Mississippi State University Alumnus Winter 2011

MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Winter 2011

Brandon Branch Behind the Scenes with Paula Deen

( You’ll wish you were here.)

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features Winter 2011 | Vol. 87 | No. 2 USPS 354-520

02

Maroon Edition ‘optimistic’ in third year

08

Strong support allows athletic facilities to expand

12

Brandon Branch behind the scenes with Paula Deen

16

MSU strives to lead state in healthy trends

22

Rocking B Cattle Ranch – Tradition and innovation

26

ACCESS program opens new doors at Mississippi State

This is Our State.

President

Using Eudora Welty’s 1972 Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, The Optimist’s Daughter, the 2011 Maroon Edition program offers an opportunity to collectively examine the themes, issues, and background of a book written by one of Mississippi’s most acclaimed writers.

Mark E. Keenum (’83, ’84, ’88)

Vice President for Development and Alumni John P. Rush (’94, ’02)

Alumni Association Executive Director and Associate Vice President, Development and Alumni Jimmy W. Abraham (’75, ’77) twitter.com/drjimmyabraham

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

Editorial offices:

102 George Hall, P.O. Box 5325, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5325 Telephone, 662-325-3442 Fax, 662-325-7455 E-mail, snowa@ur.msstate.edu www.msstate.edu

Advertising:

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

Editor

In the next five to seven years, MSU athletics is estimated to spend $150 million on new and renovated buildings. Athletic Director Scott Stricklin has an uncanny perception of just how important the right makeup of space–classroom, laboratory, residence hall, and extracurricular–can be in a student’s overall experience.

Behind the scenes of Paula Deen Enterprises is a 2000 Mississippi State alumnus helping translate Southern elegance and culinary tradition through Paula’s television show, magazine and line of kitchen and home products. Brandon Branch describes how his MSU education and experience have helped propel a career in floral and interior design.

Located in a state frequently ranked high for obesity and diabetes, Mississippi State University is listed highly in a ranking of the healthiest universities in the nation. In the recent report published by Newsweek and The Daily Beast, MSU took the No. 3 healthiest college ranking, behind Harvard University and Louisiana State University.

Rocking B Cattle Ranch is a place where more than 150 years of family history, 21st century livestock genetics, and Brahman cattle all meet. The ranch headquarters is home to Shep and Tracey Batson and their three daughters, the latest generation of a family with a strong Mississippi State connection.

A new program at Mississippi State is helping students with unique challenges attain a college experience and develop career and life skills. The ACCESS Program provides on-campus instruction in independent living, employment and social skills for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

Allen Snow (’76)

Associate Editor Harriet Laird

Designer

Matt Watson (’05)

Photographers

Russ Houston (’85) Megan Bean Beth Newman

28 Campus news 42 Alumni news 50 Foundation news 56 Class news 57 In memoriam

Mississippi State University Alumni Association National Officers Jerry L. Toney, ’96, national president Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96, national first vice president Tommy R. Roberson, ’67, national second vice president Jodi White Turner, ’97, ’99, national treasurer Karen Dugard Lawler, ’82, ’94, immediate former national president

ON THE COVER Paula Deen and MSU alumnus Brandon Branch, right, design director for Paula Deen Enterprises Photo by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Maroon Edition ‘optimistic’ in third year of program

By Maridith Walker Geuder | photos by megan bean 2 Alumnus WINTER 2011

The small world of a Southern town is opening larger worlds for freshmen and the MSU community in this year’s Maroon Edition Common Reading Program.

sing Eudora

on to the president for discussion,”

house as a service component

Welty’s 1972

Morse explained.

of the program. “This truly is a

Pulitzer-Prize

“Our goals are to find a book

community effort that touches

that engages students in deeper

the life of the university and lives

novel, The Optimist’s Daughter,

thought and discussion and

around our community and our

the 2011 Maroon Edition

provides a range of programming

state,” Morse said.

program offers an opportunity to

opportunities to enrich their

Welty, who is a favorite author

collectively examine the themes,

reading experience and their

for MSU President Mark Keenum,

issues, and background of a book

understanding of the book.” An

offers a unique and valuable

written by one of Mississippi’s

added benefit is that participating

perspective on the world, he said.

most acclaimed writers. It was

freshmen get to know professors,

“The Optimist’s Daughter is

selected by a committee of

administrators and staff involved

winning

set in the Mississippi of half a

“Our goals are to find a book that engages students in deeper thought and discussion…”

—Linda Morse, chair, Maroon Edition committee

faculty, staff and students with

in the program.

century ago, but it has much to

She added that community

say to the next generation of our

Keenum, said Linda Morse,

involvement through Starkville

state’s leaders. It is a short novel

chair of the Maroon Edition

Reads has been an important

that explores large themes—grief

committee.

component of Maroon Edition.

and loss, love and conflict within

“The committee reads a wide

As in earlier years, volunteers

families and communities, and the

selection of books and comes to

also will help build a Maroon

tension between past and future in

agreement about several to pass

Edition Habitat for Humanity

a changing society.”

input from MSU President Mark

All photos of Eudora Welty: Copyright Eudora Welty, LLC; Eudora Welty Collection - Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Alumnus WINTER 2011 3

Above left, garden detail from tour of Eudora Welty’s Jackson home.

Welty’s living room, center, which overlooks Pinehurst Street and nearby Belhaven College.

Freshman Katherine Davis, right, examines some of Welty’s many books.

Reading and service

“It’s important—learning

as many academic areas as

The service component

how to serve your neighbor. It

possible, as well as offering

of Maroon Edition also is

builds character, and it builds

students a chance to enter an essay

significant to Keenum, who sees

leadership,” Keenum said. “This

competition that addresses major

participation in the Habitat build

project is yet another chance

themes of the book.

as “a wonderful opportunity

for Mississippi State to continue

for students to be part of a well-

its mission of service to our

rounded college experience.”

community and our state.”

Keenum, who drove the first

Keenum also was among the

nail for the 2011 Maroon Edition

first to donate an MSU T-shirt to

The Welty home Among a host of activities scheduled for students during Dawg Daze, the Maroon Edition

“After the tour, I more fully understood that her writing was created by her life and that her life was filled with more than her work.” house during the week-long

Starkville resident Dot Livingston,

committee

Dawg Daze events opening the

who is using the MSU-themed

offered a bus

fall semester, believes the hands-

items to make quilts for three

trip to the

on experience helps immerse

families receiving Habitat homes.

students in the community, as well

4 Alumnus WINTER 2011

—Katherine Taylor Davis, freshman

Morse said the committee

Belhaven area home of Eudora Welty in Jackson. Built by her

as involve them in one of the core

schedules a wide range of

father in 1925 and now designated

values of Mississippi State.

activities, with a goal of involving

a National Historic Landmark,

the Tudor-style house remained

Davis continued: “I have read

A program for everyone

Welty’s only home until her death

The Optimist’s Daughter, and it

in 2001. It was where she wrote

has caused me to think about the

events were:

almost all of her fiction and essays.

way losing a loved one affects each

■ “ Eudora Welty: Mississippi

Guided by docents of the Welty

person in a unique way. After the

Daughter,” an exhibit about the

Foundation, the tour afforded a

tour, I more fully understood that

author’s life, Mitchell Memorial

rare glimpse into Welty’s lifestyle,

her writing was created by her life

Library.

gardens, and personality.

and that her life was filled with more

Katherine Taylor Davis, a freshman who participated, said

than her work.”

The tour, however, was

Among many Maroon Edition

■ “Eudora Welty in Context: Representing Race in New Deal Photography,” Department of

“one of the highlights of the day

just the beginning of a

for me was realizing that I have the

semester packed full of events

■ “Critical Perspectives on The

same color on my bedroom ceiling

surrounding the work and life

Optimist’s Daughter, a panel

as Miss Welty had on the walls

of one of Mississippi’s greatest

discussion featuring English

in hers.” (Welty’s bedroom was a

writers. Presentations, exhibits,

department faculty members.

soothing pale blue).

discussions, and tours covered

■ “An Evening with the Daughter’s

Art exhibit.

Davis also was struck by

a breadth of topics related to

Optimists,” a keynote event

the unique way Welty revised

Welty, ranging from her New

featuring Welty’s niece,

her work—she’d cut and pin

Deal photographs to her essays

biographer, and close friends.

passages, almost as though she

on civil rights. There was

were arranging paper dolls. One

even a cemetery tour and a

dramatic staging of the short

example is casually strewn on

presentation about “funeral food,”

story by actress Brenda Currin.

Welty’s dining room table, which,

an acknowledgement of the

like most surfaces in the home, is

death and funeral central to The

on aging parents, grief, and death,

covered with books.

Optimist’s Daughter.

sponsored by Gender Studies.

Peggy Prenshaw, left, of Millsaps College was among panelists for “An Evening with the Daughter’s Optimists.”

English professor Noel Polk, above left, moderated a panel that included (l-r) Welty’s niece Mary Alice White; Prenshaw; longtime friend Hunter Cole; and biographer Suzanne Marrs.

■ “Why I Live at the P.O.,” a

■ “Gender and Aging,” a panel discussion

Alumnus WINTER 2011 5

■ “Gardener, Friend, and Artist: Eudora Welty’s Gardening Letters and Her

discussion on Welty’s political and Civil

Artistic Development in the 1940s,” Dr.

Rights essays, sponsored by African

Julia Eichelberger, College of Charleston,

American Studies.

sponsored by Starkville Reads.

■ “Flourishing in Life: Some Things Get Better

■ “Welty’s Roots Run Deep: Geological and

with Age,” a lecture by Emory University

Geographical Influences Upon the Old

professor Corey Keyes, sponsored by the

South,” presentation by geosciences and

Department of Psychology, nSPARC, Office

landscape architecture faculty.

of Research and Economic Development,

■ Discussion of The Optimist’s Daughter, Dr. Pearl McHaney of Georgia State University, sponsored by Starkville Reads.

■ (Pictured above) “Eudora Welty: Exposures

and the Provost’s Office.

“Committees around campus and the community worked very hard to offer programming that explores the breadth and

and Reflections,” an exhibit of Welty

significance of Welty’s body of work,” Morse

photographs on loan from the Museum of

said. “In the third year of the Maroon

Mobile.

Edition program, we’re optimistic that it’s on

■ “One Writer’s Garden,” featuring Susan

very solid footing.” •

Halton, Welty garden restorer and maintenance director, sponsored by Starkville Reads.

6 Alumnus WINTER 2011

■ “ Where is the Voice Coming From?” A

• For more information, see

www.maroonedition.msstate.edu.

Black and white photos above: Courtesy of the Museum of Mobile.

Photos of Eudora Welty at left: Copyright Eudora Welty, LLC; Eudora Welty Collection - Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Maroon Edition brings Welty’s ‘Shoe Bird’ to elementary students

By Allison Matthews | Photo by Megan Bean

E

ach year, Mississippi State’s Maroon Edition First-Year Reading Experience makes a common book the focal point of campus-wide discussions and activities.

This year, the university expanded the experience throughout

the state and touched another group of students, some as young as third-graders.

After President Mark E. Keenum asked MSU freshmen this semester to collectively read Eudora Welty’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Optimist’s Daughter, Maroon Edition coordinators began planning a youth outreach component utilizing the MSU Extension Service’s statewide 4-H program.

Their efforts resulted in a project that brought the late Pulitzer Prize-winning Jackson author’s work to a wide audience beyond the Starkville campus. A key goal of the project was to give Mississippi children a lesson in reading comprehension.

MSU first lady Rhonda Keenum, who spearheaded the first

MSU first lady Rhonda Keenum (left), Molly Chamblee of Pontotoc (center) and 4-H youth development specialist Linda Mitchell are part of this year’s Maroon Edition Youth Project. A Pontotoc High School ninth-grader, Chamblee will play the role of a parrot during her 4-H drama team’s presentation of Eudora Welty’s “The Shoe Bird.”

youth project in 2010, again took a leading role in the 2011 project that involved at least 12 elementary schools stretching

and any programs that promote reading and comprehension

from Marshall County to George County.

for young people give us a valuable opportunity,” she added.

Older 4-H students dressed as the colorful bird characters

In addition to attending some of the school programs, the

from Welty’s The Shoe Bird while presenting dramatic readings

MSU alumna planned to host a fall reception to honor The

to elementary-age audiences. The young students then

Shoe Bird artwork winners chosen by a panel of judges.

responded by drawing pictures of what the book meant to them.

Linda Mitchell, extension 4-H youth development specialist, worked with the literacy team to help the 4-Hers prepare from the only book Welty wrote for young audiences. Performances focused on third through fifthgrade audiences.

Mitchell said the participating elementary schools were randomly selected from each district of the state.

Rhonda Keenum said the Maroon Edition plays off the

Mitchell characterized the book as providing “the right context” for youthful creativity.

“This is such a visual book, and I really like that it has such interesting characters with different voices,” Mitchell said.

The dramatic presentations also helped the older 4-H students, who read the book in its entirety to gain understanding before conveying the plot to their audiences, she observed.

