Mississippi State University’s Department of English will welcome Mississippi author and MSU alumna Julie Liddell Whitehead as the featured guest for the 2026 Price Caldwell Visiting Writers Series, where she will share excerpts from her debut short story collection about Hurricane Katrina.

Mississippi State University Assistant Clinical Professor of Theatre Jesse Wade has received the Adult Playwriting Award from the Mississippi Theatre Association for his original play, “Touch,” the story of a scientist who gives emotions to an android she has created, exploring themes of technology, humanity and connection.

“I have been a lifelong Bulldog and always wanted to attend Mississippi State University,” said 1999 MSU graduate Carrie-Beth Randall. “However, my decision to pursue a degree within the College of Arts and Sciences came about only after I changed from my initial major, architecture. I had a couple of dear friends majoring in communication, and as I learned more about the degree, specifically public relations, I thought it would be a good fit for me.”