Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Officers for the MSU Student Dietetic Association met with university President Mark E. Keenum and Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill for a proclamation signing signifying March as National Nutrition Month. The document encourages students, faculty and staff to join the month-long recognition, pointing to the importance of personal nutrition and that of others for achieving optimum health today and for the future. SDA officers are, from left, President Marlie Craig, Canton; Secretary Lexi Tabb, Red Bay, Alabama; Nutrition Month Chair Lucy Watts, Madison; Public Relations Chair Anna Scott, Calhoun City; and Vice President Riley Cowart, Tallahassee, Florida. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

MSU-Meridian Physician Assistant Studies students receive first white coats
In a longstanding tradition, 25 Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies students received their first white coats last week, signaling their readiness to move from the didactic phase of education into clinical rotations. The ceremony was held with hundreds of family members and friends in attendance at the MSU Riley Center. The occasion featured a brief history lesson from Ed Smith, assistant teaching professor, who spoke about the emergence of the white coat into the medical field. MSU-Meridian’s PA program seated its fifth cohort in January with students selected from the most competitive applicant pool to date. These students will go on to earn their white coats next spring.

Bultema, Anderson to highlight Marszalek Speaker Series
James A. Bultema, president of the Ulysses S. Grant Association, and Heath Anderson, a fifth-year history Ph.D. candidate from Virginia, are featured speakers for Mississippi State’s 2025 John F. and Jeanne A. Marszalek Lecture Series. Free and open to the public, the event takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday [March 20] in the John Grisham Room of Mitchell Memorial Library. Held each March, the Marszalek Lecture Series recognizes an MSU graduate student and a nationally renowned historian, highlighting their research and emphasizing the use of primary sources in historical scholarship, according to David Nolen, associate dean for archives and special collections.

CyberSecure Mississippi conference to help business owners safeguard operations
Small business cyberattacks are on the rise. Businesses may have weaknesses in cybersecurity measures or be unaware of threats and best protective actions to take. The upcoming CyberSecure Mississippi conference on Friday [March 21] at Mississippi State University offers business owners a free opportunity to learn to safeguard their businesses against cyberattacks. "The CyberSecure Mississippi conference is tailored for business owners, not just people assigned to office technology responsibilities," said Shelly Hollis, director of MSU's Center for Cyber Education. "The agenda is designed for business owners who want to take control of their cybersecurity strategy and understand how to safeguard their operations and protect their business' future."

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 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.

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.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

Web links are subject to change. Submit news, questions or comments to Jim Laird.

Charting safer waters: MSU breaks ground on seafood testing facility
Mississippi State University officially broke ground last week on the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center, a first-of-its kind facility in Mississippi dedicated to aquatic food safety, quality assessment, processing and product development. “Mississippi State University is uniquely charged with serving the entire state of Mississippi, and we are very proud of the work we are doing on the Coast,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “We are grateful for the investments and the outstanding partners who have made the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center possible. It’s a great example of what we can accomplish by working together to sustain and grow economic opportunities in our state and nation while being good stewards of our abundant natural resources.”

Agricultural Autonomy Institute enters sweet partnership with Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida
Mississippi State University’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute, or AAI, is a new partner with the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida or SCGC. The kick-off meeting, held on campus earlier this month, marked the start of a research project to develop technology-based solutions for streamlining sugar cane harvesting procedures. SCGC is funding the project at $985,000 -- AAI’s largest award to date. The cooperative includes 39 member-growers covering 80,000 acres in Florida’s Everglades Agricultural Area, which produces over 400,000 tons of raw sugar each year and supplies sugar to more than nine million people.

Smith taking on international development duties in deputy director role
A Mississippi State program manager is taking on more responsibilities in international research development. Masey Smith has been promoted to deputy director for the university’s International Institute. In her role, Smith supports and facilitates research among MSU faculty, staff and students alongside global partners. “Masey’s decade-long experience in administration and higher education leadership makes her the ideal person for this role,” said Julie Jordan, vice president for research and economic development. “Her deep understanding of international research development will be instrumental in advancing our global engagement efforts.” MSU’s International Institute is the state’s global connections and partnerships leader.