“This builds their self confidence and helps them improve

common experience of students on the Starkville campus, but

communication skills when they stand before these

utilizing the 4-H program gave that shared experience a new,

classrooms of children,” Mitchell said. “The collaboration

statewide perspective.

with their group also helps with their team-building

“We are always looking to provide resources to our state,

approach.” •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 7

Strong support allows athletic facilities to expand

The Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex will house weight, training and locker rooms, along with coaches offices, under one roof. Named for the late MSU football player, Bulldog Club member, and president of Hancock Bank, the Seal Foundation supported the new facility with a $12 million lead gift, the largest in the history of the athletic department.

8 Alumnus WINTER 2011

By Harriet Laird | Photos by Russ Houston

W

hat’s in a building? For years, research has shown that quality facilities are among the main factors influencing student selection of colleges and universities.

Architectural Rendering: LPK Architects/HNTB

This holds true at Mississippi

“Facilities convey a certain

for where we’re going and what we

State University just as it does at

degree of quality. They say a

can look like. It gives us direction, so

the more than 630 public four-year

lot about who you are. With

that things aren’t done haphazardly.”

colleges and universities across the

the current and future building

To go hand-in-hand with the

U.S., and one person at MSU who

projects for athletics, we want to

masterplan is the current “Today,

understands the impact of bricks

logistically and asthetically add

Tomorrow, Forever” fundraising

and mortar is Athletic Director

to the functionality and beauty of

initiative in support of athletic

Scott Stricklin.

the entire campus,” Stricklin said.

facilities, and Stricklin is quick

“When we get out to work and sell

to point out that the dreams and

MSU athletics is estimated to

prospects on the university, good

future plans for his department can’t

spend $150 million on new

facilities are definitely a piece of

become reality without the very

and renovated buildings. While

that process.”

generous supporters he considers to

In the next five to seven years,

Stricklin’s focus is, of course,

Stricklin’s forward-thinking

be “exceptional Bulldogs.”

directed toward these athletic-

mindset on just what the accurate

specific projects, he does have

and correct composition of these

our number of supporters and

an uncanny perception of just

buildings should be is evident

in funding. We’re healthier

how important the right makeup

in the athletic masterplan, a

financially than we’ve ever been,

of space–classroom, laboratory,

document that is part of the overall

and this allows us to complete

residence hall, and extracurricular–

campus masterplan, due out in the

projects that are part of our plan,”

can be in a student’s overall

next couple of months.

he said, adding that his goal each

experience at Mississippi State.

He explained, “It’s a framework

“We’ve grown all around in

year is to advance, in some way,

Alumnus WINTER 2011 9

Photo by Megan Bean

Mize Pavilion, honoring the late Henry Mize, an alumnus and lifetime supporter of MSU athletics, is among the largest basketball practice facilities in the Southeastern Conference. The new building also includes the Adkerson Atrium, named for MSU alumnus Richard Adkerson.

is the $11.2 million Mize Pavilion,

resident Henry Mize, a 1938

attached to the south side of

graduate of Mississippi State and a

Humphrey Coliseum. The 57,611

lifetime supporter of MSU athletics.

structure has two collegiate

Anticipating that his department will spend about $150 million on construction and renovation in the next five to seven years, MSU Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said, “Facilities convey a certain degree of quality. They say a lot about who you are.”

regulation courts, which run the

now enter the building through

length of the building, four high

the Adkerson Atrium, named

school size cross courts, weight

for Richard Adkerson, an MSU

and training rooms, coaches

accounting graduate and chief

each of the 16 sports that comprise

offices, parking garage, and

executive officer of Freeport-

MSU athletics.

reception area.

McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. The

Now in his department’s top

With 23,500 square feet of court

position for a year and a half,

space, Mize Pavilion is among the

Stricklin has seen the completion

largest such practice facilities in the

of the Mize Pavilion, a state-of-

Southeastern Conference.

the-art basketball practice facility,

“This facility is making an impact

university’s school of accountancy also is named in his honor.

“The feeling of the entire Hump arena has changed for both men’s and women’s basketball,” he said.

begun under former athletic

in every way—in day-to-day

director Greg Byrne. And, in the

activities, recruiting players, and

next 12 to 15 months, Stricklin

in enhancing the overall campus

estimates that more than $100

appearance,” Stricklin said, also

million will have been initiated in

expressing his gratitude for support

new football facilities alone.

received from the Henry Mize

ceremony was held for the $25

Foundation, which initiated the

million Leo Seal Jr. Football

project with a lead gift of $4 million.

Complex to be constructed

The foundation, founded in 2003,

behind the Palmeiro Center and

is named for the late Booneville

overlooking the football practice

Mize Pavilion The newest addition to Mississippi State’s athletic facilities

10 Alumnus WINTER 2011

Visitors to the arena also can

Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex On Sept. 15, a groundbreaking

fields. The all-encompassing

of the practice fields also is

athletic department, Stricklin has

facility became a reality when

included in the project.

grown accustomed to being asked

the athletic department recently received its largest gift in history— $12 million—from the Seal Family Foundation of Gulfport.

Former Bulldog football

Davis Wade Stadium Expansion According to Stricklin, one of the biggest construction projects

players, Lee and Leo Seal, make

ever undertaken by Mississippi

the donation in honor of their

State will be the expansion of

late father, Leo Seal Jr., also a

the north end of Davis Wade

former MSU football player,

Stadium. The project includes the

longtime Bulldog Club member,

addition of 7,000 to 8,000 stadium

and president of Hancock Bank.

seats that will connect to the east

This lead gift joins contributions

and west sides of the structure,

of approximately $21 million

replacing the 3,000 bleacher seats

from more than 35 other families

currently in place.

supporting this project.

Stricklin said of the new project,

how Mississippi State athletic facilities “measure up” in the SEC. “To me, it’s not about comparisons. It’s about creating a better experience for our people

“This is a massive project to ‘tie in’ to the rest of the stadium,”

“Even though we have good football

Stricklin explained, adding that the

facilities, logistically they’ve been too

university will issue $80 million in

and fans. The growth we’re seeing

divided. This will put all operations

bonds for the construction, with

is because of the unified support

under one roof, allowing more

funds from the “Today, Tomorrow,

from our loyal and passionate

day-to-day interaction among the

Forever” initiative augmenting this.

supporters,” he said.

players and coaches and developing

“We’ve sold out of tickets the

That support is evident

a more family-like atmosphere

past two years, and we need to be

through the growth and

around the program.”

able to provide more opportunities

improvements in all of the men’s

for fans. As a university, we’re

and women’s sports. Tennis court

80,000-sq.-ft. building will bring

defined by creating great

resurfacing, a golf team practice

together weight, training and locker

opportunities, and we’re doing it

facility, volleyball sound system, a

rooms, along with coaches’ offices.

in a way that’s good for Mississippi

soccer clubhouse, baseball ribbon

State,” he said.

boards and scoreboard, and a

To accomplish this goal, the

Stricklin said that this will have an overall effect for athletics, with other sports programs gaining access to the department space

The Future With new construction and

that will become available once the

renovation projects as a constant

building is completed. Renovation

agenda item these days in the MSU

Twin brothers Lee and Leo Seal, second and third from left, participated in a September groundbreaking for the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex, which will bear their father’s name. Also on hand for the ceremony were, from left, MSU Head Football Coach Dan Mullen, MSU President Mark E. Keenum, and Athletic Director Scott Stricklin.

$3 million renovation to the track are all either in the works or on the horizon.

Stricklin concluded, “This is truly a great time to be a Bulldog.” •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 11

Photo by Chia Chiung Chong

Brandon Branch Behind the Scenes with Paula Deen

By Sheri Pape Photo by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

S

Brandon in a condo he decorated

avannah, Ga., is one of

town with a close-knit community

the quintessential cities

and laid-back lifestyle. Savannah

Enterprises is a 2000 Mississippi

that evokes the charm

is often referred to as the “hostess

State University alumnus helping

and hospitality of the

of the South,” and much of the

translate Southern elegance and

Deep South. Known for its oak-

city’s magnetism emanates from

culinary tradition through Paula’s

lined streets dripping with Spanish

its residents.

television show, magazine and line

moss, a mixture of perfectly

12 Alumnus WINTER 2011

of kitchen and home products.

preserved old world architecture,

name, when mentioned, exudes

and public squares that serve as

Southern charm and causes cravings

Brandon Branch, design director

a center for neighborhood and

of fried chicken, gooey cakes,

for Paula Deen Enterprises,

city dwelling, this port city is as

Lowcountry fare, and anything

on location at a photo shoot

picturesque as it is alluring.

including butter. Celebrity chef

for Cooking with Paula Deen

Paula Deen has made her home in

magazine. During our time

metropolitan areas, the city itself

the coastal city, and created a world-

together, Brandon described how

takes on the personality of a small

renowned culinary empire.

his MSU education and experience

Though one of Georgia’s largest Paula Deen and Brandon Branch

Of its most famous citizens, one

Behind the scenes of Paula Deen

I had the opportunity to visit

have helped propel a career in floral and interior design.

Our first stop was the studio house where “Paula’s Best Dishes” is filmed. Once the main home of

Paula’s day-to-day activities.

Two years after he started,

his own garden, as well as Paula’s on set. His goal is to make her

Paula gave him the opportunity to

kitchen look natural and beautiful,

decorate the set for her show.

as well as open and inviting.

“In the beginning it was all about

Our next stop was Paula’s

Paula and her husband, Michael

trial and error,” Brandon said. “I

home to check wardrobe, make-

Groover, the house now serves

had to figure out what colors and

up and hair for the magazine

primarily as a TV set. As Brandon

types of flowers worked on camera.

shoot. Brandon gave a tour of

showed me around, he described

Things in television don’t translate

the property, and showed off the

meeting Paula.

the same way as in a magazine, and

beautiful gardens he helped design.

“I moved to Savannah in 2001, and met Paula’s niece through

Brandon described the amount of planning that goes into designing a

had become famous,” he stated.

television set.

Paula,’ and I was hired shortly after.”

—Brandon Branch

“We have an entire room full of dishes, kitchenware and various

“I used lots of native plants when planning the landscape for

personal assistant. During the early

stated. “The colors and design of

Paula’s new home,” he stated. “My

years of her Emmy Award winning

the props are chosen based on the

goal was to make her house look

series Paula’s Home Cooking, he

theme of the show, dishes she is

as if it naturally fit into the marsh

took on various roles such as

preparing, and the particular time

and its surroundings.”

handling the production schedule,

of year the show will be aired.”

assisting on set, and managing

Above, a kitchen designed by Brandon Branch

“Growing up in Mississippi, I always thought MSU was the place to go.”

tools used to stage the set,” he

Brandon’s first job was as Paula’s

Above top, floral arrangement at Paula Deen’s home

color is the most important factor.”

some friends. This was before Paula “Carrie introduced me to ‘Aunt

Above left, studio house for “Paula’s Best Dishes”

Brandon utilizes flowers from

Raised on a small dairy farm near Tylertown, Brandon developed a

Alumnus WINTER 2011 13

Both photos on right by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

S

love for gardening and horticulture Floral arrangement in canoe, above, at Paula Deen’s home for her niece’s wedding Turtle shells, top right, are one of Branch’s design signatures Branch in Alaska, top right, at a photo shoot for Cooking with Paula Deen

as a young teenager. He would

Like most horticulture

“Choosing wardrobe for television and print is different,”

prepare floral arrangements for his

majors at MSU, Brandon had

Brandon described. “In print,

church and home, cutting fresh

the opportunity to work in the

jewelry cannot be too bright or

flowers from his family farm.

University Florist, as well as study

heavy, and in television smaller

under passionate and energetic

pieces can get lost.”

“Gardening and floral design have always been a part of my

professors such as Lynnette

life,” he said. “My grandmother

McDougald and Jim Del Prince.

instilled in me a love for plants,

“The thing about Brandon is

Shortly after meeting with the wardrobe consultant, Paula emerged from her bedroom for hair and

and taught me everything I know

that he is so funny and fun to

make-up. She is as charming and

about flowers.”

be around, yet he has remained

Southern as she appears on TV, and

humble despite his success,” stated

her “down to earth” personality is

Del Prince, professor of floral design

one of her best qualities.

“I had so much fun studying floral design that I didn’t think of it as work or school.”

for the College of Agriculture and

“Paula and I are extremely close,

Life Sciences. “I remember how

and I consider her to be like a

he always made appointments to

second mom,” said Brandon. “She

come to my office and discuss his

has made me part of her family,

educational goals. He knew what he

and we stay so busy that we don’t

design led him to Mississippi State

wanted to do after graduation, and

have time to stop and process how

University to pursue a degree in

really went after it.”

famous she has become.”

—Brandon Branch

Brandon’s passion for floral

horticulture.

14 Alumnus WINTER 2011

think of it as work or school.”

