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Aasand's Call to Service Benefits Mississippi Water Systems
Kenneth Aasand moved to Starkville expecting to enjoy retirement. Instead, he found a new calling in the water industry.
A 34-year military veteran, Aasand was pursuing his MBA at Mississippi State University and doing hands-on service with the Oktoc Water Association board in Oktibbeha County when he connected with MSU's Water Resources Research Institute.
"The institute was doing a rate study for Oktoc," Aasand recalled. "I knew they provided a lot of value to water associations, especially in their use of unbiased, fact-based data to help solve problems. And if they don't have the data, they find it."
That's exactly what Aasand did during his one-year assignment as a WRRI graduate assistant, which ended May 31. In addition to the Oktoc rate study, he assisted with data-driven rate studies in Eupora, Louisville, Marks, Newton, Sallis and Starkville.
Aasand noted that many water associations operate as nonprofits, even though revenues are essential to keep systems operating reliably. Backed by verifiable data and in-depth analytics, WRRI's studies present different rate scenarios and expert recommendations that help system operators make the best decisions for their communities and the future.
"Many associations have to learn to operate as small businesses and keep up in a rapidly changing environment," Aasand said. "They may be trying to break even, but that means they're not saving for the future. Plus, the cost of everything has skyrocketed. Rate studies help them understand the need to be financially sustainable so they can afford to keep their systems operating for many years."
Aasand cultivated an appreciation for water systems through his previous careers. The Alabama native joined the Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program out of high school and eventually served aboard a nuclear attack submarine. He also worked as a radiation control technician for several years at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Mississippi.
In 2004, he transitioned from a reservist to a full-time position with the Mississippi Air National Guard. Aasand logged 5,000 hours as an enlisted aircrew member, which included combat missions and aeromedical evacuation flights. In 2015, he retired from the military with over 34 years of service.
"Mississippi State prides itself on being a university that welcomes veterans and non-traditional students, and the institute benefits from that focus," said Jason Barrett, associate Extension professor and interim director of WRRI. "We appreciate the experience and knowledge that Kenneth brought to our team during his time here. He loves solving problems and helping others, which made him a perfect match for the institute."
Aasand plans to continue serving on the Oktoc Water Association board while helping raise awareness about the institute, grant opportunities and other resources that are available to help water associations in Mississippi thrive.
"When you look around the state, there's a definite need for people who can operate plants and who understand the business," Aasand said. "We need to pay more attention to water as a valuable natural resource, and that's what the Water Resources Research Institute is doing across Mississippi."
The Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University is a leader in addressing critical water and land use challenges. Collaborating with leading water resources officials, the institute develops innovative research solutions that benefit Mississippi, the region and the nation. Learn more about the institute at www.wrri.msstate.edu.
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