Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

MSU President Mark E. Keenum was the guest speaker for the Jobs for America’s Graduates 10th annual induction ceremony in November at Starkville High School. A total of 25 students joined the program that offers classes to improve skills, provide hands-on experience and support for graduates as they transition to post-secondary education, employment and military service. This year’s event theme was Achieve Excellence in Developing your Passion, Purpose, and Potential. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Pam Brown
Pamela Brown has dedicated over a decade to Mississippi State University, where she serves as Business Manager for the Office of Nutrition Education. Known for her expertise and steady support, Brown oversees all fiscal operations, including federally funded programs; daily purchases and procurement transactions, review of travel and purchases, and monthly reconciliations. “There is always work to do, and I’m here to help make things run smoothly for everyone,” Brown said. Her favorite part of her job is without a doubt the people. Over the years, Brown has formed lasting friendships across departments at MSU, and one of her cherished traditions is the annual Nutrition Education training event. “It really feels like family," she said. "Being able to get together, catch up, and learn alongside one another keeps the family feel alive and is a great experience.”

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Earl Lyons
As the farm equipment operator at the Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) in Stoneville, Earl Lyons doesn’t just work the fields -- he tends to a legacy of agricultural research. Lyons tends to nearly every commercial crop under the Mississippi sun including corn, cotton, rice, soybeans, even catfish ponds. From disking and tilling to plowing and prepping, Lyons is the hands-on partner for Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) scientists and Extension professionals, ensuring their work can help farmers across the state. To him, it’s a small part of something much bigger. Since 1904, DREC has been a hub for innovative research, and Lyons’ consistent efforts in the fields support advancements that ripple out to farms across the Delta and beyond.

MSU launches Maroon L.E.A.D.S initiative to enhance student employment experience
Mississippi State has launched the Maroon Leadership, Employment and Development for Students (L.E.A.D.S) initiative, a comprehensive program designed to enrich the on-campus employment experience for undergraduate students. Recognizing the vital role campus employment plays in student success, the program aims to transform student jobs into meaningful learning experiences that better prepare students for life after college. “We know that student employment can be a high-impact practice that helps to improve student success,” MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said. “As part of the university’s transformational plan, a campuswide working group developed the Maroon L.E.A.D.S. program. We are so excited to see the positive benefits our undergraduates will have because of more meaningful on-campus work experiences with this initiative.”

US Army’s Jazz Ambassadors offer free MSU Riley Center concert Tuesday
When the Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band open in concert in Meridian on Tuesday [Nov. 19], Mississippi State’s Riley Center will be filled with the energy of “America’s Big Band” in celebration of National Veterans and Military Families Month. The world-touring, 19-piece ensemble is playing a free, 7 p.m. concert that evening, featuring spirited big band swing, bebop, contemporary jazz and soul-stirring pop tunes. The band, founded in 1969, promotes patriotism and good will for the U.S. Army through free public appearances. While the concert is free, a ticket is required and can be reserved by calling 601-696-2200 or visiting the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 2200 Fifth St., in downtown Meridian.

Starkville-MSU Community Band presents free concert Sunday featuring renowned composer
The Starkville-MSU Community Band will present its final concert of the season Sunday [Nov. 24] with special guest Quincy Hilliard. Including residents from the Golden Triangle region, the band will perform at 2 p.m. in the Kent Sills Band Hall, 72 Hardy Road, on Mississippi State’s campus. Admission is free and open to the public. The program will feature music by Hilliard, a Starkville native and distinguished composer and music educator. He will serve as emcee during the concert, sharing insightful background about each piece played. The community band is directed by Johnny Folsom, a lecturer and supervisor for student interns in MSU’s Department of Music.

Application window open for university teaching awards
Mississippi State is accepting applications for the 2025 Grisham Master Teacher, Donald Zacharias Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence and the Alumni Association Graduate and/or Professional Teaching Excellence awards. Visit www.provost.msstate.edu/announcements/2024/09/university-teaching-awards for more information and to download documents associated with the submission process. Interested faculty must submit an electronic application in PDF form to the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President via email to grishamaward@provost.msstate.edu by Oct. 27 if their teaching can only be observed in the fall 2024 semester or by Jan. 5 if their teaching can be observed in the spring 2025 semester. All current full-time faculty members at MSU with the required years of service, regardless of rank, are eligible to apply for these awards. Late applications will not be accepted.

Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are now available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s new agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.

New website provides support, resources for free speech
Mississippi State has launched a new website dedicated to supporting and promoting freedom of speech and expression within our university. You can access the website at www.freespeech.msstate.edu. This platform has been created to provide accessible resources and guidance to foster a campus environment where open dialogue, respectful debate and diverse perspectives can thrive. All members of the MSU community -- students, faculty and staff -- are encouraged to explore this site and take advantage of the materials and opportunities it offers. Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of free speech principles, enhance your ability to engage in thoughtful dialogue or learn more about your rights and responsibilities, this resource is here to support you.

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. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.

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Sanderson Center celebrates ribbon cutting after major renovation project
Mississippi State University celebrated a ribbon cutting last week at the Joe Frank Sanderson Center after a major renovation. The project included repurposing four racquetball courts on the second floor to create a large, open-concept space to accommodate the growing student population. A furnished new fitness space features updated fitness equipment, and the total usable floor fitness space on the facility’s second floor increased to 7,000 square feet. The first floor features a new bouldering cave with a Moon-Board interactive climbing wall, and a new staircase from the main corridor facilitates additional second floor access. The project also included upgrades to flooring, wall surfaces and special architectural features throughout, with added day-use lockers and a social gathering space.

Lawrence elected vice chair of council for USAID-funded Feed the Future Innovation Labs
Mississippi State’s Mark Lawrence has been elected to a leadership role on the Feed the Future Innovation Lab Council, where he will help global experts address pressing issues in food security. Lawrence, a William L. Giles Distinguished Professor in MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and director of MSU’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, will serve a one-year term as vice chair of the Innovation Lab Council, followed by a one-year term as chair. “Mississippi State University is a trusted partner in the U.S. government’s efforts to end global hunger and food insecurity,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “Dr. Lawrence’s election as vice chair is a testament to his leadership of the Fish Innovation Lab and its work to create solutions for a more resilient, food-secure future.”

MSU, FAO align in Rome to strengthen digital agriculture capabilities, practices
A current international partnership between Mississippi State University and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, or FAO, is strengthening the collaboration between these two institutions to help grow digital capabilities for sustainable agricultural practices globally. MSU Geosystems Research Institute’s John Cartwright, an assistant extension professor, and Dixie Cartwright, a training and external facilitator, are working closely with the FAO’s Land and Water, or NSL, Division and Office of Innovation in Rome, Italy, to support the organization’s digital outreach and capacity-building initiatives. MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David R. Shaw, a former director of MSU’s Geosystems Research Institute, said, “This partnership underscores Mississippi State’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices worldwide and strengthening international development through technical training and digital extension expertise.”

Lukasik joins nationally acclaimed Young Scholars in American Religion cohort
Candace Lukasik, an assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, is joining a highly selective program for emerging scholars poised to shape the future of religious studies. Lukasik has been named one of the Young Scholars in American Religion by the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture for its 2024-2026 cohort. The Young Scholars program, supported by a Lilly Endowment grant, provides early career scholars with mentoring and professional development in publishing, grant writing, tenure preparation and other areas. “Dr. Lukasik has established herself as a leading voice on issues related to migration and how it impacts religious identity and collective memory,” said J. Robert Thompson, MSU Department of Philosophy and Religion head.