MSU receiving significant state-level investments for continued workforce development, research initiatives

STARKVILLE, Miss.—��ɫ��Ƶ is the recipient of a combined $9.5 million that will allow the Magnolia State’s leading land-grant institution to continue playing an influential role in Mississippi’s economic future by creating innovative technologies, better jobs and skilled workers.

��ɫ��Ƶ representatives lead a tour of the university’s Advanced Composites Institute. The university is receiving a combined $9.5 million in state investments that will help it remain as a leader in growing Mississippi’s economy, including a $600,000 pledge for ACI equipment supporting blended-wing technology in the aerospace industry. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

Mississippi is investing more than $110 million in economic development, infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, tourism and conservation efforts, Gov. Tate Reeves announced recently, and a portion of that funding will allow MSU to construct and equip facilities dedicated to cutting-edge research.

“As Mississippi’s leading research university, MSU is grateful to Gov. Tate Reeves for his confidence in our institution’s demonstrated ability to build and advance Mississippi’s economy through these impressive projects,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “We see our role in providing impactful research that helps create more and better jobs for Mississippians as part of our core land-grant university mission. These vital funds reinforce that mission.”

MSU is ranked by the National Science Foundation as a Top 100 research institution, and its annual research and development expenditures have exceeded $320 million.

Specifically, $6.6 million will fund construction of the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center, a Harrison County-based facility that will serve as the headquarters of the Mississippi Cyber Initiative in partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Keesler Air Force Base, and $1.5 million (contingent on final Appalachian Regional Commission approval) will construct a new MSU Research Technology Building adjacent to the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park in Oktibbeha County.

Additionally, the MSU Advanced Composites Institute will receive $600,000 for equipment supporting blended-wing technology in the aerospace industry, while the upcoming Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center in Jackson County will use $865,000 to purchase fixed equipment to complete the facility’s analytical and biosafety capabilities.

“Mississippi’s economic development results have been historic and unprecedented,” Reeves said. “We’ve secured billions in new private sector investment and created thousands of jobs across the state. The funding we announced will go a long way toward continuing Mississippi’s economic momentum and will help create more high-paying job opportunities for Mississippians across the state.”

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