Contact: Amy Cagle
MERIDIAN, Miss.--A $150,000 gift from BankPlus is assisting Mississippi State University-Meridian in advancing education for business majors by helping ensure facilities and technology updates for the downtown location.
The gift announced Wednesday [Sept. 12] establishes an endowment to maintain, in perpetuity, the Newberry Building and its instructional technology. A historical landmark adjacent to the MSU Riley Center, the facility houses Division of Business classrooms and offices.
Proceeds also have enabled the purchase of a stock ticker for the Newberry lobby, allowing students and faculty access to the latest financial information. The scrolling electronic display provides continually updated price and volume reports of securities traded on the various stock market exchanges, as well as breaking financial news and college announcements.
"The generosity of BankPlus allows MSU-Meridian to benefit from much-needed financial support to ensure our campus turns out graduates who will become valuable members of the workforce," said Steven F. Brown, dean and associate vice president. "MSU-Meridian is excited that our business division will have an opportunity to grow and progress with the establishment of this endowment."
Established as a degree-granting institution in 1972, MSU-Meridian primarily focuses its efforts toward helping fulfill the educational aspirations of individuals unable to attend residential campuses on a full-time basis. Typically, it enrolls non-residential students who are working adults or community college transfers.
In addition to the downtown-based business division, MSU-Meridian includes the academic divisions of Arts and Sciences and Education still located on a 26-acre campus at the intersection of Mississippi Highway 19 North and College Drive.
BankPlus officials involved in the gift presentation commented proudly on the support provided to the Division of Business over the years by the financial institution.
"At BankPlus, we are exceptionally committed to the communities we serve and our hope for this gift is that it will further growth and educational opportunities in Meridian and surrounding areas," said Jack Webb, senior executive vice president and chief retail banking officer.
"The endowment fund will ensure that the Newberry Building is maintained and has the best technology available for years to come," Webb added.
Leon Harris, senior vice president and president of the Meridian Banking Center, seconded Webb's remarks.
"We always are willing to give back to our community, especially if our support will benefit education," Harris said. "BankPlus shares Mississippi State University's commitment to the Meridian community, and is proud to provide this gift to the MSU Foundation that will have a positive impact on the educational opportunities and resources available in this region."
BankPlus, with total assets of more than $2 billion, has more than 60 banking offices in 33 Mississippi communities. In addition to its Belzoni Main Office, other BankPlus offices are located in Bentonia, Brandon, Byram, Canton, Clinton, D'Iberville, Durant, Flora, Flowood, Gluckstadt, Hernando, Holly Bluff, Horn Lake, Isola, Jackson, Lexington, Madison, Meridian, Newton, Olive Branch, Pearl, Picayune, Pickens, Poplarville, Quitman, Ridgeland, Shubuta, Southaven, Stonewall, Tchula, Waynesboro and Yazoo City. For additional information on BankPlus, please visit www.BankPlus.net.
For more information on MSU-Meridian, visit www.meridian.msstate.edu.
The Newberry Endowment for MSU-Meridian is an open fund that may be increased through additional contributions through the MSU Foundation. To learn more about giving opportunities, contact Josh Thompson, MSU-Meridian development officer for special projects, at 601-484-0493 or jthompson@foundation.msstate.edu.