"Farmweek" hosts Mike Russell, right, and Zac Ashmore film the show’s first episode of 2024. First airing in 1977, "Farmweek" is Mississippi's oldest and only locally produced agricultural television news show. It's produced by Mississippi State University's Office of Agricultural Communications and recorded on campus each week at the University Television Center. PHOTO: Jonah Holland | Public Affairs
Smith's ‘Birddogs and Tough Old Broads’ highlights women journalists in Mississippi
Mississippi State faculty member Pete Smith showcases the experiences of women journalists throughout the course of a century in his new book “Birddogs and Tough Old Broads: Women Journalists of Mississippi and a Century of State Politics, 1880s-1980s.” Released this past fall, the book documents the professional experiences and observations of more than a dozen women journalists covering Mississippi state politics from the 1880s, after the end of Reconstruction when newspapers were the primary source of information, to the 1980s, a time marked by steady declines in both news revenue and circulation, and the emergence of corporate journalism. Smith, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Communication, said the book is a continuation of his research examining 20th century journalism history and the role women journalists, like the late Norma Fields, played in covering issues of importance, political or otherwise.
Running on refuse: NIFA grant to fund MSU study of biomass-derived transportation fuel
The future of fuel is practical, sustainable and green, and Mississippi State’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is committed to discovering solutions that will power tomorrow’s fuels. El Barbary Hassan, department professor and scientist in the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center, has received a National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant totaling over $610,000 to take foundational steps toward producing viable fuels from agricultural waste. Rubin Shmulsky, professor and sustainable bioproducts department head, said “Dr. Hassan’s project exemplifies the groundbreaking work our faculty do to solve real-world problems, helping people and the environment today and setting the groundwork for the renewable energy technology of tomorrow.”
New and renovated dining options, expanded State Fountain Bakery planned
Mississippi State University students have new dining options coming as soon as this fall, with more additions slated to open in 2025. Construction began in December as crews work to renovate the Student Media Center and University Florist building to create an expanded Subway and Bento Sushi, a new addition to campus that will serve sushi and a variety of Asian noodles. Also in December, a partial renovation began at Fresh Food Company to include a stand-alone True Balance venue, providing additional options for individuals with some of the most common food allergens. Subway, Bento Sushi and True Balance all are slated to open in time for the fall 2024 semester. “We are excited to usher in a new era of dining at MSU with several exciting options opening in the next two years,” said MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt.
Perry Cafeteria to undergo modernization and restoration, close temporarily starting next summer
Perry Cafeteria at Mississippi State University will soon undergo a major renovation, giving the 102-year-old building modern amenities while maintaining its historic character. The renovation is set to begin following the spring 2024 semester, ushering in a new era of dining at MSU. Because of the renovation, Perry Cafeteria will be closed during the 2024-25 academic year. It will reopen in August 2025 as Perry Hall with exciting new concepts. It will no longer be an all-you-can-eat style cafeteria but will instead offer three food hall concepts: a southern-style kitchen offering a modern take on comfort food, a barbecue and grill offering, and a produce/salad concept. Additionally, Starbucks will relocate to Perry in 2025 with an expanded footprint. An addition to the north end of Perry will provide an expanded Moe’s Southwest Grill and reintroduce State Fountain Bakery, which will return to its original location.
New Azalea Hall to offer students private living, communal spaces, state-of-the-art dining
A nearly $100 million budgeted Mississippi State residence hall will serve future Bulldogs as a central hub for campus life, dining, academic partnerships and other community needs for decades to come. Scheduled to open ahead of the fall 2025 semester, Azalea Hall -- a five-story, 159,000-square-foot facility boasting more than 400 bedspaces -- will feature private, single-room living areas nested together in pod-like communities available to student residents of all classifications, while its first floor will offer new dining options and social areas, as well as meeting spaces doubling as campus storm shelters open to the entire MSU community. Additionally, the residence hall will host a living and learning community for MSU’s Luckyday Scholars thanks to a $4 million donation by the Luckyday Foundation of Jackson.
MSU Excellence in Community Engagement Awards highlight winning projects
Mississippi State is honoring eight outreach projects with the university’s sixth annual Excellence in Community Engagement Awards. Winners, awarded in four categories for 2023, include community-engaged research, service, and teaching and learning, and scholarship of engagement. Winning projects receive $3,000, and honorable mention projects receive $750 to further their engagement projects. The recipients were selected by MSU’s Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, Office of Research and Economic Development and Division of Student Affairs.
Spring semester golf memberships now available
Mississippi State Golf Course memberships are now available for the spring semester. Current students, faculty and staff can now have unlimited green fees and golf car fees for $600 for the semester. A green fees-only option is available for $325. Memberships run from Jan. 8 through May 8. Stop by the golf shop during normal business hours to fill out the membership form and get signed up. Student charge forms are available for this charge. If you have questions, call 662-325-3028 or email Tim Basel, PGA head golf professional, at tbasel@business.msstate.edu.
Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With qualifying and campaigning for elected offices underway this year, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. MSU employees are encouraged to review OP 01.14: Political Activities in its entirety and to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.
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