-

with best results at Mississippi State include Bald

tion Endowment, special memorial trees will grow and

Cypress, Magnolia, varieties of Ginkgo, Red Maple, and

prosper as part of a unique and diverse collection of

varieties of oak trees such as Nuttall Oak, Water Oak

trees and help to beautify our campus.

and Willow Oak.

“Memorial trees are a fertile partnership between a

MSU offers other naming opportunities through

donor and the university,” said Jack McCarty, executive

support of the Campus Beautification Endowment, such

director of development. “A gift for a tree in memory

as outdoor plantings and structures. Persons wishing

of a teacher, student, classmate or relative is a generous

to invest in the beauty of MSU, and those who are

and thoughtful way to recognize a person’s life and

specifically interested in a particular opportunity such as

accomplishments with a living tribute.”

memorial trees, may contact McCarty at 662.325.7000

Gifts for the Campus Beautification Endowment

or email jmccarty@foundation.msstate.edu.

enhance the general appearance of Mississippi State’s historic 135-year-old campus, including landscaping.

Use of endowment funds also extend to the interior and exterior renovation of certain historic buildings in existence. In particular, memorial trees can improve the MSU community, bringing Bulldogs together through tradition while benefitting the environment.

Memorial trees can be named with a minimum $5,750 gift to the Campus Beautification Endowment, which includes the cost of the project. Gifts for memorial trees will cover the cost of the tree, a plaque and care during the tree’s first year of growth. The gift also provides for replanting and replacement of the tree over time.

The Office of Annual Giving within the MSU Foundation accepts gifts for memorial trees, and the university’s campus landscape department will assist the donor with tree selection and location. Dedication ceremonies are held upon request. Other items in proximity of the tree, such as a bench, may be added for an additional project cost if these items can be

Southern Gamedays offers you a wide variety of tailgating services for the tightest of budgets to the most luxurious requests.

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Visit us online at www.sgtailgating.com David Easley 662.769.3325 david@sgtailgating.com

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

51

Foundation

NEWS

13 summer

ALUMNUS

Faculty bequests signify PASSION for MSU

L

ong after three professors retire from Mississippi State, they will continue

to contribute to the university and have an impact on education in a special way. College of Business colleagues Rodney and Allison Pearson and Tim Barnett have included MSU in their estate plans.

“As colleagues, we share a passion to support our university. Although we cannot give as generously as some alumni and friends, we want to do our part in ensuring exceptional education at Mississippi State continues with these bequests,” said Rodney.

The Pearsons are a longtime Starkville couple who met as MSU faculty members. Rodney, a native of Clarksdale, is a professor of business information systems, the Robert Keil Innovative Teaching Fellow, and former head of the Department

Left to right, MSU professors Tim Barnett and Allison and Rodney Pearson.

Photo by Russ Houston

of Management and Information Systems. Monroeville, Ala., native

management and information

them. Allison explained, “Rodney

Allison is the Jim and Julia Rouse

systems department head, as well

and I are at the midpoint of our lives

Professor of Management. They

as the Bobby and Barbara Martin

and wanted a plan for the future.

joined the faculty in 1987 and 1993,

Fellow. He is also president of the

Although we had been contributors

respectively.

Southern Management Association

in the past, upon learning of Tim’s

and a Mississippi Manufacturers

generosity, we wanted to utilize our

Association Scholar.

estate because MSU has been very

Lexington, Ala., native Barnett worked earlier in his career for Kraft Foods and Humana Hospital

52

SUMMER 2013

The Pearsons initiated a deferred

good to both of us.”

Corp., and later for Louisiana

gift, in part, because Barnett had

She continued, “Our loyalty

Tech University. He is now

earlier shared his intentions with

to MSU is about more than just

working for the university -- it is about being a part of a great institution that changes peoples’ lives, and playing a very small part in that important process.”

The Drs. Rodney and Allison Pearson Endowed Scholarship

“Enrolling here as a doctoral student changed my life and broadened my horizons, making possible a great life and rewarding career which has enabled me to make this bequest.”

