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Charles Capps Center dedicated at Stoneville
STONEVILLE -- The latest addition to facilities at Mississippi State University's Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville was dedicated Oct. 28 in honor of a strong proponent of the Delta's economic advancement.
More than 150 leaders in business, agriculture, education and state government were on hand for ceremonies marking the official opening of the Charles W. Capps, Jr. Entrepreneurial Center.
The 18,000-square-foot facility contains auditorium seating for 400 and a distance learning center that are part of "a true 21st century campus that meets the needs of the Delta," said MSU President J. Charles Lee.
The new facility, Lee added, will play an important role in delivering the results of agricultural research conducted by Mississippi State and U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists at the Delta Center.
"The Capps Center will help diversify the economy of the Delta," he said. "Activities at the center also will address the health and education needs of the region."
A Cleveland native, Capps has been a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives since 1972 and served as chairman of the Appropriations Committee from 1988 until 2003. Education and economic development have been priorities throughout his political career.
"It's fitting that this facility is named for Charlie Capps," said Gov. Haley Barbour. "He has always had an emphasis on using education to help Mississippi more forward."
The dedication ceremonies also marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the agricultural experiment station at Stoneville.
"The first 100 years are a foundation we can learn from and move on," said MSU Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Vance Watson. "The distance learning facility and the other technology incorporated into the Capps Center make it the ideal location from which to provide citizens of the Delta with research results and other information. That will be the first step in translating what we learn here into economic activity."
In accepting the naming honor, Capps also emphasized the tie between education and economic development.
"Mississippi State University has a national reputation in research." he said. "That makes it a good place to put our money."
Contact: Dr. James Smith, (662) 686-9311
