Mississippi State University Foundation
Inside Spring 2019 Viewpoint p. 3 | Why Give? p. 14 | Learning Life Lessons p. 32
Volume 19 | Number 1 PRESIDENT AND CEO MSU FOUNDATION John P. Rush BOARD CHAIR MSU FOUNDATION D. Hines Brannan Jr. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cathy Lammons MANAGING EDITOR Amy Cagle WRITERS Amy Cagle Addie Mayfield CONTRIBUTING STAFF Erin Norwood, Graphic Designer Leanna Smith, Stewardship Coordinator Erica Way, Marketing Manager CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Megan Bean Logan Kirkland Luisa Porter Allison Rodgers Tom Thompson Beth Newman Wynn ••• Post Office Box 6149 Mississippi State, MS 39762 phone: (662) 325-7000 fax: (662) 325-8426 msufoundation.com
Foundations is published two times per year by the Mississippi State University Foundation. Please send comments and questions to P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 or phone (662) 325-1006. The Mississippi State University Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization that assists the university in accomplishing its goals and mission by cultivating and soliciting private support and ensuring stewardship for all contributions benefiting Mississippi State University. Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
contents
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Campus Views Pictorial view of spring at MSU
features 4 | Becky Murphy Texas resident extends parents’ legacy and begins her own through planned gift
26 | Patricia S. Gaunt Faculty member gives back to College of Veterinary Medicine in appreciation of career
8 | Greg and Laurie Barker Couple supports College of Arts and Sciences scholarship, travel abroad, and MSU ACCESS
32 | Jailyn Smith Senior animal and dairy science major expresses gratitude for scholarship
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Noteworthy News 1 8 | College of Business Academic unit focuses on future 24 | Development Directory A complete list of our fundraisers 30 | The Martin Family Three generations influence banking 34 | Foundation Leaders Meet our incoming officers and members
In Each Issue 3 | Viewpoint Foundation President and CEO
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7 | Student Perspective Student Lucie Henein in her own words 1 1 | Achievements A closer look 1 3 | Foundation Favorites Jack McCarty proposes leisure activities 1 4 | Why Give? Alumnus Chris Ewing supports faculty 23 | Get to Know Meet Zack Harrington, College of Business 36 | Foundation Board A complete list of our voluntary board
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37 | Then and Now The progression of McCool Hall
Our Cover Spring in bloom The MSU campus flourishes with Van Zyverden flowers on its 141st anniversary. COVER PHOTO MEGAN BEAN
viewpoint
Planting seeds through philanthropy
JOHN P. RUSH
'94, '02 President and CEO MSU Foundation
Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons. The longer days and warmer temperatures offer plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors, particularly on campus. From early March through the end of June, Mississippi State University’s colorful and welcoming landscape is hard to beat. Yet, while spring is regularly associated with “beginning,” seasoned gardeners know that most new growth is the result of cultivation and preparation that took place months in advance. In addition to the shift in weather, changes in other aspects of the university are more evident. New building additions and renovations, record numbers of promising students and talented faculty leaders, and thankfully, increased parking and transportation services to accommodate them all, are just a few of our prominent developments. Mississippi State is also experiencing intrinsic growth as an institution. Although not as tangible as new construction or updated laboratory materials, the heightened quality of our teaching, research, and outreach commitments has a real and powerful effect. Like the well-established crape myrtles and blankets of daffodils that enhance our university campuses, these developments and opportunities would not be possible without prior foresight and investment. Such support from visionary leaders over the course of Infinite Impact has breathed new life into Mississippi State, both physically and fundamentally. As we enter the final phase of this transformative capital campaign, marked by significant progress and meaningful change, it seems only fitting for us to keep pace by updating our Foundations magazine as well. The new design of this publication is a small representation of the renaissance Mississippi State has experienced in the last few years. The next time you’re on campus, I hope you will take time to appreciate the scenery—both historic and new—and remember all we have achieved was once envisioned by past generations. And together, we are planting the seeds for an even brighter future.
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$ Furthering a Legacy $ Becky Essig Murphy of Dallas, Texas, believes she’s destined to return to her native Starkville as a permanent resident one day—to reaffirm her Bulldog roots and strengthen ties she cultivated earlier in her life. And she’s making plans to cement her legacy as a Bulldog through her generous financial support of the university.
Murphy grew up with the MSU campus as her backyard—surrounded by a growing community of Bulldogs as passionate as she was about the university. She attended MSU and graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. After graduation from MSU, Murphy began her career in the technology industry when she joined IBM, holding various leadership positions in sales over the next 20 years. The last six years of her time there, she serviced one of IBM’s top partners, Sirius Computer Solutions Inc. And in 2007, she joined the Sirius company, where she continues to serve as a senior vice president of sales. In tribute to her alma mater, Murphy has structured a planned gift through the MSU Foundation. The $1.5 million bequest from Murphy will further a previously-established scholarship endowment and create a second scholarship endowment, both in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. It will additionally create an endowment benefiting the local school district through the College of Education. Furthermore, the bequest will allow Murphy to establish her own personal legacy at Mississippi State through her giving. In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Werner and Alice Essig Graduate Endowed Scholarship was initially established by Murphy’s parents, longtime MSU employees who are the namesakes of the financial award. Murphy’s dad, Werner Essig, was a 40-year heralded veteran of the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, who retired in 1997.
Murphy’s mother, Alice Essig, spent some 28 years with the John C. Longest Student Health Center on campus. She was director of nutrition services and had an office in the infirmary where she worked for Dr. John C. Longest, longtime leading physician for which the clinic is named. The Essigs met at the University of Arkansas, where the two natives of that state earned degrees. Alice, of Parthenon, earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics, and Werner, of Paragould, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He later earned a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and served the United States Army in the Korean War. In 1959, Werner began his career with Mississippi State College as professor of animal and dairy sciences, just as the land-grant institution became a full-fledged university. He was recognized with the Faculty Award for Research for his career efforts. At the time of Werner’s death in 2015, the Essigs had been happily married for 62 years. Murphy recalled of her father, “He had a quiet manner, and he particularly loved teaching graduate school. He had a great involvement in the university and a strong external reach by consulting in the beef industry.” Murphy fondly remembers attending annual picnics at Ballew Hall for the families of MSU faculty and staff and attending the annual Lyceum Series that showcases national artists in a variety of performance areas, ranging from music, drama, and dance. She loved being engaged with the university community.
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Becky Murphy (right) cradles photo of her late father, Werner, assisted by her mother Alice.
