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131st YEAR ISSUE 47
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
MSU researchers work to eliminate food insecurity in Ghana by Kristina Norman Staff Writer
Security for Ghana
Jenn McFadden The Reflector
Although Africa may seem a world away from Starkville, researchers at Mississippi State University’s Soybean Innovation Lab are working to improve the lives of millions of people in Ghana by eliminating food insecurity. The United Nations defines food insecurity as “a situation that exists when people lack secure access to sufficient amounts of
safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life.” Ghana’s partnership with MSU’s Soybean Innovation Lab works to address global food insecurity and hunger, while the Soybean Management with Appropriate Research and Technology (SMART) seeks to give small-scale farmers a share in the growing soybean global market by increasing their productivity and yields. Begun in 2014, the Ghana SMART farms help give individuals and organizations
technical guidance on soybean farming. Dan Reynolds, MSU professor, holds the Edgar E. and Winifred B. Hartwig endowed chair in soybean agronomy. Reynolds said he did not have much experience in international agriculture when he went into the project. He said was tasked with figuring out Ghana’s needs without ever setting foot in the country, which was overwhelming. Reynolds said God blessed him by sending George Awuni, a Ghanaian expert on food security issues.
Awuni spent two decades in Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture before receiving the 2013 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship, which allowed him to come research at MSU. One of the farming methods Awuni recommended was planting crops on ridges, to prevent them from washing away during the rainy seasons. Ridge planting also reduces the need for excess soil preparation and enhances crop productivity. FOOD SECURITY, 2
Master of science program approved for 2018 by Lindsay Pace Contributing Writer
Mississippi State University will introduce a master of science program in Cyber Security and Operations in the fall semester of 2018. The program has been under development since 2015. David Dampier, a computer science professor at MSU, said the idea for the program became tangible after he was approached by naval officers from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The officers sought to earn a cyber security degree in-state. “The skeleton of the program began here,” said Dampier, “but we needed more resources.” Dampier said these resources followed quickly after the officers’ request. By April 2016, a grant was awarded for a cyber security program proposal, and by March 2017, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees approved the degree program. Jason Keith, Dean of Bagley College of Engineering, said he expects the program to add exponential value to the university’s already remarkable reputation in cyber security. “Mississippi State University is at the forefront of cyber security research and education,” said Keith. “This degree underscores the commitment of the university to this highly important field.” Students from six different undergraduate disciplines may apply, including computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering. MASTERʼS PROGRAM, 2
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Reflections
Daniel Tripp, Campus Connect Forecaster
Roadrunners: running with a purpose by Josh Beck Contributing Writer
A
small group stands out among the Mississippi State University students scurrying to their next classes without pausing to appreciate the sights on a campus they have seen hundreds of times. This group absorbs every sight and sound of a typical day at MSU. They feel the slight breeze gently waving the magnificent American Flag at the center of the Drill Field. They eavesdrop on student’s conversations and slowly begin to imagine themselves on this campus in the future. At the front of the group is a MSU student, in a maroon polo, a Roadrunner. The Roadrunner walks the group of prospective students and their parents through the Drill Field explaining MSU’s history as an all-male university with strong military ties. The Roadrunner effortlessly answers questions from timid high school students and their inquisitive parents. The maroon clad tour guide is one of the first people a prospective student will meet at MSU, one who usually leaves a lasting memory. The Roadrunner organization was founded in 1979 and has been an integral part of the MSU recruitment process ever since. Their name originates from the many “road” trips student workers would take to nearby high schools to start the recruitment process for the next class of Bulldogs. Many students have crossed the Drill Field since the early days of recruitment, but the Roadrunners and Office of Admissions are still hard at work recruiting students from around the nation. The Roadrunners are the only non-paid student recruitment workers in the South Eastern Conference. They handwrite hundreds of
Rachel Bowman | The Reflector
Aalaap Desai, senior biological engineering student, leads a group of prospective students and their parents around Mississippi State Universityʼs campus on a sunny day.
