Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the 10th-annual Spirit of State awards. With these awards, Mississippi State will recognize outstanding contributions made by our students toward improving student life.

These premier awards are open to all MSU students from all campuses and recognize excellence in campus involvement; service to the university community; actions that promote the Spirit of State; and overall impact on peers and the broader campus community.

All forms should be submitted online by March 2.

Faculty and staff help is needed in two very important ways:

* Identifying students who embody the Spirit of State and making them aware of the award program.

* Supporting outstanding students by nominating them, or writing a letter in support of their application if asked.

If you know a student who you feel represents the ideals of this award, please complete the nomination form at www.saffairs.msstate.edu/spirit.

The awards will be presented at a special recognition program April 17.

Thank you for your help in identifying and supporting outstanding students who embody the Spirit of State.

Discover more about Mississippi's flagship research university at www.msstate.edu or www.meridian.msstate.edu, facebook.com/msstate, pinterest.com/msstate, instagram.com/msstate and twitter.com/msstate.