Mississippi State University Meridian IT Department moves from User Services to a Division alongside ITI, EIS, User Services, and CISO, enhancing support for campus growth.
In a significant move to better serve the growing needs of Mississippi State University’s Meridian campus, the Information Technology (IT) department has transitioned into its own division. Previously operating under the User Services department within the larger Information Technology Services (ITS) division at the main campus in Starkville, the Meridian IT department is now a distinct unit.
This structural change comes in response to the expansion of the Riley Campus, which includes new academic offerings such as the Master of Nursing, Behavioral Health Clinic, and Simulation Experience program. These additions complement the already successful Physician Assistant (PA) program, all of which have experienced substantial growth. As the campus continues to thrive, the need for dedicated, on-site IT support has become even more critical.
Leadership and Team
The new division is led by Kaycee C. Crane, who transitioned from her role as User Support Manager for Meridian-IT to the Director of IT for the Meridian campus. Under her direction, the team will continue to provide the best possible support to all campus programs.
The IT team is composed of several talented and dedicated professionals, including Tim Herlong, Matt Purvis, Meagan Hanna, Richard Anderson, and student worker Josh Bradley. Each team member plays a crucial role in ensuring that all IT needs across the Meridian campus are met with efficiency and expertise.
“Having a strong, unified team is essential for us to meet the growing needs of the Meridian campus,” said Kaycee C. Crane, Director of IT for the Meridian campus. “We’re committed to ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff have the best possible IT support, and I’m proud to lead such a dedicated team.”
As part of this shift, Richard Anderson, who was previously moved from the Meridian ITS team to support the Physician Assistant (PA) program, has now returned to his role within the Meridian IT team. This move is part of a larger strategy to create a more cohesive and supportive IT structure for all campus programs. As the team reunites, everyone is focused on working together to provide the best possible support for the expanded academic offerings, including the PA program, as well as the new Master of Nursing, Behavioral Health Clinic, and Simulation Experience programs.
“Having Richard back with our team is a huge asset,” said the Director of IT for the Meridian campus. “His expertise and familiarity with the campus, combined with the collaborative spirit of our new division, will help us continue to elevate our IT support to meet the growing demands of the campus.”
Team Collaboration and Support from Starkville ITS
This transition of IT-Meridian to its own division would not be possible without the ongoing backing and expertise provided by the ITS departments at the Starkville campus. The IT-Meridian team relies on the collaborative support of the Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI), Enterprise Information Systems (EIS), User Services, and the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) departments.
Mississippi State University’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), Trey Breckenridge, has been instrumental in advocating for the restructuring of the IT department at the Meridian campus. His leadership and commitment to ensuring that both the Starkville and Meridian campuses receive the technological support they need has been a driving force behind the successful transition.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the continued support from our colleagues in Starkville,” said Crane. “Their expertise and collaboration are vital to the success of our team, and we are grateful for the strong relationship we have with them.”
Advancing Technology and Support Services
The shift also reflects the importance of integrating modern technology across all areas of campus life. From classroom resources and lab technology to online learning platforms and administrative systems, the IT department plays a crucial role in keeping the campus running smoothly.
With this restructuring, the Meridian campus will be better positioned to leverage the latest innovations in IT and ensure that its infrastructure evolves alongside the increasing demands of students and faculty. This transition also provides the campus with an advocate at the leadership level, where decisions about funding, staffing, and technology upgrades can be tailored to the unique needs of the Meridian community.
Commitment to Policies and Guidelines
The IT-Meridian team is also fully committed to following all policies and guidelines set forth by ITS and MSU leadership. This ensures that the department adheres to best practices in IT management and security while providing top-notch support for the campus community.
A Bright Future for Meridian Campus
As Mississippi State University’s Meridian campus continues to grow, the independence of the IT department underscores the commitment to providing high-quality education, resources, and support for the community. The new IT division will work closely with academic departments and administrative offices to enhance technology services and provide a seamless experience for students, faculty, and staff.
With its new leadership structure and unified team, the Mississippi State University Meridian IT department is poised to better support the ever-evolving needs of an expanding campus while helping to ensure that all students and faculty have access to the tools necessary for success in today’s digital world.
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