RAYMOND, Miss. -- The new Mississippi State University provost and executive vice president, Judy Bonner, toured the university’s off-campus Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station [MAFES] facilities on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

Bonner, along with MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine administrators, visited multiple Extension and MAFES units in the state. Stops on the tour included the Hinds County Extension Office, MAFES Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station, Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Harrison County Extension Office, Institute of Marine Mammals Studies, Coastal Research and Extension Center, Delta Research and Extension Center, and Washington County Extension Office.

“This tour was an opportunity for Dr. Bonner to see how off-campus Extension and MAFES facilities work with the university to provide educational opportunities for students and prospective students,” said Sherry Surrette, head of the Central Mississippi R&E Center and interim head of the Coastal R&E Center. “We were honored to host her and showcase our programs.”

Personnel from each district gave Bonner an overview of their Extension and research programs, such as entomology, plant breeding, beef cattle, water conservation, weed science and catfish.

MAFES research stations offer graduate students the opportunity to work on research projects, earn advanced degrees and provide some of the university’s research-proven information that Extension agents distribute through educational programs to people of all ages.

Extension programs include education, information and technology transfer on topics ranging from child care to livestock herd health that help Mississippians make informed decisions about all aspects of their lives.

Bonner, a native of Alabama, became the head of MSU academic operations July 1. She came to MSU from the University of Alabama, where she was a senior administrator and president. At MSU, she oversees academics in eight colleges and on both the Starkville and Meridian campuses. She also is responsible for other nonacademic support units.

MSU Extension Service Director Gary Jackson said he looks forward to working with Bonner.

“Dr. Bonner has a great understanding and appreciation for Extension and the Experiment Station,” Jackson said. “She is very supportive of our agents and faculty.  I am especially pleased with her support of off-campus research and nonformal educational programs.”