postcards, in addition to their campus tours and road trips to the surrounding cities. Mackenzie Smith, a Roadrunner and junior from Tupelo, said she finds her reward for the job in sharing her passion for MSU to prospective students. “The most rewarding thing is giving tours and watching people fall in love with Mississippi State just as much as you do, and know that they want to come
TUESDAY
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here,” Smith said. Smith also gave recruitment credit to organizations such as the Student Association and MSU athletics, which provide many unique opportunities for prospective students. Smith said Bulldog Bash was a prime example of organizations providing prospective students with a inside look on college life, because it allowed them to tour the campus, experience
FORECAST: Expecting scattered showers midweek and much warmer temperatures. Reaching up into the mid 80s and dewpoints will be in the 60s making it feel muggy over the next few days.
a game at Davis Wade, and listen to some local bands downtown all in one weekend. Roadrunners pride themselves in not only providing informative tours around campus, but also in creating a family-like atmosphere for high school students. Roadrunners can provide insight about life at MSU that parents and school counselors cannot. Eric Wegener,
Roadrunner and junior chemical engineering major from Ridgeland, Mississippi, said he believes the Roadrunners are able to highlight the friendly atmosphere of MSU because Roadrunners are very close in the organization. “We are a family within a family,” Wegener said. “The greatest part is that there are people I would have never met had I not been a part of Roadrunners.” ROADRUNNER, 2
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The problems Reynolds Now in year four of the plots of land given one year said he identified in Ghana Soybean Innovation Lab may not always be given the were low soil fertility, poor project, Ragsdale said she and following year. seed quality and lack of seed associate researcher Mary Compounding the storage. Read-Wahidi have found problem, Ragsdale said, is Reynolds said he was interesting conclusions from distance between farm plots struck by Ghana’s farming the Women Empowerment and villages. Many women methods which influences its in Agriculture Index. must walk 30 minutes or underdevelopment. Instead The WEAI index seeks to more in one direction to get of using shovels and hoes, gain insight into how gender to their farming plots. Ghanaians plant, harvest equity and socioeconomic Ragsdale said she and thresh using sticks. factors affect both male and encourages women to This is because for female Ghanaian farmers follow the motto of the Ghanaians, obtaining and how these factors University of Missouri’s information regarding impact food security, health Soybean Success Kit, which farming is not as simple and economic development. is “eat some, save some, sell as using an online some.” search engine. The motto “Global food security is really Reynolds said he was created by was also surprised of about helping countries remain University by Ghana’s Missouri researchers underdevelopment Kristin Bilyeu and stable so that there isn’t inner in education Kerry Clark, and and access to encourages women conflict.” information. Many farmers to “eat -Kathleen Ragsdale, MSU Ghanaians in rural some” soybeans areas do not have an because of their associate researcher education above a nutrition content, sixth-grade level and “save some” high do not have access quality soy seed to internet. Ragsdale and Read- for later, and “sell some” “Here, we just assume Wahidi found that a soybeans so they can pay for that you can Google Ghanaian woman’s power school, healthcare and buy something and find out your largely depends on her more nutritious foods for information,” Reynolds said. negotiating power, age, their families. Reynolds said he hopes character and position in “Hopefully, what we the SMART demonstration her household and larger learn in Ghana we will be farms will teach Ghanaians community. able to expand out to other farming practices which will Read-Wahidi and countries,” Ragsdale said. produce better crop yields. Ragsdale also found Ragsdale said addressing Kathleen Ragsdale, Ghanaian males are far food security and hunger an associate researcher more empowered than has the added benefit of at MSU’s Social Science women. Most land in preventing conflicts within Research Center, serves as Ghana is owned by men, nations and neighboring the co-principal investigator and although women do countries. of the Soybean Innovation most farming, women must “Global food security Lab. Ragsdale leads the first ask males for access to is really about helping socio-economic and gender farmland. Male landowners countries remain stable equity research division of then dictate which plots the so that there isn’t inner the project. women may farm. The same conflict,” Ragsdale said.
