When Tim Cost reflects on the civil and environmental engineering program at Mississippi State University, he feels pride in its elite standing and gratitude for the foundation it provided him for his successful 41-year career in cementitious materials and concrete applications. To ensure the program continues to thrive, Tim and his wife, Linda, have pledged a significant planned gift to support the Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and its Construction and Materials Regional Consortium (CMRC).

Tim Cost’s lasting connection with MSU played a crucial role in his decision to give back. Throughout his career, the 1976 graduate was frequently invited to deliver guest lectures on concrete materials and pavements to CEE students. In the late 1990s, he collaborated with other industry leaders to establish a first-class construction materials research program at MSU. This initiative led to the creation of the CMRC, which transformed the program into a center for producing industry-ready graduates and leaders.

“I’ve always considered myself fortunate to remain engaged with MSU through the Rula CEE programs and curriculum,” Tim Cost said. “This involvement has made me confident about using the resources we’ve earned to support its continued success. A key factor has been my extensive interaction with Dr. Howard, who has been instrumental in effecting the CMRC’s success as its hands-on leader.”

Isaac L. Howard, the James T. White Endowed Chair and director of CEE, joined MSU in 2006 and has focused on practical research and fostering strong industry partnerships to prepare students for real-world challenges. His leadership embodies the vision that inspired the creation of the CMRC: a commitment to equipping students with technical expertise and hands-on experience.

Among other impactful projects benefitting the cement industry, Howard worked on improving soil cement specifications for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). This led to the development of a new test device recognized by multiple state agencies. His innovative materials research initiatives have dramatically impacted the construction industry, especially in Mississippi. These advancements, bolstered by his students’ research, have, in turn, improved the quality and efficiency of infrastructure projects throughout the U.S.

“The CMRC and its role within the Rula School exemplify how such programs should be managed,” Tim Cost said. “Linda and I are proud to support the CMRC and the Rula School, both of which have flourished under Dr. Howard’s direction. He has laid the groundwork for an exciting future.”

The Costs will split their planned gift equally between the CMRC Endowment and the Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Excellence Fund. These resources will sustain practical research projects, enhance student learning opportunities and strengthen the program’s connection to industry stakeholders. The gift also reflects a deep appreciation for the university’s role in the Costs’ lives.

“We’ve been fortunate to have accumulated resources that will outlive us. We want to use them productively, and supporting this program is one of the most impactful ways to give back,” Tim Cost said.

Through their generosity, the Costs hope to inspire others to consider planned giving to support the university that helped shape their careers and lives.

“Everyone’s situation is unique, but I encourage others to think about giving back to the university that helped them succeed. This gift represents our gratitude to MSU and our hope that future students will have the same opportunities we did,” Tim Cost said.

Tim and Linda Cost’s planned gift is an investment in the future of engineering education at MSU. The CMRC and the Rula School have produced a generation of highly skilled engineers who now hold key positions in public agencies and private industries, addressing real-world problems and driving infrastructure innovation. The Costs are confident their gift will ensure the program continues to thrive.