R. Thomas Ball, longtime Mississippi journalist, is an associate with the Center for Governmental Training & Technology in the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He has served in editorial positions with newspapers in Starkville, Aberdeen, Amory and Hattiesburg. While editor of the Starkville Daily News, the newspaper won national recognition from the Associated Press Managing Editors Association for a series on county government. He also received awards for his photography, reporting, and editorials. Mr. Ball has been a director of the Mississippi Press Association, Mississippi Press Services, Golden Triangle Chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists — Sigma Delta Chi, Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of North Central Mississippi, Starkville Rotary Club, Starkville Baseball Association, Oktibbeha County-Starkville Public Library System, Starkville Jaycees, and an advisory board member for Oktibbeha County 4-H. A graduate of Mississippi State University, he served as editor of the student newspaper The Reflector while attending the university. Mr. Ball was also active in the expansion and lighting of MSU's Scott Field and the development of the Mississippi Research and Technology Park.