CONTINUED FROM 1
Monday, April 10, 2017 9:28 a.m. Employee reported chalk drawings on the outside of Davis Wade Stadium. 1:56 p.m. Student reported receiving harassing text messages and phone calls from an unknown person. Tuesday, April 11, 2017 12:12 a.m. Student was arrested in Starkville for DUI and careless driving. 7:05 a.m. Employee reported graffiti on an electric box near Hull Hall. Wednesday, April 12, 2017 1:33 p.m. Employee reported floor mat stolen from Roberts Building. 4:52 p.m. Student was issued Justice Court citations and Student in Referrals for possession of alcohol and marijuana in Magnolia Hall. Thursday, April 13, 2017 1:23 p.m. Student reported the back window of her vehicle was busted in while parked at Deavenport Hall. 3:34 p.m. Student reported she was followed by a black male while walking to her vehicle near the Industrial Education Building.
ROADRUNNER The Office of Admissions is another part of the Roadrunner family. Comprised of 26 faculty members and located in Montgomery Hall, the Office of Admissions works hard to provide incoming students with a memorable preview day and orientation. The Assistant Director of Recruitment, Avent VanHorn, is a third generation bulldog. She understands the recruitment process is a big moment in every high school student’s life.
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VanHorn smiled, as she remembered her preview day and how personable and friendly she said the Roadrunners were to her. Now, as the advisor who oversees the Roadrunners organization, she admires the hard work and dedication even more. “The Roadrunners are the heartbeat of our office, because of the energy and engagement they bring day in and day out.” VanHorn said. VanHorn said the Roadrunners are invaluable to the recruitment process and are able to fill many roles to keep each preview day running smoothly. The Roadrunners and the Office of Admissions believe every freshman class brings new ideas, cultures and potential to MSU. Their drive to recruit new students is what allows the Bulldog family to grow and improve each year.
Two concentrations are available to students in the program: cyber defense and cyber operations. Both concentrations will educate students in defense against aggressive cyber invasions. The cyber defense concentration is more policyoriented than its counterpart. Dampier said this concentration will prepare students to work primarily in private sectors, protecting corporations. The cyber operations concentration, however, is technical, offensive and government-minded. This concentration has less course flexibility than cyber defense, because it requires specific classes like Reverse Engineering, Wireless Communication, and Advanced Cyber Operations. MSU students are excited for the program. Harrison Hunter, a junior computer science major, believes this degree could give undergraduate students greater academic opportunity. “If I decide to pursue a master’s degree,” Hunter said, “it gives me the option of delving into a unique field that is still related to my studies as an undergrad. Even if I don’t go to graduate school, the courses created for the program provide technical electives I would not have been able to take otherwise.” Job openings for individuals qualified in cyber security are increasingly abundant. The addition of a cyber security and operations masters’ degree is a response to a need for skilled individuals in this field. It will prepare MSU graduates to be leading benefactors in the cyber security market. Dampier said he expects the program to excel. “I expect it to be very popular,” Dampier said. “I have received lots of inquiries from students wanting to switch from other disciplines into this program, at least 12 to 14.” Keith also said he predicts that the program will thrive. “I am excited that this will help us recruit outstanding students from around the nation to the Bagley College of engineering,” Keith said.
Limited Time Offer $10 Off Standard Tune-Up with Student I.D. @boardtownbikes
(662) 324-1200 www.boardtownbikes.com Offer valid 4/19/17-5/3/17. $10 off standard tune-up, regular price $65. Limit 1 per customer.
Coming Soon! Ride Share App through Bulldog Shuttle and Cab
Hey! Do you have a car? Want to make extra money? We are hiring for Ride Share drivers just like those other guys do! Must be a minimum 21 years old to apply.