After a tour of Paula’s gardens

Paula’s relationship with

“Growing up in Mississippi, I

and home, Brandon and I made

Brandon is one reason the duo

always thought MSU was the place

our way inside to meet with the

has been so successful. In addition

to go,” he said. “I had so much fun

stylist and discuss wardrobe and

to work with the TV series and

studying floral design that I didn’t

jewelry for the shoot.

magazine, they co-wrote an

Savannah Style interior design book titled Paula

the day was in order. As soon as

Deen’s Savannah Style. Published in

everything was set, Paula and

2010, the 224-page book features

her husband, Michael, arrived

porch, I asked Brandon what

beautiful photography and home

and began the first of three

inspires him as a designer.

decorating tips capturing the true

photography sessions.

essence of Southern style.

Brandon briefed Paula on the

surroundings of the marshland.

As we sat rocking on the back

“Just look around at the beautiful trees, the marsh, the flowers. A lot

“Savannah Style came out

first scene, which was a cover for

of my ideas I draw directly from

of a desire for us to illustrate

a specialty magazine coming out

nature,” he stated. “I dream things

the beauty of Savannah, while

after Christmas.

up at night, and figure out a way to

showing America how we live in

Most sets are a frenzy of activity,

create it the next day.”

Of all his life experiences,

the South,” he described. “It’s like a

with staff running around styling

love letter, or an invitation to come

the scene, prepping the talent with

Brandon credits Mississippi State

and see our home.”

hair and make-up, and making

for much of what he has achieved.

sure every detail in the frame is

“We had amazing projects in

The book took a total of two years to write and select photography. Brandon and Paula

clean and ready to go.

Though all of these details were

school, and professors that taught us the sky was the limit,” he said.

wanted everything to be realistic, so

proficiently covered, the attitude

“My education kept me from going

images of all four seasons depicted

on set was much different than

back to the dairy farm, and opened

in the book were taken in season.

I imagined. Paula’s photo shoot

every door for me.”

About mid-morning, Brandon

reminded me of Savannah itself, with

The success of graduates like

settled Paula with hair and make-

a laid-back atmosphere and charm

Brandon Branch truly captures the

up, and we moved to the location

found only in the Deep South.

diversity and excellence an MSU

for the photo shoot. Brandon

During the eight-hour session,

education has to offer.

“If you can walk in a room with

checked with the magazine staff

we enjoyed sitting on the veranda,

and photographers to make sure

chatting about past and future

a college degree, you are way ahead

projects, and admiring the beautiful

of the game.” •

“It’s like a love letter, or an invitation to come and see our home.”

—Brandon Branch on Paula Deen’s Savannah Style Above photo of Deen and Branch

by Chia Chiung Chong

Alumnus WINTER 2011 15

MSU strives to lead state

in healthy trends

By Allison Matthews | Photos by Megan Bean

Dr. Holly Wiley, above, yoga and kinesiology instructor

L

ocated in a state frequently ranked high

is beneficial, but they hope the

The report says Newsweek

real benefits of promoting healthy

considered five factors of the

lifestyles within the university will

Mississippi State University is listed

college and the student body in

manifest in long-term positive

highly in a ranking of the healthiest

determining their listing, including

effects that can help Mississippi as

universities in the nation.

sexual health, drug scene, physical

a whole.

for obesity and diabetes,

In the recent report published

by Newsweek and The Daily Beast, MSU took the No. 3

16 Alumnus WINTER 2011

and Louisiana State University.

activity, campus food, and student health care.

Mississippi State administrators

“I think we see, as part of our obligation, a university which produces graduates who live and

healthiest college ranking,

say, though not scientific, the

work in Mississippi, that we help

behind Harvard University

recognition in the national report

inform our students about healthy

living. As they live and work in the state, our hope is that they will carry those healthy living patterns and begin to change the realities,” said Bill Kibler, vice president for student affairs.

Kibler added that the university works to keep students healthy both physically and emotionally. MSU has many units which play important roles on campus in helping achieve this outcome, he said.

Recreational Sports Laura Walling, director of the

Intramural/Recreational Sports

individuals to get in shape to run

Association, also features an indoor

a 5K race, she said.

swimming pool, rock climbing wall

“Over the years, we’ve had a

and space for basketball, volleyball,

complete evolution from essentially

MSU department of recreational

racquetball, badminton and table

not having much to having a wide

sports, has seen the university’s

tennis. Mississippi Magazine cited

variety of options to meet the

fitness facilities grow from an

the facility as Best Fitness Facility in

interests on campus,” Walling said.

aging gym with eight pieces of

the state in 2007.

She said in addition to Sanderson,

cardio equipment and 10 pieces of strength equipment to the 1998 opening the Joe Frank Sanderson Center, a 150,000-square-foot,

“When we opened the Sanderson Center, we went from the poor house to the big house, so to speak…” ­− Laura Walling, director of Recreational Sports

world-class recreation complex.

“When we opened the Sanderson Center, we went from

Sanderson Center membership

recreational sports offers the

the poor house to the big house, so

is included in tuition and fees for

RecPlex for outdoor sports,

to speak, and now we offer more

full-time students.

Chadwick Lake for fishing, as well

than 14,000 square feet related

Walling said recreational

to cardiovascular and strength

sports offers a full array of

training,” Walling said.

programs that address fitness

The Sanderson Center, which in

from a variety of different

The Joe Frank Sanderson Center, above, is a 150,000-square-foot recreation complex that features more than 14,000 square feet of cardiovascular and strength training space, in addition to basketball courts, racquetball courts, a jogging track, rock-climbing wall, aerobics studios, and a 500,000 gallon indoor swimming pool.

as the Sawyer Tennis Courts.

Health Information, Care The John C. Longest Student

2000 was named an Outstanding

perspectives. A “Couch to 5K”

Health Center is a campus hub

Recreational Facility by the National

program is currently training

of health information and care.

Alumnus WINTER 2011 17

The Longest Student Health Center, above, is the campus hub of health information and care.

As a physical therapist at the Longest Student Health Center, Kevin Randall, above right, helps about 80 students, faculty and staff members each week as they work through various orthopedic injuries.

Physician and director Bob Collins

flu vaccine clinics across campus

issues, high blood pressure, anxiety,

said a primary message to students

in October and November to try

depression, and a myriad of other

is that the things they do now

to lessen the impact of the flu on

medical issues.

have a significant impact on their

campus life.

whole-life health status.

Collins said in college-age young

The center also collaborates with other units on campaigns and

adults, substance use and abuse is a

programs, such as the “Exercise

In addition to a comprehensive

major health issue.

is Medicine” campaign – a joint

student health center and state-of-the

project of the health center,

art fitness facilities, the university’s

such as marijuana or cocaine,

Recreational Sports and the

Student Counseling Services,

but the biggest ones—tobacco

Department of Kinesiology to

Outreach and Sexual Assault

and alcohol,” he said. Other

promote exercise as a healthy way

Services, and Health Education and

health concerns are distracted

to treat many medical problems

Wellness programs all plug into a

driving, lack of exercise, and poor

including obesity, cholesterol

total-well-being approach by the

“It’s not just recreational drugs

“we want students to be informed about health choices which will lead them to an optimal quality of life.” ­− joyce yates, director of health education and wellness

nutritional habits, he added.

The health center has specifically targeted information to benefit students and the university community, such as the Flu WATCH At right, the department of recreational sports sponsors activities during an annual Strength and Fitness Week.

18 Alumnus WINTER 2011

Student Services, Outreach

campaign. Flu WATCH is an acronym that stands for Wash hands; Avoid close contact; Toss tissues; Cough into a tissue or your arm; and Hibernate (avoid others) if sick.

Collins said the health center holds

university to meet student health needs, as well as prevent health problems from arising.

“It takes everybody working together. We want students to

be informed about the healthy

what their health issues are so

successful while they’re at MSU.

choices which will lead them to an

that we can address these with the

We want to see them reach their

optimal quality of life,” said Joyce

programs we offer,” she said.

academic and personal goals,”

Yates, director of Health Education and Wellness.

Yates oversees a number of

Director of Student Counseling

Jensen said. She said the wellness

Services Leigh Jensen said the

groups help people with various

university also can boast of

topics, such as how to manage stress.

A variety of psycho-educational

programs designed to be easily

the level of quality counseling

accessible to students. Tobacco

available at no cost to students

workshops also are free and

cessation, nutrition, stress

from her department.

available on a number of health-

management, sexual health, drug

“We really have a state-of-the-art

“They’re interactive, but you

counseling center here at MSU,

alcohol are all topics covered in

in terms of the qualifications and

don’t have to be a client of the

year-round campus programming.

caliber of our counselors who are

counseling center to attend. They

While students are the targets of

available,” Jensen said.

are all free. Any student may attend

Nine full-time clinicians

any of our workshops,” Jensen said.

including psychologists,

The current wellness workshop

counseling psychologists, licensed

series includes overcoming anxiety,

focuses on healthy sleep habits,

professional counselors and

food and feelings, building healthy

emphasizing how important it is

licensed clinical social workers are

relationships, as well as a group

to get the right amount of sleep as

on staff. Jensen explained that her

designed specifically for veterans.

new college students transition to

unit expanded about a year ago,

the campus environment.

and a new psychiatrist will join the

also are welcome to participate.

Yates said one current program

“We constantly try to assess what it is that the students are

Outreach and Sexual Assault Services sponsors a Call to Men program.

university soon.

Student Counseling Services

facing that may deter them from

offers individual counseling

achieving their healthiest state,”

therapy, group therapy, meditation

Yates said. “That’s something that

groups, and wellness groups.

is always changing each year, so

Above, student makes use of the bench press and free weights at the Sanderson Center.

related issues.

prevention, and wise choices about

such programs, faculty and staff

Above left, yoga lessons are given during the campus Earth Day Fair.

“What we’re trying to do is

we’re constantly assessing the

provide students support to be

new students that come in and

academically and personally

Alumnus WINTER 2011 19

Students eating at Perry Cafeteria, above, enjoy a variety of healthy foods. Ingredients and nutritional information is listed on the Campus Dish website.

Campus Dining

“We list the daily menu

along with master planning efforts

In addition to the

and provide ingredients and

to foster a pedestrian friendly core

services designed to directly

nutritional information on the

campus, have broadened the scope

address health issues, MSU

Campus Dish website,” Nall

of staff contributing to the big picture

administrators recognize that

said. “All the menu items offered

relative to health issues.

promoting healthy lifestyles to

include nutritional information

The bike-sharing program

students includes a broad look

making it easy to find selections

has twice brought 100 bicycles

The campus bicycle fleet, above right, has been embraced by students who can pick up a bike and leave it anywhere on campus, on a firstcome, first-served basis.

at the gamut of everyday student

that are lower in fat, calories and

to campus (more than 145 are

activities, including campus

carbohydrates.”

currently operational). The bikes

“A lot of the students just like the convenience of [the bike program].” ­− Mike Harris, Director of Parking Operations

dining and even campus logistics.

to use on a first-come, first-served basis. They are not locked or chained, so students can literally just pick up a bike and go.

Director of Parking

healthy meal choices, Dining

Operations Mike Harris, who

Dining Services, operated by

Services utilizes Just4U, a health

oversees the university’s fleet

ARAMARK, educates customers

and wellness program that enables

of bikes, said students have

on the nutritional content of

customers to adopt healthier

embraced the program.

each menu item, said Jason Nall,

lifestyles. He said campus nutrition

executive director of MSU Dining.

demonstrations and other events

the convenience of it,” he said,

also promote healthy eating habits.

adding that he has seen a huge

Mississippi State University

Nall explained that meal planners and preparers believe in helping students, and all customers, proactively manage

20 Alumnus WINTER 2011

Nall said aside from offering

are available for anyone on campus

Bike Program One might not expect parking

“A lot of the students just like

increase of cyclists on campus.

Registration for personal bikes on campus is free, and administrators

their health and wellness goals by

services to play an essential role in the

say the health benefits of bikes are

providing a variety of healthy meal

university’s approach to total health

in addition to the benefits to the

options and the information to

and well-being, but the addition of

university’s transportation demand

make informed choices.

the campus bike-share program,

management system. •

FORYOU, YOURFAMILY, YOURCAREER ™

Where The Bell Rings On!

Professional Development | Online Courses | Personal Enrichment | Customized Corporate Training Family and Youth Camps | Continuing Education Units (CEUs) | Alumni Programs

www.ringon.msstate.edu

Tradition and Innovation

By Bob Ratliff

R

ocking B Cattle Ranch is a place where more than 150 years of family history, 21st century livestock genetics, and Brahman cattle all meet.

Located at the end of a quiet country lane near

Raising livestock, primarily cattle, is also part of the

Wiggins in Stone County, the ranch headquarters

family heritage. Sheep were important as late as the

is home to Shep and Tracey Batson and their three

1940s, but when Shep’s father, Archie, graduated from

daughters: Reagan, 13; Hadley, 7; and Arrah Beth, 2. At

Mississippi State University in 1964, he began breeding

Rocking B, there is a strong commitment to family and

primarily English breeds of cattle—including Hereford

to the land, which began in 1841 with a grant of land

and Angus—with Brahman bulls. He and his wife Sue

signed by President Martin Van Buren to Shep’s great,

and children Kim, Shep, and Brandy operated ABC Cattle

great, great grandfather, John Deal.

Company, and Brahman cattle soon became a passion.