“My parents loved MSU and wanted to raise their family in a small town with a university,” Murphy said. “In Starkville, they had the best of both worlds and were drawn into a team of people at the university and into a community where they had enjoyed rewarding careers, and they never wanted to leave. The scholarship bearing their names enables them to always be a part of what became their beloved university.” For Murphy, her bequest also links her name perpetually with Mississippi State. Future recipients of the Becky Murphy Endowed Scholarship will be fulltime undergraduate or graduate students in CALS with demonstrated academic achievement of at least a 3.0 GPA, along with leadership ability and financial need. Beyond scholarships, Murphy’s bequest also extends to the Starkville Oktibbeha School District Partnership School. The Becky Murphy-Partnership School Endowment for Excellence will assist the university’s College of Education and the StarkvilleOktibbeha County Schools to create a demonstration school adjacent to the MSU campus. Slated to open for students in the academic year 2020-21, the school will serve as an opportunity to perform research on rural education and serve as a demonstration model for students within the MSU College of Education as well as educators throughout the state and region. Murphy has been a champion for education during much of her lifetime—a trait stemming from
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what her parents encouraged in her. In Texas, she has been a part of Communities in Schools in Dallas for 16 years and dedicated time serving that organization’s board. The organization focuses on keeping at-risk students in school. “I know from the values my parents instilled in me and in my brother, Steve, that as a responsible individual you should consider how you can do your part, positively touch the lives of others, and look toward the future,” said Murphy. She continued, “Mississippi State is who I am and remains a large part of my life. I was born and raised a Bulldog and making this bequest seems the right way to make a greater impact beyond my lifetime.” For Murphy, coming home to Starkville is an appealing plan-and as with the bequest, she feels it is the right path for her future. “This place has always been home, and I want to do my part in ensuring its future. Whether you’re raised a Bulldog after birth like me or become a Bulldog later in life by association, the university will always welcome you home,” said Murphy.
STORY AMY CAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN BEAN
student perspective
My name is Lucie Henein. I am a senior animal science major at Mississippi State, and this is my story. As a resident of Maryland, I often find myself being asked, “Why did
you choose Mississippi State?” There are three reasons: the veterinary school, research, and scholarships. My career goal is veterinary surgery, but admission into veterinary school is very competitive. The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Early Entry Program guarantees me admission, which allows me to fully enjoy all MSU has to offer. In
particular, I joined the Block and Bridle Club and halter-broke Helen, South Farm’s Hereford heifer, although I had never worked with cattle before! Along with huge farm facilities, MSU has researchers willing to work with undergraduate students. I have studied with Dr. Trey Howell in CVM’s toxicology lab for over two years, investigating the effects of organochlorine pesticides on glucose metabolism and the development of Type 2 diabetes. I’ve gained unique, valuable experience beyond regular classes. Everything I’ve experienced is possible only with scholarships like the Billy and Cindy Ball Legacy Scholarship, which is among my financial awards. Undergraduate scholarships truly are a blessing, for they allow me to minimize the total debt I will eventually incur as I pursue this career path in veterinary medicine to which I have dedicated my life. To put things in perspective, I have two younger sisters also in college and in need of financial assistance from my family, and my financial awards are essential to my MSU education. My amazing scholarship donors continue to help me achieve great things at Mississippi State.
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Laurie and Greg Barker
Barkers
strengthen Mississippi State for future students Mississippi State University continues its reputation as a solid investment for alumni and friends as it impacts its home state and region through high-caliber teaching, groundbreaking research, and beneficial service endeavors. With a belief in the university’s future as a strong economic influence, one of the institution’s loyal graduates, Greg Barker and his wife, Laurie, extend their support to his alma mater. 8
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Barker earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Mississippi State in 1988 and then attended the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. He has put his education from both institutions into practice, building a 30-year noteworthy reputation in economic development. Barker has worked in local, regional, and corporate economic development organizations in Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a part of economic development teams that have helped secure thousands of jobs for the communities he has been privileged to represent. His economic development experience also brings an understanding of how state universities, like MSU, can positively touch the lives of citizens on a daily basis through their external endeavors. At Mississippi State, Barker was recognized for his career achievements as the College of Arts and Sciences 2018 Alumni Fellow. It was during his campus visit as an honoree that he and Laurie learned how their support could impact their home state’s leading university firsthand. “Laurie and I have deep family roots in Mississippi, and Mississippi State has always been a significant part of our lives,” said Barker. “It is very hard to prioritize our support since the university is a leader in many areas for the state of Mississippi and beyond, however, we honed in on three special areas that mean the most to us.” The couple’s gift is accompanied by matching corporate support from Barker’s longtime employer, Alabama Power Company. Since 2002, Barker has worked for the company, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, which has more than 1.4 million customers across Alabama. Following progressive roles, he became executive vice president for customer services in 2016. Barker’s career with Alabama Power helped him build upon character traits that flourished during his days spent at Mississippi State, where he learned the importance of being a well-rounded person and a well-prepared leader. These principles built upon the traits his parents instilled in him at a young age as they taught him the importance of faith, family, and a tireless work ethic—all values of importance which remain with Barker to this day. The Barkers are Mississippi natives of Meridian, who met at the local high school there. Married since 1987, they have raised three daughters, Meagan, Meredith, and Madison. Laurie Rush Barker earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Alabama, and all three of their girls have pursued higher education at various institutions. In acknowledgment of the importance of education, a portion of the Barkers’ gift creates the Barker Family Loyalty Scholarship for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, MSU’s largest academic unit. Loyalty scholarships, like the one named for the Barkers, benefit entering freshman or community college transfer students with at least a 3.0 grade-point average who
Laurie and Greg Barker enjoy Alumni Fellows weekend with their family. Bottom: They met fellow Meridian native Mayah Emerson, MSU Student Association president, during the festivities.
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MSU students promote MSU while learning abroad.
meet established benchmarks. “A scholarship at Greg’s college alma mater is important to us,” said Laurie Barker. “We have pride in knowing the scholarship will benefit students who are dedicated to using their talents to succeed.” The couple look forward to connecting with future recipients. “We are paying forward in the lives of others just as MSU has been a difference maker in ours. MSU turns out students who are well prepared and wellgrounded, and I know I utilized my experience as a graduate,” Barker said. Along with the College of Arts and Sciences scholarship, the Barkers’ gift also creates a collegebased travel endowment. The Greg and Laurie Barker Undergraduate Travel Endowment will support undergraduate students seeking valuable, fieldrelated experiences outside of the classroom, such as internships, co-ops, and professional development opportunities. “Opportunities for travel enhance the overall experience for MSU students, and Laurie and I want to enable students to expand their horizons and enhance their learning experience beyond the classrooms and laboratories of the university,” said Barker. “Putting into practice what they learn in the teaching environment helps students gain more real-world knowledge.” Additionally, the Barkers will assist the MSU ACCESS program. Mississippi State embraces an inclusive secondary education program and welcomes individuals with intellectual disabilities to the student body through ACCESS. ACCESS encompasses the vital components of assisting students with learning
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challenges to reach a level of independence. Academic plans for enrollees are customized, supporting participation in classes, work studies, and internships that aid in social and educational development. At the end of an ACCESS student’s successful fouryear journey, a certificate is awarded as part of MSU commencement ceremonies. Of ACCESS, Barker said, “I believe there is not a better program of its kind in the United States, providing for students that have been traditionally underserved. The program is truly remarkable as it makes a positive difference for students in Mississippi, and it hopefully will continue to grow, attracting more students, both from in and out of state.” Specifically, the Greg and Laurie Barker Fund for Excellence will supplement the cost of undergraduate and graduate ACCESS college coaches representing all majors at MSU and from all walks of life that provide one-on-one assistance in the day-to-day life of ACCESS students. Proceeds from the fund will further enhance the ACCESS program’s curriculum, technology, and resources, while providing professional development opportunities for its students. “ACCESS really encompasses much of what MSU sets forth with traditional students, but in a way that helps these non-traditional students learn life skills to help them become part of communities where they will live and work,” said Barker.
