About CALS

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Established in 1878 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi, Mississippi State University today continues to excel in its original mission of education, research, and service. The study of agriculture, a founding basis for the institution, was formalized into a college in 1903.

The present-day College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) presents a broad array of opportunities for the study of life, encompassing 10 schools and departments. Together, they offer 16 majors and 33 concentrations for undergraduates and ten majors and 30 concentrations for graduate degrees.

The College boasts a learned, experienced faculty of 162, whose common goal is to provide students with the best education possible.

Many departments house specialized research centers that have attracted large federal grants and corporate funding. The College is also closely associated with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which share knowledge and solutions with farmers, business people, and government agencies throughout the state and beyond.

Administration

Dr. Melissa Mixon
Dr. Lynn Reinschmiedt
Dr. Walter Taylor
Dr. Melissa Mixon
Dean-Interim
Dr. Lynn Reinschmiedt -
Associate Dean
Dr. Walter Taylor -
Assistant Dean & Professor

Department Heads/Directors

Dr. Bill Batchelor
Dr. Clarenece Collison
Dr. Jac Varco
Dr. Gary Jackson
Dr. Bill Batchelor -
Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Dr. Clarence Collison -
Entomology and Plant Pathology
Dr. Jac Varco -
Plant and Soil Sciences
Dr. Gary Jackson -
School of Human Sciences
Dr. Michael Kidd
Dr. Terry Kiser
Dr. Benjy Mikel
Professor Sadik Artunc
Dr. Michael Kidd -
Poultry Science
Dr. Terry Kiser -
Animal and Dairy Sciences
Dr. Benjy Mikel -
Food, Nutrition, and Health Promotion
Professor Sadik Artunc -
Landscape Architecture
Dr. Steve Turner
Dr. Scott Willard
Dr. Steve Turner -
Agricultural Economics
Dr. Scott Willard -
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interim

Staff

Amanda Bell
Linda Buehler
Suzanne Mattison
Gayle McClure
Amanda Bell -
Advancement Coordinator
Linda Buehler -
Academic Coordinator
Suzanne Mattison -
Admissions Coordinator
Gayle McClure -
Executive Secretary