Contact: Sammy McDavid
Mississippi State is notifying high schools and community colleges of a new service being offered by university faculty members.
The John K. Bettersworth Lecture Series recently was announced by the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. Faculty members have volunteered to speak on more than 100 topics ranging from the environment to arts and culture to career opportunities.
"The series is named in memory of Mississippi State's vice president for academic affairs from 1961-77," said Roy H. Ruby, student affairs vice president. "Dr. Bettersworth was an outstanding historian and author, and this lecture series is another way to memorialize his contributions to scholarship."
Bettersworth also authored the university's official history, "The People's University," which was completed during MSU's centennial celebration in 1978.
The Office of Enrollment Services coordinates the lecture program, which is free to requesting institutions. Reservations may easily be made by telephoning (601) 325-3076. The fax number is 325-1MSU; the e-mail address is .
"We do ask that reservations be made at least three weeks in advance," Ruby said. "In addition to providing the desired subject and information on audience size, we also request that callers give at least three possible dates when the speaker can visit."
The series is divided into 11 general topic areas. They include agriculture, animals and environmental issues; arts and culture; business; careers; communication; education; history; mathematics and science; personal development; society and politics; and technology.
"As a public land-grant institution, Mississippi State was created 120 years ago to serve the higher educational needs of the state and its people," Ruby said. "We consider this lecture series as another way to repay a small portion of the tremendous support we have received during this time."