Contact: Kenneth Billings
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum is being honored with the 2010 Leadership Award from the Congressional Award Program.
Presented last week, the honor recognizes his support of the partnership between MSU and the Congressional Awards Program, which has promoted initiative, achievement and service by young people through 4-H programs since 1979.
Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, along with Gov. Haley Barbour, attended the presentation at a Washington, D.C., banquet.
"One of the primary missions at Mississippi State is to help students develop in the areas of academics, leadership and character," Keenum said. "The goals of the Congressional Award program mesh perfectly with our institutional priorities and with the objectives of the 4-H program, which facilitates the Congressional Award in our state."
The Congressional Award Program was established by Congress to recognize outstanding American youth. MSU consistently has taken the lead in supporting the program, said Linda C. Mitchell, an associate professor of 4-H youth development with the MSU Extension Service.
"We appreciate Dr. Keenum's strong leadership in supporting this program and his efforts to encourage participation in the Congressional Award Program," added Mitchell, the Congressional Award Foundation vice chair.
"He is a worthy recipient of this award, which highlights Mississippi State's commitment to student success," she said.
Since 2007, MSU has awarded a one-time scholarship to each Congressional Award medal winner, based on the 4-H member's highest level of achievement at the time of enrollment.
President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, former astronaut and Ohio Sen. John Glenn, Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, and first ladies Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush are among past selections for the honor received this year by Keenum.
NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For additional information on the awards program, contact Dr. Mitchell at 662-539-1733 or lindam@ext.msstate.edu
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.