The last few weeks have left me wondering what happened to April. It’s been a busy month with many special events as we near the end of the spring semester. I’ve enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to visit with many of you and our students at the Phi Beta Kappa induction ceremony, the opening of the Lincoln Assassination exhibit in Mitchell Memorial Library, and an Orientation session for Phi Theta Kappa transfer students – to give you just a few examples. These visits always remind me of how vibrant and interesting our campus community is. Of course, we have many more events to look forward to in the coming days. Please let me take a few minutes of your time for an update from the Division of Academic Affairs.

First Destination Survey for Spring Graduates

For those of you who have or who know students graduating in May, please remind them to complete the Career Center’s First Destination Survey at https://msstate-csm.symplicity.com/surveys/fds25. The data gathered not only gives us an understanding of what our students are doing after graduation but also identifies underserved populations, directs programming, and is essential to gauge our institution's contribution to the state, region, and country. If you have questions or would like additional information, please call the Career Center at (662) 325-3344 or visit www.career.msstate.edu.

Reminder: Reading and Reflection Day Set for May 7

As I mentioned in last month’s letter, we’ve changed Reading Day to Reading and Reflection Day on May 7. Our Bulldog Experience QEP is encouraging students to use the day to reflect on their entire experience as they prepare for exams. Reflecting on what they’ve learned in the classroom and beyond and how that will benefit them in the future is a cornerstone of Bulldog Experience. I hope you’ll encourage your students to spend some time reflecting on the experiences they’ve had this spring and throughout their time as Bulldogs and the new knowledge they can create by doing so.

Kudos and Congratulations

Every month, I look forward to sharing faculty and staff success stories with you, and here are a few that have crossed my desk recently:

* Congratulations to the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center and the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio for their inclusion in the prestigious 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy. Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8032. 

* Kudos to the newest graduates of the 2024–25 Faculty Leadership Program: Pratima Acharya Adhikari, Ryan Akers, Bimal Balakrishnan, Caroline Betbeze Ivy, Clay Cavinder, Hilary DeShong, Melody Fisher, Daniel Gadke, Caroline M. Kobia, Stephanie Lemley, Laura Marler-Templeton, James McCurdy, Jean Mohammadi-Aragh, Kelly Moser, David Nolen, Michael Potter, Lauren Priddy, Adrian Sescu and Garrett M. Street. Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8044.

* Congratulations to Haifeng Wang, an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, who is a 2025 Mississippi Academy of Sciences Early Career Award winner. Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8039.

* Kudos to the College of Arts and Sciences distinguished faculty who were recognized for outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service during the college’s recent annual awards ceremony: Emily Stafford, Ryan Folk, Lourdes Cardozo Gaibisso, Allison Jaeger, Gary Ervin, Stacy Haynes, Amy Knight and the late Deb Mlsna. Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8028.

* Congratulations to John Ramirez-Avila, an associate professor in the Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who has been honored with a Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award. Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8027.

* Kudos to Rosanne Nunnery, an associate clinical professor in the Division of Education at MSU-Meridian, whose new book – “Defeating the Giant: A Guide to Recognizing and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse” – was published in March. Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8045.

* Congratulations to Josh Foreman, an instructor in the Department of Communication and advisor for The Reflector, who has released the latest installment of his Hidden History series: “Hidden History of Vicksburg.” Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8040.

* Kudos to Lynda Moore-White, the assistant dean for advising and curriculum in the College of Integrative Studies and chair of the MSU Academic Advisors Council, who has been accepted as a consultant and speaker in the NACADA Consulting Services.

* Congratulations to the talented Mississippi State communicators who are doing a great job telling our story and were recently honored with Bulldog PRism Awards from the Starkville-MSU Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. Read more at https://memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8046.

Final Words

With the turning of the calendar later this week, we are days away from commencement season. It’s a special time of year for our newest graduates and for all of us who have been a part of their journey. It’s especially meaningful for our faculty members who have taught and mentored these students, and I want to encourage all of you to participate in your college’s commencement exercises this year. I hope to see many of you there.

Hail State!

David

Dr. David R. Shaw is Provost and Executive Vice President at Mississippi State University. His email address is david.shaw@msstate.edu.