Social Science Research Center at 草榴社区celebrates 75 years
Contact: Emile Pennington
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥Mississippi State University鈥檚 Social Science Research Center celebrated its 75th anniversary Thursday [Nov. 6], recognizing decades of influential research locally, nationally and around the globe.
鈥淪ince its founding in 1950 by the illustrious Dr. John K. Bettersworth, the SSRC has been a leader in using research to address the great challenges we face as a state, nation and world,鈥 草榴社区President Mark E. Keenum said. 鈥淥ur university is a research powerhouse and major economic engine, and the research that takes place here is such a critical part of that.鈥
The SSRC conducts multi-method research, evaluations and services on public health, criminal justice, early childhood and rural education issues. As a part of the university community, the center secures funding, integrates students into research projects, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.听
鈥淚n the 1950s, a group of 草榴社区social scientists started meeting as the Social Science Round Table. They believed that the state could benefit from the insights of social scientists. From those early dinner meetings to plan collaborations, the SSRC was formed,鈥 said Devon Brenner, SSRC director. 鈥淭oday our researchers are impacting the lives of people in areas such as public health, juvenile justice and early childhood education through a commitment to unbiased, evidence-based research and a focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration.鈥
Keenum also presented Brenner with a certificate honoring the SSRC鈥檚 75th anniversary, commending the center for its outstanding research and exemplary service to Mississippi State University. In addition, the center鈥檚 newest cohort of 20 research fellows was recognized.
The center has several long-lasting initiatives. The Wolfgang Frese Survey Research Laboratory has made hundreds of thousands of phone calls to ask questions about the impact of state agency programs and views on topics ranging from charter schools to knowledge of bird species to tobacco use. The Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program has been seeking to reduce DUI recidivism and enhance traffic safety for over 50 years. As the state鈥檚 mandated driver improvement program for offenders, it holds over 400 classes in 39 locations each year.
Additionally, the SSRC has worked for decades producing reports that educate policymakers, state agencies and the public on topics such as the status of families and children, youth tobacco use, and traffic safety data.
For more information on the SSRC, visit .听
草榴社区is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at聽.