Higher Education and Research

The Golden Triangle is home to several higher education institutions and is in close proximity to several universities and community colleges in Mississippi and Alabama.

Mississippi State University is located in Starkville and Columbus is home to Mississippi University for Women. East Mississippi Community College is located in the center of the region, providing world-class career and technical training. The University of Alabama and The University of Mississippi are located within 60 miles of the region.

Collectively, there are approximately 60,000 students within a 60-minute commute to the region.

Mississippi State University’s Bagley College of Engineering generates approximately 600 graduates annually including concentrations in Aerospace, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial & Systems and Mechanical Engineering.

The MSU Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) is an interdisciplinary center focused on developing superior computational, engineering, manufacturing, design, and information technologies relevant to Mississippi and regional industries.

In 2015, Mississippi State University was chosen to operate the National Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.



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  • The workforce in Mississippi is exceptional. I’ve hired many veterans that worked in aviation during their military careers and moved back home to the Golden Triangle area. Airbus was able to use their skill sets and put them to work building multi-million dollar aircraft. The training that EMCC offers was so valuable to us, because they enabled our people to be trained in a variety of disciplines. This allowed for some of our people that had no aviation skills to be trained and hired as apprentices and grew our work force development program. People drive up to 75 miles to work for Airbus, demonstrating the work ethic and commitment of the men and women who live in Mississippi. We are very grateful for the caliber of people we are able to work with.

    Rob Boman

    Head of HR, Environment, Health & Safety

  • The PACCAR Engine Company continues to enjoy great success in hiring, training, and keeping local talent. From Assembly Operators associates, Machining Operators, to Craft Technicians, we have experienced a positive and dedicated workforce willing to learn new skills. Attracting quality new associates has not been an issue with us, but we face the same nation-wide challenges in finding associates with skilled trades. We are pleased for the results we have achieved by locating our facilities here.

    Mike Arzamendi

    Communication & Training Manager

  • They’re [GTR LINK] very responsive to companies and their needs for getting questions answers and providing data and resources.

    Alan Easome

    Senior Director, New Plant Development, Yokohama Corporation of North America

  • This is a very business friendly area and the LINK is an excellent resource staffed with very passionate people that also know their business extremely well and they’re creative. They understand the need for speed and necessity to minimize upfront costs of building or expanding a business. As a result, GTR LINK has been very successful in bringing good manufacturing jobs to the Golden Triangle Region.

    Madhu Ranade

    General Manager and Vice President at Steel Dynamics, Inc., Columbus Flat Roll Division

  • The Golden Triangle region has offered us a very energetic workforce with a great work ethic. There has been an abundant supply of laborers and skilled candidates, all willing to learn. Through various resources in the area we have always found what we needed and our employees are dedicated to the success of our plant.

    Ray Hamer

    Human Resources Director, Steel Dynamics, Inc., Columbus Flat Roll Division