Fund within the department of

Tim Barnett

management and information systems will be established with the couple’s bequest. It will create a perpetual scholarship fund to assist

“These bequests are our

attracting and retaining outstanding

students majoring in management

opportunity to step forward and

faculty and administrators in the

or business information systems.

show our faith in the future of this

department.

“Many of our students inspired us to create this bequest. Individuals like Molly Lomenick Daerr, a

university,” said Barnett, an MSU doctoral graduate.

The bequest from Barnett will

“I know firsthand how doctoral students have limitations in earning another degree particularly because

business information systems

establish two endowments for

of income, and I wanted to help

graduate, who began a scholarship

the college. The Dr. Timothy R.

better position them to achieve their

in honor of her father, and many

Barnett Endowed Ph.D. Fund in

goals and also ensure the college

others who have honored us with

Management will support doctoral-

continues to have superb faculty

contributions in our own names,”

level education, dissertation

who will carry out its mission,”

said Rodney.

research, professional travel

Barnett explained.

Allison concurred, saying,

and areas associated with the

Barnett and the Pearsons plan to

“Not only were we inspired by

enhancement of Ph.D. candidates

continue their service to Mississippi

our students, but also by alumni

within the department.

State and impact their students

and friends who give their time,

“The experience of earning a

in the most positive way possible

their leadership, and their gifts

degree from MSU causes you to

through their teaching, learning and

— particularly to the College of

have a real affinity for the university.

service endeavors.

Business — people like Jim and Julia

Enrolling here as a doctoral student

Rouse, the Seal family, the Taylor

changed my life and broadened my

engaging with the bright, motivated,

family, Richard Adkerson, and

horizons, making possible a great

imaginative students we see in our

Bruce and Donna Franklin — to

life and rewarding career which has

classrooms every day. If our gift

name only a few.”

enabled me to make this bequest,”

can somehow, in some very small

Barnett said.

way, increase opportunities for

By including Mississippi State in their estate plans, the colleagues

A second endowment from his

“The three of us simply love

learning for those students, we feel

hope to encourage others to

bequest creates the Dr. Timothy R.

very grateful and honored to be able

consider leaving similar legacies at

Barnett Endowed Faculty Fellowship

to contribute to that effort,” said

MSU.

in Management to assist in

Allison.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

53

Foundation

NEWS

13 summer

ALUMNUS

Cooley leads university’s annual giving effort

A

responsible for securing annual

University are among

the most faithful in the Southeast-

gifts for the university and its

ern Conference. These Bulldogs

academic colleges through direct

loyally support the colleges, schools

marketing efforts. Annual giving

and areas of their choice at MSU

is designed to provide an avenue

with continuous annual gifts. Re-

through which donors can support

cently appointed to lead the MSU

any area of MSU on a continual

Foundation’s effort to secure these

basis. Gifts may be specifically

contributions is professional staff

designated for a college or school,

Cooley began her duties

Cooley

academic department, scholarship fund, or any other area.

Since 2011, Cooley has served

directing the university’s annual

social media consultant for the HH

giving program, which traditionally

Agency in Tuscaloosa. Her previous

as assistant director of annual

focuses on gifts up to $10,000, in

experience also includes a two-year

giving and coordinated the

June. She also works with the MSU

stint with the New York Times

MSU Foundation’s telefunding

Alumni Association, where an

Regional Media Group.

program. As annual giving director,

“Asya brings substantial

Cooley will continue to oversee

experience to her new role and

the university’s Bulldog Calling

will be a great asset. Having

Center that employs some 50

Cooley holds a Bachelor of Arts in

already been a part of the MSU

MSU students to make telephone

communication from Alcorn State

Foundation operation, it was a

solicitations of alumni and friends.

University and a Master of Mass

natural progression for Asya to

Callers also update database

Communication from Louisiana

assume leadership of the annual

records for the institution’s alumni

State University. Before joining

giving program and further utilize

and friends. Mississippi State

MSU, she was a research associate

her skills in direct marketing and

currently has over 125,000 living

at the University of Alabama in

telefunding,” said Jack McCarty,

alumni.

Tuscaloosa and co-owner and a

executive director of development

annual gift automatically activates a graduate’s membership.

