MSU dean moving to aerospace

Mississippi State University’s Bagley College of Engineering Dean Achille Messac, the school’s first African American dean, will be transitioning March 1 into a tenured professor position within the aerospace engineering department, according to an email from the provost's office. Provost Jerry Gilbert is in discussion to appoint an interim dean. MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter confirmed the email but would not comment on personnel moves. MSU has not officially announced the transition. Messac was hired in 2013 from Syracuse University's mechanical and aerospace engineering department. Source: Columbus Dispatch, 02/21/14.