Hank Johnston Mathematics Center opens at MSU, to advance foundational education
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences hosted a ribbon cutting on Friday [May 8], for the Hank Johnston Mathematics Center, an expansion of the university’s Math Domain located in Allen Hall.
The space, made possible through a gift from 1965 MSU alumnus and Apollo 8 project leader Henry “Hank” Johnston, provides additional dedicated learning space for strengthening student success, retention and confidence in foundational mathematics and statistics coursework.
Rick Travis, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the center represents a meaningful investment in one of the university’s foundational disciplines.
“Mathematics is at the core of so many fields, and this center creates an additional environment where students can build confidence and strengthen critical skills,” he said. “The space provides a structured setting for completing lab requirements, receiving guided assistance on assignments and taking quizzes and exams. We are grateful for the support that made this space possible and for the opportunities it will provide for our students moving forward.”
Johnston earned his MSU bachelor’s degree in mathematics and has had a career spanning technology, space exploration and public service. As an MSU student, he worked in the University Data Center, gaining early experience with Fortran that led to his first professional role with IBM Federal Systems on the Apollo program, including the Apollo 8 project leader role. He later held executive roles at Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems and, after retiring, served as mayor of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Johnston remains connected to MSU through the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board.
For more information about the College of Arts and Sciences, visit www.cas.msstate.edu. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is online at www.math.msstate.edu.
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