A native of Southwestern Russia,

S U MMER 2013

In her new role, Cooley will be

of Mississippi State

member Asya Besova Cooley.

54

for the MSU Foundation.

lumni and friends

Regions gift salutes alumnus Deavenport

A

$100,000 gift from Regions Financial Corp.

extremely honored to have this contribution benefit my

honors alumnus Earnest W. Deavenport Jr.

parent’s scholarship.”

for his service, and increases a scholarship

A Kiawah Island, S.C., resident, Deavenport earned

he previously established in Mississippi State Univer-

a chemical engineering degree from MSU in 1960 and

sity’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering.

later earned a master’s degree from the Massachusetts

Mississippi native Deavenport retired from the Re-

Institute of Technology. In 2011, he was honored by Mis-

gions board as chairman in May. He served as a director

sissippi State with an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

since 1989 and assumed the position of non-executive

Over the years, Deavenport has devoted his time

chairman in 2010, playing a critical role in guiding the

and financial resources to MSU. He serves on the dean’s

company. Regions Financial Corp. is one of the nation’s

advisory board for the James Worth Bagley College of

largest full-service providers of consumer and commer-

Engineering and serves as vice president of the MSU

cial banking, wealth management, mortgage, and insur-

Foundation board of directors. In the 1990s, Deavenport

ance products and services, and through its subsidiary,

and his wife, Mary Ann, established the scholarship at

Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,700 banking

MSU for his parents, growing the endowment with ad-

offices.

ditional gifts over time.

In the role of Regions board chairman, Deavenport

Scholarship Fund assists engineering students and

of the board of Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman Chemi-

memorializes Deavenport’s parents. Earnest William

cal Co., as well as his service as director of a number of

Deavenport Sr. died in 1982, and Laura Mae Deavenport

public and private companies. He retired from Eastman

died in 2004. Both were residents of Noxubee County,

in 2001.

Miss., who made their home in Macon. They farmed

company, and I’m personally grateful for the astute counsel and guidance he has given me since assuming

cotton, raised cattle, and operated a Western Auto store and garage.

Besides the scholarship, the Deavenports have gener-

leadership of Regions,” said Grayson Hall, Regions’ cur-

ously supported MSU in many ways. Among them, the

rent chairman.

creation of the Earnest W. and Mary Ann Deavenport Jr.

Hall continued, “He has helped guide Regions

Chair, an endowed position held by the dean of engi-

through a tremendously difficult environment, and his

neering. A second endowed position, the Earnest W.

vision has been integral to revitalizing our company for

Deavenport Jr. Chair, whose holder directs the Dave C.

the benefit of our shareholders, our associates and the

Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, is also linked

communities we serve.”

to Deavenport. Established by the Eastman Chemical

Deavenport gratefully acknowledged the Regions

Deavenport

The Earnest W. and Laura Mae Deavenport Endowed

utilized his experience gained as the chairman and CEO

“Earnie has provided remarkable leadership to our

Caption

Corp. and increased with additional support from Earnie

contribution to his alma mater, saying “I am proud to

and Mary Ann Deavenport, the chair acknowledges

have been a part of Regions’ remarkable recovery from

Deavenport’s lifelong contributions to education and the

the financial crisis over the last three years, and I am

chemical industry.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

55

Foundation

NEWS

13 summer

ALUMNUS

Mississippi State raises

+ 80 MILLION

$

for third consecutive year

F

or three consecutive years, Mississippi State

as we move toward announcing another long-

University has raised more than $80 mil-

term fundraising endeavor this fall to advance

lion in outright gifts and pledges of future

Mississippi State and its long-range strategic plan and

support from individuals, corporations, foundations,

priorities," said John P. Rush, MSU vice president for

trusts and estates, with the just-ended 2013 fiscal year

development and alumni who serves as Foundation

exceeding $81.3 million.

CEO.

Previous record years included FY 2012, in which Mississippi State experienced its largest single giving

the year also rose slightly to 18.3 percent, ranking

year total in school history with more than $86.4

MSU above several major peer institutions in that

million. More than $80.3 million was raised in FY

measure of support among former students. This

2011.

number has continued an upward trend at MSU in

"We deeply appreciate the generosity of alumni

11.2 percent national average indicated by the 2012

to help Mississippi State University carry out its

Voluntary Support of Education annual report, which

invaluable mission of teaching, research and service,"

publishes fundraising statistics of higher education

said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

institutions.

