Dr. Linda T. Coats and Clifford J. Hampton of Mississippi State are among 11 higher education faculty and staff members honored during February's Black History Month observation.

The State Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning recognized the group for "contributions to the positive advancement of diversity" at the eight campuses and in their respective communities.

An associate professor of curriculum and instruction, Coats received bachelor's and doctoral degrees from MSU and a master's from Jackson State University.

Hampton holds a dual appointment with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the MSU Extension Service, where he serves as special projects coordinator and special affairs adviser. He completed a bachelor's degree at Alcorn State University and a master's at Mississippi State. Currently, he is pursuing a doctorate at MSU.