Certification one step in assuring efficient purchase power at MSU

Contact: Jim Laird

At a time when public purchasing often is in the spotlight, Mississippi State University's Office of Procurement and Contracts is taking steps to make the most of state resources.

A professional designation now held by two professionals in the department is boosting credentials and service capabilities for the office charged with securing goods and services, as well as executing contracts, on behalf of the major land-grant institution.

Most recently, purchasing agent Taylor Adams has earned the certified public purchasing officer (CPPO) designation from the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council. Don Buffum, director of the office, also holds the prestigious designation.

"It's not a secret that state appropriations for higher education are stretched thin," said Buffum. "Departments are turning to us more than they ever have--searching for cost-effective options for the products and services they must have to fulfill Mississippi State's mission of teaching, research and service."

Ongoing training and professional development are valuable tools as the Office of Procurement strives to serve its internal and external stakeholders with superior customer service. That's one of the reasons Adams pursued the CPPO credential, he said.

Earning CPPO status is a multi-step endeavor that includes formal education, procurement-related coursework and training, public purchasing experience and functional management experience. The process culminates with a comprehensive written examination. Adams was among 63 professionals who successfully completed the CPPO exam in May.

"We are proud of Taylor's achievement. It is another example of Mississippi State's commitment to excellence and good stewardship of public funds and property," said Wayne Bland, the university's interim vice president for budget and planning. "Currently, there are only seven certified public purchasing officers in the state, and we have two of them here on campus."

For Adams, a 2001 MSU business administration/marketing graduate, the investment of time and effort to earn the CPPO credential is already paying dividends.

"The added CPPO credential qualifies the MSU Procurement Office as a certified office, and that gives us more flexibility under the purchasing laws Mississippi public agencies and institutions operate," the Columbus native and Starkville resident said. "That flexibility enables us to process requests and meet expectations at the 'speed of business.'"

Both Adams and Buffum also serve in leadership positions in public purchasing professional organizations. Adams is president-elect of the Mississippi Association of Governmental Purchasing and Property Agents. Buffum was recently elected to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing board of directors, where he represents members in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.