At Mississippi State, total giving for a fiscal year

evidence that individuals and corporate supporters

is the sum of outright gifts, pledges of new gifts, and

have confidence in our efforts to impact the lives of

commitments of deferred gifts, Rush said. The total

individuals across our state and nation and extend our

does not include payment of pledges from previous

reach across the globe."

years or receipts of deferred gifts committed in

Of this year's $81.3 million, $67.07 million was in outright gifts and pledges marking the second

previous years.

Most fundraising for Mississippi State is conducted

largest year recorded in these areas by the institution's

by the MSU Foundation, established in 1962 to help

fundraising arm. This figure is just under the highest

the university attract support from private sources.

year recorded for outright gifts and pledges at $67,882,860 in FY 2002.

"Another successful year of private support is an important milestone for the university, particularly S U MMER 2013

recent years, placing the university well above the

and friends who are investing their personal resources

Keenum said, "This level of support is clear

56

The proportion of alumni who contributed during

For more information about MSU fundraising efforts, contact Rush at 662-325-9306 or john.rush@ msstate.edu.

Class

NEWS

13 summer

ALUMNUS

1967 DIANE RAY PAGE,

1982 ROBERT GREEN,

1985 ROBERT W. ANDERSON,

(Ph.D. ’94) of Tupelo has published

(M.S. ’84), undergraduate coordinator

a U.S. Department of Agriculture

three children’s books, Bobbs and the

for the Bagley College of Engineering

engineer, has been selected Engineer

Little Boy, Roy and Roo Take a Trip

at MSU, has been elected international

of the Year in USDA and one of the

to the Zoo, and Bobbs the Friendly

president of the National Society of

top 10 engineers for 2013 in the entire

Creature, all available online at

Professional Engineers.

U.S. government.

Amazon and Barnes & Noble and at

1985 JOHN HESTER JR.,

http://www.bobbsandcompany.com.

1972 WATTS C. UELTSCHEY,

of Clinton, a division director for the Mississippi State Department

an attorney with Brunini law firm,

of Health, has earned the Certified

has been recognized as a Chambers

Public Manager designation from the

USA Top Lawyer in the publication’s

State of Mississippi.

2013 edition.

1985 JAN RISHER of Lafayette, La., a

1973 CHRISTOPHER A. SHAPLEY, an attorney with Brunini law firm, has been recognized as a Chambers USA Top Lawyer in the publication’s 2013 edition.

1977 GRANVILLE TATE, JR.,

1982 RANDY CLEVELAND, formerly of Union, has been named president of XTO Energy Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

newspaper columnist, has published a business book, Team Renaissance: The Art, Science & Politics of Great Teams.

1986 WILLIAM CARROLL,

an attorney with Brunini law firm,

1983 TIMOTHY N. BURCHAM (M.S. ’85)

Armstrong Relocation and

has been recognized as a Chambers

has been named dean of the College

Companies—Birmingham and

USA Top Lawyer in the publication’s

of Agriculture and Technology at

Montgomery agencies.

2013 edition.

Arkansas State University. Previously,

1979 LAURIE ROSENBAUM WILLIAMS,

he was a professor at the University of

1986 ROBERT COFFEY,

Tennessee at Martin and an associate

has been named president of

professor at Mississippi State.

of Panama City, Fla., a federal civil

has been selected president of the

1983 SHARI T. VEAZEY,

servant and project engineer for the

Madison Chamber of Commerce for

of Jackson, has been appointed

for providing real-time, mine

2013.

executive director of the Mississippi

countermeasure technical support to

Municipal League. She previously

the USS Dextrous.

of Madison, an attorney with Copeland, Cook, Taylor and Bush,

Naval Surface Warfare Center, has received a U.S. Navy Fleet accolade

served as deputy director.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

57

Class

NEWS

13 summer

ALUMNUS

1986 BARTLEY DURST,

1990 2000 CAROLINE BUFFINGTON PUGH, BRAD GARRETT,

(’02), a researcher with the U.S. Army

of Tupelo, has published her first

of Kansas City, Mo., has been named

Engineer Research and Development

novel, Something Bigger. The thriller/

director of development for Alpha

Center, has been named one of the

romance is available online from

Gamma Rho Fraternity.

top 20 inventors for the Army for

major book retailers and for Kindle.

