Mississippi State's success in managing and distributing student financial aid and scholarships is being honored by the U.S. Department of Education.

Bruce Crain, MSU director of student financial aid and scholarships, recently accepted for his staff colleagues an Education Department certificate of appreciation recognizing their past and current efforts.

Crain said the certificate was presented by a representative of the Education Department's Atlanta, Ga., office. Like other departmental offices in recent years, it has adopted "a partnership approach" with universities and colleges called "Helping Put America through School."

"This honor acknowledges our role as a Department of Education 'partner' in the successful delivery of federal student financial aid funds," he added.