WEBSITE       ABOUT US       FACULTY       COURSES       RESEARCH       STUDENTS
April 29, 2016   
In This Issue
Mississippi State students make a difference 
The Spring 2016 semester has been a full one. We had 10 service-learning classes that involved approximately 250 students in hands-on service to the Starkville community. A total of 820 students were involved this academic year serving a total of 16,400 hours in our community. The importance of service-learning is evident through the impact our students were able to have this semester. Several of the projects could not have been completed without student help. Thank you to everyone that had a hand in making this possible. Have a great summer!
Landscape Architecture Project Educates and Serves MSU Campus

Assistant Professor Cory Gallo's Landscape Architecture Exterior Design/Build class spent the Spring 2016 semester developing a new courtyard for the landscape architecture complex.  "The design and build delivery method fits very well into the service-learning model. Students are able to learn about design and construction through a hands-on service project," said Gallo. The landscape architecture students worked to create weekly reflective journals in which they wrote about past and future activities and drew details of the elements they would implement.
 
The finished product will be widely viewed by faculty, staff, students, and visitors. It will have a beautiful deck that serves a functional purpose for the courtyard. Everyone that visits will be able to learn about the sustainable landscape through interpretive kiosks placed at intervals around the space. The project created several unique features that everyone on Mississippi State's campus can learn from. Professor Gallo said he is hopeful that several of the stormwater management best management practices are used more widely on campus as designers and administrators see how they work.
Humphreys County 4-H Connects with Local Leaders


Ms. Regina Boykins, Extension agent in Humpheys County, wanted her 4-H youth to learn more about the importance of community involvement. She used her mini-grant funds to implement MSU Extension's Keys to the Community program. The goal of the program is for students to connect with local officials to learn the importance of local government. After a few visits to the local courthouse, the town museum, and some other attractions.  Boykins led the students in a beautification project for Humphreys County. They were able to participate in an anti-litter campaign. They were also able to get some work done ithe Belzoni Community Garden.
Thank you, Dawn Brancheau Foundation
We want to publicly thank the Dawn Brancheau Foundation for their partnership over the past two years. Their funding for various projects has helped several organizations in Oktibbeha County. Projects funded by the DB Foundation have raised awareness for community engagement. In perhaps the most visible project, former student, Travis Crabtree, constructed large wooden letters that spelled out the word R.E.A.D. The sign was placed beside the public library to make it more visible. This one example ensures the Dawn Brancheau Foundation's impact will continue to be evident in Starkville, MS for years to come. Thank you again for all of the opportunities.
2016 Sweet Potato Challenge Winners



Congratulations to Lee Douglas and Jake Dupree, the winners of the 2015-2016 Sweet Potato Innovation Challenge. Their deer attractant product, Buck Yam, will help Mississippi sweet potato farmers find use for their culled sweet potatoes. Find out more information on this unique competition at spchallenge.msucares.com.

Service-Learning Grant Opportunities
Please contact us for assistance in locating grant opportunities in the following areas:
  • Youth Development
  • Health Promotion and Nutrition
  • Science, Technology and Nutrition
  • Economic and Consumer Development
  • Global Affairs
Center for the Advancement of Service-Learning Excellence
[email protected]
311 Bost Extension Center
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: (662) 325-2370

Center for the Advancement of Service-Learning Excellence | 311 Bost Extension Center | Mississippi State | MS | 39762