STORY AMY CAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED
achievements
25.6
80+
DEGREES AWARDED IN 2017-18
AVERAGE FRESHMAN ACT SCORE FALL 2018
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT MSU
4,757
22,201 Student Enrollment FALL 2018
TOTAL
Endowed Positions
1,7 14 TOTAL
Endowed Scholarships
a closer lo k 142,942
Foundation
ALUMNI
2,518
TWITTER FOLLOWERS
TOTAL LIVING
Infinite Impact Campaign $1 BILLION GOAL
$925 MILLION
Campaign Scholarship Support
Campaign Deferred Gifts
$218 MILLION
$236 MILLION
Campaign Donors
63,300
RAISED
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Your savings, your legacy You have worked hard and saved for retirement. Now use your savings to create your legacy by making an IRA charitable rollover gift to the Mississippi State University Foundation. If you are 70½ or older, you can: • avoid taxes on IRA transfers up to $100,000; • satisfy some or all of your required minimum distribution for the year; • reduce your taxable income, even if you don’t itemize deductions; • make a gift that is not subject to charitable contribution deduction limits; and • use your rollover to make payments on an existing pledge to MSU. For more information on IRA charitable rollover giving, contact the MSU Foundation Office of Planned Giving.
Wes Gordon, Director of Planned Giving (662) 325-3707 | wgordon@foundation.msstate.edu
MSU is an AA/EEO university.
foundation favorites Jack McCarty, executive director of development for the MSU Foundation, enjoys sharing more than just investment advice with alumni and friends. His passion extends to sparking people’s interest in a range of topics from entertainment to news. Here’s a sundry of Jack’s latest “top picks” that he hopes all Bulldogs will experience.
1. 1.
Listen Up | “Revisionist History” A popular podcast from Malcolm Gladwell, journalist and writer, and Panoply Media that reinterprets events, people, and ideas from the past.
Photo by Jeremiah Jhass
2.
Dawgs In Dallas | The Star A multi-use development and the new world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys designed by Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm for which MSU alumna Cindy Simpson serves as co-managing director of the Dallas office.
4.
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Homegrown Innovation | Smart ThumperTM A mobile app created by scientists in the MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center with support from the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach helps users measure the strength of lumber.
Read All About It | Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America A fascinating book by John M. Barry that details one of the most influential natural disasters in U.S. history has also been deemed by Jack as “the greatest read on the Mississippi River.”
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Road Trip | Meridian, Mississippi For a compelling, one-day outing from Starkville, head down to Meridian to visit the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience museum and catch a performance at the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts.
6. Take It All In | Best View On Campus A picturesque view encompassing the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, also known as MSU’s North Farm, sits atop a small hill by the A.B. McKay Food and Enology Laboratory, just a short walk from the Veterans Memorial Rose Garden.
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Why GIVE ? Alumni involvement inspires faculty support
For Chris Ewing, one of the greatest strengths of Mississippi State University resides in the outstanding faculty who genuinely care about their students and are committed to providing quality, affordable education. In an effort to preserve the successful learning experience that he was afforded, Ewing is giving back to his alma mater and investing in the dedicated educators who pioneer the land-grant charge. A 1994 mechanical engineering graduate of the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering, Ewing is an active alumnus who is passionate about the continued success of MSU. In 2009, he was named the Distinguished Engineering Fellow for the Bagley College, and he continues to serve on the college’s Department of Mechanical Engineering advisory board. This involvement has enabled him, as well as others, to see firsthand the impact of private support. “Most people do not understand how the money flows within a public university,” said Ewing. “By being involved with the advisory board, you get a true perspective of the state and private funding methods. Once you understand how the money flows and the needs of the departments, you can focus on specific issues that need to be addressed.” The Memphis, Tennessee native is joined on the college's departmental advisory board by fellow mechanical engineering graduate Frank Kessler of Tupelo, Mississippi. The two founded Ewing/ Kessler Inc., a manufacturers’ representative firm based in Memphis, which specializes in engineering solutions for sustainable design, as well as energy-efficient HVAC and building automation systems, in 2005. Last year, in response to the growing student enrollment, the mechanical advisory board agreed to generate new
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faculty support to help retain current faculty and recruit new faculty to the department. Subsequently, the Ewing/Kessler Inc. founders stepped up to the plate. “Based on the Southern University Group salary, the professors in the mechanical engineering department, especially associate and full professors, are underpaid,” said Ewing, noting that the disparity in income is a big concern. “We have other universities recruiting our top performers and offering a higher salary.” To combat this issue, Ewing and Kessler worked with their fellow advisory board members to establish the Mechanical Engineering Faculty Support Fund for Excellence, which will provide a salary supplement for deserving faculty in the department at the discretion of the department head in consultation with the advisory board. The fund will allow the department to uphold MSU’s margin of excellence in teaching, research, and service by securing faculty members who will have a major impact in the Bagley College. A five-year, $250,000 commitment from Ewing/Kessler Inc. serves as the lead gift for the annual fund, which will disburse each year based on the need of the department. “Our greatest asset is our faculty. Without them, we will have a tough time adequately educating our students,” said Ewing, who welcomes others to contribute to the open fund at any level. “Our intent is for this fund to replenish and grow every year, in hopes of building a fund that can perpetually pay out $200,000 annually. This will allow us to attract and retain our top performers for the duration of their careers.”
STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY ALLISON RODGERS
Chris Ewing at Ewing/Kessler Inc.
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Campus Views
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Spring arrives at Mississippi State Alumni and friends may invest in the beauty of Mississippi State University by supporting the Campus Beautification Endowment. Gifts for the much-needed endowment enhance the general appearance of our historic campus. Donors may honor or remember a family member, a classmate, or even a mentor with a contribution for outdoor plantings and structures or memorial trees. For assistance with contributing to the Campus Beautification Endowment, please contact Georgia Carter, director of annual giving, at (662) 325-5975 or gcarter@foundation.msstate.edu.
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noteworthy news
College of Business
Second century brings heightened expectations
The College of Business at Mississippi State University has entered its second century, boasting an overwhelming pride for its heritage and possessing a bold vision for its future. With critical Infinite Impact campaign support, the college will continue its path toward greater excellence.