22 Alumnus WINTER 2011

“The first polled Brahman calves were sorry, knotty calves and no one wanted to do anything with them,” Shep said. “But Daddy, against my wishes, was bound and determined to do something with them, and thank the Lord he didn’t give up on them.”

In 1974, Archie acquired their first registered polled Brahman cows from a ranch in Florida, but finding a good polled bull for the herd was a problem.

“At that time, there weren’t any good polled bulls, but I knew there was such a thing,” Archie said. “One day, a guy “Brahman just grow faster and do better in our climate,”

got me to go down to Saucier to help catch a wild Brahman

the elder Batson said. “They can utilize things that the

bull yearling. When I roped him, I could tell he was naturally

English breeds won’t even eat.”

polled. When we got him in the trailer, the guy asked me

The Brahman breed originated in India and has had

‘now that I’ve got him, what am I going to do with him?’”

a reputation in this country for having a bad temper,

Batson bought the bull on the spot for his breeding

due mainly to the use of “wild bucking Brahman” bulls

program and soon determined that the young bull had a

in rodeos. That reputation, however, is undeserved,

special genetic trait—he was homozygous—which meant

according to Archie Batson.

the polled gene would be passed along to all his offspring.

“Brahman cattle respond to how you treat them,” he

“We bred him to Holstein cows and he produced good

said. “If you treat them rough, they respond rough, but I

calves and every one of them was polled,” he said. “The

would rather work Brahman cattle than any other breed.

only problem was, he wasn’t registered.”

My granddaughter Reagan says they have their individual personalities and remind her of people.”

That problem was solved in 1978 when Batson bought his first registered polled Brahman bull, LH 3, in

The James Batson family, opposite page, in front of their home, circa 1900. The recently renovated house is now home to Shep and Tracey Batson and their three daughters.

The log house, at left, built by Archie’s father, Hollis Batson, in the 1930s is still used for monthly family reunions. The elder Batson was an avid collector of petrified wood, which lines the walkway to the house.

Shep, below left, and Archie Batson agree that Brahman cattle’s wild rodeo image is undeserved.

By the early 1970s, the Batson family started hunting for polled, or hornless, genetics in the Brahman breed.

“Cattle have to be dehorned for feed lots to take them,” Archie said. “Dehorning itself is not expensive, but it’s followed by weight loss and that can cost the cattleman a lot of money.”

Both Archie and Shep Batson agree that using genetics to produce polled calves has been the key to their success with Brahman cattle.

“It is just more economical if the bull dehorns them for you,” Shep said. “It causes a lot fewer problems.”

However, widespread acceptance of polled Brahman by cattlemen was slow.

Alumnus WINTER 2011 23

Artifacts collected

by Hollis Batson help preserve the history of farming and logging in south Mississippi.

California, laying the foundation for the registered

data, has put the Batsons at the forefront of the polled

polled Brahman herd at Rocking B today.

Brahman cattle industry in the U.S. The Rocking B

During the 1980s, the Batson children began raising

operation specializes in overseas sales of semen and

registered polled Braham cattle under the KBS brand,

embryos from the herd, and there is strong demand,

while their parents continued with the registered

especially in countries with tropical or arid climates.

horned side of the operation. In 2001, Shep and his wife

“Some of our biggest customers are in Australia,”

restructured the polled herd as Rocking B Cattle. They

Shep said. “Brahman and Brahman crossed with other

purchased a polled Brahman bull, JME Mr. Esto 28/8,

breeds are about all that can make it in parts of Australia

“The Brahman breed originated in India and has had a reputation in this country for having a bad temper…That reputation, however, is undeserved.”

–Archie Batson

from a Florida ranch. Mr. Esto turned out to be a rare find—a registered homozygous polled Brahman bull— the only one known to exist at the time.

24 Alumnus WINTER 2011

because of the hot, dry climate.”

Batson, who is serving as director of the American Brahman Breeders Association and president of the

“I bought him as a yearling over the telephone just on his

Mississippi Brahman Association, also sees a bright

pedigree,” Shep said. “He turned out to be homozygous and

future for polled Brahman in this country, especially

improved our quality. That opened a lot of doors for us.”

in the Southeast.

Purchasing quality animals, followed by the use of

“In the southeastern United States, you need the

genetic testing and maintaining good performance

Brahman influence in cattle to handle the heat,” he said.

“Now there is a trend toward crossing Brahman with Angus and other breeds to get Brahman genetics into commercial herds, which is good for us and for the overall beef industry.”

While Archie and Shep Batson have made significant contributions to the beef cattle industry in south Mississippi and beyond, they are not likely to be the last in the family to do so, according to Brad Jones, 4-H agent with the Stone County Extension office.

The log house built by Hollis Batson in the 1930s is now home to his eclectic collection of historic artifacts, including this table supported by cattle horns.

Hadley is already participating in shows,” Jones said.

“Shep’s daughter Reagan shares her father’s and

“Their family, with their love of the land and dedication

grandfather’s passion for Brahman cattle and at 13 is

to improving the cattle business, is an example of what

a veteran of livestock shows, and her 7-year-old sister

makes this country’s livestock industry great.” •

Warm up with Beef Chilly Day Beef Chili(Makes 6 to 8 servings)

Ingredients: 2-1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck or round, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) black beans, rinsed, drained 1 can (15-1/2 ounces) chili-style tomato sauce with diced tomatoes 1 medium onion, chopped 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 cup prepared thick-and-chunky salsa 1. Combine all ingredients except salsa and toppings in 4-1/2 to 5-1/2-quart slow cooker; mix well. Cover and cook on HIGH 5-1/2 to 6 hours, or on LOW 8 to 9 hours, or until beef is tender. (No stirring is necessary during cooking.)

2. Just before serving, stir in salsa; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Serve with toppings, as desired.

Toppings: Shredded Cheddar cheese, diced red onion, diced green onion, diced avocado and dairy sour cream

For great BEEF recipes and nutrition information go to:

WWW.msbeef.org Mississippi Beef Council • 680 Monroe St. Suite A • Jackson, MS 39202 • (601) 353-4520 Sponsored by Mississippi’s Beef Producers through the Beef Checkoff Program Alumnus WINTER 2011 25

ACCESS Program opens new doors at Mississippi State

By Allison Matthews | Photos by megan bean

they understood their student wouldn’t meet regular admission requirements, but they were in need of some kind of program to provide the next step.”

While MSU has a long history of support for students with disabilities, Capella said programs designed to provide higher education for students with intellectual disabilities are a relatively new concept.

Now, ACCESS is providing a new option. “We’re definitely in our infancy, but I think it’s going to grow fast,” Capella said.

Sophomore Katherine P. Phillips of Yazoo City became the first student admitted to the ACCESS Program.

The program focuses on enhancing the quality of life new program at Mississippi State is

for students with intellectual disabilities and providing

helping students with unique

a post-secondary option for higher education. It also

challenges attain a college experience

incorporates exposure to internship opportunities to

and develop career and life skills.

The ACCESS Program, implemented in the 2010-

“We looked to George Mason University near

11 school year, provides on-campus instruction in

Washington, D.C., as a model for a program they

independent living, employment and social skills for

had established, and we traveled there to observe and

young adults with intellectual disabilities. ACCESS is

participate in some of the programming,” Capella

an acronym for academics, campus life, community

said. “To start something like this, you’ve got to be

involvement, employment opportunities, socialization,

entrepreneurial.”

and self-awareness.

Julie Capella, assistant dean and director of

The veteran student affairs administrator said the concept immediately seemed like a good fit because

Student Support Services, said the office regularly has

MSU students seem to embrace diversity on campus

received inquiries from parents of young people with

and particularly students with disabilities. “Our students

intellectual disabilities throughout her career.

really reach out to these students, and they get even more

“People would say they had a son or daughter about

26 Alumnus WINTER 2011

help participants develop employment skills.

enrichment from interacting with them,” she observed.

to age out of the education opportunities that were

Sophomore Katherine P. Phillips of Yazoo City

currently available,” Capella said. “They would say

became the first student admitted to the ACCESS

first must be assessed and appropriate goals set to ensure success. The program’s primary instructor, Brecken Crabtree, a former middle-school special education teacher, works to ensure the students are growing according to their individual levels and objectives.

Certificates of successful completion will be presented at the four-year program’s conclusion.

Capella said it’s not unusual for institutions which implement complex assistance programs like ACCESS Program last year. The daughter of Chat and Mary Kay Phillips, she began campus studies in August 2010.

Phillips said she was excited about the prospect of

to begin with only a very limited number of students.

For families, the financial cost often is a barrier, since few government or other subsidies currently are

life on campus, but also felt nervous about being away

available. Even if finances are available, permitting

from home.

a child with an intellectual disability to leave for

She quickly adapted to the new surroundings and soon got involved with various student activities, including Dawg Days and Relay for Life. She also began attending programs of the Wesley Foundation, the

university study can be a big step for families to take.

“It takes a lot of trust and willpower from the parents to make this a successful experience,” Capella said.

She said she hopes private contributions and possible

United Methodist student center, and was delighted by

future grants will become available to help offset

the many campus dining experiences.

costs for families interested in the ACCESS program.

“She’s done beautifully,” Capella said of Phillips’

Enrollment applications are being accepted for the fall

transition. She added that Phillips quickly achieved

2012 semester.

a new level of personal independence throughout

• For more information, see

campus, primarily walking but occasionally utilizing

www.sss.msstate.edu/access.

Katherine Phillips, left, had the opportunity to learn some new cooking techniques, along with classmates Anna Trundle and Taylor Devan, in the human sciences class Science of Food Preparation.

The course is a study of foods and the principles underlying handling and preparation of food products to maintain highest standards of quality.

ACCESS students Livingston Harper, below left, and Katherine Phillips, right, play a game that helps build consumer math skills.

ACCESS Instructor Brecken Crabtree, center, works with the students to provide group activities and individual customized curriculums based on each student’s unique strengths and needs.

the shuttle bus system to get to classes, meals, visits with new friends, and other daily activities. Now, Phillips is also a member of a new Christian sorority on campus, Phi Lamb.

After a successful pilot year, the ACCESS Program admitted a second student, Livingston Harper, who enrolled at the start of the fall 2011 semester. Harper is the son of Congressman Gregg Harper and Sidney Harper of Pearl.

“The pilot program worked very well, and we are excited about the future,” Capella said.

Academic plans for ACCESS participants are developed on an individual basis. Each student’s abilities

Alumnus WINTER 2011 27

Campus

NEWS

11

Winter

ALUMNUS

MSU biofuels research contributes to national security

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus

M

ississippi State biofuel research can help the Navy

“We simply buy too many fossil

in oil costs have significant effects on the military branch’s budget.

achieve national security goals by

fuels from too many volatile areas

Each time the price of a barrel of oil

providing domestic energy from

on this earth,” Mabus told the group

increases by one dollar, Mabus said

non-fossil fuels, the Secretary of the

of researchers, business people and

the Navy pays an additional $31

Navy announced in October.

others affiliated with the alternative

million in fuel costs.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus,

energy field. “We simply have to

To encourage development of

a former Mississippi governor,

insulate ourselves from those supply

alternative energy sources, Mabus

addressed the university’s annual

shocks and price shocks.”

said the Navy, the Department of

biofuels conference to discuss his vision for biofuels assisting with

28 Alumnus WINTER 2011

strengthening national security.

Due to the Navy’s enormous fleet and energy consumption, increases

Agriculture and the Department of Energy have partnered to invest $510

This process tests esterified bio-oil as boiler fuel. Esterified bio-oil is produced using a process developed

by Phil Steele in Forest Products.

university research areas, faculty and staff concentrate throughout the year on ways to develop fuel sources from methods not involving fossil fuels or food sources. MSU research advances have led to significant developments in finding useful million for development of non-fossil

amounts of fuel on a larger scale than

energy sources related to industrial

fuels from non-food sources. He said

previously possible on campus.

waste, timber byproducts and

the alternative energy research from

Steele said in about a year, the

research institutions in the U.S. will

university’s shuttle system may use

allow the nation to wean the military

biofuel generated at the pilot facility,

who served as the undersecretary

from foreign energy suppliers.

showcasing biofuel advances on

of agriculture prior to his current

campus. MSU has capabilities to

leadership role, said finding

State is doing is impressive,” he said

produce at the pilot level bio-crude,

solutions to this national and global

of the university’s biofuels research.

bio-oil and synthetic gas.

challenge that can benefit the

“The scope of what Mississippi

MSU’s Energy Institue director

The biofuels conference attracts a

wastewater treatment plants.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum,

state of Mississippi embodies the

Glenn Steele, who holds the Bobby

wide range of business and research

university’s mission as a land grant

Shackouls Endowed Professorship

interests, including California-based

institution.

in Engineering, helped organize

General Atomics and the National

the biofuels conference, said the

Science Foundation.

university’s level of expertise and technical capabilities in agriculture and engineering allow for a wide range of projects.

“We have the full spectrum of capabilities to support the biofuels industry from feed stocks to engines,” Steele said.

