JACKSON, Miss. (August 7, 2025)— Belhaven University professor Dr. Brandon Magers will lead a new statewide council focused on expanding research opportunities at Mississippi’s emerging universities.
The Mississippi Emerging Research Institution Council (MERIC) elected Magers as its inaugural chair during its first conference on July 24 at the University of Mississippi. He will serve a one-year term.
“It’s an honor to serve as the inaugural chair of MERIC and to represent Belhaven University in this collaborative initiative,” said Magers, professor of chemistry and chair of Belhaven’s Department of Chemistry and Physics. “This role gives me the opportunity to help shape the research culture at institutions like ours and ensure that our faculty and students have access to the support they need to elevate their work and impact.”
MERIC represents 11 of Mississippi’s four-year universities, excluding the state’s four largest—Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, and Jackson State—which are part of the Mississippi Research Consortium (MRC).
MERIC aims to strengthen research efforts at institutions where research is not the primary mission. The council supports faculty and students by sharing resources, creating collaboration opportunities and advocating for research engagement across disciplines.
Magers said MERIC’s mission aligns with Belhaven’s commitment to academic excellence. “Belhaven students benefit directly from MERIC’s work because it opens doors to new research opportunities, interdisciplinary collaborations and grant support that wouldn’t otherwise be available,” he said. “As chair, I’m especially excited to create pathways for undergraduate students in Mississippi to engage in research.”
Magers brings many years of experience leading undergraduate research efforts and faculty-driven initiatives at Belhaven. Under his leadership, MERIC plans to build a stronger foundation for innovation and collaboration across the state’s emerging research institutions.