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Founded in 1915, the fully-accredited College of Business is the oldest college of business in the state of Mississippi and one of the oldest in the South. The large academic unit boasts alumni from all 50 U.S. states and some 142 countries who are leaders of Fortune 500 companies and others who are positive difference-makers in smaller firms, businesses, and classrooms around the world. In recent years, the college and its the fully-accredited Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy have experienced record enrollment, with currently over 3,000 students. These students learn and are mentored by 80 distinguished faculty across the college, which includes endowed professors and chair holders, all housed in the Seal Family Business Complex at McCool Hall. Earlier this year, the School of Accountancy faculty updated curricula to emphasize technology skills relevant to data analytics and to give students the tools needed to remain at the forefront of the accounting profession.
The College of Business marked two special anniversaries for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 2018—the 60th anniversary of its oncampus program and the 20th anniversary of its distance program, which ranks in the top 30 online programs nationally. Moving forward, a new MBA Venture Pathway (MVP), an exclusive, invitation-only program, will offer exceptional incoming freshmen outside the college a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a hands-on education that provides an accelerated path to an MBA degree. The MVP will provide motivated, high-achieving students with the knowledge needed to successfully land a business venture. In the fall semester of their freshman year, MVP students will take a designated business class one evening per week through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Research. MVP students will also participate in the CEO’s VentureCatalyst™ program, a comprehensive, co-curricular program for students and faculty who are interested in starting a successful, investorbacked company. The College of Business also recognizes the importance of creating and encouraging a culture of inclusion and diversity. In the future, the college plans to offer its students the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Inclusion and Diversity for their involvement in a prescribed number of hours participating in events, presentations, organizations, projects, and courses that are selected for their focus on various topics that emphasize the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Through involvement, students will gain a more eclectic worldview and prove to potential employers that they represent the best-prepared, most culturally aware, and inclusive-conscious graduates in the state of Mississippi.
Strides in the following areas are growing the reputation of the College of Business and helping build its portfolio for potential stakeholders, including loyal alumni and friends. Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach (CEO): Mississippi State is ranked by the Journal of Small Business as No. 6 in the world for the impact of its entrepreneurship research, and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach embodies the new century of the College of Business as it serves to assist members of the Bulldog family create new businesses. In its 10th year, the center helps potential entrepreneurs start new companies or grow existing businesses as they build relationships with peers and successful entrepreneurs and master essential skills to assess markets and operate a business. Within the college, the center annually helps young entrepreneurs
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raise more than $1 million to launch over 100 new ventures. MSU student entrepreneurs have invested new businesses in Starkville and different areas of the state. The new makerspace is a collaborative project that will be open to MSU students and faculty, as well as residents of the Golden Triangle area. Turner A. Wingo Maker Studio and Retail Accelerator: The Mississippi State University Idea Shop brings concepts to reality and to customers in one 2,000square-foot retail store on Main Street in Starkville. The facility houses the Turner A. Wingo Maker Studio and the MSU Retail Product Accelerator. The Maker Studio provides a comprehensive assortment of design workstations, 3D printers, electronics workbenches, and advanced woodworking tools, not commonly available, to help people build anything imaginable. Membership is available to the general public, and various workshops are regularly hosted for newcomers to the “maker movement.” The front of the Idea Shop is a fully operational retail store with products sourced from student and faculty entrepreneurs and other local community startups. This gives an outlet for very early stage entrepreneurs and makers to gain direct experience in commerce and all associated functions of retailing a product, as well as a channel to test new ideas with real, paying customers. Operated by MSU's College of Business and School of Human Sciences, the Idea Shop was made possible by numerous private contributions and support by the USDA Rural Business Development program. Market Innovation Lab and Observatory (MILO): Companies are turning to biological data to learn more about what grabs audiences’ interest and how they respond to that interest. The College of Business recognizes the importance of biometric research in today’s society, and launched the Market Innovation Lab and Observatory known as MILO. MILO is a biometric research lab which will put Mississippi State at the forefront of behavioral research. It was developed
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by marketing faculty members who had previously been involved in establishing neuromarketing labs at other institutions. MILO enables researchers to delve into physical and emotional responses to produce comprehensive views into consumer motivation. The results are considered more objective than what can be gathered through interviews and surveys. Biometric consumer research is a fast emerging field, and corporate demand for this research and for employees qualified to conduct it is on the rise. By establishing a lab of this size and quality, MSU will command a powerful reputation nationwide. Center of Family Enterprise Research: Recognizing the relevance and impact of family firms, the MSU management faculty created the Center of Family Enterprise Research in 2006. The center helps to fill an important need in our society. Family businesses represent the vast majority of both new ventures and existing enterprises and contribute substantially to the U.S. economy. Furthermore, family businesses are not necessarily small; many very large companies are family businesses. However, the longevity of family businesses across generations is tenuous, and many do not survive past the tenure of the founder. Family Business Education Initiative: Established in 2018, the Family Business Education Initiative program’s mission is to educate and assist small business owners with growing and sustaining their businesses. This educational initiative helps small family business owners employ more effective business practices, bringing value to both their family and community by fostering job growth and economic stability. The program now hosts half-day workshops, providing attendees with best practices on the hiring process, retaining top employees, and creating a culture of doing things the right way. Strategic Finance Lab: The state-of-the-art Strategic Finance Laboratory at McCool Hall brings a piece of Wall Street to MSU students. The 21-work station
laboratory provides students with a competitive edge when pursuing jobs in the investment industry and for professional certification exams. The lab fosters interactive professor and student learning in a simulated training floor environment, complete with a 24-foot stock ticker and ten 51-inch televisions with live coverage of financial markets and world news. Access to eight Bloomberg terminals allows all MSU students the opportunity to obtain the Bloomberg Market Concepts certification, free of charge. Additional support from alumni and friends is needed to support the annual subscription cost of the Bloomberg terminals and periodic upgrades to the technology used in the lab. Supply Chain Management Program: Mississippi State has capitalized on a unique opportunity to create a center focused on transportation and logistics, which has grown into a new geographically relevant academic concentration. Because of nearby transportation hubs, the university is poised to become a “go-to” in training professionals to lead companies dependent on transportation and logistics. This will become increasingly important as new industry seeks a presence in the southeastern United States. In the past several years, the college’s Supply Chain Management program has tripled in size. The program is developing in response to changing business climates that demand employees who understand this supply chain process. The curriculum is open to marketing students, but the college’s long-term vision would make it available across disciplines. And Infinite Impact can provide the necessary capital to springboard this academic expansion within the college. Maroon Initiative for Business Solutions: The Supply Chain Management program has plans to further provide students with real world problem-solving opportunities through firm partnerships by implementing the Maroon Initiative for Business Solutions (MIBS). MIBS is a subscription-based program enabling businesses to extend learning and career opportunities to MSU
business students. The program will offer its members both analysis and real solution proposals and business condition insights from MSU business scholars. As part of the program, MIBS will host semi-annual conclave events that will offer MIBS members the opportunity to learn about important changes in business conditions within an open exchange moderated by MSU faculty. MIBS members will be asked to offer at least one paid annual internship for a pre-qualified post-sophomore or post-junior student who will be tasked to perform a data collection that will be analyzed the following semester in a dedicated project management course under faculty direction. As a result, the MIBS subscriber gains the solution to a critical problem while refining the skills that MSU students already possess to be successful business leaders of tomorrow. Service Innovation: The need for data analysis exists in every area of business, and the update of undergraduate and graduate programs in the college will give students a more future-foward curriculum in business analytics. The Business Analytics minor field of study aims to prepare business students with technological skills and technical majors with business skills. The new curriculum is structured in such a way that as new technologies evolve they can easily be incorporated into existing courses without revamping the entire curriculum. The minor is offered to students in any discipline campuswide, with certain prerequisites. Courses are taught by College of Business professors in areas of quantitative analysis, business information systems, accounting, marketing, supply chain, and economics. Center for Cybersecurity Behavior Research (Initiative): Mississippi State is a respected leader in cyber security research and education. The College of Business’ business information systems faculty contributes to this reputation through the university’s Center for Computer Security research by placing particular emphasis on the human factor because the greatest threats are behavioral, not technical. A greater understanding of security systems and solutions is vital
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to any business. With the efforts of faculty, companies today understand how to better protect themselves, and students are becoming more security-minded as future employees and future managers. Fraud Detection: The inclusion of data analytics as part of the new curriculum for both Master of Professional Accountancy and Master of Taxation programs in the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy is necessary in the accounting field as analytics can be used to discover patterns in data to predict whether a company will be a growing concern or to find instances of fraud. Accounting Systems I and II, which have long been required courses for all accounting undergraduates, have integrated data analytics as a major focus. A graduate level fraud course was restructured as Fraud Examination and Data Analysis and is now a required course. These changes will ensure that the next generation of accounting professionals graduating from Mississippi State will have the advanced technology skill set necessary to be successful in a highly complex and data-centric environment.
