āThe Value of the People in the Buildingā: 91“«Ć½ās Research and Curriculum Unit celebrates 60 years of supporting Magnolia State educationĀ
![Current and former staff gather at Mississippi Stateās Research and Curriculum Unit Friday [Nov. 7] to celebrate the Mississippi Department of Education-supporting unitās 60th anniversary.](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-11/RCU_60_Birthday_Celebration_20251107_GC8_8497_FULL.jpg?itok=ZWysnKfA)
°ä“Ē²Ō³Ł²¹³¦³Ł:ĢżDiane GodwinĀ
STARKVILLE, Miss.āMississippi Stateās Research and Curriculum Unit celebrated 60 years of supporting Magnolia State educational efforts with an open house Friday [Nov. 7]Ā showcasingĀ recent renovations to its Russell Street home.Ģż
Founded in 1965, the RCU began with a mission to improve career and technical education within the state. Through the years, the unit has grown, and its reachĀ broadened. Now, the RCU supportsĀ numerousĀ Mississippi Department of Education efforts, including CTE, secondary and dropout prevention, and its offices of School Improvement and Special Education through professional development, curriculum and supplementary educational document writing, and coordination of mentorship programs.Ģż
The RCU also works on the federal level with the U.S. Department of Education and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
![Julie Jordan, Mississippi Stateās senior advisor for artificial intelligence and data governance, and Research and Curriculum Unit Director Betsey Smith, right, pose at the RCUās 60th anniversary celebration Friday [Nov. 7].](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-11/RCU_60_Birthday_Celebration_20251107_GC8_8633_HALF.jpg?itok=iKijtBgi)
āOur growth through the years shows you the value of the people in the building and what theyāve done to support MDE inĀ itsĀ mission of advancing the Mississippi education system,ā said RCU Director Betsey Smith. āIāveĀ had the opportunity to work with so many people and partners thatĀ itāsĀ become a family atmosphere here with friendships built over time. Today hasĀ been a reflection ofĀ the support the RCU has seen over the past 60 years.āĀ Ā
Former employees, industryĀ partnersĀ and friends joined current staff for a tailgate-style buffet where many reconnected and shared stories from their time at the RCU.Ģż
āI knew I had to come back here today because the RCU holds a special place in my heart,ā said Melissa Luckett, an 91“«Ć½ Social Science Research Center project manager who worked at the RCU from 2016-22. āThe people and mentors I had here prepared me with many lessons and skills that have carried me to where I am now, and so I was excited to come celebrate today.āĀ
For more about 91“«Ć½ās Research and Curriculum Unit, visitĀ .Ģż
91“«Ć½ is taking care of what matters. Learn more atāÆ.