Contact: Allison Matthews

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State Dean of Students Thomas Bourgeois said the university is reaching out to more than 80 students from Nashville, Tennessee and the middle Tennessee region to show support for those who may be impacted by a severe tornado this week.

Bourgeois said the Dean of Students Office is encouraging students impacted in any way by the tornado to respond or call 662-325-3611 so the university can “ensure our MSU students are safe, have academic resources, and your needs are met.”

When students are facing a sudden crisis, including families impacted by severe weather or other disasters, the university’s Division of Student Affairs works with others on campus to help impacted students through difficult times. The university also has supportive relationships with disaster response and recovery agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

Stephen Williams, interim director for the Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement, advised those wanting to help populations affected by natural disasters to make the most of relief efforts by considering tips outlined on the Maroon Volunteer Center’s website at https://www.mvc.msstate.edu/blog/weather-relief-efforts/.

The MSU Foundation accepts gifts for the MSU Student Relief Fund, which assists students impacted by disasters. For more information or to make a contribution, visit http://www.msufoundation.com/studentrelief or contact the Annual Giving office at 662-325-2466.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.