Recently, MSU opened a biofuel test pilot facility in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park located near the university’s campus. Researchers

While the annual biofuels conference focuses attention on

“This is something that we as a nation have committed to doing,” Keenum said. “Mississippi State has a vital contribution to make.” • Shown are alternative energy researchers Drs. Rafael Hernandez, associate professor and the Texas Olefins Endowed Professor in Chemical Engineering; Todd French, associate professor; and Andro Mondala, postdoctoral associate. All are from the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering.

at the pilot facility will generate

Alumnus WINTER 2011 29

Campus

NEWS

11

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ALUMNUS

MSU innovations focus paying dividends,

more to come MSU student entrepreneurs, Chase Neal, left, and Robbie Spears, owner of The Juliet Collective brand of guitar pedals and amplifiers. Spears said he always loved music and electronics, but never focused on business until he began working with MSU’s Entrepreneurship Center.

M

ississippi State officials

are reporting significant

progress in ongoing efforts to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, form private-sector partnerships, and move more university-developed technology into the marketplace.

Fulfilling its mission of teaching, research and service, MSU’s central economic development objective is to strengthen collaborations between the university, economic development organizations

providing real world opportunities

of university-owned and student-

and businesses to create high-

for our students, who are the next

generated intellectual properties,

wage jobs, said David Shaw,

generation of innovators, inventors

Shaw noted. The intellectual

vice president for research and

and leaders.”

properties stem from new ideas,

economic development.

inventions, software, and creative

strategy came earlier this year

works developed through research

ecosystem in place that is

with the merger of the university’s

and other scholarly activities, he

growing MSU’s capacity and

Entrepreneurship Center

explained.

the state’s economy through

and the Office of Technology

increasing licensing agreements

Commercialization.

“We have the innovation

and building other profitable

30 Alumnus WINTER 2011

He said a key addition to that

The new Office of

OETT director Gerald Nelson, who is also the Jack Hatcher Endowed Chair in Engineering

relationships with both existing

Entrepreneurship and Technology

Entrepreneurship, said his

industries and university startup

Transfer has boosted efficiency and

office “has taken purposeful

companies,” Shaw said. “Our

the land-grant institution’s ability

steps to make innovation and

research enterprise is creating

to capture, protect, manage, and

entrepreneurship priorities.

jobs, enhancing quality of life and

accelerate the commercialization

“We have been building that

culture with students, faculty

Research Council found that

expansion via education, research

and staff for a number of

the primary drivers of future

and outreach.

years,” he added. “Last spring’s

economic growth and job

merger took us to a new level

creation are going to come

opportunities for our research

of cooperation, and provided

from advances in science and

to be utilized by business and

us with additional resources to

engineering. Mississippi State

industry to create jobs and

nurture entrepreneurs on campus

and other flagship research

economic opportunities that

and connect with private sector

institutions already are

benefit all of us,” said Melvin Ray,

partners.”

contributing to the coming wave

MSU associate vice president for

of innovation-based economic

economic development. •

In a recent study, the National

“We are working to provide

MSU students finish first,

third in national engineering challenge T

wo Mississippi State student teams are top winners of

an annual national competition organized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

The three-person teams of chemical engineering majors finished in first and third place among more than two dozen other university groups from

factors, including safety protocols

of Jayess and James R. Wright of

around the country.

and environmental impacts of the

Water Valley.

Designed and judged by professionals in the field, the

proposed process.

The 2011 win represents the

Finishing in third place were Rebecca Atkinson of Hattiesburg,

contest involves a challenge that

second first-place finish for an MSU

Erin Casey of Pass Christian and

typifies a real, working, chemical

team over the past four years. The

Andrew S. Estess of Petal.

engineering design situation. The

earlier victory took place in 2008.

All winners were recognized

solution requires a wide range of

This year’s top student group

formally in mid-October at the

skills in calculating and evaluating

included Derek Needham of

AIChE Annual Student Conference

both technical data and economic

Gulfport, Justin B. Williamson

in Minneapolis, Minn. •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 31

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ALUMNUS

er beware' 'Hir in online environments W

hile many Americans believe they, like George Washington, cannot tell a lie,

a Mississippi State business researcher is finding that most have no problem fudging facts under the “right circumstances.”

In separate studies published in 2008 and later this year, Kent Marett, an assistant professor at the university, and colleagues at other academic institutions involved students in voluntary studies. Their two sets of controlled experiments were designed to gauge deceptive communication.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum hammered the first nail for this year’s Habitat for Humanity house, a Service DAWGS and Maroon Edition project.

In the first study completed with colleagues at Florida State and Connecticut State universities, researchers evaluated the ability of interviewers to detect falsehoods in applicants’ resume-listed qualifications. While lie detection has been well

Service DAWGS giving back through volunteerism

M

ississippi State student

organization designates a day to

is designed to give incoming

volunteers dispersed

“give back” to the community

freshmen, returning students, and

throughout Oktibbeha County and

and area through various

university faculty and staff the

neighboring counties in August

volunteer projects. DAWGS is

opportunity to make new friends

as part of the university’s 2011

an acronym for Donating A

and help the community through

Service DAWGS project.

Wonderful Gift of Service.

various projects. Last year, more

Each year prior to the fall semester, the campus

32 Alumnus WINTER 2011

April Heiselt, who leads the organization, said the activity

than 250 volunteers participated.

Heiselt, an assistant professor

documented in face-to-face

to determine the accuracy of

the second study participated at

communication, their study targeted

job applicants’ qualifications.

the three universities during five

computer-mediated communication,

Applicants, on the other hand,

experimental sessions. The goal here

including e-mail, instant messaging,

were instructed to make their

was to test the impact of deception

chat, and text messaging to judge

resumes “competitive.”

in group decision-making.

the effect of these “distancing” technologies on lie detection.

The investigation found

Researchers found that

interviewers who received

one deceptive player--even if

warnings were more likely to

undetected--could have dramatic

published in IEEE Transactions on

detect deception than those who

negative effects on a team’s

Professional Communications, a

weren’t. Also, the “applicant” pool

performance. In the battlefield

peer-reviewed, quarterly journal

deftly embellished qualifications to

game study, the team with a rogue

devoted to applied research on

make itself stand out.

player missed targets 72 percent of

Results from 2008 were

professional communication.

“Much of today’s communication,

The second study involved collaboration with faculty at

the time, compared to 33 percent in the control group.

including job interviews, often takes

Louisiana Tech and Illinois State

place in an online setting,” Marett

universities. Soon also to be

to be the first study in this area,

noted, adding that students were

published in IEEE Transactions

the multi-school research teams

assigned the role of interviewer or

on Professional Communication,

agreed that future investigations

job applicant.

this study examined the effect of

should delve further into effects

deception in virtual “teams,” such

of deception and other disruptive

as military organizations might use.

influences on virtual team

Half of the interviewers were warned job applicants sometimes lie; half weren’t. All were asked

of counselor education and educational psychology, also

More than 200 students in

behavior and performance. •

Student volunteers line up to participate in MSU’s annual Service DAWGS Day.

students, she added.

“Service is a very important

is chair of MSU’s community

part of the learning process,

engagement committee.

and this is an excellent way for

She said the land-grant institution

Conducting what they believe

students to start the semester,”

has a strong tradition of giving back

Heiselt said. “It also gives our new

to the state and its communities.

students a great opportunity to

Volunteerism also offers tangible

connect with the local community

benefits to both the community and

in a meaningful way.” •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 33

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ALUMNUS

English, math, textiles professors

selected as Fulbright Scholars L-R, Mississippi State University professors and Fullbright Scholars, Mohsen Razzaghi, Rich Raymond, and Phyllis Miller

T

hree Mississippi State professors have been awarded Fulbright Scholarships for the 2011-12

academic year.

Mississippi State’s mathematics and statistics department head will spend part of the year in Romania as a Fulbright Scholar.

Mohsen Razzaghi is teaching and conducting

Romania. He visited the nation twice to present research at academic conferences, and he said he admires the people and geographic beauty of the country bordering the Black Sea. After graduating from high school in Tehran, the Iranian native received his bachelor’s degree in

research at the Technical University of Civil

mathematics from the University of Sussex in England.

Engineering in Bucharest, Romania. He began his

He received his master’s degree in applied mathematics

Fulbright appointment in October.

at the University of Waterloo in Canada before

“I feel very fortunate to be chosen for this very prestigious program,” Razzaghi said. “It will be a great opportunity to study the teaching culture and educational system of Eastern Europe.”

34 Alumnus WINTER 2011

The MSU scholar has a personal interest in

returning to the University of Sussex to complete a doctoral degree in mathematics.

While in Romania, he will lead graduate-level seminars and workshops featuring techniques he developed for the

study of “orthogonal functions and wavelets in dynamical systems and engineering.” He will also research reasons for

establishing a new college of fashion.

“I’m going to teach computer-aided design and teach

comparatively high success Romanian high school students

them to use their own cultural and historical influences

have in learning mathematics.

as an inspiration for clothing and accessory design,”

The head of Mississippi State’s English department will

Miller said.

spend the spring semester in Europe as a Fulbright Scholar.

The research component of Miller’s work will

Rich Raymond will teach 20th century American

document the culture’s use of colors, symbols and

literature in the master’s degree program at the

styles of dress. She will study museum collections to

University of Pristina in Kosovo. He also will assist

gather information, including color samples, from

the faculty with curriculum development and

historical garments. She will classify the color data

conduct research while at the Balkan university,

according to international databases.

according to an announcement by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

His research will explore the literacy histories of

In September 2005, Miller received a Fulbright lecturing and research fellowship to teach textile design courses and to develop the prototype for

professors and graduate students to determine how

an electronic database of costumes at the National

their personal stories and their country’s troubled

Academy of Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2006, she

history have shaped their views toward teaching and

received a Fulbright-Hays fellowship to participate

learning as ways to shape Kosovo’s future.

in the Fabric of Indian Life Study tour. She received

A doctoral graduate of Miami University, Raymond

the MSU Faculty Diversity Award in 2010. Her textile

also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English

and apparel designs have been selected for numerous

from the University of Wyoming.

prestigious juried exhibitions and have won both

In 2003, he was selected by the U.S. State Department-sponsored program for a Fulbright grant

critical and popular awards.

Miller received her bachelor’s degree from

to the University of Shkoder in neighboring Albania.

Mundelein College, now part of Loyola University, a

His teaching experience there led to a book, Teaching

Master of Arts from Michigan State University, and a

American Literature at an East-European University:

doctorate in textiles, design and journalism from the

Explicating the Rhetoric of Liberty (Edwin Mellon

University of Tennessee.

Press, 2006).

“It’s exciting to teach these students American

The government’s flagship international educational exchange, the Fulbright program is designed

literature,” Raymond said. “It’s the literature of liberty

to increase mutual understanding between the

and the literature of slavery for people who grew up

people of the United States and other countries. Its

under communism.”

primary funding source is an annual appropriation

Phyllis Miller, a professor in apparels, textiles and merchandising in MSU’s School of Human Sciences, has received a lecturing and research appointment

by Congress to the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Fulbright recipients are selected on the basis of academic

with the College of Engineering at the University of

or professional achievements, as well as on demonstrated

Mauritius. The university, located in the Republic of

leadership potential in their fields. The program operates

Mauritius, an island off Africa’s southeast coast, is

in more than 155 countries worldwide. •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 35

Campus

NEWS

11

Winter

ALUMNUS

IHL board extends contract for

President Keenum enrollment and achievements in all

on Global Affairs. Earlier this year,

facets of the university.

MSU established the International

“Dr. Keenum has proven himself to be a dedicated leader

36 Alumnus WINTER 2011

“Since becoming president of

with a vision for the future of

Mississippi State, Dr. Keenum has

Mississippi State University,” said

exhibited absolutely outstanding

Trustee Robin Robinson of Laurel,

leadership in all phases of the

president, Board of Trustees of State

university,” said Jim Rouse

Institutions of Higher Learning. “He

of Houston, Texas, president

appreciates the role that students,

of the MSU Development

faculty, alumni and the community

Foundation. “He has emphasized

play in the success of the university

the recruitment of top quality

and has brought all of them together

students, expanded enrollment,

to help MSU to excel.”

increased research activities, and

Over the past year, Keenum

M

Institute on campus.

has led an effort to raise MSU’s

supported record fund raising...all with great success.”

ississippi State University

involvement and stature in the

President Mark E.

international arena, seeking to link

22,000-student university by

Keenum received a great vote

the university’s strengths in food

2015, along with his hands-on

of confidence from the Board

production, food safety, and related

involvement in recruiting and

of Trustees of State Institutions

areas to the vast needs in other

promoting MSU, have helped fuel

of Higher Learning when they

parts of the world. He met with

the record enrollments of the past

voted unanimously to extend

leaders of the United Nations Food

two years. This fall’s enrollment

his contract for four more years.

and Agriculture Organization and

was well over 20,000. Recent fall

The extension follows a careful

other international organizations

semester headcount totals were

review that included meetings with

last summer in Rome. He has been

Fall 2010, 19,644; Fall 2009, 18,601;

stakeholders across each campus.

named to the advisory group of the

Fall 2008, 17,824.

