Russell L. Ethridge of Union is the first graduate of Mississippi State University's Materials Certificate Program in Engineering.
He received both the certificate and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering during May graduation ceremonies at MSU.
The Materials Certificate Program in Engineering was established in 1999 to provide engineers with skills that meet today's manufacturing needs. Through the program, students can increase their knowledge of metals, plastics, ceramics, and other materials.
Students working toward a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or science can earn the certificate by completing a series of materials-related courses from an approved list. The program also is open to individuals who already have bachelor's degrees or who have technical positions in industry but need additional training.
Ethridge is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Ethridge and a 1995 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School in Meridian.
At Mississippi State, he was a Swalm scholar and a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering.