Send interests to bulldogcab@gmail.com for more info! 662.312.5003 Follow us on Twitter @bulldogcab to track our progress
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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY APRIL 18. 2017
An In-Class Distraction
CLASSIFIEDS The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are listed at $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are listed at $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found items: Found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed at standard ad cost. FOR RENT Sublease 3 Bedroom/1 Bath brick house with large backyard. 513 Overstreet Drive in Starkville, MS. $975/ month. Two rooms for rent with two full bathrooms. Hardwood and ceramic tile flooring, garage parking, fenced in backyard, and a large living area with a fire place. Only seven minutes from campus. For more information call 662-312-5630 ESTATE SALES Huge 3-day estate sale on April 21, 22, and 23 in Browning Creek Subdivision. For more information or pictures, call 662-321-1261. CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday;. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club_info@ reflector.msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a
form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number April 11 puzzle solutions and requested run dates must be included for club are available online at info to appear in The www.reflector-online.com Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.
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OPINION
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2017
Airstrikes in Syria are not in the best interest of US by Jonathan Bain Staff Writer
It has been almost two weeks since President Donald Trump ordered the launching of 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles from a United States warship, directed at the Al Shayrat Airfield in Syria. The Al Shayrat Airfield housed warplanes that employed the recent chemical weapon attack on Syrian civilians, as approved by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. While the slaughter of civilians always ignites a feeling of disgust and rage, I feel hastily involving ourselves in yet another Middle Eastern conflict is sure to bring more pain and misery than would result if the U.S. decided on a hands-off approach. The first line of questioning critics of the airstrike have used is this: was the airstrike Constitutional? As someone who believes the Constitution is the ultimate decider of the legality of actions taken by the U.S. government, I will admit it is a bit gray in this area. The Constitution vests
the authority of the military to the Executive Branch. It also states the Legislative Branch as the one responsible for making a declaration of war. The question thus shifts from “Was the airstrike Constitutional?” to “Where does the airstrike reside within the Constitution?” Again, this is a large gray area, and is the subject of much debate within Congress. Some members of Congress believe the airstrike to be a military operation, while others view it as an act of war. Discourse over the topic is likely to be moot, however, due to a statute known as the War Powers Resolution. TheWarPowersResolution was enacted in 1973 to reign in the Executive Branch’s ability to engage in conflicts that can be construed as war. According Judge Andrew Napolitano, the resolution should be seen as liberating for the president, rather than restrictive. Napolitano claims the statute allows for a president to engage in war for up to 90 days before they have to seek congressional
approval and funding for the continuation of the war. Many critics, including Judge Napolitano, question the constitutionality of the statute, but say we are unlikely toseeitchallenged.According to the Constitution, federal statutes cannot be challenged without “standing.” Standing
is when an individual has been personally harmed by the statute. Clearly, none of us residing within these borders have been personally harmed by the resolution, and, unfortunately, the thousands of deaths overseas have no voice in questioning the legitimacy of the law according to the War Powers Resolution. The second line of questioning critics of the attack have used is this: how does
this airstrike “put America first?” Trump campaigned on the promise of putting America first, and he often likes to say he is the president of the U.S., not the world. If this is the case, then why is he continuing down the path of his predecessors and furthering the role of
effort or putting an end to terrorism. Jeffery D. Sachs, professor at Columbia University, claims this is not usually the actual case. He said the reason the U.S. often chooses to engage in Middle Eastern conflicts is to further our own economic and political interests, not to establish a higher standard of life for those subject to the conflict. The U.S. chooses factions that are politically expedient to them, and then proceeds to back and fund the faction as they attempt to challenge the regime in place. The problem with this is, historically, regime Jenn McFadden, The Reflector changes in the Middle East have caused more harm the U.S. as the world police? and instability than good. History will kindly show Adding to these problems anyone who desires to look is the fact U.S. involvethat when nations choose ment in the Middle East to further their empires, often instigates terrorists. they cause more harm and U.S. involvement in instability than good. This local Middle Eastern conis true for the nations that flicts—especially in areas fall victim to the empire, where American troops as well as the empire itself. are stationed—is the bigEvery time we engage in gest recruiting tool terrorist a conflict within the Middle groups like al-Qaeda and East, it is usually under the ISIS utilize. They successfulguise of a humanitarian ly market their efforts as an
attempt to oppose the imperial foe invading their homeland. When one terrorist organization suffers a blow, another is ready to emerge and replace the former. It has been an endless cycle in the region and a thorn in the side of the U.S. for over 60 years. To close, I would like to propose that instead of choosing to act within the imperial apparatus, the U.S. chooses to promote change through diplomatic methods. We should choose to engage in dialogue and partner with other nations in an effort to foster peace and prosperity within these Middle Eastern nations suffering from endless civil confl icts, instead of adding to the confl ict by getting involved in the wars. The Middle Eastern states existed and managed to settle their own disputes long before the U.S. chose to unsuccessfully get involved. Unless the U.S. is directly attacked, the best solution for resolving turmoil in the Middle East is diplomacy; not bombs, death, destruction or imperialism.