Since Dr. Keenum’s appointment

Global Agricultural Development

in 2009, MSU has enjoyed record

Initiative of the Chicago Council

Keenum’s vision for a

Keenum’s leadership was the driving force behind the StatePride

Faculty Awards and the StatePride annual

has had a distinguished career in public

scholarships that were presented on campus

service. He served as a member of the

master’s and doctoral degrees in

last fall, and are scheduled again for this

Mississippi State University faculty before

Agricultural Economics from Mississippi

year. The StatePride initiative has currently

joining the Washington, D.C., staff of U.S.

State. He also earned an associate of

attracted more than $65 million in gifts

Senator Thad Cochran in 1989 as legislative

arts degree from Northeast Mississippi

and pledges toward the $100 million goal.

assistant for Agriculture and Natural

Community College. A graduate of

Of that amount, about $24 million is

Resources. From 1996-2006, he served as

Corinth High School, he is married to the

designated for faculty support and the rest

Senator Cochran’s chief of staff. He then

former Rhonda Newman of Booneville,

for scholarships.

served for two years as Under Secretary of

who is also an MSU graduate. The

the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Keenums have four children. •

A graduate of Mississippi State, Keenum

Keenum received his bachelor’s,

Brown named new MSU-Meridian dean, associate vp A Kansas university administrator

Gilbert, MSU provost and executive

with an extensive background in

vice president. “We felt his many

arts and music education is the new dean

accomplishments, along with his previous

and associate vice president of Mississippi

service in Mississippi higher education,

State University’s Meridian campus.

made him the best candidate for this very

Since 2007, Steven F. Brown has been dean of liberal arts and sciences

important position.”

Brown is a 1986 doctoral graduate of

at Emporia State University, which was

North Texas State University. He received

established in 1863 as that state’s first

bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music

public higher learning institution and

education from Arkansas State University

currently enrolls 6,500.

in 1974 and 1977, respectively.

Prior to ESU, Brown served for eight

As an ESU dean, Brown helped

years as professor and chair of the music

lead in implementing a number of

who left earlier this year for a college

department, as well as associate dean

interdisciplinary degrees, as well as a

administration position in Alabama.

of the College of Liberal Arts, at the

dual-admission program with Kansas

University of Mississippi. He earlier held

community colleges. At Ole Miss, he

Meridian has grown to an enrollment

teaching and administrative positions

was involved directly in developing and

of more than 700 undergraduate and

at Northwest Missouri State and East

opening the Gertrude Ford Center, a

graduate students. In addition to

Central (Okla.) universities, and at the

major performing arts venue similar

Lauderdale, the majority of its students

University of Northern Iowa.

to the MSU Riley Center in downtown

come from Clarke, Jasper, Jones, Kemper,

Meridian.

Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott

“Dr. Brown brings a wealth of professional experience and knowledge to MSU-Meridian,” said Jerome A.

Brown officially begins his new duties Oct. 1. He succeeds Jack E. Tucci,

Since being created in 1972, MSU-

counties, as well as the adjacent West Alabama region. •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 37

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NEWS

11

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ALUMNUS

McRae new director of

MSU veteran's center program established in 2006 to provide comprehensive,

“Mississippi State is a unique

professional services to student

place,” McRae said. “It historically

veterans, service members,

has a background of strong ties and

dependents, and survivors.

relationships with the military and

He comes to MSU from

is one of the top military-friendly

Millsaps College in Jackson, where

universities in the nation. I am

he served as assistant dean of

honored to have the opportunity to

admissions since retiring from the

be a part of that tradition.”

military in 2005.

McRae is a Blountsville,

From 1981-93, McRae also was executive director of the National

veteran of more than three

Ala., native and 33-year Army

Guard Association of Alabama.

decades with the Alabama

National Guard member.

Additionally, he has worked as an

National Guard is the new head

He holds a political science

independent consultant, advising

of Mississippi State’s G.V. “Sonny”

degree from the University of

clients in areas of government

Montgomery Center for

Alabama-Birmingham and a

relations and contracts.

America’s Veterans.

master’s in public administration

Retired Army Colonel Kenneth D. McRae leads the university

KI N G BLUES

Photo by Beth Newman

OF THE

38 Alumnus WINTER 2011

University in St. Louis, Mo.

He succeeds Andrew Rendon,

and procurement/acquisition

who has returned to active

management from Webster

military duty. •

Hopper selected for

expanded ag, forestry leadership role

T

he dean of Mississippi State’s

the colleges and merge only their

College of Forest Resources

administration.

and director of the Forest and

Gregory Bohach, vice president

Hopper has served as dean of MSU’s College of Forest Resources for six

Wildlife Research Center has taken

of the Division of Agriculture,

years. Before becoming

on an expanded leadership role.

Forestry and Veterinary Medicine,

dean, he spent 11 years as

and Jerry Gilbert, MSU provost

head of the department

serves as dean of the College of

and executive vice president,

of forestry, wildlife and

Agriculture and Life Sciences

announced Hoppers’ appointment.

fisheries at the University of

George M. Hopper now

and director of the Mississippi

“Forestry and agriculture are

Tennessee at Knoxville.

Agricultural and Forestry

the largest and most important

Experiment Station.

industries in our state’s economy,

bachelor’s and master’s

accounting for about one-third of

degrees from MSU, Hopper

CALS dean and interim MAFES

all jobs in the state and nearly 25

holds a doctorate from

director since the administration

percent of all income,” Bohach said.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

of the four units was merged

“We are fortunate to have someone

and State University. A Vicksburg

last July. A faculty-led Select

with Dr. Hopper’s broad educational

native, Hopper is a Society of

Committee on Efficiencies and

background and professional

American Foresters Fellow and

Innovations recommended

experience to lead these four units

a past president of the National

merging the two colleges, but MSU

within the Division of Agriculture,

Association of University Forest

administration decided to retain

Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.”

Resources Programs. •

Hopper has served as interim

In addition to earning

D

eclaring his love for his home state, blues icon B.B. King played to a sell-out crowd in Bettersworth Auditorium of Lee Hall in October. The first of the Lyceum Series 2011-12 events featured quips, audience interaction, and King classics such as "The Thrill is Gone."

A slideshow is available at facebook.com/msstate.

Alumnus WINTER 2011 39

Campus

NEWS

11

Winter

ALUMNUS

Camp Jigsaw helps adolescents

with autism spectrum disorders conversations and maintain a positive tone of voice, among

provides help along two

other concepts.

primary tracks. First, there are

The experience also enables

F

in social skills and self-

serving as staff members while

determination skills the campers

studying emotional and behavioral

achieve during the short but

disorders to earn credit toward

intense period. Secondly,

their internship requirement.

the support and friendships developed during the week

curriculum, instruction and

give families an extra resource,

special education, oversees the

including an online social

camp and teaches the internship

network that Devlin monitors

course. Throughout her special

specifically for the program.

education career, the autism

The recently concluded camp,

or adolescents with autism

spectrum has been of special

which included both autistic

spectrum disorders, a new

interest, the 22-year MSU faculty

adolescents and non-autistic

veteran said.

peers, was free to all. Campers

summer camp at Mississippi State combines fun activities

With Mississippi reportedly

who did not have autism

with exercises designed to

experiencing a staggering 369

enjoyed all the same activities,

help participants overcome

percent rise over the past decade

but took away a different

common communication and

in children diagnosed with autism,

experience--usually an increased

socialization effects.

more families than ever are in need

understanding and empathy for

of help, Devlin emphasized.

others, Devlin said.

Camp Jigsaw, now in its second year and named after the puzzle-

40 Alumnus WINTER 2011

the measurable improvements

university graduate students

Sandy Devlin, a professor of

Camp Jigsaw helps autistic adolescents with communication and socialization skills.

Devlin said Camp Jigsaw

“This is all about social skills

At the conclusion of Camp

piece symbol associated with

training,” she said. “Eye contact,

Jigsaw, Devlin said she felt

autism awareness, involves boys

sharing ideas in conversation, being

confident the experience

ages 12-19. It is a week crammed

pleasant in tone of voice; those are

accomplished all the goals set

with experiences designed to help

types of things that are really hard

out for campers and graduate

them make eye contact during

within the autism spectrum.”

interns. •

Draft a winning charitable gift plan with our help.

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

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

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

MSU is an AA/EEO university.

Alumnus WINTER 2011 41

Alumni

NEWS

11 Winter

ALUMNUS

The Drill held on first day of class M

ississippi State hosted the

and MSU professor Whit Waide.

students, making it the largest

annual kickoff celebration

The Alumni Association helped

enrollment in the history of higher

sponsor the event again this year.

education institutions in the state

“The Drill” on Aug. 17. Held on the first day of class each fall, the

42 Alumnus WINTER 2011

of Mississippi.

pep rally welcomed new students

Alumni Association has been

to MSU and brought excitement

encouraging, as they have helped

symbolize a light-hearted

for the upcoming academic year.

the Student Association in setting

gathering of Mississippi State’s

the direction of the event, and

family and friends that addresses

Association, the event featured a

preparing for what will certainly

the need we have each year

procession of academic flags from

be yet another amazing school

of formally beginning the fall

each college, performances by the

year,” said Halston Hales, SA vice

semester,” continued Hales.

Famous Maroon Band and MSU

president.

Organized by the Student

The MSU Student Association, band, and cheerleaders helped make “The Drill” a success.

“Our involvement with the

“The Drill has come to

For photos and a video on The

spirit teams, as well as speeches

This fall, the university

Drill, visit the university Facebook

from SA President Rhett Hobart

welcomed more than 20,400

page at facebook.com/msstate. •

Alumni chapters support students through scholarships

S

ince the early 1900s,

Abraham, associate

alumni of Mississippi State

vice president

have taken an active role in the

for development

university by providing funds

and alumni and

for student scholarships. This

executive director

fall, 41 chapters across the nation

of the MSU Alumni

awarded funds to some of MSU’s

Association. “These

top performing scholars.

scholarships are one

Managed through the MSU

way our alumni can

Foundation, the annual and

give back to MSU in a tangible,

to a specific chapter’s endowed or

endowed scholarships play

meaningful way.”

annual scholarship fund.

a significant role in helping

Many chapters have established

To find out more about how

exceptional students attend MSU.

scholarships, but do not have

to make a gift, contact your local

Awards are typically given to a

enough funds to make awards

chapter representative or Jackie

student in the chapter’s local area.

each year. Individual gifts are

Hudson with the MSU Foundation

extremely important to keep these

at 662-325-4214 or jhudson@

role in supporting students

scholarships active. Gifts of any

advservices.msstate.edu. You

by financially contributing to

amount from alumni, friends

may also make a gift online at

their education,” said Jimmy

and parents may be designated

msufoundation.com. •

“Our chapters play an integral

John Pitts, far left, Central Mississippi Alumni Chapter president, presents a $25,000 check to MSU President Mark E. Keenum, center left, for the Central Mississippi Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund. Joining them are John Dickerson, center right, chapter vice president, and Jack McCarty, far right, executive director of the MSU Foundation.

Avett Brothers rock Bulldog Bash

T

he popular folk rock band

served as sponsor for the district

the Avett Brothers rocked

stage, which featured various acts

the Cotton District on Nov. 11 at the 2011 Bulldog Bash. Held on

throughout the evening.

“Bulldog Bash is a huge event

the eve of the Mississippi State vs.

for the MSU community and

Alabama football game, Bulldog

the city of Starkville,” said Jimmy

Bash is the largest free outdoor

Abraham, associate vice president

concert in Mississippi.

for development and alumni and

C Spire was the title sponsor of

executive director of the MSU

the multi-stage concert event. As

Alumni Association. “Year after

part of the company’s “Emerge:

year, it draws enormous crowds

Mobilize Your Music” program,

to our campus, and is an exciting

a family event with activities and

the event also featured country

event for the entire MSU family.”

games, and a pep rally.

music artist Jake Owen.

The MSU Alumni Association

In addition to the musical acts, Bulldog Bash featured FanFare,

For more on Bulldog Bash, visit msubulldogbash.org.

Bulldog Bash is the largest free outdoor concert in Mississippi.

• Alumnus WINTER 2011 43

Alumni

NEWS

11 Winter

ALUMNUS

Alumni to host annual banquet, conference in February At right, guests enjoy dinner at the annual Alumni Association awards banquet.

Below, chapter leaders discuss best practices at the 2011 Alumni Leadership Conference.

S

ince 1958, the Mississippi State University Alumni Association

has honored some of its most outstanding and notable alumni with the distinguished title of National Alumnus of the Year. On Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, the university will once again bestow the honor on one of its 121,000 alumni.

Participants will hear reports on

for an exciting night of basketball

banquet, individuals will be

the state of the university, student

action. Following Saturday’s

named as College Alumni of

recruiting and athletics. The

conference, MSU will play

the Year, Young Alumnus of the

one-day conference on Saturday

Georgia at 12:30 p.m. For ticket

Year and Distinguished Service

helps provide ideas for alumni

information, contact the MSU

Award recipients. In addition, the

representatives to implement in

Ticket Office at 662-325-2600 or

association will award 12 chapters

their local chapters.