Infinite Impact Infinite Impact provides an opportunity for the College of Business to pursue contributions that will positively alter the course of its future endeavors. Gifts will bridge the gap between being a solid business college and an excellent one. From supporting student scholarships to endowed chairs and professorships to new and renovated facilities, there is a place for alumni and friends to make a difference in the learning and research environment for all business students. More on the college is available at www.business. msstate.edu.
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Get to know
ZACK HARRINGTON As a former MSU Bulldog quarterback, Zack Harrington understands the importance of teamwork. The Hattiesburg native is proud to represent the College of Business from which he earned the first of two MSU degrees—a 2009 bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in real estate mortgage finance and a 2010 master’s in sport administration—as director of development. Outside of work, Zack enjoys attending Bulldog sporting events with his wife, Hunter, a fellow graduate and former member of the MSU cheerleading squad, and their two children, Grace and Henry.
Now, more about Zack: Favorite thing about the job? That’s an easy answer—our people are what I enjoy most. I know if I listen long enough, I can learn something from all our alumni and friends; I strive to do that every day. This position turned into a natural fit because I always felt a pull to give back. Most unique gift you’ve secured? All gifts are unique in their own ways. As I mentioned, I learn something from each person, and that includes the story behind every gift that explains why MSU is important to them. It’s really powerful to see that connection transform into a gift that will enhance someone else’s life. Favorite spot on campus? McCool Hall—I like the energy in the building. The optimism is high, and every student is working hard to make their mark in the world. What does “infinite impact” mean to you? It is a positive, collective force that is much greater than individual components—one that withstands the test of time, leaving its imprint along the way.
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Development Directory Meet our Foundation Fundraising Personnel
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Mary Beth Baldwin Associate Director of Annual Giving mbaldwin@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-6770
Stephen B. Foshee Assistant Athletic Director for Development sfoshee@athletics.msstate.edu (662) 325-0965
Jana G. Berkery Assistant Director of Development College of Business jberkery@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-9055
Sara J. Frederic Director of Development College of Arts and Sciences sfrederic@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-3240
Georgia L. Carter Director of Annual Giving gcarter@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-5975
Wesley P. Gordon Director of Planned Giving wgordon@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-3707
Trish Cunetto Director of Development College of Education tcunetto@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-6762
Zack Harrington Director of Development College of Business zharrington@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-3431
Bennett Evans Senior Director of Development James Worth Bagley College of Engineering bevans@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-0386
Robert E. Jenkins Associate Athletic Director for Development rjenkins@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-6132
Susan H. Everett Coordinator of Planned Giving Programs severett@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-5127
Jimmy C. Kight Director of Development College of Veterinary Medicine jkight@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-5893
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Stephen D. Lack Assistant Director of Development James Worth Bagley College of Engineering slack@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-2464
Jud Skelton Senior Director of Development College of Agriculture and Life Sciences/Real Estate Giving jskelton@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-0643
Jeffrey J. Little Director of Development College of Forest Resources and The Bulldog Forest jlittle@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-8151
Will Staggers Assistant Director of Development College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and MSU Extension Service wstaggers@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-2837
Jack R. McCarty Executive Director of Development jmccarty@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-9580
P.K. Thomas Director of Development College of Architecture, Art and Design pkthomas@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-2542
Casey E. McGee Assistant Director of Development Division of Student Affairs cmcgee@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-9129
Charles E. Weatherly Director of Development Emeritus for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine cweatherly@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-3471
Klaire A. Miller Assistant Director of Annual Giving kmiller@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-4046
Paul S. Zimmerman Assistant Director of Development James Worth Bagley College of Engineering pzimmerman@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-0009
Alex McIntosh Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving amcintosh@foundation.msstate.edu (662) 325-8227
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Patricia S. Gaunt FACULTY MEMBER IMPACTS CVM THROUGH HER ABILITIES AND GIFTS
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A
n initial connection with Mississippi State University for Dr. Patricia S. Gaunt began with accepting a coveted internship to learn more about fish research. Since then, Gaunt has been a strong proponent of the land-grant institution and its endeavors for some two decades. Now a longtime professor for the university’s Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), Gaunt devotes the majority of her time as a researcher for the college's Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.
Gaunt supports student travel abroad (top) and CVM's Mobile Vet Clinics.
