Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Coinciding with the Thursday [Feb. 28] celebration of Mississippi State's 130th birthday, university extension service offices around the state are inviting prospective students and their parents to drop by for cake.
In addition to sharing in the land-grant institution's milestone, high school and community college students will have an opportunity to meet President Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong by videoconference.
Foglesong will join other university officials for a 6 p.m. distance-technology link from the Starkville campus. Also taking part will be Vance Watson, vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine, and a panel of Division of Student Affairs administrators representing key interest areas for future students.
The panelists include Phil Bonfanti, director of admissions and scholarships; Ann Bailey, director of housing and residence life; and Bruce Crain, director of student financial aid.
"We're blessed to have our fingerprint in every county in this state because of our mission to serve Mississippi," said Foglesong. "This is a wonderful opportunity to reach citizens and potential students in every corner of our state.
"What better way to acquaint students with the educational opportunities we can make available at Mississippi State than by making use of our extensive outreach service?" he added.
Watson, a veteran MSU administrator, said Mississippi was the first state to have the capability of linking every county office in the state for distance learning opportunities.
"The MSU Extension Service is happy to be part of this unique opportunity to share MSU's 130th birthday and to give citizens and young people a chance to hear directly from our president," he said.
Lisa Harris, one of the event organizers, said that the statewide link is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to be part of the MSU celebration without leaving their home counties.
"We're bringing together some of Mississippi State's 'top dogs,' as well as officials who can answer specific questions about MSU's admissions process, campus housing and financial aid," added the associate vice president for student affairs. "It will be a one-stop opportunity to learn more without having to travel far."
Melissa Mixon, an extension professor and associate vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine, observed that the MSU Extension Service "historically has been the direct, personal link between the university and the people of Mississippi.
"We are proud to continue in this key role, making it possible for future students to communicate with President Foglesong and our student affairs officials," Mixon said.
In addition to student affairs and extension, the approximately hour-long program is being coordinated by the MSU Alumni Association, which also is engaging its local alumni recruiting network to invite students.
"This is truly a 'one state, one team' effort to help take our 130th birthday celebration to the people we serve around Mississippi," Harris said.
For additional information on the birthday broadcast, contact Harris at 662-325-2279.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.