The Executive Council convened at 9 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Donald Zacharias, presiding, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Debbie Baker, Dr. Marion Couvillion, Mike Richardson, Dr. Derek Hodgson, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. R.D. Ikenberry, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Patsy Douglas and Wayne Reed.

Dr. Foil presented for approval the design development plans for a Multi-Use Facility at the Delta Research and Extension Center at Stoneville. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Hodgson announced that Dr. Marian Huttenstine of Radford University will become head of the Department of Communication, effective July 1.

Dr. Ward presented the Division of Institutional Advancement quarterly report.

Dr. Zacharias announced that groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of the western by-pass linking Hwy. 25 and U.S. 82 will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Dr. Baker announced that Patsy Douglas is assuming her duties as 1997-98 chair of the Professional and Support Staff Advisory Council.

Dr. Ruby reported that the latest announcement of National Merit Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation showed Mississippi State attracting more of the top students than any other state institution.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:25 a.m.