As the leaves begin falling, our stars at Mississippi State continue rising! The official transition to fall has brought relief from record-breaking heat along with news of stellar accomplishments from all corners of the Bulldog universe.

In national news, MSU was included once again in the Great Colleges to Work For recognition program—our eighth consecutive year to make the list and earn Honor Roll status for achieving outstanding results in multiple recognition categories.

Here on campus, our faculty took center stage at the Research Awards Celebration as we applauded the important work being done by MSU researchers and support staff. On a per capita basis, our faculty are among the most productive in the Southeastern Conference, and our research portfolio is growing at more than $300 million annually. 

Progress on our Meridian campus demonstrates how Mississippi State continues to lead the way in the field of health sciences. Plans have been announced for an interprofessional simulation space at MSU-Meridian, where we will prepare future physician assistants, mental health providers and social workers as well as support curriculum needs of the university’s proposed Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program.

We also play a key role in supporting the local community. A recent example was the groundbreaking ceremony for MSU and Starkville Habitat for Humanity’s 15th Maroon Edition Habitat house in Oktibbeha County. The fact that it was Starkville Habitat’s 75^th home made the occasion even more special.

I am particularly excited about the upcoming Fall Preview Days on our campus. There’s nothing quite like meeting prospective students and sensing their enthusiasm about Mississippi State. For many, being an MSU student will be the culmination of a lifelong dream.

These events have given me an opportunity to meet families from all over our state and nation and from around the world. It’s a reminder that no matter where life takes you, there’s a strong chance you’ll find a Mississippi State connection there. It’s one more reason fall is a season I always look forward to as a member of the Bulldog family.