888-GO-DAWGS.

During the annual awards

with a gold, silver or bronze cowbell

44 Alumnus WINTER 2011

Conference attendees will have

Reserve Feb. 10-11, 2012, on

for outstanding service and outreach

the opportunity to attend two

your calendar today. Make plans

in their respective communities.

men’s basketball games if they

to attend the awards banquet and

Following the banquet, the

wish. On Thursday, Feb. 9, MSU

leadership conference. For event

annual leadership conference

will take on archrival Ole Miss at

details, visit alumni.msstate.edu/

will be held Saturday, Feb. 11.

Humphrey Coliseum at 6 p.m.

conferenceinfo.

•

2011 Alumni Fellows named

E

ach fall,

Left to right, Boyd, Cooley, Hardy, Allen, Knight

nine of

MSU’s notable alumni are invited to return to campus as Alumni

Left to right, Muse, Clay, Marchant, White

Fellows. Established more than 20 years ago, the fellows program allows the university to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers. of Unified Health Services.

Through the years, the program

graduate, was named fellow for the

has served as a means for enriching

College of Arts and Sciences. White

the MSU experience by exposing

is a nephrologist and managing

named Laurel native Marion V.

students to outstanding alumni

member of Delta Hills Nephrology

Cooley as fellow. A 1958 forest

who share extensive knowledge

Associates, PLLC in Greenwood.

products graduate, he is now

and real-world experience from

The College of Business selected

their respective fields. The fellows

E. Andrew “Drew” Allen II of Ocean

came to the Starkville and Meridian

Springs as the 2011 Alumni Fellow.

campuses Nov. 10 and 11 to meet

Allen earned a marketing degree in

has been named fellow for

with students from each college.

1974, and serves as president of Allen

the College of Veterinary

Oklahoma native Barry L.

Beverages Inc., a Pepsi distributor.

Medicine. Dr. Kelli L. Boyd of

Knight represented the College

Hinds Community College

The College of Forest Resources

manager of Cooley Timberlands L.P. in Brookhaven.

A 1993 and 1996 alumna

Madison, Tenn., is now associate

of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

President Dr. V. Clyde Muse

professor and associate director

Knight earned a master’s degree in

was honored as fellow for the

in the comparative pathology

agronomy in 1988, and currently

College of Education. A native of

department at Vanderbilt

serves as executive vice president

Sebastopol, Muse earned master’s

University.

of Jimmy Sanders Inc. in the

and doctoral degrees in education

Memphis, Tenn., regional office.

in 1959 and 1968, respectively.

A 1990 architecture graduate,

Douglas J. “Doug” Marchant,

MSU-Meridian honored Jackson native Stephen L. Clay as its 2011 Alumni Fellow. Clay, who

David J. Hardy, AIA, is fellow for

of Memphis, Tenn., is the

earned a bachelor’s degree in social

the College of Architecture, Art and

2011 Alumni Fellow for the

work in 2001, is a lobbyist with

Design. Hardy is a principal at Eley

James Worth Bagley College of

The Clay Firm in Jackson.

Guild Hardy Architects PA in Biloxi.

Engineering. The 1974 computer

Dr. A. Randle “Randy” White, a

science and mathematics alumnus

Fellows, visit alumni.msstate.

now serves as president and CEO

edu/fellows.

1966 chemistry and pre-medicine

For more on the 2011 Alumni •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 45

Alumni

NEWS

11 Winter

ALUMNUS

Alumni send off new students

MSU students from the Metro Atlanta area, top, gather together to celebrate the upcoming fall semester.

Incoming freshmen from Starkville, center, listen to university representatives at the 2011 Send-off Party.

Below, parents and students at the Panola County Send-off Party

T

he Alumni Association and its chapters celebrated

another successful year of Send-off Parties. In all, 51 chapters hosted events for incoming students, parents, alumni, and friends in July and August.

“Send-off Parties have become an important tradition for Mississippi State and our alumni chapters,” stated Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for development and alumni and executive director of the Alumni Association. “This is one way we can show support of the university in communities across our state and nation, and welcome new students and their parents to the Bulldog family.”

Approximately 3,200 people attended the parties, held July 22 through Aug. 8. University representatives from the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, Alumni Association and other campus units attended each event to promote school spirit and answer specific questions regarding life at MSU. This fall, MSU welcomed more than 20,400 students to its

school history. MSU remains the

year’s Send-off Parties, visit our

Starkville and Meridian campuses,

largest university in Mississippi.

YouTube page at youtube.com/

marking the largest enrollment in

46 Alumnus WINTER 2011

For a more in depth look at this

msualumniassociation.

•

Class ring, pin and pendants

available for students and alumni

I

n 1935, MSU school

with a symbol for the degree earned,

administrators H. F. “Slim” Allen

Greek letters and graduation year.

Transfer students are eligible to

In 2007, the university began

purchase the official ring after

and L.G. Balfour developed the official Mississippi State University

offering an official pin and

class ring, which has become a time

pendant. This distinctive piece

honored tradition for alumni.

features the university seal, and is

the undergraduate or graduate

Rings are available in 10- or

surrounded by alternating garnets

requirements are invited to

14-karat white or yellow gold, or

and cubic zirconias. As an option,

purchase the official class ring, pin

celestrium. Each ring features a

diamonds are available in place of

or pendant at any time. For more

garnet stone, representing school

the cubic zirconias.

information on the history of the

colors, the bulldog mascot, a picture

Undergraduate students are

completing 30 MSU hours.

Alumni who have completed

MSU class ring, pin or pendant,

of the first president, Stephen D.

eligible to purchase the official class

Lee, images depicting the school’s

ring after completing 60 credit

military background, and more.

hours, and graduate students must

(866-225-3687) or visit

Individuals may customize the ring

complete all degree requirements.

www.balfour.com.

visit alumni.msstate.edu/ring.

To order call 1-800-Balfour •

Alumnus WINTER 2011 47

Alumni

NEWS

11 Winter

ALUMNUS

Delegates serve as important arm of association At right, 26 new students joined the Alumni Delegates in April 2011.

Below, left to right, delegates Lia Singleton, Sebron Miller, Kathleen Carollo, Emily Hayes, and Jamhal Kelly serve crawfish at the 2011 Senior Celebration.

T

he Alumni Association is proud to be represented by a

group of student liaisons who serve as a bridge between the student body and alumni. Founded in 1980, Alumni Delegates play an integral role in association events and activities each year.

Forty-five young men and women represent the delegate group for the 2011-12 academic year. These students help foster lifelong relationships while continuing to maintain the association’s mission. Alumni Delegates are today’s student leaders preparing to be tomorrow’s alumni leaders.

“These Alumni Delegates represent Mississippi State University and our Alumni Association in an outstanding manner,” said Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for development and alumni and executive director of the MSU important events on campus.

very proud of not only this year’s

This fall, they welcomed fans

group, but of all delegates who have

into Davis Wade Stadium at

spring semester to represent the

graduated and gone on to represent

each of the entrances. They also

next academic year. For more on

and promote our alma mater.”

participate in the alumni tailgate,

the organization or to see a roster

community service projects, the

of students, visit alumni.msstate.

annual alumni awards banquet

edu/alumnidelegates.

The delegate group serves as greeters for some of the most

48 Alumnus WINTER 2011

and conference, and more.

Alumni Association. “We are

New delegates are chosen each

•

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

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

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

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

Foundation

NEWS

11 winter

ALUMNUS

Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz

Alumnus Nusz passionately supports MSU academics, athletics with gifts successful career in the

Oasis Petroleum, has supported

engineering field was simply

Mississippi State with his time and

the lifelong association he’s

a matter of finding where his

financial resources. He hopes to

built with the campus, and his

passion lay for Thomas B.

make a meaningful difference in

adopted hometown, Starkville.

“Tommy” Nusz. After almost 30

the life of the university through

Despite living in quite a few

years in the oil and gas business,

his efforts, especially with his

places over the course of his

the Texas resident’s love of

latest major gift for academic

dad’s football coaching career,

engineering is as strong as ever, as

scholarships, an engineering

Nusz always maintained a

are his ties to his alma mater.

professorship and a planned

fondness for the Mississippi

football facility for his favorite

town and the state’s largest

Bulldog sports team.

university. The family moved

For a number of years, Nusz, who is president and CEO of

50 Alumnus WINTER 2011

Nusz is extremely proud of

“I played football through my

from El Paso, Texas, to Starkville

return to school and earn a

when he was in the fifth grade.

second degree. My sister, Kerry

senior year and learned a lot of great

The Starkville-MSU area was

Coke, also later attended,” Nusz

life lessons. However, I knew that

more than just a place to live

said. “So, the MSU experience has

I wasn’t going to be able to earn a

for Nusz, a native of Newport

always been a win-win situation

living playing football,” Nusz said.

News, Va. It was a place where

for the entire family.”

he desired to put down roots that

After graduating from a high

He continued, “I had some catch up work to do to pursue my other

school in Franklin, Tenn., there

passion, petroleum engineering,

was little doubt where Nusz would

since I didn’t grow up around the

backfield coach for Charlie Shira

attend college. His heart remained

oil business. In order to obtain

during his last few years few years

with Starkville and MSU.

industry exposure, I went to work

would last a lifetime.

“My dad was a defensive

at MSU, and we had a great time

During his college days, Nusz

for Halliburton Services after my

worked in the MSU athletic

freshman year and worked with

department for Wesley Reed,

them throughout college as part of

1972, under part of Charles N.

now associate athletic director.

the MSU Co-Op program.”

Shira’s tenure as head coach

He tremendously enjoyed the

and athletic director. The elder

opportunity to return to the

here as Bulldogs,” Nusz recalled.

Dave Nusz served from 1970-

Following graduation from MSU, Nusz worked as an engineer

“the MSU experience has always been a win-win situation for the entire family.”

– Tommy Nusz

Nusz went on to coach at several

Bulldog fold where he spent many

for Superior Oil, Mobil Oil, and

universities including Memphis,

great hours with his dad.

later Meridian Oil. From there,

Southern Methodist, Vanderbilt,

Since football was very much

he began a productive career with

and Louisville, and later worked for

a family tradition, the decision of

Burlington Resources, of which

the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks where

a life path was a difficult one for

Meridian Oil had been a main

he scouted football talent from

Nusz. The choice was between

operating subsidiary.

Mississippi State for several years.

football, for which he had a lifelong

He and wife, Bette, are retired and

love, and engineering, which he

career, Nusz served as vice

live in St. Augustine, Fla.

had been fascinated with since he

president for several divisions

was a youngster, but the decision

of Burlington, including the

became clear after high school.

international, acquisitions and

“While my dad was coaching at MSU, my mom decided to

Over the course of his

Alumnus WINTER 2011 51

Foundation

NEWS

11 winter

ALUMNUS Burlington, and following the sale in 2006 I had a desire to venture out on my own. I formed Oasis

Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz with wife Terri and children Meagan and Brant

Petroleum by attracting many colleagues from Burlington and securing private equity capital from EnCap Investments L.P. in Houston in 2007. We ultimately took the company public in June 2010,” Nusz said.

He continued, “We have a tremendous drilling inventory in the top oil resource play in the United States along with a very talented organization. We believe we are on a great path.”

Although busy with his career, Nusz makes time for his university.

“A great number of alumni, like myself, reconnect with MSU at certain points in their lives, particularly through a love of athletics, and I am fortunate to be one of those individuals,” Nusz divestitures, strategic planning

with former Burlington colleague

said. “And, I share a passion for

and engineering. He also held

Taylor Reid from the ground up.

all things MSU with Terri and

various operations and managerial

He is also chairman of the board of

our family.”

positions in several regions of

directors for the Houston, Texas-

the United States, and was chief

based company. Oasis Petroleum

Memphis, Tenn., while both were

engineer. He enjoyed a long career

is an independent exploration and

MSU seniors. They graduated in

with Burlington Resources, until

production company focused on

1982, he in petroleum engineering

the corporation was acquired by

the acquisition and development

and she in interior design.

Conoco Phillips in 2006.

of unconventional oil and natural

Today, Nusz guides Oasis Petroleum, which he built along

52 Alumnus WINTER 2011

gas resources.

“I had a great career with

Nusz began dating Terri Foster of

“While we both moved around a good bit growing up, Terri and I say we are from Mississippi,

and we work to maintain

Because of the unique manner in

are veterans, servicemembers,

a strong connection to the

which the gift is structured, the Nusz

dependents and survivors with any

university that gave us a great

link to MSU athletics and academics

unmet financial needs associated

education,” Nusz said.

will continue in perpetuity.

with school attendance. Nusz has

A portion of the gift will fund

previously supported the work of

full circle for the couple. Their son,

the Thomas B. Nusz Professorship

the veterans’ center and takes great

Brant, is enrolled as a freshman,

in Engineering. Earnings from the

pride in the opportunity.

and he plans to study mechanical

endowment will provide a salary

The remainder of the gift

engineering. They also have a

supplement and fund the work of

supports MSU athletics, and

daughter, Meagan, who attended

the position and related activities.

will benefit the new Leo Seal Jr.