M ississippi hav i ng a Confederate Commercial airlines overbooking flights to History Month does not harm anyone account for lost revenue is not a bad policy
Chris Lowe is a sophomore majoring in business information systems. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
For those who are unaware, April is Confederate History Month in Mississippi. The very idea of celebrating the Confederacy is enough to enrage people disillusioned by the South’s “redneck racists,” and as a social liberal, it would stand to reason that I would hold the same sentiment. However, I cannot bring myself to hate this idea, because the idea of Confederate History Month is not necessarily a bigoted one. People tend to make the Confederacy all about slavery. Those people would be correct in stating slavery was a major—if not most significant—facet of the Confederacy’s existence, but those who recognize Confederate History Month have a wealth of other things to focus their attention on in terms of being proud of their heritage. Opponents of this idea refuse to recognize this. In response to Robert McDonnell, the governor of Virginia in 2010, introducing Confederate History Month in his state without the mention of slavery, Jeff Schweitzer of the Huffington Post said, “If slavery was not among the most ‘significant’ issues for Virginia, exactly what
other state right was being violated by federal law leading to the Civil War? Does McDonnell even know the history of the war?” Coming from someone who has zero interest in Confederate flags or Robert E. Lee Day, I still feel responses like this are completely unnecessary. While I agree that the Confederacy was not the ideal role model, it represented a level of independence for the South that was never before reached and has not been reached since. It is a point of pride for some southerners because of the basis of its government and symbolism, not slavery. Sure, there are almost definitely many people who celebrate it because of slavery, but automatically assuming the month-long holiday can only represent racism is short-sighted. For the sake of argument, there are a myriad of potential benefits from having a month dedicated to the Confederacy. Considering this phenomenon includes “history” in the name, it would make sense to use the month to educate young people on the history of the Confederacy, much like we do in February with Black History Month. Latria Graham from the Guardian said, “There is valuable information to be gleaned from the artifacts and letters left behind by Confederate soldiers. When we examine their routines and social customs as reinforced social habits, we can learn from their everyday interactions. It is important to know who they were, what they believed and why they wore the uniform.” Do we hate communists
because their regime is largely associated with Joseph Stalin? Do we vilify the ancient Greeks for their use of slavery? My point is that there is something good in almost anything, and we can learn from the Confederacy just as we can learn from anything else. Finally, I believe that wanting to deny people the opportunity to celebrate their heritage is just wrong. Many southerners are directly descended from those in the Confederacy, and as I stated before, those people are usually proud of the South and what it represents. Ultimately, what harm is there in having a Confederate History Month? It affects no one in a negative way, and it is not forced on anyone. What I have come to realize is I live in a state populated with people who care deeply about this issue—however, because this month is not literally hurting anyone, I prefer to leave it alone. To be clear, I personally do not care for the Confederacy or its flag. I do not take pride in it, and I think their motives were awful in many ways. However, I do understand that things like this are not black and white. While I could not care less about the Confederacy, I do care about not blindly attacking a group of people—Confederate History Month proponents—for their beliefs and heritage. I believe that if a state decides to have a Confederate History Month, the state is not simply endorsing slavery like many seem to think. For this reason, people should calm down a bit in their crusade against Confederate History Month, which only celebrates a long-dead idea.
