Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s commitment to supporting innovation and economic prosperity in the Magnolia State has once again been recognized by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.

MSU recently was re-designated for another five-year term as an “Innovation and Economic Prosperity University” by the APLU, a credential MSU has maintained since 2015. The APLU program recognizes institutions that “have demonstrated a substantive, sustainable, and institution-wide commitment and strategy for regional economic engagement, growth, and economic opportunity. MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan said the designation re-affirms the university’s wide-ranging vision for using academic expertise to create economic opportunity and growth.

“From our presence in each of Mississippi’s 82 counties to strategic support of our state’s top industries, as well as efforts to grow research and innovation-based economic sectors, MSU is committed to improving the well-being of this state and region,” Jordan said. “Being an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University has helped us refine these efforts amid a rapidly changing economic landscape and we look forward to continued engagement with the IEP program.”

MSU leads several initiatives making an impact in the region. For example, the university’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems-Extension in Canton helps manufacturers across the state solve engineering challenges, leading to $7.2 billion in reported economic impact since 2006. MSU’s National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center, or NSPARC, utilizes advanced data analytics skills to address challenges in government, economic planning and workforce development. Outreach programs in the institution’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, including MSU Extension, support the Mississippi’s largest industries. MSU also works in several ways to promote entrepreneurship and technology-based innovation to help create new opportunities for Mississippi residents.

MSU’s effort to be re-designated as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University was led by Jim Martin, associate vice president for corporate engagement and economic development.

“This designation is a testament to the thousands of people who work hard every day at MSU to make our state and region a better place,” Martin said. “They are truly taking care of what matters and ensuring that we continue to positively impact our many stakeholders.”

For more on the APLU’s Innovation and Economic Prosperity Program, visit https://www.aplu.org/our-work/3-deepening-community-economic-engagement/partnering-as-economic-engines-for-success/innovation-and-economic-prosperity-universities-designation-and-awards-program/.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.