Contact: Sammy McDavid
Mississippi began as a territory in 1798 and, in 1817, became America's 20th state.
Now standing at the door of its fourth century as an organized government entity, the Magnolia State and many of its citizens may well ask: What does the future hold?
To initiate discussions of that question, Mississippi State University is sponsoring a March 25 public program led by one of the state's best-known public officials of the late 20th century.
"Mississippi in the New Millenium" will be former governor William Winter's topic at a 7 p.m. presentation in the Bost Extension Center auditorium. The Campus Activities Board is sponsor.
Often called the "education governor" because of his administration's emphasis on school reform and related issues, Winter served as the state's chief executive 1980-84. Prior to that, the Grenada Countian held office as lieutenant governor, state treasurer and a member of the Legislature.
Most recently, he served on President's Clinton's Initiative on Race and as chair of the National Commission of State and Local Public Service and the National Issues Forum Institute.
Winter is a partner in the Jackson law firm of Watkins, Ludlam, Winter, and Stennis. A member of the state bar association for 50 years, he was honored last year with its lifetime achievement award.
For more information on the program, telephone Paula Raffo at (601) 325-2930.