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that if passengers did not show up for a fl ight, they Staff Writer would still be able to cover the costs of flying a plane Over the weekend of that is not completely full. April 8, a now-infamous Therefore, there would video surfaced showing a have to be a price increase man being forcibly dragged for all passengers. out of his seat on an United In conclusion, airlines Airlines fl ight because he overbook fl ights to make refused to leave and wait up for passengers who miss for another fl ight to take their fl ights. It is statistihim to his destination. cally unlikely you would While the actions of the be involuntarily denied airline and its officers were boarding and the legality clearly reprehensible and of overbooking helps keep thus widely condemned, fl ight prices lower. many people started quesNone of this is to say tioning why an airline it is not a huge pain to be would sell more tickets denied boarding and there than there is always room were availfor airlines to “Airlines attempt to calculate these num- improve the able seats on models they a commercial bers through propietary algorithms so use to calcufl ight. At fi rst they can anticipate how many passengers late how many passengers are glance, this likely to miss a would seem are going to miss the f light in quetion.” fl ight. In fact, like a terribly there is nothunfair deciing inherently sion, as there would likely be passen- Insider, in 2016 about wrong with consumers gers who would have to 51,000 people were invol- wanting airlines to reevaluleave the fl ight and wait untarily denied from ate how they conduct their on another one. However, boarding their fl ights. overbooking policies. The problem is, in the airline companies have While this seems like an well-researched and legit- eye-popping number, it past week, far too many imate reasons for over- only accounts for less than people have ignorantly booking their fl ights. one percent of the 823 mil- assumed the airlines hanWhat is important to lion passengers who flew dle overbooking this way remember when examin- on U.S. airlines during the because they are oppressive, bloodsucking capitaling this issue, is the fact last calendar year. on every fl ight, there are There is even evidence ist pigs, instead of underalways going to be passen- overbooking could be standing airlines do this gers who do not show up. advantageous for con- based on in-depth historThis can be due to a variety sumers, as it can work to ical research and propriof reasons, ranging from keep prices down. In a etary algorithms. To this end, it will do litbad traffic to oversleeping. TIME magazine interIn order to avoid los- view, a consumer advocate tle good for people to push ing revenue from these named Charles Leocha for banning overbooking unfi lled seats, airline com- said if overbooking were on commercial fl ights. panies have found it to be to become illegal, the price However, there are plenty more cost-effective to sim- of a ticket on every fl ight of reasons for consumers to push for more effective ply overbook their fl ights, would surely increase. so they will not endure This is because in that strategies in handling the such heavy revenue losses. situation, the airlines problems that arise from According to an article would have to make sure overbooking. by Steven Weirich
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in the Los Angeles Times, airlines attempt to calculate these numbers through proprietary algorithms so they can anticipate how many passengers are going to miss the fl ight in question. The objective of the algorithms is to fi nd a number that will allow the airline to fi ll the fl ight to capacity without having to voluntarily or involuntarily remove passengers from the fl ight. It should be pointed out, while these algorithms are quite accurate most of the time, they are not perfect. According to Business
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TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2017
MSU Theatre presents ‘the Crucible’ by Shelby Poindexter Staff Writer
Theatre MSU will present its production of “The Crucible” at 7:30 p.m. on April 20-22 at the McComas Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www. comm.msstate.edu. “The Crucible,” by Arthur Miller, is a 1963 Tony Award winning play about the Salem witch trials of the late 1600’s. Lying, cheating, drama and tragedy are all intertwined to enhance the plot of this classic piece. The Theatre MSU production of this play has a total cast and crew of 37 people helping to bring this story to life. This includes 22 actors in the cast, one stage manager, four assistant stage managers and 10 people on the technical crew. They have been working for more than six weeks to put this play together. Tim Matheny, who will be directing the Theatre MSU production of “The Crucible,” said the best part of working on this play was working with such talented students and faculty. “They have really poured themselves into this process and produced some quality work of which they, and the university, can be proud,” Matheny said. “It is always a pleasure to work this creative process alongside of our MSU students.”
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Tickets are available for the MSU Theatre production of the 1953 Tony Award winner for Best Play “The Crucible” April 20-22.
