Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences is celebrating the exceptional achievements of its graduate students, recognizing them for their academic excellence, research contributions and leadership within the university and beyond.

“More women now earn college degrees than men," said Rachel Allison. "While women still face barriers and challenges in the workforce, including their lower pay [compared] to men, women’s greater education may allow them to hold jobs that make homeownership more possible. There is also decreasing societal stigma to women’s singleness.”

Mississippi State’s College of Arts and Sciences honored eight faculty members for outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service at its annual spring awards ceremony in March.