CVM oversees the Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory housed at The Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center at the university’s Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville. One of the lab’s 12 fish researchers, Gaunt helps provide diagnostic service to the commercial catfish industry. She works with area catfish producers to keep their stock healthy and safe to eat. Specifically, Gaunt evaluates the safety and efficacy of new antibiotics for use in fish health. Her areas of expertise are aquatic pharmacology and toxicology, and her clinical interest is aquatic diagnostics. “It is a challenge of research to pursue new pharmaceutical label claims and get drugs approved,” said Gaunt, who also served as laboratory interim director for a period. “There are nine fish drugs marketable in the United States. Just three of them are antibiotics, so there is a great need from fish producers and farmers for the university to develop more pharmaceuticals to assist with growth and maintenance of healthy fish as a food source which benefits the economy.” She continued, “Additional support from financial sources is needed to help our realm of endeavors as we research through MSU to impact life in our state and beyond.” Along with her research, Gaunt also teaches second-year veterinary students on the MSU campus at the Wise Center, home of CVM. Her teaching interests center around veterinary toxicology. It was this background that initially enabled her to begin her career with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C., before joining the MSU faculty in 1999. Over her career, Gaunt has achieved status as a diplomate for the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. A Louisiana native of Baton Rouge, Gaunt earned three degrees from Louisiana State University (LSU) — a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Toxicology. It was at LSU where she met her husband, Dr. Stephen Gaunt, now a retired clinical pathology professor emeritus from that university’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The couple reside in the Mississippi town of Leland. The Gaunts philanthropically support two areas of Mississippi State, both in CVM—the Pegasus Partners Endowment and the mobile veterinary clinics. The Pegasus Partners Endowment, through collective contributions of alumni and friends, provides perpetual critical support for supplemental activities that complement, enhance or expand the mission of the college, including providing funds for traveling abroad for promising students. The Mobile Veterinary Clinics, managed by the CVM Department of Clinical Sciences, travel to Mississippi shelters and provide spay and neuter services to around 30 animal shelters and rescue groups. The true impact of the spay and neuter program, however, is much greater than the surgeries provided to shelters and rescue groups. It is the surgical experience students obtain, and the understanding the students receive about pet overpopulation. “With Pegasus Partners, I help send veterinary students to Africa to study animal diseases and broaden their views of international veterinary medicine. Overall, the effort enhances Mississippi State and specifically CVM as an international center of excellence in animal health,” said Gaunt. “Additionally, by giving toward the mobile clinics, I help better train our veterinary students in a learning environment that enables them to serve communities and better control the pet population here in Mississippi.” Gaunt believes in the importance of giving back to education. She was inspired to give by her parents, who she acknowledges made sacrifices to ensure she and her siblings achieved their educational goals.
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“My father worked for IBM when I was a child, and we moved frequently. Although I lost contact with some friends as we moved from place to place, my fondness for animals began in childhood. I always had the friendship of my dog, and as a teenager, of my horse,” said Gaunt. “I knew I wanted to focus on helping animals stay healthy when I lost one dog to distemper a few weeks after my parents bought her from a pet store.” At Mississippi State, Gaunt has a passion for her vocation, and she’s generously investing in the institution that has helped her achieve much in her profession. She believes one of the university’s greatest strengths comes from its leadership. “CVM Dean Kent Hoblet and MSU have facilitated many nice opportunities for me to participate in projects and grow as a
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faculty member in this position, and I wanted to give something back to the institution by contributing financially because it seemed the right thing to do,” said Gaunt. In the future, Gaunt plans to continue giving and hopes individuals and corporations will consider ways to support the university. “I would encourage anyone considering contributions to visit with the MSU Foundation’s development personnel and determine where they would like to help,” said Gaunt. “CVM is certainly a great place to positively impact both people and animals for the long term.”
STORY AMY CAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY TOM THOMPSON
The compass scholars walk, located south of Davis Wade Stadium in The Junction, offers opportunities for the Bulldog family to acquire customizable bricks and pavers to be placed in the heart of gameday territory. Your contributions to the Compass Scholarship Program give us a competitive advantage as we recruit the best students who will excel and uphold MSU’s long-standing tradition of excellence and service. The most popular choice is to engrave a brick with your name and class year, but many other opportunities exist. You could: • memorialize a loved one, • recognize a family member, or • pay tribute to an influential faculty member. TO ORDER: Visit msufoundation.com/ compasswalk, scroll to the bottom, and click “purchase your brick here.” Secure as many as you like and include your inscription(s) (subject to approval by the MSU Foundation). FOR QUESTIONS: Contact the Office of Annual Giving at (662) 325-5975.
16” X 16” BLACK GRANITE PAVER:
Compass Scholarship pledge of $1,500 or more annually over five years per paver
8” X 8” BRICK:
Gifts of $750 each
8” X 4” BRICK:
Gifts of $500 each
noteworthy news
Banking on Success
Bulldog family makes history through service
Bob Glover, Mary Martin Childs, and Bobby Martin
A family of Mississippi State graduates residing in Ripley has positively impacted the state’s banking industry through their steadfast leadership.
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Three generations of Martins have earned degrees from MSU before presiding in roles with the Mississippi Bankers Association (MBA). Most recently, Mary Martin Childs became 2018-2019 MBA chairwoman, bringing a wealth of experience to the role and marking the first time a woman has been elected to lead the 130-year-old organization. Her impeccable resume is long with MBA, the statewide trade association whose membership consists of commercial banks and savings institutions who hold more than 95 percent of bank deposits in Mississippi. She earlier was vice chairman and treasurer. Additionally, Childs chairs MBA’s board of directors and executive committee, until her term as chairwoman ends in May. “It is great to see the impact you have on lives through leadership roles like this—MBA is very important to our industry as an advocate for best practices and important to the economy and the people in our state,” said Childs, a 1980 MSU College of Business graduate. “The fact that I have been afforded the
opportunity to represent the banking industry in this way is very humbling to me.” Childs has 38 years of experience in the financial services industry, earning her way in other institutions before spending the last 28 years at The Peoples Bank of Ripley. She joined the bank in 1990, and through progressive roles, including being named the bank’s first female president and CEO, arrived at her current title of vice chairman, CEO, president, and COO. “I learned early in life that a career in banking could be very rewarding because being a community banker enables you to help people make their dreams come true,” she said. “At The Peoples Bank, we are progressive while honoring traditions of customer service in the same courteous atmosphere year after year.” Childs learned the value of excellence in banking from her father, Bobby Martin, longtime chairman of The Peoples Bank, who was MBA’s 104th chairman. Together, the father and daughter team have passed along their
high standards of excellence to Childs’ son, Bob Glover, who is the bank’s vice president and investment and security officer. Around the same time Childs was elected MBA chair, Glover was elected 2018-2019 president of Mississippi Young Bankers (MYB), a section of the association, and he just completed his term in March. As MYB president, he chaired the executive council and served on the board of the MBA Education Foundation. He’s also a charter member of the American Bankers Association’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Board. “I’m extremely proud of Bob. He began working at The Peoples Bank as a teller while attending MSU and that led to the promising career he now has—what a great opportunity for him and a wonderful honor for both of us with MBA,” said Childs. The Martin family began their connection with Mississippi State when family patriarch Bobby Martin enrolled and earned a Bachelor of Science in agronomy in 1956. He is a past president of the MSU Foundation board of directors, of which Childs has served several terms as treasurer. “We have Mississippi, banking, and MSU maroon in our blood as three generations of very proud Bulldogs,” said Childs. Mississippi State was an integral part of Childs’ life from a young age, as she often visited campus with her mom, Barbara Martin, and her dad. Today, she also shares the family’s love of Bulldog sports with her husband, Cary Childs. And, of course, that shared passion for the Bulldogs extends to Glover, who earned an MSU business administration degree in 2005, and his wife, Amberly Glover, an MSU art graduate from Starkville, and their three children, Snow, Graham, and Pierce. The Martin family also makes an investment in Mississippi State with their philanthropy. Bobby and Barbara Martin support several areas of MSU, including scholarships. Likewise, Mary and Cary Childs contribute to scholarships and other areas, as do Bob and Amberly Glover. And the family remains heavily involved in support of their local alumni chapter in Tippah County. “We are hoping the fourth generation of Martins will find their calling by perhaps following in our footsteps by pursuing MSU educations and eventually careers in banking,” said Childs.
