A Jackson State University chemistry student and professor were recognized Tuesday during a luncheon at the 29th anniversary of the Higher Education Appreciation Day – Working for Excellence (HEADWAE) ceremony.
Anthony Keyes, a junior who hails from Georgia and Colorado, and associate professor Dr. Fengxiang X. Han in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry were this year’s honorees at the event held in downtown Jackson at the Marriott Hotel, 200 East Amite.
In addition to Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, who praised the accomplishments of both JSU honorees, presidents from many of the state’s two- and four-year public and private universities and colleges assembled to recognize “those who contribute to higher education through their commitment and dedication.”
Students and faculty were chosen because they “excel in the classroom and have a tremendous impact on their campuses and communities through their leadership and service,” said Dr. Glenn F. Boyce, the state’s commissioner of higher education.
Speaking to students, faculty and parents gathered in the Mississippi Supreme Court Chambers in the state capitol building, Gov. Phil Bryant urged Mississippi’s best and brightest to stay in the Magnolia State to pursue their dreams of success. Bryant cited many new career opportunities linked to manufacturing, medical and technology industries across the state.
Luncheon keynote speaker Sean Suggs, vice president of manufacturing for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi Inc., shared principles of leadership to the honored guests. He urged them to learn (develop the ability to react and think quickly); link (connect experiences to present situations); and launch (activate two tasks to help improve their jobs, co-workers and company).
Suggs shared his motto for leadership: “Everything I say and don’t say, and everything I do and don’t do will tell others what I value and believe,” he said. “You have to walk it and not just talk it.”
Meanwhile, Han described the recognition as a tremendous honor to represent the university for its “excellence in teaching, educating and bringing research to the frontier of science.”
Honoree Keyes said, “This award shows that JSU has an amazing chemistry department, enabling teachers and students to show excellence in all fields inside and outside the classroom.” He also credits his selection to his leadership abilities. He has served as a tutor in the writing center and created a program to mentor incoming chemistry graduates. “I’m trying to leave behind a legacy,” said Keyes, who aims to earn a doctorate in organic chemistry and become a research professor.
