Contact: Addie Mayfield

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Two gifts from MaxxSouth Broadband, a subsidiary of the media holding company, Block Communications, Inc., are benefitting Mississippi State University and the expansion of Mitchell Memorial Library’s Digital Media Center and the Special Collections department.

The first of the two gifts is a $440,000 contribution that will establish the MaxxSouth Broadband Digital Media Center Facilities Fund, as well as an accompanying endowment that will provide perpetual support for the facility’s upkeep.

In December, the Libraries moved the Instructional Media Center, now known as the Digital Media Center, to a larger space within Mitchell Memorial Library, to enhance the types of services available. Now, thanks to support from MaxxSouth Broadband, the center will be named the MaxxSouth Broadband Digital Media Center.  The newly named center, once all upgrades are completed, will provide students and faculty access to the latest software and technology as well as a TV broadcast studio, audio and video recording studios, a Makerspace, and Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality stations. 

“The MaxxSouth donation will assist in providing all MSU students, regardless of the major, with access to high-end professional production and editing software and technologies that will enhance their skills and better prepare them for the job market,” said Stephen Cunetto, associate dean, University Libraries.

The second gift is a $125,000 contribution that will establish the MaxxSouth Broadband and John Robinson Block Special Collection Excellence Fund. Block, one of the owners of Block Communications, Inc., has his own extensive rare books collection, and wants to support MSU Libraries' goal of securing and acquiring rare books that fit within the library’s collection development policy. Funding also will be used to maintain, display and make the rare books available to users. 

“Universities play such an important role in society, so we feel it is our duty to give back,” said Peter Kahelin, president and CEO of MaxxSouth Broadband. “The purpose of our support to the Mississippi State University Foundation is to maintain and enhance the academic excellence for which this fine institution is known for, and the benefits they bring to the Mississippi community as a whole.”

MaxxSouth Broadband is a leading provider of high-speed Internet, cable TV and phone services in north Mississippi and Alabama. With approximately 85,000 subscribers for broadband services, the company continues to expand and enhance its state-of-the-art broadband network in the communities it serves.

“The MSU Libraries greatly appreciate the support provided by MaxxSouth Broadband and Mr. Block,” said Frances Coleman, dean of MSU Libraries.  “We cannot thank them enough for their continued support and their recognition of our vision for the Digital Media Center and Special Collections and look forward to many years of continued partnerships.”

For more information on how to support the MSU Libraries, contact Asya Cooley at 662-722-2758 or at acooley@foundation.msstate.edu.