MSU arts, sciences faculty awards: Celebrating excellence in research, mentorship and scholarship
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences is recognizing four faculty members for exemplary achievements in teaching, research and service, honoring their lasting impact on students, colleagues and the university community.
Dean Rick Travis presented the awards during the college’s recent fall faculty meeting, highlighting the honorees’ vital contributions to MSU’s academic excellence and institutional mission. Honorees include Ben Crider, Department of Physics and Astronomy; Scott DiGiulio, Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures; Allison Jaeger, Department of Psychology; and Amanda Patrick, Department of Chemistry.
“Our faculty embody the excellence that defines Mississippi State,” Travis said. “Their work inspires new scholarship and strengthens the educational experience for every student. Recognizing these award winners reminds us how deeply their dedication shapes our college and advances the university’s mission.”
Crider, associate professor, received the Sanderson Dean’s Eminent Scholar Award for natural and physical sciences.
Department Head Jeff Winger said, “Since joining our faculty, Dr. Crider has been one of the most productive in research. He has established projects at multiple national and university laboratories, obtained significant grant funding and established a reputation as a clear leader in the field through publications, presentations and student mentoring. He also has done a great service for MSU by establishing the physics summer camp for students with autism spectrum disorder.”
DiGiulio, associate professor, was honored with the Gulmon Dean’s Eminent Scholar Award for the humanities.
Department Head Robert West said, “Dr. DiGiulio’s teaching and service contributions to the ‘classics’ concentration are enormous, and he engages in a great deal of other activity in service to the department, college and his discipline beyond our campus. On top of that, he has a truly remarkable record of research productivity.”
Allison Jaeger, assistant professor, was recognized with the Shoemaker Dean’s Eminent Scholar Award for the social and behavioral sciences.
Interim Department Head Jarrod Moss said, “Dr. Jaeger’s impressive rate of publication and success with two NSF grants highlight her as a leading researcher in our department. Her mentorship of student researchers further amplifies the impact of her scholarship.”
Patrick, associate professor, received the Phil and Kari Oldham Faculty Mentor Award.
Department Head Carl Lovely said, “Dr. Patrick stands out as a role model in mentorship, being active across the department, college, university and in our professional community. Students benefit from her wisdom and experience growing, into accomplished and well-rounded scientists. I am grateful for her leadership in preparing students, not only her own mentees, but others in the department and college, for the next chapter with her work developing other ‘soft’ skills that are essential as practicing scientists.”
MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences is home to nearly 5,000 students, more than 450 faculty members and 14 departments, encompassing the university’s most wide-ranging academic and research disciplines, including the natural and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences and the humanities. MSU holds the Carnegie Foundation’s “Very High Research Activity” designation—one of just 120 universities nationwide recognized at this top level of research excellence.
For more details about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, visit www.cas.msstate.edu.
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