For the fourth year in a row, MSU art students hold "best in show" honors following a recent regional design competition.

The 1999 Communigraphics Design Conference, coordinated by the Memphis (Tenn.) Advertising Federation, drew entries from universities and colleges in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Of 30 entries accepted for judging, 26 were the works of MSU students.

Receiving four of the five top awards of excellence were seniors Tracey Cooksey of Slidell, La., Ben Couvillion of Starkville, Jane M. Metcalf of Tupelo, and Catherine C. Neill of Leland.

"To be recognized by AAF as best in every single show for four years is a phenomenal report on the excellence of our students and faculty," said art department head Brent Funderburk.