Texas Christian University, and

The holder of the professorship

Football Complex. The complex

travels across North America

will be an esteemed teacher and

will be constructed between the

as an accomplished equestrian

researcher within the James Worth

Palmeiro Center and the football

competing in show jumping. The

Bagley College of Engineering.

practice fields. The facility is slated

The MSU connection has come

family lives near Houston, Texas,

The contribution will also create

for completion by the end of 2012.

in The Woodlands community.

scholarships within the engineering

When the Nusz family returns

“A great number of alumni, like myself, reconnect with MSU at certain points in their lives, particularly through a love of athletics, and I am fortunate to be one of those individuals.”

– Tommy Nusz Besides family and Oasis

college. The Tommy and Terri

to Starkville in the future, they will

Petroleum, Nusz also devotes

Nusz Endowed Scholarship in

come home to a campus where they

his time to the MSU Foundation

Engineering will be used to recruit

have made a significant impact.

board of directors.

and retain students who have

“Now, with Brant here in

demonstrated high academic

Starkville, the family continues

I have learned why private gifts are

achievement and broadening

a relationship with the maroon

such an important source of revenue

participation in engineering.

and white that spans over 40

“By serving on university boards,

for the university, and I try to do my

Another portion of the gift will

years and multiple generations,”

part in that area, and also encourage

support student scholarships in

Nusz said. “We’ll spend a lot of

others to consider financially

the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery

time traveling from Texas to

supporting MSU,” Nusz said.

Center for America’s Veterans.

Mississippi, but we definitely

The couple’s most recent gift

The endowed and annual funds

won’t mind coming home when

will support several areas of MSU.

will be used to help students who

we hear the cowbells ring.”

•

Alumnus WINTER 2011 53

Foundation

NEWS

11 winter

ALUMNUS

Making the grade: Scholars program continues to bring students, donors together

these seven talented individuals into our program,” said John F. Marszalek, scholars program director and mentor.

“Their talents and abilities will mesh well with our outstanding returning upperclassmen,” he observed, adding, “We expect great things from them during their careers at MSU.” The incoming Distinguished Scholars include: Matthew F. “Matt” Blair of Clear Spring, Md., recipient of the Roy O. Rein Scholarship; Zachary A. “Zack” Brown of Bay

2011-2012 Distinguished Scholars are, clockwise on back row, Epps, Thompson, Smith and Walton. Front row, left to right, are Blair, Huddleston, and Brown.

S

Springs, recipient of the Leo Seal tudents who are Distinguished

have been selected as the newest

Scholarship; Emily A. Epps of

Scholars at Mississippi State

class of Distinguished Scholars.

Huntsville, Ala., recipient of the

University are well-known for

These freshmen join more than

Charles and Pat Lee Scholarship;

their academic skills, creativity and

two dozen other students selected

Eddie Mac Huddleston of Pontotoc,

desire to excel in their studies. These

in previous years. Distinguished

recipient of the John and Georgia

young adults are among the elite

Scholars is the collective name for

McPherson Scholarship; Faith

students in the nation, who come to

the Presidential Endowed Scholars

E. Smith of Collierville, Tenn.,

Mississippi State for the opportunity

and the Ottilie Schillig Scholars.

recipient of the G.V. “Sonny”

to further their educational goals

Montgomery Scholarship; Shannon

as part of the Judy and Bobby

full-ride scholarships to these top

K. “Kate” Thompson of Picayune,

Shackouls Honors College.

incoming students each academic

recipient of the Malcolm and Olivia

year, and encourages relationships

Portera Scholarship; and Jane C.

counted among Mississippi

between these talented recipients

Walton of Ridgeland, recipient of

State’s all-time high enrollment

and their generous benefactors.

the Ottilie Schillig Scholarship.

in excess of 20,400 for fall 2011,

“We are pleased to welcome

Seven incoming freshmen,

54 Alumnus WINTER 2011

Mississippi State proudly awards

For Walton, the scholarship

made the decision to come to

Scholarships were created in 2001

Among recent contributors for

Mississippi State University easy.

to help attract the best students to

Presidential Endowed Scholarships

She had been seriously considering

Mississippi State, and the Schillig

include: The Richard C. Adkerson

another in-state university, but

Scholarships were established in

Family Foundation of New

decided to attend MSU because of

1986 through a donation from

Orleans, La., and Steve D. Golding

the financial award, other program

the Ottilie Schillig Trust of Port

and Melody Golding of Vicksburg.

incentives and the possibility of

Gibson. Incoming freshmen

The Adkerson Family

retaining the scholarship for four

receiving these scholarships

Foundation established the

years of study.

may keep the award for up to

San Shuttleworth Adkerson

eight semesters, provided they

Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Mississippi State and finding out

maintain certain academic

in memory of San Shuttleworth

I would receive the Ottilie Schillig

benchmarks.

“I had a family history with

Scholarship definitely helped me

Donors may continue to establish

“I am extremely grateful to my scholarship donor.”

decide,” she said. “Since enrolling

endowments for Presidential

as a student and taking advantage

Endowed Scholarships. A

of the honors experience, I know

minimum gift of $250,000, payable

I made the right decision to

over a five-year period, will endow a

Adkerson. She graduated from

pursue my educational goals here.

Presidential Endowed Scholarship.

MSU with a bachelor of arts

I am extremely grateful to my

Earnings from the gift will help

degree with special distinction in

scholarship donor.”

cover the cost of tuition, fees and

1969. She died Dec. 24, 2010.

– Jane C. Walton, Distinguished Scholar

Fellow recipient Eddie Mac

housing over the course of four

The Goldings created the Steve

Huddleston, whose parents are

years of study. The awards also

and Melody Golding Presidential

MSU graduates, said the John and

include a one-time educational

Endowed Scholarship. Steve

Georgia McPherson Scholarship

enrichment scholarship for study

is president of Golding Barge

influenced his decision to choose

abroad, internships or other

Line Inc., and a 1972 MSU

Mississippi State over Harvard

qualified educational pursuits,

transportation graduate of

University.

and an undergraduate research

Mississippi State. The couple

fellowship award. Recipients are also

desires to provide MSU students

eligible for mentoring opportunities.

with the best education possible

“I decided to come to MSU, rather than Harvard, because it offered a great learning

“Mississippi State proudly awards

and have also established a loyalty

environment and a great social

these full-ride scholarships and

scholarship through the ongoing

atmosphere. The Shackouls

encourages relationships between

StatePride initiative.

Honors College gives students

our talented recipients and their

an opportunity to be challenged

generous benefactors through their

on establishing Presidential

in their classes, and I certainly

college experience,” said Cathy L.

Endowed Scholarships, contact

don’t regret choosing MSU,”

Lammons, executive director of

Lammons at 662.325.7843

Huddleston said.

communication and donor relations

or email her at clammons@

for the MSU Foundation.

advservices.msstate.edu. •

The Presidential Endowed

For more information

Alumnus WINTER 2011 55

Class

NEWS

11 Winter

ALUMNUS

’51 Jim Lacey Jr. of Canton, has published his second volume of local history, History Bits, about Canton and Madison County. The first volume of History Bits is sold out.

’52 Stuart P. Vance

’78 Brad Watson

’93 Alan E. Hicks,

of Laramie, Wyo., critically acclaimed author and faculty member at the University of Wyoming-Laramie, was a nominee for the 2010 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for his short story collection Aliens in the Prime of Their Lives.

visiting assistant professor and stage director for the Martha-Ellen Tye Opera Theatre at the University of Iowa, has published his first book, Singer & Actor: Acting Technique and the Operatic Performer.

of Starkville, co-founder of Howard Family Room Furniture and former executive vice president and marketing director for Arnold Industries, has written Aviation in the Golden Triangle, which traces the story of the area’s aviation activities from World War I through the present.

an associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., has won the 2011 President’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship at McNeese.

’61 Jerry Lynn Graves,

’80 Drew St. John

retired school superintendent, administrator, teacher, and professional basketball player, has been inducted into the Henderson County, Tenn., Sports Hall of Fame.

is founder and CEO of New South Equipment Mats based in Madison. The company has been named one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the nation by Inc. Magazine.

’69 Vance H. Watson

, former vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine and interim president at Mississippi State, has been named a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Association of Seed Certifying Agencies. Watson served as AOSCA executive vice president 1992-97.

’75 Larry Fry, a longtime high school principal and teacher, has been inducted into the Henderson County, Tenn., Sports Hall of Fame.

’77 Tim Barber of Ridgeland, a local radio sales director, has won the Silver Medal award from the American Advertising Federation, Jackson Chapter.

56 Alumnus WINTER 2011

’79 Stan Weeber,

’83 Bruce Blaise of Canton, Ohio, has been named president of Kenan Advantage Group. He previously was executive vice president of the company’s Fuels Delivery Group.

’89 Jon Anne Doty has been named vice president of sales and marketing for Renaissance Jet, a North Carolina-based ARG/US Gold aircraft charter operator.

’91 Donna Addkison has been named president and CEO of Wider Opportunities for Women, an organization working to improve economic security for women through job training and career literacy programs in the District of Columbia.

’00 Anthony Sherman (M.Tx. ’01) has been promoted to assistant vice president and trust officer at Trustmark National Bank in Jackson.

’07 Joey Brown of Atlanta, Ga., has been promoted to director of sales with The Campus Special, a national marketing and advertising company based in Atlanta.

’11 Shaw Singleton has been named account manager for Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi Insurance Services.

Birth Announcements

Andrew Douglas Call, April 22, 2011, to Jonathan Douglas Call (’01) and Jennifer Michelle Call (’01) of Florence, Ala.

Maci Elizabeth Walley, June 29, 2011, to James Walley (’01) and wife Shey of Round Rock, Texas.

In

MEMORIAM

11

summer / FALL

ALUMNUS

Thomas Walter Landrum

management and vice chancellor

Bette Mahoney Rice

(’40)—92, Alpharetta, Ga.; retired

emeritus at Louisiana State

(’70)—86, Starkville; longtime

sales manager and executive in

University, and World War II

librarian at Mitchell Memorial

charge of the Lighting Division for

veteran, June 14, 2011.

Library at MSU, Aug. 8, 2011.

Westinghouse Corp., and World

William David McKay

Richard Wayne Jones

War II veteran, May 18, 2011.

(’55)—82, Sherwood, Ark.; retired

(’74)—59, Michie, Tenn.; regional

Henry Flowers Marshall

geologist for Exxon, Oct. 5, 2011.

woodland manager for Packaging

(’40)—93, Raleigh; retired district

Donald L. Ashcraft

Corporation of America and

sales manager for Sparta Grain and

(’56)—Madison; retired Realtor,

member of the National Guard,

Feeds, July 20, 2011.

Sept. 6, 2011.

April 30, 2011.

Robert M. Neill Sr.

Joe G. Spell

Don Garling

(’41)—92, Ellisville; retired farmer,

(’56, M.S. ’62)—80, Hattiesburg;

(’75)—61, Lansing, Mich.; retired

teacher, and Ellisville postmaster, and

retired president of the Federal Land

professor of wildlife and fisheries at

World War II veteran, July 25, 2011.

Bank’s Hattiesburg office and Korean

Mississippi State, Sept. 27, 2010.

Bruce Morgan Lancaster

War veteran, Aug. 5, 2011.

Gwendolyn Childs Booth Wilson

(’43)—Alexandria, Va.; retired

James Melbourne Tait Jr.

(’81)—52, Eupora; voice and piano

Foreign Service officer, member of

(’57)—Midlothian, Va.; retired

teacher at Madison Ridgeland

the adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins

college football coach, May 20, 2011.

Elementary School and Eupora

University, and World War II

James Carl Blackburn

High School, Oct. 8, 2011.

veteran, Oct. 4, 2011.

(’62)—79, Crestview, Fla.; retired

David W. Broom

James A. Short

U.S. Air Force pilot and FedEx

(’82, M.Ed. ’86, Ed.S. ’90)—57,

(’47)—Hammond, La.; retired

employee and Vietnam War veteran,

Maben; assistant director of the

accountant for Billups Petroleum and

Jan. 21, 2010.

Millsaps Career and Technology

World War II veteran, Nov. 21, 2010.

Dominic Justin Canale

Center for Starkville Public Schools,

James C. Cherry

(’65)—68, Memphis, Tenn.; owner

May 18, 2011.

(’49)—87, Odessa, Texas; retired

of Canale’s Grocery and former

William Aaron Barr

engineer and World War II veteran,

professional football player for the

(’05)—27, Macon, Ga.; U.S.

June 4, 2011.

Boston Patriots, Oct. 11, 2011.

Army Ranger 2006-10, veteran of

James Wilson Reddoch

Chesley Shivers

Afghanistan and Iraq, and process

(’49, M.S. ’50)—86, Baton

(’65)—68, Carriere; NAPA sales

engineer for Active Minerals, Aug.

Rouge, La.; professor emeritus of

representative, Sept. 2, 2011.

21, 2010.

Alumnus WINTER 2011 57

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