‘The Value of the People in the Building’: MSU’s Research and Curriculum Unit celebrates 60 years of supporting Magnolia State education

Current and former staff gather at Mississippi State’s Research and Curriculum Unit Friday [Nov. 7] to celebrate the Mississippi Department of Education-supporting unit’s 60th anniversary.��(Photo by Grace Cockrell)

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STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Research and Curriculum Unit celebrated 60 years of supporting Magnolia State educational efforts with an open house Friday [Nov. 7] showcasing recent renovations to its Russell Street home.��

Founded in 1965, the RCU began with a mission to improve career and technical education within the state. Through the years, the unit has grown, and its reach broadened. Now, the RCU supports numerous Mississippi Department of Education efforts, including CTE, secondary and dropout prevention, and its offices of School Improvement and Special Education through professional development, curriculum and supplementary educational document writing, and coordination of mentorship programs.��

The RCU also works on the federal level with the U.S. Department of Education and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Julie Jordan, Mississippi State’s senior advisor for artificial intelligence and data governance, and Research and Curriculum Unit Director Betsey Smith, right, pose at the RCU’s 60th anniversary celebration Friday [Nov. 7]. Smith succeeded Jordan as the RCU’s director in 2017, when Jordan was named interim associate vice president for international programs and interim executive director of MSU’s International Institute. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

“Our growth through the years shows you the value of the people in the building and what they’ve done to support MDE in its mission of advancing the Mississippi education system,” said RCU Director Betsey Smith. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many people and partners that it’s become a family atmosphere here with friendships built over time. Today has been a reflection of the support the RCU has seen over the past 60 years.”

Former employees, industry partners and friends joined current staff for a tailgate-style buffet where many reconnected and shared stories from their time at the RCU.��

“I knew I had to come back here today because the RCU holds a special place in my heart,” said Melissa Luckett, an MSU Social Science Research Center project manager who worked at the RCU from 2016-22. “The people and mentors I had here prepared me with many lessons and skills that have carried me to where I am now, and so I was excited to come celebrate today.”

For more about MSU’s Research and Curriculum Unit, visit .��

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