Leadership Matters | November 2023

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News from Mississippi State University | November 2023

November is typically associated with Thanksgiving—a time for celebrating the people, places and traditions that enrich our lives. This November, there will be no shortage of opportunities to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for as members of the Bulldog family.

People are our greatest resource, and making sure they are informed and connected is the goal of “Dialogue Matters,” a new online forum hosted by MSU’s Transformation Management Team. I’m honored to kick off this first in a series of conversations between campus leaders and faculty, staff, students and friends of MSU on Nov. 17.

When it comes to people, diversity is without question a value that makes us stronger and more connected. That’s why receiving a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award has been a high point of the year for Mississippi State. This is our fourth HEED Award since 2019, and MSU is the only postsecondary institution in Mississippi to be honored by Insight into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity magazine in higher education.

We also continue building on our legacy as a research powerhouse with the recent opening of the Agricultural Autonomy Institute, the nation’s first and only interdisciplinary research center focused on autonomous technologies to enhance on-farm precision and efficiency. The global farming community is relying on innovative and transformative solutions to advance agriculture, and once again, the world is looking to MSU for answers.

Sharing traditions brings people together, and that’s certainly the case with Homecoming set for Nov. 4 with the Dawgs vs. Kentucky at Davis Wade Stadium. On Nov. 18, we’ll host the University of Southern Mississippi during our military appreciation game, and on Nov. 23, many MSU families will spend Thanksgiving night on campus watching the Dawgs and Ole Miss face off in the Egg Bowl.

Throughout November, we’ll fill our MSU scrapbooks with indelible memories and moments of joy and togetherness that will always be with us. During the season of giving thanks, I am thankful for our alumni and supporters as well as the many honorable traditions we share at MSU.

MSU Awarded the National HEED Award for Advancing Student Access and Success

Mississippi State University has once again earned national recognition, receiving the prestigious HEED Award for its commitment to enhancing student access and success. Discover the ongoing initiatives that have contributed to this achievement. [Read More]

UN Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Visits Mississippi State

The Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Qu Dongyu, recently paid a visit to our campus. Explore the significance of this visit and the global implications it carries. [Learn More]

Appointment of Catchot as Director of MSU Extension

The university takes a significant step in leadership with the appointment of a new Director for MSU Extension. Learn about the expertise and vision that our new director brings to this vital outreach program. [Learn More]

Introducing the 2023 Mississippi State Homecoming Court Royalty

As Homecoming season approaches, it's time to meet the distinguished members of our 2023 Homecoming Court Royalty. Discover the stories and achievements of these MSU Bulldogs who will be celebrated during this special event. [Learn More]

Mississippi State University Joins Forces with the National Science Foundation in an Innovation Hub

The university is set to collaborate with the National Science Foundation in the establishment of an innovation hub. Explore the exciting potential and opportunities that lie ahead as we engage in this partnership. [Learn More]

MSU-Led Fish Innovation Lab Secures $15 Million to Extend Global Food Security

In a significant development, the Mississippi State-led Fish Innovation Lab has secured a substantial $15 million grant to further its mission of ensuring global food security. Learn how this funding will drive positive change on a global scale. [Learn More]

Join the Conversation with President Keenum on November 17

An exclusive opportunity to engage with MSU's President Mark E. Keenum. You're invited to join an open conversation on our campus to discuss the university's progress and address questions from the MSU Bulldog family. Mark your calendar for November 17 and be part of the dialogue. [Learn More]