MISSISSIPPI STATE – Lionel “Bo” Beaulieu received the 2011 Excellence in Extension award for his significant accomplishments as the director of the Southern Rural Development Center at Mississippi State University.

The award from the Southern Rural Sociological Association serves to recognize the contributions of members in extending the work of rural sociology in the southern United States.

“A fundamental interest of the SRSA is social justice, as seen through various disciplinary lenses and approaches, with focus on the South,” said Tom Gray of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and SRSA awards committee chair. “We believe this focus to be particularly appropriate and poignant, given the socioeconomic context of the region and the various legacies left in a history of oppression.”

“Dr. Beaulieu’s dedicated work at the Southern Rural Development Center and Mississippi State exemplifies these commitments,” he said.

While serving as the director of the SRDC since August 1997, Beaulieu has authored numerous publications that address rural economic development, education and labor force issues in America. He is also a professor in MSU’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

“The Excellence in Extension award is very befitting of Dr. Beaulieu’s professional career,” said Gary Jackson, director of the MSU Extension Service. “This recognition is great for him, the Southern Rural Development Center, the university and the Extension service.” Beaulieu earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Purdue University. He has received several awards, including the RIDGE Summit Award for Outstanding Leadership and Contribution from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.