STORY AMY CAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED
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Learning life lessons
Jailyn Smith is among some 22,200 currently enrolled Mississippi State University students who have an inspirational story to share as they experience campus life.
Now, Jailyn shares her experience. As a young person growing up in a small Delta town of Mississippi, the thought of attending MSU was far from my reach. During my senior year of high school, I became concerned about my educational dreams. Where would I go to receive a higher education, and what challenges would that present? When I received a call from an MSU admissions recruiter, I instantly knew that things were about to change for me. He offered me an amazing opportunity with the Adolph and Bernice Michael Family Scholarship, and my life changed in a five-minute conversation. The scholarship I received was a blessing, as I prepared for college. My first year of college taught me life lessons because as a freshman I struggled. Attending MSU meant learning how to schedule classes, complete coursework assignments, study hard, and perform well with no sleep! I hate to admit it, but I failed my first class ever! It was horrifying to fail because I knew I had one job and that was to pass all my classes. Despite the fact that I failed the class, it made me more determined to buckle down. I craved the thought of having a degree; my ambition drove me to the point of never giving up. Now, I’m a senior majoring in animal and dairy science. I am thankful for the faculty and staff that have been persistent and patient with me. I am also thankful to David and Shirley Michael for giving their financial resources to help someone with a dream to work in my field of study. They have not only made a financial investment, but have also traveled to campus to visit with me. I am so grateful for their encouragement and friendship. I am now in my fourth year of college and interning with the National Association of State Department of Agriculture (NASDA) International Trade Programs in Arlington, Virginia. This amazing opportunity will provide me with work experience I might not have if not for being an MSU student. I do not know what my future holds, but having these amazing opportunities will certainly give me the tools needed to be successful. As a Bulldog, I am definitely looking forward to the future. After completing her coursework, Jailyn’s story will continue as she embarks on her journey as a forever Maroon and White alumnus. She will always be grateful for scholarship support from the Michaels.
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noteworthy news
Leading the way
New board leaders, members in place
BRANNAN
MCDANIEL
CURRIE
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Through the years, many of Mississippi State University’s most prestigious graduates and friends have helped guide the institution’s fundraising endeavors through their volunteer service. In January, the MSU Foundation welcomed a new slate of officers and incoming members of its 48-seat board of directors for 2019. Officers with new one-year terms include three alumni: D. Hines Brannan of Atlanta, Georgia as board chair; Anthony L. Wilson of Gulfport as vice chair; and Mike M. McDaniel of Houston, Texas, as treasurer. A Mississippi native of Woodville, Brannan has loyally been a member of the MSU Foundation board for over a decade, earlier serving as vice president for three terms and as treasurer for three terms. At MSU, he also was a founding member of the advisory board for the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering and an executive-in-residence for the college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1970 and an MBA the following year, both from MSU. He is a retired managing director of Accenture, one of the world’s largest management consulting firms. Fellow Mississippi native Wilson hails from D’Iberville. He earned his electrical engineering degree in 1987 from MSU and later an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi. He currently serves as chairman, president, and CEO of Mississippi Power Company. Earlier he was executive vice president of customer service and operations for Georgia Power. McDaniel, who holds a 1979 bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from MSU, is a Mississippi native of Cleveland. He is currently the president of Saber Power Services LLC, having earlier been CEO of M3 Resources LLC. McDaniel has also previously served as a board member. Rounding out the remaining board officers are MSU personnel. John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni, is the board’s president and CEO; David Easley, executive director of finance, is chief financial officer; and Jack McCarty, executive director of development, serves as board secretary. All are MSU graduates. New members beginning inaugural three-year terms include: Helen M. Currie of Houston, Texas. A Mississippi native of Utica, Currie earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Mississippi State in 2000. She initially graduated from Millsaps College and the University of Washington, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, respectively. Currie serves as chief economist for ConocoPhillips, having earlier led the America Market Fundamentals research team for BG Group. Janice I. Nicholson of Florence, Alabama. A Mississippi native of Booneville, Nicholson earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in elementary education from Mississippi State in 1967 and 1977,
respectively. Nicholson also holds an education specialist degree from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and an undergraduate degree from Blue Mountain College, of which she is the retired executive vice president for Student Affairs and Graduate and Special Programs. She is also professor emerita of the University of North Alabama, where she spent 37 years in teaching and administration. From 2015-2017, she was interim head of the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education at Mississippi State. George D. Pillow Jr. of Killen, Alabama. Pillow earned his bachelor’s degree in general business administration from Mississippi State in 1969. He utilizes his degree as chairman of Senators Coaches Inc. in Florence, Alabama. Pillow is a Mississippi native of Greenwood. Eight alumni who have previously served are returning to the board in new three-year terms. They are: William B. “Bill” Berry of Katy, Texas. He received two petroleum engineering degrees—a bachelor’s of science in 1974 and a master’s of science in 1976. He is the retired executive vice president of ConocoPhillips. John D. Davis IV of Flowood. He is a 1988 biological engineering and pre-medicine graduate of Mississippi State, who later received an M.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1992. He is a founding partner and neurosurgeon for NewSouth NeuroSpine. Rodger L. Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a 1971 bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State and a 1982 MBA from Georgia State University. He serves as president and CEO of JKC Holdings Inc. Rusty C. Linton of Columbus. He is a 1980 bachelor’s in biochemistry and pre-medicine graduate of Mississippi State who earned an M.D. in 1984 from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is presently an orthopedic surgeon with Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic P.A. John R. Lundy of Ridgeland. A native of Leland, he is a 1983 bachelor’s in agricultural economics graduate and a partner at Capitol Resources LLC. Wallace L. “Lee” Seal of Bay St. Louis. He is a 2000 bachelor’s in geoscience graduate of Mississippi State and president of North Beach Investments LLC. Allen K. Sills Jr. of Franklin, Tennessee. He is a 1986 biological engineering graduate of Mississippi State and 1990 M.D. graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He serves as the inaugural chief medical officer for the National Football League and as a professor of neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, and rehabilitation in the Department of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Turner A. Wingo of Collierville, Tennessee. He is a 1967 general business graduate of Mississippi State University and a retired real estate developer and former owner of Sherry’s Hallmark. Chartered in 1962, the MSU Foundation administers most of the campusbased fundraising activities and endowment funds. Record years of private support are part of Infinite Impact, the largest fundraising endeavor in the state of Mississippi. To date, the campaign has reached more than $925 million in commitments toward its $1 billion goal. A complete list of the MSU Foundation board of directors may be found on the inside back cover of this magazine and more information about giving can be accessed online at www.msufoundation.com.