Matheny said it is exciting to see the amount of hard work, intelligence and fearlessness the students show and put into this production. “This play has some strong emotional moments,” Matheny said. “These emotions are not always easy for an actor to explore. These students, however, have done a brave and outstanding job at finding these emotions within themselves and exploring them in the context of this script.” Callie Hester, a member of “The Crucible” cast, said her favorite part of working on this play was taking part in a specific scene. “There is a scene in act two that is physically and mentally exhausting but it probably my favorite.” Hester said. “It has been
brilliant, as always, and there has never been a dull moment.” “This show has some very important themes,” Hester said. “It is a show filled with rumors, hysterics, vengeance, and love.” “The Crucible” is an American classic that reflects the fear of McCarthyism. Matheny said, as director, he seeks out works like “The Crucible” that have something to say. He said, in many ways this play has ideas that are relevant to today. “Over the last decade, we have witnessed an ever widening of political, moral, and social thought in America,” Matheny said. “One of the frightening aspects of this polarization is the frenzy of often baseless accusation that traps individuals on either side.”
‘Reverie’ opens on campus by Courtney O’Brien Staff Writer
Last Thursday night marked the opening of two free art exhibits at Mississippi State University. The art featured in each exhibit was produced by nine graduating students majoring in the fine arts. Both exhibits will be open from April 13 to May 8, with one exhibit located in the Colvard Student Union’s second-floor art gallery and the other in the McComas Hall Art Gallery. The artists include Bachelor of Fine Arts seniors exhibition chairs, Shaquita N. Woodson and Cecilia A. Lemus, documentary chairs Ethan C. Ritchie and MiKayla M. Evans, didactics chair Taylor B. McGhee, reception chair HuShawn D. Rambo, public relations chair Randi L. Watson, design chair Ki’erre Dawkins, and chair of senior thesis crew Chelsey V. Johnson. The pieces of art featured range from multi-media works to sculptures of light. The Bachelor of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, “Reverie,” looks back on the artists’ experiences of writing, researching, doing coursework and making memories and achievements in the Fine Arts program. “Reverie” is a gallery exhibition showcasing works created by senior undergraduate students concentrating in various fields in the Fine Arts such as: painting, photoshop, lighting, graphic design, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics or drawing. Artist Chelsey Johnson from Natchez, Mississippi, said the artists featured in the exhibits have learned a
Rachel Bowman | The Reflector
The artwork of Chelsey Johnson, senior majoring in fine art, hangs as part of “Reverie.”
lot while preparing their own artwork, from researching scholarly writings on art to learning what goes into the overall visual options for gallery presentation. One of the artists, Randi Watson from Brandon, Mississippi, said her art is heavily influenced by the decline of her grandmother’s health. Watson said she is glad to have finally gotten to this point in her artistic career. “It’s been a year-long process with research and figuring out what we all wanted to do,” Watson said. “We all committed to projects that have been a part of our souls for a long time, and we all made some beautiful work.” Senior Fine Arts undergraduate students start their research during fall semester and follow up with writing a thesis in the spring semester of the next year. The “Reverie” gallery represents the end of the art students’ thesis. Artist HuShawn Rambo from Bay Springs, Mississippi, said his work has been influenced by his vivid dreams. “I took millions of dreams, and I wrote them down, and
I added up all the pieces to make this,” Rambo said. “I just wanted to make them how my dream was and be as beautiful as it was in them. This is the one thing I’ve been looking forward for.” MSU’s Department of Art is home to Mississippi’s largest undergraduate studio art program. Both art galleries showcase the works of different artists within the program. “Reverie” will be up until May 8. Artist Ethan Ritchie from Pontotoc, Mississippi, said his art is about a robot living in adventures like that of Robinson Crusoe. “I want to get into concept art, illustration and video games to create this world,” Ritchie said. “I want to try to create a world. Not just a story, but a sequential thing, so you’re interested in what the robot is doing.” Those interested in seeing the art exhibits can stop by the Colvard Student Union or McComas Hall. For more information on the exhibits, contact Brent Funderburk, MSU William L. Giles Distinguished Professor of Art at 662-325-2970.
