International Institute celebrates 15 years at MSU
Contact: Allison Matthews
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s International Institute is marking its 15th anniversary with a series of scholarly events and special festivities to celebrate the university’s strategic global work.
Founded in 2011, the International Institute is MSU’s connection to dynamic worldwide partnerships, competitive international academic opportunities and impactful research collaborations. It includes the Office of Study Abroad, International Services Office, English Language Institute, International Research Development and U.S. Passport Office.
“We believe that the exchange of ideas across cultures is fundamental to creating a more harmonious and interconnected world. Our mission is to provide resources, support and opportunities to enhance international education and promote global engagement,” said Dan Reynolds, MSU associate vice president for International Programs and International Institute executive director. “We are proud to reach this 15th-anniversary milestone and to build dialogue and celebrate with our campus community and our special international guests.”
The institute is planning a series of celebratory events to mark the occasion while hosting special guests, including Daniel Gustafson and Vanessa Passafaro from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Anniversary events include:
—Wednesday [April 8], 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The New Poverty: Complexity, Ethics, and Artificial Intelligence, Coskrey Auditorium in Memorial Hall. Sponsored jointly by MSU and Pontifical University Antonianum, this seminar considers artificial intelligence from an ethical perspective. Registration encouraged at https://www.international.msstate.edu/15-year-celebration/new-poverty-rsvp.
—Saturday [April 11], 11 a.m.-3 p.m. International Fiesta on the Drill Field. Hosted by MSU’s Center for Student Activities, this has become one of the university’s signature events. Special guests of the International Institute will serve as food judges as the Bulldog family enjoys this annual celebration of global culture, connection and community. The International Institute and Fulbright program will be among featured tables.
—Monday [April 13], 1:45 p.m., 15 Years of Excellence Celebration Reception, Walker Hall. This celebration highlights the International Institute’s global reach and campus impact. Guests can enjoy light refreshments and fellowship while exploring the International Institute’s dedicated space in Walker Hall. Attendees also will receive the Global Insight Magazine, offering a deeper look into global partnerships and student, faculty and community impact.
—Tuesday [April 14], 8:30-10:30 a.m., Global Footprint Seminar, Colvard Student Union, Fowlkes Auditorium. This seminar offers a multifaceted exploration of MSU’s expanding role in international research, engagement and development. Through a series of interconnected discussions, panels and reflections, the event presents layered perspectives from campus leaders, global partners, faculty experts and others, highlighting the university’s capacity for collaboration and its growing innovation ecosystem. No registration is required, and the broader MSU community is invited to attend.
Learn more about MSU’s International Institute at www.international.msstate.edu.
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