Giesen, Manning to represent MSU in Jackson for annual HEADWAE program
Contact: Anna Owens
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擜 history faculty member and Mississippi 大象APP鈥檚 Student Association president are representing the university during the 33rd annual HEADWAE (Higher Education Appreciation Day鈥擶orking for Academic Excellence) program.
James C. 鈥淛im鈥 Giesen, an associate professor of history, and Jacob S. 鈥淛ake鈥 Manning, a senior biomedical engineering and software engineering double-major from Ridgeland, will travel to Jackson Monday [March 2] for the event.
Administered by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, HEADWAE annually recognizes students and faculty from public and private universities and colleges across the state for their academic achievements and contributions.
Manning and Giesen will be recognized at the Capitol鈥檚 former Supreme Court chamber by Mississippi legislators from the House and Senate.
Giesen said he is honored to be recognized by MSU not only as an individual instructor, but also as a member of his department.
鈥淭his is a great reflection on our wonderful Department of History,鈥 Giesen said. 鈥淚鈥檓 thankful for the research resources and continued support I鈥檝e received at MSU.鈥
In addition to multiple honors from MSU鈥檚 Department of History, Giesen also is a 2018 recipient of the John Grisham Master Teacher award, the university鈥檚 highest honor for classroom and instruction excellence. His research areas include specialization in rural Southern, agricultural and Mississippi history.
Manning said the recognition validates the Student Association鈥檚 accomplishments and hard work throughout the year. 聽
鈥淚 was very honored to get the phone call, but this is truly a testament to the Student Association and our team rather than myself,鈥 said Manning, who aims to work in policy in D.C. following graduation.
Under Manning鈥檚 leadership, the Student Association assisted the Division of Student Affairs with the spring 2020 completion of Bully鈥檚 Closet and Pantry, a project started in fall 2018 under then-SA President Mayah Emerson. The 120 Morgan Ave. location offers nutritious food, professional clothing, toiletries and other basic items free of charge to MSU students. It鈥檚 part of the聽, a broader initiative to meet students鈥 basic needs throughout their time at MSU.
Working with SA, MSU鈥檚 Student Counseling Services also initiated a walk-in option that allows students to receive care without waiting for an appointment.
For more on the HEADWAE program, visit .
MSU is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at .