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Groundbreaking evolutionary plant study by Folk, colleagues reverses previous hypotheses
New research from a Mississippi State University biological sciences faculty member reveals the evolutionary history of plant diversification is completely different than decades-old theories. In a groundbreaking study featured this month in “Nature Communications,” a natural sciences journal publishing research advances of significance, Ryan A. Folk, assistant professor of biological sciences, found that, for the past 15 million years, cooling climate patterns have led to dynamic and evolving plant communities in temperate areas like the southeastern U.S. On the other hand, in relatively tropical climates, plants have evolved at a slower rate, an opposite finding of previous research studies.
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‘Gridiron greatness’ of Scott Field featured in SportsField Management’s latest issue
Mississippi State’s award-winning Scott Field at Davis Wade Stadium is gracing the July 2020 cover of SportsField Management, the official publication of the national Sports Turf Managers Association. Receiving its third College Football Field of the Year distinction in 2019, Scott Field has “always been recognized for its outstanding turf quality and maintenance while withstanding the demands of NCAA athletics,” according to MSU Sports Turf Superintendent Brandon Hardin. “The demands have increased yearly with more events, media exposure and recruiting importance. In a time where other schools around us perform ‘a complete field resodding’ on a yearly basis, we still practice sound agronomics, sod the very minimal amount possible, and grow-in the rest,” Hardin explained in an STMA article featuring vivid images of Scott Field captured by MSU Athletics photographers.
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ORED seeks faculty input for newly launched African Initiatives Working Group
The Office of Research and Economic Development has launched a small working group to explore and maximize Mississippi State’s responsiveness to funding opportunities involving partnerships and implementation of activities in African countries. ORED is seeking to identify any faculty with experience working in Africa and/or with African partners, as well as those with an interest in doing one or both. Dan Reynolds, interim associate vice president and director of MSU’s International Institute, said ORED anticipates convening a group to discuss opportunities within the next few weeks.
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Sara Evans offering two showtimes for Aug. 22 concert at MSU Riley Center
Individual tickets are on sale for two shows by country superstar Sara Evans on Aug. 22 at the MSU Riley Center. Structural Steel Services and 970KK radio will present the concerts beginning at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Meticulous safety measures will be in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19. The new rules, among other things, limit seating to 50% capacity and require concertgoers to wear masks at all times inside the Riley Center. Evans, a favorite with Meridian audiences, was originally scheduled to perform April 18. The pandemic forced the postponement of that appearance.
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Looking for a way to help? Give to the MSU Student Relief Fund
The Mississippi State University community continually exhibits a great sense of responsibility and caring for enrolled students that make the land-grant institution such a special place. The MSU Student Relief Fund, built with private gifts, helps those members of the student body affected with day-to-day crises or like now, the impact to their daily lives posed by COVID-19. The Dean of Students' Office assesses needs and administers the fund for acute crises that may impact students’ ability to succeed academically. The funds have a direct impact on students in extenuating circumstances in order to help them achieve their academic success. The MSU Foundation accepts gifts year-round for the MSU Student Relief Fund. Contributions for this effort can be made online or by contacting the Annual Giving office at (662) 325-2466.
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S.M.A.R.T. passengers now required to wear face coverings
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Area Rapid Transit -- known as S.M.A.R.T. -- is requiring that all passengers in the local community and on campus wear face coverings beginning Monday [July 6]. Ridership capacity will remain at 19 passengers plus the driver, and all buses will continue to be disinfected on a daily basis. “SMART has continued to offer transportation services throughout the pandemic and ridership has continued to climb on our city routes,” said Executive Director of Transportation Jeremiah Dumas. “Given the continual and growing demand for transportation services and the continual threat of COVID-19, we think it is in the best interest of our riders and our drivers to require everyone utilizing our services to wear a mask and, within our capacity guidelines, practice social distancing while on our vehicles.”
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Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy.

 

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‘We Ring True’ initiative earns international 2020 Circle of Excellence Award from CASE
Mississippi State’s “We Ring True” branding initiative has received yet another ringing endorsement -- this time, an international 2020 Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Mississippi State has earned the Gold Award for the “We Ring True” TV advertisement produced in 2019. “When we launched our new branding initiative in 2015, we were determined to build public awareness about MSU’s research leadership and the many ways our students are driven to make a difference,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “By tapping into our unique strengths, the ‘We Ring True’ initiative continues to be a powerful platform to tell our stories and show students that MSU is a place where they can thrive and succeed.”
AASP honors Brutus with 2020 Early Career Practitioner Award
Angel Brutus, Mississippi State Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology, was named the 2020 recipient of the AASP Early Career Practitioner Award. "We are pleased and proud that the Association for Applied Sport Psychology has selected Dr. Brutus for this prestigious honor," MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen said. "This award recognizes Dr. Brutus' exceptional contributions to Mississippi State and the sport psychology profession. The Bulldog Family is grateful for Dr. Brutus and the entire sports medicine and performance team's leadership, knowledge and experience. Congratulations to Dr. Brutus on this well-earned achievement." The award is designated for practitioners who have recently entered into the applied field post-graduation.
Templeton eager to use new certification to help fellow Mississippians
Charles “Chip” Templeton, director of Mississippi State University’s Small Business Development Center, has earned the Economic Development Finance Professional certification from the National Development Council. The EDFP certification is a professional credential gained by those who successfully complete NDC’s intensive economic development finance training series, consisting of four five-day courses that conclude with exams. “To have someone of Chip’s caliber leading the Small Business Development Center is a valuable asset to Mississippi State and the College of Business,” Dean Sharon Oswald said.
Owen Nagel receives Center for Distance Education’s 2020 Online Teaching Award
An assistant clinical professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Geosciences is being honored with the 2020 Online Teaching Award given by the university’s Center for Distance Education. Athena Owen Nagel is receiving $500, plus registration to attend a distance or online education conference. The award acknowledges and rewards an MSU online instructor who employs best practices to engage, inspire and support students in an online environment. The nomination process includes multiple letters of support from colleagues, deans, department heads and current and former students, as well as review of an online course.
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