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.
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 this spring, please remind them to complete the Career Center’s First Destination Survey https://www.career.msstate.edu/fds-survey-selection. Information from December 2025 graduates is also being collected. 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.
Major Maps Supporting Students with Clear and Practical Information
We continue to see great returns on the investments we’ve made in our student success programs and resources. Earlier this month, we announced the launch of Major Maps to further enhance these efforts. It’s a new online tool to help students and their families better understand our academic programs and the pathway to graduation. As I stated in the announcement, Major Maps is a practical tool that supports students from the moment they begin exploring Mississippi State through graduation and beyond. By helping students better understand their academic options, stay on track in their programs, and connect their degree to future careers, this resource advances key priorities for how we support students at MSU. I appreciate everyone who contributed to the development of Major Maps, and I invite you to take a look at it if you haven’t already done so. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8500.
Get Moving with Extension’s Magnolia Moves Activity Challenge
A daily walk is an essential part of my everyday routine, and so I was pleased to see the Extension Service’s latest initiative to get Mississippians moving. The Magnolia Moves Activity Challenge is a health and wellness program encouraging people to increase physical activity and adopt healthier eating habits. The program is designed to connect participants with their community as they explore creative ways to stay active and rediscover the joys of everyday movement. It started April 20th and continues through May 31st. You can find out more about Magnolia Moves at https://extension.msstate.edu/magnolia-moves.
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 John Bickle, a professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, who has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow for his distinguished contributions to the philosophy of science and neuroscience. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8496.
* Kudos to Nick Frank, the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, who was recently honored with a 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award from Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8518.
* Congratulations to Rani Sullivan, the head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, who is beginning a two-year term as president of the American Society for Composites. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8510.
* Kudos to Rahel Mathews, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, who has been honored with the 2026 Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetics Educator of the Year Award for Didactic Programs in Dietetics and Coordinated Programs. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8512.
* Congratulations to Dan Gadke, the head of the Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations and associate dean of research for the College of Education, who is now a two-time recipient of the national Presidential Appreciation Award from the Trainers of School Psychologists. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8519.
* Kudos to James Barnes, an Extension professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and MSU Extension Service economist, who has been named Mississippi’s 2026 Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8523.
* Congratulations to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station faculty and staff who were honored for their outstanding dedication and impact in teaching, research, and service. Read more at https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2026/04/msu-cals-mafes-honor-faculty-staff-and-students-excellence.
* Kudos to the College of Arts and Sciences faculty who were recognized at the college’s annual spring awards ceremony for their teaching, research and distinguished service. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8504.
* Congratulations to Butch Bailey, an MSU Extension Service forester, who was named Extension Forester of the Year by the Forest Landowners Association. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8499.
* Kudos to the International Institute, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this month. Read more at https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2026/04/international-institute-celebrates-15-years-msu-0.
* And a welcome to Mark Keever, the university’s new executive director of high performance computing. Read more at https://www.memo.msstate.edu/story.php?id=8517.
Final Words
Thank you for reading this month’s letter. Your comments, questions, suggestions, and concerns about these or other topics are welcome at david.shaw@msstate.edu.
David
Dr. David R. Shaw is Provost and Executive Vice President at Mississippi State University. His email address is david.shaw@msstate.edu.
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