Providing the margin of excellence

License plate program paying dividends for university

Since the state of Mississippi began offering university license plates in December 1992, some 2,732 tags have been purchased by Mississippi State University alumni and friends.

For $50 above the regular cost, Mississippi car owners can purchase automobile license plates bearing the emblems and colors of their favorite schools. The schools, in return, receive $32.50 from the sale of each plate their bears their name.

Mississippi State has received nearly $90,000 as a result of the tag sales, with the revenue going to support the License to Work student jobs program which helps departments on campus pay student wages during the school year.

One program the revenue has helped fund is to pay members of the Bully Patrol, which provides for students to work throughout the night to escort other students to and from campus buildings, cars, residence halls, or sorority and fraternity houses.

"Each year, as exposure to the tags has increased, we've seen increased support from our alumni and friends," said Dr. Billy Ward, vice president for institutional advancement. "This is a great way to promote the university, while at the same time helping our students."

Mississippi State's tags have the words "Mississippi State University" and the university seal, along with the slogan "Serving Mississippi." The tags are available at all county tax accessor's offices.