Cutting a ribbon to celebrate the official opening of University Recreation pickleball courts at the Sanderson Center last week are, from left, MSU Construction Management Director Ches Fedric; Executive Director for Campus Services Saunders Ramsey; Director of University Recreation and Student Well-Being Patrik Nordin; 2024-25 Student Association President Carson McFatridge; 2025-26 SA President Cameron Cummings; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt; and senior kinesiology major Jaxson Flores, who also serves as a University Recreation fitness staff programming assistant. Designed by Kimley-Horn and built by Harris Construction, the new facility features eight courts and is free and open for all players. To learn about making a group reservation, visit play.urec.msstate.edu. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs
$1.16 million awarded to MSU faculty to support state’s behavior health workforce
Mississippi State is addressing the shortage of behavioral health service providers in the Magnolia State’s rural communities with a $1.16 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Awarded to faculty in MSU’s Applied Behavior Analysis program in the College of Education, the four-year funding expands community-based experiential training for undergraduate ABA students with the goal of building the paraprofessional-level behavioral health workforce in rural Mississippi communities. The ABA degree is offered by the Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations. “It is exciting to see how the ABA program has grown over the years and how it is actively working to meet the workforce and service needs of our state,” said Daniel Gadke, associate dean of research and department head.
CAVS dynamometer upgraded to continue next generation of engine testing, research at MSU
For two decades, the dynamometer at Mississippi State’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems has powered engine research and testing for consumer, industry and military applications. Now with an upgraded control system, the dynamometer is primed to continue testing the next generation of engines hitting the road. “Having access to a dynamometer allows our students to see what happens when their ideas become reality, helping them refine their systems and, ultimately, preparing them to shape the future of the automotive industry as they begin their careers,” said Bagley College of Engineering Dean David Ford. The dynamometer supports key regional efforts. “In addition to supporting MSU researchers, this capability benefits our automotive research partners in private industry as they look to improve engine performance and make vehicles lighter,” said CAVS Executive Director Clay Walden. “This is a great asset to have as automotive, defense and manufacturing industries continue to grow in our state.”
Airport shuttle departure schedule adjusted to meet airline baggage check changes
A 45-minute cutoff for checking baggage with Delta and American airlines has changed the express shuttle times offered by Mississippi State Transportation to Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The GTRA express shuttle now departs The Mill at MSU two hours before flight time and arrives at the airport one and a half hours before flight time. This is 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule. Shuttle pickups from the Starkville campus and hotels along Highway 12 also can be scheduled with MSU if reservations are made at least 24 hours prior to the requested departure time from these locations. This service is available by emailing GTRShuttle@transportation.msstate.edu or calling 662-325-5204.
Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.
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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