Contact: Addison Arledge

STARKVILLE, Miss.—For the second consecutive year, a longtime national professional organization is praising the continued upkeep and appearance of Mississippi State’s Starkville campus.

The 138-year-land grant institution again is being honored by the Maryland-based Professional Grounds Management Society with a Green Star Award for “exceptional grounds maintenance” among U.S. universities and colleges, one of nine judging categories.

Founded in 1911, the society is dedicated to advancing the grounds management profession. Sustainability, landscape enhancements, seasonal plantings, safety, signage and training are among criteria used for its award designations.

At MSU, landscape operations is part of the Campus Services division directed by Vice President Amy Tuck.

“This award represents the tremendous pride our university takes in keeping Mississippi State’s grounds beautiful. I congratulate the hard working staff members who are so dedicated to this effort and have earned this recognition through their constant attention to detail throughout the year,” Tuck said.

Bart Prather, MSU associate director of campus landscape, formally accepted the award at the society’s recent convention and exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. The complete winners list is found at http://pgms.org/2016-green-star-award-winners/.

For more on the society, visit www.pgms.org.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.