Contact: Kathryn Rodenmeyer

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum and East Mississippi Community College President Scott Alsobrooks signed a Memorandum of Understanding today [Jan. 29] to formalize the MSU at the Communiversity partnership through the Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling Program, better known as AiM UP.

The Communiversity houses EMCC’s Workforce Services Division and is located off Highway 82 between Starkville and Columbus, positioned in a region that is a hub of economic development.

“Mississippi State is well-known for the collaborative culture we have, and so much of our success comes from the outstanding relationships and partnerships we have that made today possible,” Keenum said.

“The Communiversity is the perfect example of teamwork, and we’re proud to be here as the higher education partner. The Communiversity is focused on giving students and workers the skills and training they need to compete and succeed in the 21st Century marketplace. We’re working together at the Communiversity so companies will continue to create next-gen jobs in our state and more Mississippians will be ready to fill these jobs of the future,” said Keenum, who thanked Gov. Tate Reeves, AccelerateMS Executive Director Courtney Taylor, and EMCC’s Alsobrooks for their visionary leadership.

The AiM UP initiative is helping shape the future of advanced manufacturing training and education by equipping Mississippi’s workforce with critical skills identified by manufacturing employer partners across the state. The initiative bridges the gap between academia and industry by facilitating collaboration, inspiring innovation and driving the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies.

“Leaders from the Golden Triangle, including those in local government and economic development, saw the need more than a decade ago for a place like the Communiversity for the region to remain competitive in workforce development,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “As one of the educational institution partners, we are using our strengths to help provide training and supports that matter to industry partners and to enhance the opportunities of the people who live and work in the area.”

AiM UP aspires to be a driving force in community economic prosperity. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, embracing technological advancements and nurturing a skilled workforce, its goal is to position Mississippians at the forefront of the global manufacturing landscape.

MSU’s Advanced Composites Institute, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems-Extension, Athlete Engineering Institute, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Hall School of Mechanical Engineering at the university’s Bagley College of Engineering support these labs at the Communiversity.

MSU currently partners with East Mississippi, Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Northeast Mississippi community colleges in the AiM UP initiative. EMCC’s Workforce Services Division at the Communiversity is the first of these partnering institutions to house Mississippi Advanced Composites, an initiative of MSU’s Advanced Composites Institute; AiM UP training labs; and a development office for MSU’s Center for Advance Vehicular Systems-Extension.

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