MSU College of Education faculty recognized for published books
Contact: Peyton Barber Grover
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Four Mississippi State College of Education faculty members were recently recognized by the university for books published in 2025.
During a special event hosted by MSU Libraries, the authors received an award as part of the celebration.
“We are incredibly proud of these faculty members and their accomplishments,” MSU College of Education Dean Teresa Jayroe said. “Their publications reflect the depth of expertise and talent across our College of Education, as well as their commitment to advancing knowledge in their respective fields. It is exciting to see their work recognized, and I congratulate each of them on this achievement.”
The 2025 College of Education authors include:
—Jason Baker, Professor, Department of Music
“Beginner and Intermediate Audition Solos for Snare Drum, Mallets, and Timpani”
The collection of 45 compositions for percussion auditions provides short selections for students and contains a unique Mississippi State flair, with titles drawn from local settings or events. It is written in a way that allows for customization based on the level of the student.
—Greg Francom, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Technology, Leadership, and Design
“Educational Technology for Teachers”
Designed for undergraduate university classes, the book is the first ever multiplatform interactive digital textbook on educational technology. It is also a handbook for K-12 teachers who want to learn technology tools and follow research-based guidelines for learning in the Information Age. “Educational Technology for Teachers” is an entire class in a book, featuring over 70 interactive elements, including video, slideshows, visual stories, image tutorials, sample projects and quizzes.
—Kimberly R. Hall, Associate Dean of Academics, Professor and Division Head, MSU-Meridian
“Counseling Individuals Through the Lifespan”
The book explores how people grow, change and face unique challenges at every stage of life—from childhood through older adulthood. The book combines developmental theory with practical counseling strategies to help students and professionals better understand and support their clients. By connecting research with real-world practice, it prepares counselors to provide thoughtful, effective care throughout the lifespan.
—James William Sobaskie, Professor, Department of Music
“Gabriel Fauré: Influences and Influence”
Sobaskie presents sixteen chapters contributed by musicians from six nations on the composer and longtime Director of the Paris Conservatoire who was, with Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, a member of the “French Trinity” in early twentieth-century Paris. Known for his engaging vocal, piano, chamber, choral, operatic and symphonic music, the book demonstrates how Symbolist poetry, rather than Impressionist painting as once thought, shaped his style. Sobaskie’s four chapters address Fauré’s aesthetics, the influence of Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin, his outreach efforts through what Sobaskie calls “gateway music” and his compositional pedagogy.
MSU’s College of Education, home of MSU-Meridian’s Division of Education, also includes five academic departments, one research unit and numerous service units.
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