2009-2011.

1996 TONEY CUMMINS,

2000 BRAD KELLY,

1987 MICHAEL WATSON,

a researcher for the U.S. Army

Copeland, Cook, Taylor and Bush,

of Shelbyville, Tenn., has been named

Engineer Research and Development

spoke to 25 Madison students, the

president and chief executive officer

Center, has been named one of the

Madison Junior Ambassadors, when

of Duck River Electric Membership

top 20 inventors for the Army for

they toured the firm’s offices to learn

Corp. He previously was the

2009-2011.

about careers in law.

organization’s vice president.

1996 JASON WATSON

2000 RICHARD D. RUSSO, II

has joined ArborGen, the world

has been named head football

of Flowood has completed his term

leader in reforestation, as a Piedmont

coach at Independence High School

as president of the Mississippi Society

regional sales coordinator. He

and was selected as the defensive

of certified Public Accountants. He

previously was a sales manager for

coordinator for the first North

is vice president of internal audit

International Forest Company.

Mississippi All-Star Football Classic.

for Ergon, Inc., a petroleum energy

1998 BILL WAGNON

2000 JASON A. STRAIN,

of Livingston, Ala., has been named

of Memphis, Tenn., an attorney, has

dean of enrollment management at

been elected a shareholder at Baker

the University of West Alabama. He

Donelson.

previously was UWA’s director of

2001 JOSH BETHEA,

1990 W.R. LEE ADAMS,

company.

marketing and public relations for online programs.

1990 JOHN ARLEDGE,

College School of Law, recently

affairs for Entergy Mississippi, has

received the school’s Sue Riggan

joined the board of directors for

Millette Scholarship.

company.

SUMMER 2013

of Clinton, a student at Mississippi

of Brandon, vice president of public

Community Bancshares Inc.’s holding

58

1998 BRYAN C. WARDLAW

of Madison, and attorney with

of Nashville, Tenn., has joined Civil Site Design Group as a project manager.

2002 KIMBERLY NEAL of Baltimore,

2004 KRISTY IRONS RILEY,

2008 ASHLEY GUNKEL,

Md., an associate with Niles, Barton

of Bay Springs has been promoted

of Ocean Springs is the 2013 winner

& Wilmer LLP, has been named by

to general manager of M’Prints

of the Top Design Competition

The Daily Record to its 2013 VIP

Promotional Products and National

sponsored by Fashion Week New

list—Very Important Professionals

Scrubwear in Meridian.

Orleans. She competed against 11

of age or younger who have been

2005 JEREMY JACK,

other finalists from across the South.

successful in Maryland.

of Belzoni, a crop farmer and

2010 GARRETT M. STEEDE,

2003 JESSICA DUPONT,

sustainability advocate, has been

(M.S. ’12) has been selected livestock

named Bayer CropScience’s 2013

judging coach at Fort Hays State

Young Sustainable Farmer.

University in Hays, Kan.

an associate with the law firm of Burrow, has been named a Top 10

2006 MEGAN COPLEY,

2011 JESSICA TEMPLE,

Business Leader Under 40 by The

of Mathiston, a student at Mississippi

a doctoral student at Georgia State

Sun Herald and The Journal of South

College School of Law, has received

University, has published a collection

Mississippi Business.

the school’s M. Judith Barnett Single

of poems, Seamless and Other

2004 C. ALLEN NICHOLS,

Parent Award.

Legends. It is available online at

is the new executive director of the

2006 ANGIE K. DOSS,

finishinglinepress.com.

Akron (Ohio) Bar Association.

of Hattiesburg has been named

2011 ANNA GRACE WARD,

aesthetic practice director at Georgia

of Meridian has been named

Plastic Surgery Consultants in

communications manager for

Atlanta, Ga.

