MSU College of Arts and Sciences celebrates faculty excellence in research, mentorship, scholarship

Contact: Sarah Nicholas

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences recently recognized five outstanding faculty members for exemplary achievements in teaching, research and service, honoring their lasting impact on students, colleagues and the university community.

“The strength of the College of Arts and Sciences comes from the people who bring our mission to life every day,” said Dean Rick Travis. “These faculty members demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advancing knowledge, supporting student success and serving their disciplines and communities. We’re proud to recognize their accomplishments and the many ways they benefit Mississippi State.”

Award recipients include:

—Colleen Scott, professor of chemistry, Dean’s Eminent Scholar Award for the natural and physical sciences. MSU Department of Chemistry Head Carl Lovely said, “Dr. Scott has had an amazing year with her receipt of the American Innovator Award from the Bayh-Dole Coalition and thus it is highly fitting that she has been recognized by our college. Many of us justify our research programs on the possibility of downstream applications of discoveries made in our laboratories, but Dr. Scott has taken her discoveries with SWIR dyes to the next level.”

—Joseph Thompson, associate professor of history, Dean’s Eminent Scholar Award for the humanities. MSU Department of History Head Alan Marcus said, “Dr. Thompson’s work aims to make a difference. He sees connections among past activities that few recognize. He is adept at teasing out those threads that connect people and events. His work is celebrated by such different audiences as the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone Magazine and Teen Vogue.”

—Benjamin Tkach, associate professor of political science, Dean’s Eminent Scholar Award for the social and behavioral sciences. MSU Department of Political Science and Public Administration Head Brian Shoup said, “Ben Tkach has been a prolific scholar throughout his career, but the past two years in particular have showcased his incredible academic gifts. From cutting-edge, small-arms research and private equity’s role in the defense sector, to agriculture’s importance as a vital element of national security, Dr. Tkach is at the forefront of important questions in international relations.” 

—Amy Fountain, communication instructor II, Phil and Kari Oldham Faculty Mentor Award. MSU Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Head Terry Likes said, “Besides outstanding teaching, Amy has mentored interns and the many full- and part-time faculty who teach our foundational communication courses. Given her teaching prowess, and knowing how she wishes to ‘pay it forward’ as a Certified Peer Observer, I commend her for spearheading our Peer Teaching Observation program. This is key step in mentoring our faculty as they not only improve their teaching, but the process provides faculty another support mechanism toward promotion.”

—Margaret Hagerman, professor of sociology, Phil and Kari Oldham Faculty Mentor Award. MSU Department of Sociology Head Nicole Rader said, “Dr. Hagerman builds strong and meaningful relationships with those students she mentors and supervises at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has mentored undergraduate students as they apply for graduate school, when traveling for study-abroad opportunities, and when they need resources or assistance navigating university policies. Additionally, she builds strong relationships with graduate students during their time at MSU.”

MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences—home to approximately 5,000 students, more than 450 faculty members and 14 departments—encompasses the university’s most wide-ranging academic and research disciplines, spanning 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.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters.