JACKSON, Miss. – Murrell Godfrey, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and director of forensic chemistry at the University of Mississippi, was among faculty and staff members and a community leader honored Tuesday (Feb. 18) by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.
The board observed Black History Month by recognizing university faculty and staff members who have worked to advance diversity in higher education. The board also honored a community leader for similar efforts.
The community leader honoree is William F. “Bill” Scaggs, a dedicated educator who served as president of Meridian Community College from 1968 until 1998. He has served as president emeritus of Meridian Community College since 1998.
The remaining university honorees are:
- John Igwebuike, vice provost for academic affairs, interim dean of the School of Business and faculty athletic representative at Alcorn State University
- Corlis Snow, associate professor of elementary education and coordinator for advanced programs in elementary education at Delta State University
- Hongtao Yu, chair and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Jackson State University
- Shirley L. James Hanshaw, associate professor of English and liaison for the MSU-Tougaloo College Exchange Program in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Mississippi State University
- Jonathan Pote, head of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine
- Thomas Velek, professor of history at Mississippi University for Women
- Baxter Wright, professor of social work at Mississippi Valley State University
- Juanyce Taylor, assistant dean for research and innovation and chair of the Department of Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center
- Kevin Greene, associate professor of interdisciplinary studies and history and director of undergraduate programs at the University of Southern Mississippi Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.