MSU celebrates Jim and Thomas Duff Center dedication

Contact: Kevin Tate and Bethany Shipp 

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State and its College of Education are celebrating today [Nov. 5] the dedication of the Jim and Thomas Duff Center. One of MSU’s largest academic buildings, it is the new home of the university’s Department of Kinesiology and key programs of the university’s Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, including the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic and ACCESS Program and Specialized College Services.

The three-story, 100,000-square-foot facility on Bully Boulevard is named in honor of brothers Jim and Tommy Duff of Columbia, whose $15 million cornerstone gift made the state-of-the-art center a reality. Today’s dedication celebrates the major hub of MSU’s human physiological research and treatment, which includes laboratories, classrooms, treatment rooms and offices that enable increased hands-on training and services.

“The Jim and Thomas Duff Center—and the work that goes on here—will change many lives and help make our great state even better,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

“The Duff Center will help ensure the success of our mission of teaching, research and service for decades to come,” he added, also emphasizing appreciation for the state Legislature and its leaders.

Among the university’s largest academic units, the Department of Kinesiology’s space features a 150-seat lecture hall, 3,000-square-foot movement studio and 15 laboratories focused on research ranging from sports administration to exercise science. Offering six distinctive concentration programs for undergraduate kinesiology majors, as well as specialized master’s and doctoral-level graduate training, the department supports the activities of a wide range of academic and research studies.

Housed within the university’s Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, or MIoD, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic gives children and families access to comprehensive behavioral health services. Its new space and enhanced capabilities are launching MSU into the top five behavioral health clinics nationwide with training, research and clinical services. As the sibling flagship clinic of the School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis Services centers, the ADDC will now be able to serve 300-400 clients each week with its expanded space, helping fill the growing need for clinical services in North Mississippi. The ADDC includes the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Clinic, serving a distinctive need for the area.

MIoD also houses MSU’s ACCESS Program and Specialized College Services, which support students with intellectual, developmental and neurodiverse needs. The space is equipped with an apartment, kitchen, laundry facility and classroom to advance independence, functional life skills, academics and employment opportunities for college-age persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The Jim and Thomas Duff Center represents the heart of what the College of Education strives to achieve, combining innovation in teaching, research and service to transform lives,” said Teresa Jayroe, dean of MSU’s College of Education. “This remarkable facility brings together programs that support wellness, inclusion and lifelong learning. Thanks to the Duff family’s generosity, our students and faculty now have an environment that not only enhances their preparation as educators and clinicians, but also expands the university’s capacity to serve children, families and communities across Mississippi.”

Known for their entrepreneurial and philanthropic dispositions, Jim and Tommy Duff are the co-owners of Duff Capital Investors, or DCI, a privately owned company headquartered in Columbia. Comprised of more than 20 businesses from trucking, tires and automotive to construction, energy and insurance, it is the largest collective enterprise in the state.

The brothers give to a wide variety of organizations and charities and are especially committed supporters of communities in which their Southern Tire Mart stores operate, and to the higher education system across Mississippi.

“Mississippi State is really doing good things for the state, and we want to be a part of that,” said Jim Duff. “It’s important to us to give back because it makes a difference for a lot of people.”

As someone who experiences dyslexia, Jim Duff understands first-hand the difficulties of a learning disability and hopes this new center will be an essential source of support for students in need of assistance.

“I didn’t do well in school, and I’ve competed my whole adult life with people who are very educated,” Jim Duff said, “so, to me, education is very important. It brings me great satisfaction to be able to help this program and to invest in our state’s wonderful universities that are changing people’s lives every day.”

Tommy Duff saw the negative effect his brother’s experience had on his time as a student. As a result, he wants their investments to help others see and experience education as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

“Education should bring out the best in everyone,” said Tommy Duff. “We hope this gift will enable a center where students can grow their skills and self-confidence. There are a lot of bright kids in our state and at MSU, and we want them to have the ability to realize their potential to compete and succeed regardless of their means.”

“The move into the Jim and Thomas Duff Center marks a transformative moment for the Department of Kinesiology,” said JohnEric Smith, kinesiology department head. “There is an invigorated energy and genuine excitement among our faculty and students as they teach, learn and conduct research in this remarkable space. The Duff Center is more than a building; it is a launching point for continued growth in health, physical activity, human performance and sport at Mississippi State University.”

“Today’s dedication represents a ripple of support that will touch the lives of clients, students and families across Mississippi in ways we can’t yet measure,” added Kasee Stratton-Gadke, MIoD executive director. “We are profoundly grateful to Jim and Tommy Duff, Lt. Gov. Hosemann and MSU President Mark Keenum for their steadfast belief in our mission. Because of their generosity, we can expand our services and training opportunities—ensuring individuals with disabilities receive the highest quality care and our students gain extraordinary hands-on experience in this beautiful new space.”

Built on the former site of the McCarthy Gymnasium, the Duff Center is anchored by the McCarthy Quadrangle, or The Quad. Designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind, the green space is adjacent to MSU’s historic Drill Field and features multiple pedestrian pathways radiating from a central flagpole, enhancing connectivity across campus and creating another hub for campus life. 

MSU’s College of Education, home of the Department of Kinesiology and Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, also includes four additional academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu. 

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