MSU-Meridian hosts uplifting State of State for faculty and staff

Contact: Marianne Todd

MERIDIAN, Miss.—Mississippi State University-Meridian faculty and staff kicked off an inspirational spring State of State event with Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon on Jan 17.

Selmon’s speech at State of State—an informational gathering to update faculty and staff on upcoming changes, news and other noteworthy items—coincided with his two-year anniversary as MSU’s 18th director of athletics.

“It’s a very positive time to be a Mississippi State Bulldog,” Selmon told the Kahlmus Auditorium audience. “I don’t think there’s ever been a better time. Whether we win or lose with smiles on our faces, we know we are changing lives.

“We hear all of the great things that you guys are doing, and it give us extra wind, extra strength,” he continued.

Mary Figueroa, instructor I and practicum coordinator for social work, said Selmon was a very inspirational and motivational speaker.

“He said that MSU provides all the tools and resources for the athletes, but it really applies to us all— that once you’re a Bulldog, you’re part of a family,” she said.

State of State is a team effort held under the direction of Associate Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Interim Head of Campus David Buys. The goal of each event is to bring the MSU-Meridian community together to inform and inspire.

“At MSU, we lay challenges down and walk right over them, treating them like bridges from where we’ve been to where we want to go,” he said.

MSU-Meridian continues to grow and enjoy positive momentum, Buys said citing May’s first Division of Education doctoral graduates, first Healthcare administration graduate, a recent accreditation site visit to the School of Nursing and the $8.5 million faculty procured in grant funding for research and outreach initiatives.

“For a campus focused primarily on teaching, this is remarkable,” Buys said. “Our horizons are growing brighter by the day with new programs, construction, people and students. We’re doing this with the continued support of our philanthropic partners in the community, the Legislature and federal government, and those who continue to learn from us. We’re all crossing that bridge to our future, and it’s only fitting that it’s built with the same strength and integrity that defines us.”

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.