“One of my proudest Mississippi State achievements was giving the commencement address in 1993,” said Henry “Hank” Johnston, a 1965 MSU graduate, whose impressive career led to his selection as commencement speaker.

Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences is recognizing four faculty members for exemplary achievements in teaching, research and service, honoring their lasting impact on students, colleagues and the university community.

From the language of diplomacy to the history of environmental conservation and the fight against disease, Mississippi State’s 2025 Humanities Summer Scholars have been exploring what it means to be human across cultures and centuries. Their research will be shared Wednesday [Oct. 22] during presentations hosted by the Institute for the Humanities, part of MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.