“Lives have been ruined by such witch hunts. I thought this play may reflect the past dangers of such actions and maybe open a dialogue on what we are doing to each other.” Matheny said. This is the final production of Theatre MSU’s 2016-2017 season. “The Crucible” displays raw emotion, dark themes and has a very powerful message. It is a famous work of literature intended to cause the audience to think and understand more of what it was like during the Salem witch trials, which is such an iconic time in history.
This Friday: Chew on This
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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2017
Rooker finds humility in success and fame has allowed me to continue to see the ball really well.” Before the season startStaff Writer ed, Rooker was not really on many fans radars, with sophomore Jake Over the past year, there Mangum receiving most are two athletes that seem of the preseason attento be the talk of the town tion. Now it is the Rooker in Starkville, Mississippi. and Mangum show. After One is the highly-praised one of Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott, but the other games against Tennessee is redshirt junior baseball Mangum told the media player, Brent Rooker. just how important Rooker Rooker has been on fi re is to their team. this season, but no one “He is one of the best hitexpected him to have the ters I have ever played with. season he is having so far. He is a special player and he Rooker is hitting .432 on is a lot of fun to play with the season and I’m really and he is staglad he is on “What he is doing right now is so special, our team.” tistically one of the best Magnum said it is an honor to watch him hit every single “You see it at players in the NCAA. the plate, he day,” He is second has evolved in the coun-Head Coach Andy Cannizaro as a hitter and try in home he is the bigruns with 16 gest threat in and leads the the SEC right country in RBIs with 57. game versus Kentucky over now.” Rooker’s best asset is Super Bulldog Weekend Many people thought it his ability to hit for extra when he hit three home would be hard for any player bases. Rooker has 19 dou- runs, including a grand to have the success Rooker bles on the season and his slam. A moment he could is having after a new coach slugging percentage is at an justifiably take all the glory stepped onto the scene. astounding .957. Though for himself, Rooker praised Head coach Andy most would think all this his teammates instead. Cannizaro is in the midst success would get to his “I’ve got a good sup- of his fi rst season at head, Rooker remains porting cast around me Mississippi State, and he humble and thankful for all that’s allowing me to put realizes the talent and abilthe help he has received in up some numbers,” Rooker ity Rooker brings to the his baseball career. said. “I’ve got guys on base plate every game. Between Rooker, who is from all the time I can drive in, talking to Rooker and Germantown, Tennessee, and guys are hitting great Cannizaro it is easy to tell grew up playing baseball in behind me, and it makes how much Rooker studies the small town of Cordova, people pitch to me a little baseball and how high his Tennessee, at Evangelical bit. Give credit where credit baseball IQ is. Christian School. While is due. As a team we’re per“What he is doing right at ECS he won a state forming really well, which now it so special, it is an by Hunter Sciara
championship in baseball and also led his team to a championship in football as the starting quarterback. He is a pure athlete with a high baseball IQ. When asked about managing all the fame and glory he’s been receiving this year, Rooker showed his humility. “If I can show up and do whatever I can to put our team in a position to win then I’ve had a successful day that day,” Rooker said “Just take it one day at a time and not look at my season as a whole.” Rooker had a monster of a
Alayna Stevens | The Reflector
Brent Rooker was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 38th round of last yearʼs MLB draft but chose to come back to MSU.
honor to watch him hit every single day,” Cannizaro said after the Kentucky series. “We keep talking about how smart of a hitter he is, he processes information so well, he is not missing pitches, he is confident, he has a plan, he is executing his game plan right now to perfection. It really is one of the most special things I have seen a hitter do.” The season is not even close to over, however. Rooker has the opportunity to build on what has already been an unbelievable year.
His name is mentioned amongst the nation’s best players to win the Golden Spikes Award. The Bulldogs just took two out of three games in Colombia, South Carolina, against the well-renown baseball program of Univeristy of South Carolina this past weekend. They will travel to Mobile, Alabama, to play South Alabama tonight. After that they will return to Dudy Noble Field where they will prepare for their weekend series versus the Univeristy of Alabama.
Rooker and the rest of the MSU basbeall team will look to build on the monumental season they have had so far.
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