2025 Honorees
The Office of the Provost coordinates 6 awards that recognize faculty excellence in research, teaching, and service to the University; signal milestone accomplishments and contributions across the disciplines; and celebrate outstanding members of the Mississippi State University community.
Jessica Benson
Foil-Wyatt Outstanding New Faculty Advisor AwardsTerri Hernandez
Irvin Atly Jefcoat Faculty & Staff Advising AwardsTrina Pollan
Irvin Atly Jefcoat Faculty & Staff Advising AwardsUniversity Faculty Awards
The Grisham Master Teacher Award
The Grisham Master Teacher Award provides a stipend of $10,000 for up to 2 award winners per academic year. The University Instructional Improvement Committee will evaluate and select applicants from qualified individuals who apply for this award based on criteria such as engagement of students in learning, assessment of teaching and learning, clarity and organization of teaching, variety of teaching methods, enthusiasm, and scholarship of teaching.
Irvin Atly Jefcoat Advising Awards
The Irvin Atly Jefcoat Advising Awards recognizes exceptional academic advising and highlight the institution's commitment to quality advising by faculty and staff. Open to faculty and staff advising undergraduate, graduate, or professional students (excluding Department Heads or higher), with an endorsement required from a Dean/Supervisor, Department Head, or relevant administrator.
Irvin Atly Jefcoat Advising Awards
Wesley A. Ammon Faculty and Staff New Academic Advisor Awards
Mississippi State University will recognize outstanding academic advising and enhance visibility to its commitment to quality advising by annually presenting the Wes Ammon Outstanding New Staff Advisor Award, which includes a cash prize and a nomination for the National Academic Advising Association’s Outstanding Advisor Award.
Foil-Wyatt Outstanding New Faculty Advisor Awards
Mississippi State University aims to recognize outstanding academic advising and highlight its commitment to quality advising by annually presenting the Foil-Wyatt Outstanding New Faculty Advisor Award, which includes a cash prize and a nomination for the National Academic Advising Association’s Outstanding Advisor Award.
The W.L. Giles Distinguished Professors
The W.L. Giles Distinguished Professors Award is based on distinguished scholarship as evidenced by a record of outstanding research, teaching, and service and is conferred only on a faculty member at Mississippi State University who has attained national or international status.
W.L. Giles Distinguished Professors
Donald Zacharias Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Awards
Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.
Mississippi State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Mississippi State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).