Mitchell Companies.

Successful by 40. The award recognizes professionals 40 years

Heidelberg, Steinberger, Colmer &

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS ANDREW “ELIAS” ABIDE III,

THOMAS WALKER SANDERSON,

Jan. 4, 2013, to Andrew Abide (’02) and wife

Jan. 17, 2013, to Marie Thomas Sanderson (’01) and

Marion of Jackson.

husband Brian of Ocean Springs.

EMILY TYLER EDWARDS,

ELEANOR RUTH SMITH,

Feb. 19, 2013, to Mindy Lewellen Edwards (’00) and

Dec. 16, 2012, to Mary Stratton Karatossos (’03)

Kevin C. Edwards (’02) of Olive Branch.

and Ray Kelly Smith IV (’03) of Ridgeland.

NORA LYNN GUERIERI,

EVELYN TAYLOR ULMER,

Oct. 4, 2012, to Mary Martin Guerieri (’07) and

Jan. 22, 2013, to Joe G. Ulmer III (’05) and wife

husband Trey of Madison.

Sarah of Jackson.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

59

In

MEMORIAM

13 summer

ALUMNUS

Perry Brooks Dennis, Jr.

William E. Byrd (’49)—Hixson,

Lois Taylor Kilgore (’54, M.S.

(’38)—96, Hattiesburg; longtime

Texas; retired Mississippi Chemical

’63)—92, Starkville; professor

band director, former president of

Corp. sales and marketing

emerita of the Department of

the Mississippi Music Educators

employee, Dec. 28, 2012.

Home Economics and first female

Association and World War II veteran, June 15, 2013.

department head at Mississippi

Charles Goodson (’50)—

State, Feb. 28, 2013.

Birmingham, Ala.; retired electrical

Claude D. Barton (’39)—

engineer, April 5, 2013.

Boonville, Mo.; retired U.S. Army colonel, Dec. 24, 2012.

James Edward Hester (’55)—81, Benoit; lifelong farmer and Korean

Clarence M. Gordy (’50)—86,

War veteran, Feb. 28, 2013.

Ocala, Fla.; retired U.S. Department

James B. Lewis (’42)—92, Long

of Agriculture executive, April 5,

Aaron B. Rives (’58, M.S.

Beach; retired United Gas employee

2013.

’59)—Omaha, Neb.; retired plant

and World War II veteran, June 26, 2013.

sanitarian for the W.K. Kellogg Co.,

Ben Puckett (’51)—83, Jackson;

April 28, 2013.

owner and chairman of Puckett

Scarvia Bateman Anderson

Machinery Co. and founding

Jerry Clay Stone (’62, M.Ed. ’67,

Helmick (’45)—Hilton Head

member of Jackson Preparatory

Ph.D. ’75)—75, Iuka; retired school

Island, S.C.; retired Educational

School.

superintendent and teacher, Oct. 19, 2012.

Testing Service exeutive and adjunct professor, March 20, 2013.

Clifford B. Daniels (’52)—79, Memphis, Tenn.; retired accounting

John C. Williams, Jr. (’79)—79,

D.P. “Pat” McGowan, Jr. (’47)—

manager for Kraft Foods Inc. and

Canton; retired coach, teacher

90, Yazoo City; retired president

U.S. Army veteran, Nov. 11, 2010.

and Madison County school superintendent, June 3, 2013.

and board chairman of the Bank of Yazoo City and World War II

Willis Joe Robertson (’52,

veteran, March 16, 2013.

M.S. ’54)—82, Madison; retired

William Burton Stuart

CEO and trustee of the Jackson

(professor)—72, Starkville;

Metropolitan YMCA, Feb. 10, 2013.

professor of forestry at Mississippi State, March 5, 2013.

60

S U MMER 2013

Caption

The Union at Sunset Photo by Russ Houston Colvard Student Union originally opened in 1964. It underwent a major renovation and expansion in the mid 2000s. A state-of-the art facility, it serves as the center of university community life. The building includes many student dining options, Fowlkes Auditorium, meeting space, and the offices of the Union administration, Campus Activities Board and Center for Student Involvement.

M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS

61

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