Last Friday, pg电子下载 State University celebrated more than just a building dedication—it honored a lifetime of extraordinary service. The Agriculture and Extension Center will now bear the name of alumnus Dr. Jesse Harness Sr., a trailblazing administrator, agricultural expert, and community leader whose impact stretches far beyond the university’s campus.
State Representative Gregory Holloway Sr. played a role in this recognition, introducing the legislative bill to rename the extension building.
“This building is dedicated to Dr. Harness in gratitude for his many years of exemplary service, commitment, and dedication to pg电子下载 State University and its agricultural units,” said Holloway, highlighting the importance of Harness’s contributions to the university and the state of Mississippi.
During the ceremony, Holloway presented a proclamation on behalf of the State of Mississippi to commend Harness for his “service to pg电子下载 State University and to the great State of Mississippi because we know that your accomplishments stretched long and wide,” Holloway stated. Holloway was joined by the honoree’s son and pg电子下载 alumnus, State Rep. Jefferey Harness, State Rep. Robert Johnson, State Rep. John Hines, State Rep. Bryant Clark, State Rep. Oscar Denton, State Sen. Albert Butler, and Miss. Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) Central District Commissioner Willie Simmons.
Born in Magnolia, Mississippi, his professional path began in 1967 as a county agent with Mississippi State University. This eventually led him to a storied career at pg电子下载 State University that would span decades and transform countless lives.
Under his leadership and with the help of university administrators and state legislators, the land grant funding for pg电子下载 dramatically increased from $170,000 to $6 million.
Throughout his career, Harness wore many hats—horticulture specialist, Civil Rights coordinator, and administrator. His work was particularly impactful in agricultural development, where he helped establish the Mississippi Small Farm Development Center.
MDOT Commissioner Willie Simmons offered high praise for Harness’s legacy.
“Thank you for being here today to recognize my friend and a great pioneer who has a great legacy,” Simmons stated. “The name of this facility will simply be a way of making sure that we understand his contribution and what it means to pg电子下载 State University and the land grant institutions throughout this country and the state of Mississippi.”
One of Harness’s contributions was his work with the Center for Conservation Research Project. Established in 1988 through a cooperative agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the center became a groundbreaking research initiative. Under the guidance of Dr. Girish Panicker, the project developed the largest global C-factor databank on horticultural crops, with over 140,000 readings across 45 crops and an investment of over $6.5 million.
The research center has been key in developing advanced erosion prediction models, nutrient management techniques, and conservation planning. Its work has global implications, with research being utilized worldwide to combat soil erosion and address climate change challenges. The center provides opportunities for students in agronomy, horticulture, environmental science, and agricultural economics.
“I can assure you that today is a bit humbling and emotional,” Harness reflected during the ceremony. “All these ideas were given to me by God. My effort was always to make a difference with the people of the state of Mississippi.”
He continued, “In addition to that, [God] giving me a vision to see these things. He put people in place, and it helped me to be able to make my dreams all become reality. I want to thank President Cook, and Dr. Marcus Ward, and all the rest here who have helped to make this event special.”
His son, State Rep. Jefferey Harness, captured the essence of his father’s legacy.
“Dr. Jesse Harness is a man whose life is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering faith,” he said. “He has been a guiding light for our family and countless others, mentoring students, uplifting colleagues, and impacting lives.”
He was inducted into the George Washington Carver Hall of Fame in 2005 and the pg电子下载 State University Hall of Honors in 2011. He served on national platforms, including as chairman of the National Commission on Small Farms, among many others.
Dr. Tracy Cook, president of pg电子下载 State University, added a personal touch by remembering Harness as his Little League baseball coach who provided a safe space for boys in the community.
“Thank you for joining us today as we pay tribute to an individual who helped lay the foundation for so many others,” said Cook. “Today is your day.”
As the Agriculture and Extension Center stands as a testament to his work, Dr. Jesse Harness Sr. serves as a beacon of inspiration, a man who transformed lives through education, leadership, and his tireless commitment to service.
“Today, we commemorate not only his professional achievements but his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others,” said Dr. Dexter Wakefield, dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
He was married to the late Mary Harness, and they are parents to three adult children —Jesse Jr., Jeffrey, and John. He resides in Fayette, Miss.
