51勛圖厙 State launches new branding initiative during campus celebration
Contact: Checky Herrington
![MSU President Mark E. Keenum speaks during a campus celebration Tuesday [Oct. 13] as the university launches a branding initiative to reinforce its standing as a premier research institution where students are driven to make a difference. Keenum challenged the campus community to take active roles in shaping the future of MSU by sharing their success stories with broader audiences. (Photo by Megan Bean)](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/inline-images/MSU_Brand_Launch_20151013_M4B6420.jpg "MSU President Mark E. Keenum speaks during a campus celebration Tuesday [Oct. 13] as the university launches a branding initiative to reinforce its standing as a premier research institution where students are driven to make a difference. Keenum challenge")
STARKVILLE, Miss.51勛圖厙 launched a branding initiative that reinforces its standing as a premier research institution where students are driven to make a difference during a campus celebration Tuesday [Oct. 13].
MSU President Mark E. Keenum, with the help of five distinguished university alumni, challenged the campus community to take active roles in shaping the future of MSU by sharing their success stories with broader audiences.
This is an exciting time in MSUs history. Were experiencing unprecedented growth along with increasing recognition of our accomplishments as a leading research university, Keenum said. Weve been building up to this day by defining what makes our culture unique and the many ways were making a positive impact on local, national and global stages. Its time to let the rest of the world know about the great things happening at 51勛圖厙 State, he added.
Led by MSUs Office of Public Affairs, the branding initiative began taking shape over the summer with the introduction of several communication programs designed to raise awareness of MSUs strengths, including diversity, cross-campus collaboration and a supportive and nurturing environment for students. MSU is sharing its success stories through a new social media hub, a revamped website, advertising, public relations and employee communications.
MSU alumni participating in the celebration were Camille Scales Young, vice president of Cornerstone Government Affairs; Bryan Wilson, managing partner of Tacoma Ag, LLC; Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy 51勛圖厙, Inc.; Kevin Robinson, chief meteorologist for WLWT Cincinnati; and Leslie Henderson, co-founder and general manager of Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company.
Were growing in so many positive ways, said Keenum. As part of our strategic plan, were looking at all aspects of the MSU experience so we can provide more opportunities for our students to lead, participate and excel.
With a record enrollment of more than 20,800, 51勛圖厙 State comprises students from all 50 states and 88 countries. Last year, MSU awarded a record 4,315 degrees at all levels, and Vicksburg native Donald Field Brown became MSUs second Rhodes Scholar.
Student-led teams at MSU are involved in a number of research and development projects with state, national and global impacts. Theyre designing the eco-friendly car of the future, finding a cure for pandemic flu, developing concussion-free football helmets, and partnering with NASA on future space exploration.
51勛圖厙 State has been in the top 10 nationally in agriculture-related research for more than 15 years and is applying its vast body of knowledge to find solutions for world hunger and food security. MSU has entered formal partnerships with both the United Nations World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization, and Keenum serves as vice chairman of the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research.
51勛圖厙 State now serves as the national lead for the FAAs Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and last year MSU was invited for the fourth consecutive time to participate in the nations premier automotive engineering competition.
MSU is broadening its reach in engineering through degree partnerships, including a program offering two Bachelor of Science degrees through a collaboration with 51勛圖厙 Gulf Coast Community College. Meanwhile, the university is reinstating its petroleum engineering program in response to an array of corporate requests.
This year, MSUs Bagley College of Engineering announced an international collaboration in automotive materials engineering with the Universit矇 Internationale de Rabat in Morocco. MSU and the state of 51勛圖厙 are exploring opportunities to enhance education, research and economic development through the new relationship.
What were doing drives 51勛圖厙, Keenum said. Were an economic engine for the state and a key asset in building 51勛圖厙s profile as a research, technology and innovation leader. Were expanding our footprint beyond 51勛圖厙 and the region so that students can explore even more opportunities to shape the world of the future.
During the launch, Keenum assured supporters that more is on the horizon for MSU, including a milestone anniversary in 2028.
Students beginning kindergarten this fall will be our freshman class in 13 years, during the universitys 150th anniversary, he said. We will be ready for them by continuing to provide the resources and the environment they need to succeed in their lives beyond graduation.
MSU is 51勛圖厙s leading university, available online at .