PILLOW
BERRY
DAVIS
JOHNSON
LINTON
LUNDY
SEAL
SILLS
WINGO
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foundation board
Officers:
CHAIR — D. Hines Brannan | Managing Director of Accenture (retired) | Atlanta, Ga. VICE CHAIR — Anthony L. Wilson | Chairman, President and CEO of Mississippi Power Company | Gulfport, Miss. TREASURER — Mike M. McDaniel | President of Saber Power Services LLC | Houston, Texas PRESIDENT AND CEO — John P. Rush | Vice President of Development and Alumni, Mississippi State University | MSU SECRETARY — Jack R. McCarty | Executive Director of Development, Mississippi State University | MSU CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER — David D. Easley | Executive Director of Finance, Mississippi State University | MSU
Members:
Richard C. Adkerson | Vice Chairman, President and CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. | Phoenix, Ariz. William B. “Bill” Berry | Executive Vice President of ConocoPhillips (retired) | Katy, Texas Robert P. “Bob” Bowen | Partner-in-charge for Mid-South Audit Practice of Arthur Andersen & Co. (retired) | Holly Springs, Miss. Albert C. Clark | President and CEO of C.C. Clark Inc. | Starkville, Miss. Helen M. Currie | Chief Economist for ConocoPhillips | Houston, Texas John D. Davis IV | Neurosurgeon/Founding Partner for NewSouth NeuroSpine | Flowood, Miss. Earnest W. “Earnie” Deavenport Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical (retired) | Greenville, S.C. John N. “Nutie” Dowdle | Chairman of the Board of Dowdle Enterprises | Columbus, Miss. Timothy S. “Tim” Duncan | President and CEO of Talos Energy Inc. | Houston, Texas Hassell H. Franklin | Chairman and CEO of Franklin Corporation | Houston, Miss. S. Bryce Griffis | President of Sturgis Timber Company (retired) | Starkville, Miss. Jan L. Gwin | Managing Director of Raymond James & Associates | Memphis, Tenn. David B. Hall | President and CEO of Hall Timberlands | Meridian, Miss. Thomas G. “Tom” Hixon Sr. | Chairman of Phoenix Development Company LLC | Ridgeland, Miss. Wilbert G. “Mickey” Holliman Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Furniture Brands International (retired) | Tupelo, Miss. Herbert V. “Herb” Johnson | President of HVJ Associates Inc. | Houston, Texas Rodger L. Johnson | President and CEO of JKC Holdings Inc. | Atlanta, Ga. Paul J. Karre | Senior Vice President Human Resources/Communications for International Paper (retired) | Pawleys Island, S.C. Malcolm B. Lightsey Sr. | President and CEO of SunTech Inc. (retired) | Ridgeland, Miss. Rusty C. Linton | Orthopedic Surgeon for Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic P.A. | Columbus, Miss. John. R. Lundy | Partner with Capital Resources LLC | Jackson, Miss. Lewis F. Mallory Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank (retired) | Starkville, Miss. Bobby P. Martin | Chairman of The Peoples Bank | Ripley, Miss. Roderick A. “Rod” Moore | Executive Vice President and CEO of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance (retired) | Brandon, Miss. Janice I. Nicholson | Professor Emerita for University of North Alabama (retired) | Florence, Ala. Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz | President of the MSU Bulldog Club | Chairman and CEO of Oasis Petroleum Inc. | Houston, Texas Linda F. Parker | Secretary of Sunbelt Wholesale Supply (retired) | Bolton, Miss. George D. Pillow Jr. | Chairman of Senators Coaches Inc. | Killen, Ala. Joffrey R. “Jay” Pryor | Vice President for Business Development of Chevron Corporation | Houston, Texas Richard H. Puckett Sr. | Chairman and CEO of Puckett Machinery Co. | Flowood, Miss. Gregory C. “Gregg” Rader | CEO of Columbus Recycling Corporation | Columbus, Miss. Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves | National Alumni President | Attorney with Randall, Segrest, Weeks and Reeves PLLC | Ridgeland, Miss. Charles W. “Tex” Ritter Jr. | President and CEO of The Attala Company (retired) | Kosciusko, Miss. M. Diane Roberts | Associate Professor of Business of Indiana University East (retired) | Louisville, Ky. James J. “Jim” Rouse | Vice President of ExxonMobil Company (retired) | Suwanee, Ga. Richard A. Rula | President of Hemphill Construction Company | Florence, Miss. Michael W. Sanders | President and CEO of Jimmy Sanders Inc. (retired) | Cleveland, Miss. Wallace L. “Lee” Seal | President of North Beach Investments LLC | Bay Saint Louis, Miss. Bobby S. Shackouls | Chairman, President and CEO of Burlington Resources Inc. (retired) | Houston, Texas Allen K. Sills Jr. | Chief Medical Officer for NFL/Professor of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt Medical Center | Franklin, Tenn. Cynthia M. “Cindy” Stevens | Management Principal Government Relations of Deloitte LLP (retired) | Alexandria, Va. Turner A. Wingo | Owner of Sherry’s Hallmark (retired) | Colliersville, Tenn. Stacy E. Thomas | Legal Counsel | Jackson, Miss.
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Then and Now McCool Hall grows with the university
1975 —
l l Hal
McCoo
opens
Return on Investment: The late alumnus E.B. “Dutch” McCool initially gave funds to erect the three-story McCool Hall to house the College of Business. Three decades later, MSU formally dedicated the 52,000-square-foot addition to McCool Hall known as the Seal Family Business Complex. A cornerstone contribution from the Bay St. Louis-based Seal family, along with other gifts, made possible the west end of the complex, enabling further growth for the college.
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 134
Post Office Box 6149 One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 www.msufoundation.com
Mississippi State University Foundation @MSU_Foundation @msu_foundation
ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED
Spice up your kitchen - Bulldog style! Bring Mississippi flavor into your kitchen with the special Mississippi State University limited edition of A Mississippi Palate – the coffee-table cookbook with 105 Mississippi heritage recipes by acclaimed chef Robert St. John and 66 beautiful watercolors by Wyatt Waters, with his home state as the subject. This special edition features exclusive back cover art of one of the Bully statues in The Junction, with Davis Wade Stadium in the background. Each book is autographed by both chef and artist and accompanied by a signed and numbered print of the Bully statue. Collectively, the chef and artist are commentators and chroniclers of Mississippi culture – one using a cast iron skillet, the other using a #42 da Vinci brush – both armed with a deep love for the beautiful state of Mississippi. MSU is an AA/EEO university.
Order yours today at msufoundation.com/cookbook or call 662-325-7000.