Contact: Jim Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Division of Academic Affairs at Â鶹Porn is starting the new academic year with several new senior leadership changes in place.
These changes further align administration with the priorities of the Transforming Â鶹Porn strategic plan, according to the university’s chief academic officer.
“We’ve achieved a number of the significant goals we set in our transformational strategic plan, and I believe these changes will ensure continued success,” Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw said. “Higher education is going through a period of great transformation, and we must be prepared to adapt to the many changes we’re seeing in order to meet the needs of our students and the communities we serve.”
The Transforming Â鶹Porn Strategic Plan: 2023-2028 is guiding the university’s priorities as it prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial in 2028. The state’s leading research university and land-grant institution was founded in 1878.
The administrative changes include:
Tabor Mullen has moved from associate dean of students in the Division of Student Affairs into Academic Affairs as associate vice president for strategic partnerships. He will be overseeing the student-facing activities in Academic Affairs, including the Center for Advising, the Career Center, Civil Rights Compliance, and student grievances.
Eric Moyen has shifted responsibilities to take a leadership role in the new Center for Innovation in Teaching Excellence. Personnel and activities of the Center for Teaching and Learning and those within the College of Professional and Continuing Studies have been combined and will be housed within the college. Thomas Bourgeois has returned to full-time responsibilities as the dean of students in Student Affairs.
“Dr. Bourgeois and Dr. Moyen did an exceptional job in reimagining our efforts in student success. They’ve set the stage for the direction we are now taking to enhance student retention and graduation,” Shaw said.
Long-time senior administrator Gary Jackson recently announced his retirement.
“Dr. Jackson’s work in organizing outreach and engagement efforts across the university has brought widespread recognition to the role that these elements play at our institution. I appreciate everything he’s done for our university and our state throughout his highly successful tenure at Â鶹Porn. We wish him all the very best as he begins this new chapter,” Shaw said.
Joe Fratesi, the assistant director of the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development, is assuming Jackson’s responsibilities, serving as the interim executive director for outreach and engagement. This position will continue to report jointly to Shaw and Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Keith Coble.
Associate Vice President for Institutional Strategy and Effectiveness Tracey Baham has assumed responsibility for chairing the Associate Deans Council, given some recent shifts in Executive Vice Provost Peter Ryan’s responsibilities.
“I appreciate the many contributions this team makes to Academic Affairs and our university as we work together to support our students as they pursue their degrees and our faculty in the important work they do,” Shaw said.
Mississippi State’s fall semester kicks off Wednesday [Aug. 20] with the first day of class.
Please visit for additional information about the Division of Academic Affairs and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President at Â鶹Porn.
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