Borst recognized for contributions

A Division of Student Affairs administrator is being recognized for his leadership and assistance to the "Mississippi Reads" program.

Todd Borst, assistant director of student life, recently was commended for his "valuable contributions" to the Campus Link/AmeriCorps program at Mississippi State.

"His dedication to the positive development of the AmeriCorps members and the participants in the Mississippi Reads program in your community has been extraordinary," said Thomas Schnaubel, state Campus Link/AmeriCorps director.

Established by Congress through the 1993 National and Community Service Act, AmeriCorps is similar to a domestic Peace Corps. A part of AmeriCorps, Campus Link provides a number of services, including a reading coach program that matches college volunteers with local elementary students.

"Mississippi Reads," the state's name for the coaching program, including nearly 50 from Mississippi State working under Borst's supervision.

According to a survey released in July, participating elementary schools statewide increased an average of 1.69 reading levels between January and May as a result of "Mississippi Reads." Also, nearly a third of participating elementary students exceeded expectations and increased by three or more reading levels during this time.

The Borst-led Mississippi State volunteers worked with students at Moor and Alexander elementary schools in eastern Oktibbeha County.