STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY An Overview by: Dara Meyers Georgia Southern University

Founded in 1878, Mississippi State University is a doctoral/research extensive university with campuses in Starkville,MS and Meridian, MS.

QUICK FACTS 8 Colleges and Schools with 80+ majors Total Enrollment: 20,000+ students 19:1 student to faculty ratio Average entering GPA is % of students are either employed or accepted to graduate school six months after graduation 2013 College World Series Runner-Up (Mississippi State University, 2015)

Brief History The University was created as The Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi The college received its first students in the Fall of Congress passed the Hatch Act providing for the establishment of the Agricultural Experiment Station in The college had received its first accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Legislature renamed the College as Mississippi State College Legislature again renamed the college as Mississippi State University

University Vision (Mississippi State University, 2014, p.4) “Mississippi State University will be a leading public research university that is globally aware and involved, accessible and responsive to the many constituencies it serves, and fully integrated with the intellectual, social, and economic development of the state, while delivering excellent programs of teaching, research, and service.”

CURRICULA AND DEGREES OFFERED (Mississippi State University, 2015) Mississippi State University offers more than 175 programs leading to a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree. The eight academic colleges include: Agriculture and Life Sciences Architecture, Art and Design Arts and Sciences Business Education Bagley Engineering Forest Resources Veterinary Medicine

(Mississippi State University, 2014)

CURRICULA AND DEGREES OFFERED “Mississippi State is recognized as a place where learning is a top priority. Our graduates have a great record of being admitted to medical school, law school, and other graduate and professional programs, and they are in demand by employers. Academic success matters here and we are committed to helping you reach your potential.” (MSU Student Handbook, 2014, p.23)

DEMOGRAPHICS Racial Composition: Fall 2014 (Mississippi State University, 2013)

Male51.41% Female48.59% DEMOGRAPHICS (Mississippi State University, 2014)

STUDENT AFFAIRS  Colvard Student Union  Housing & Residence Life  Student Support Services  University Health Services  Student Leadership & Community Engagement  MSU Bookstore  Center for Student Activities  University Police  Holmes Cultural Diversity Center  Longest Student Health Center  Recreational Sports  Parent Services  MSU Golf Course  Dining Services  Center for America’s Veterans  Student Counseling Services  Assessment & Testing Services

STUDENT AFFAIRS Values: A student centered approach A commitment to excellence Integrity Diversity and inclusiveness Health and wellness Leadership and service

Organizational and Administrative Structure Click to see larger MSU Organizational Chart

Governance “Ultimate authority for governance of the university is vested by the State of Mississippi in the Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning and delegated by the board to the president. The president exercises that authority through the vice presidents, deans, directors, and other officials of the administration in consultation, as appropriate, with units of the university and with the faculty, professional and support staff, and students.” (MSU Faculty Handbook, 2013, p.3)

Governance The president has been given authority to manage the university, to fulfill its mission and goals, and to direct university relations with the officers of the Board of Trustees. The president is also primarily responsible for :  Control and allocation of the budgeted appropriation and other funds;  Establishment of the administrative organization  Approval of personnel appointments  Administration of university programs and policies  Administration of student affairs and services  Administration of physical plant, campus operations, and fiscal affairs  Administration of athletics  Administration of resource development and fund-raising  Accomplishment of all other assignments to the university by the Board of Trustees. (MSU Faculty Handbook, 2013, p. 5)

EVALUATION: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS “On matters primarily affecting the academic mission of the university (curriculum, subject matter and methods of instruction, advising, degree requirements, faculty scholarship, faculty status, faculty service), the principal responsibility for formulating and evaluating ideas lies with the faculty. The faculty advises the administration through appropriate channels on these matters.” (MSU Faculty Handbook, 2013, pp.5-6)

EVALUATION: STUDENT AFFAIRS Led by a Vice President of Student Affairs and comprised of 21 departments. The Mission of MSU Division of Student Affairs : “To support the mission of Mississippi State University by providing student learning opportunities that promote personal development through engagement in critical thinking, self- awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices in a dynamic and diverse environment that prepares our students to be ethical, responsible, service-oriented citizens.” (Mississippi State University, 2014)

EVALUATION: ADMINISTRATION 1,337 faculty employed at MSU. The president is the only agent of the Board of Trustees on campus. Other senior administrative positions include provost and executive vice president as well as the president’s cabinet. The Administrative and Executive Council offers advice to the president on matters brought before it which include revision and creation of university policies. (Mississippi State University, 2013)

EVALUATION: GOVERNANCE  Governed by the Board of Trustees  The purpose of the Board of Trustees is to manage and control Mississippi’s public institutions of higher learning in accordance with the constitution and to see that the IHL System mission is accomplished. As stated in the MSU faculty handbook:  The board operates a coordinated system of higher education, establishes prudent governance policies, employs capable chief executives, and requires legal, fiscal and programmatic accountability.  The board annually reports to the legislature and the citizenry on the needs and accomplishments of the IHL System (MSU Faculty Handbook, 2013, p.8)