Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

All is merry and bright for the Mississippi State University family this time of year as Maroon and White shine among the traditional red and green of the season. PHOTO: Office of Public Affairs

Aerospace Engineering's Merrett named AIAA Associate Fellow
Craig Merrett, a Mississippi State Department of Aerospace Engineering faculty member, has been recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics as an AIAA Associate Fellow. The distinction is a prestigious honor recognizing Merrett’s significant contributions and achievements within the aerospace engineering field. He is one of four AIAA Associate Fellows, highlighting MSU’s aerospace engineering program’s exceptional faculty and their impact on the industry. Department Head Rani Sullivan said Merrett’s dedication to professional service and mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the careers of countless aerospace engineers.

Perkins named interim department head of Computer Science and Engineering
Mississippi State University Bagley College of Engineering is pleased to announce that Professor Andy Perkins has been named as the interim head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, succeeding Shahram Rahimi. Interim Dean Robert Green said Perkins brings valuable leadership and experience to the role. “With a strong background in computer science and a commitment to academic excellence, he will oversee departmental operations and support faculty and students as we continue to advance our mission of innovation and research,” he said. Perkins joined the Bagley College of Engineering in 2008 and has served as associate head for the department, coordinator of the graduate program in computational biology, and chair of the University Committee on Courses and Curricula.

Partnership with The Conversation puts MSU research in national spotlight
A Mississippi State partnership with The Conversation -- now in its sixth year -- continues to put the university and its outstanding faculty researchers in the national spotlight as scholar authors. A national nonprofit news analysis and commentary website, The Conversation publishes faculty-written articles for a general audience under a Creative Commons license, which allows other news sources around the world to republish the content after author approval. Recognizing the importance of sharing research with a wide variety of audiences, MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development provides an annual $500 incentive for each MSU faculty member whose work is published in this outlet.

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.

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.

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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Latest Bulldog graduates prepare to use core MSU values to instill change
The Class of 2024 is the latest group of Mississippi State alumni prepared to be agents of change, President Mark E. Keenum said during commencement ceremonies last Friday [Dec. 13]. As Keenum congratulated the fall graduates, he reminded the class that the university’s core values will serve as their foundation for life after graduation and help them change the world. “You understand our values that we uphold here at Mississippi State,” he said. “Integrity: Strive to have a reputation in your life of being the kind of person that other people can trust and count on. Hard work: You had to work hard just to be sitting here today, continue that work ethic. Respect for other people: Be the kind of person that other people just enjoy being around because you’re always so nice, kind, thoughtful and considerate of others. That’s the reputation of Mississippi State people.”

Nancy Link, MSU collaboration combats equine laminitis in pleasure and work horses
A strategic collaboration between Nancy Link and Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) will facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art research facility and the recruitment of top faculty to advance pioneering research in the prevention and treatment of laminitis, a painful hoof disease that can lead to euthanasia for affected horses. “This significant and magnificent gift from Nancy Link will rapidly advance the reputation of MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine as a national and international leader in this important area of research,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “This gift will in the full measure of time save horses and has the potential to change the long-term fate of both pleasure and work horses afflicted with this disease. We are grateful for Nancy’s tremendous gift that provides the catalyst for this enhanced research.”

Transportation racks up awards at Mississippi Public Transit Association annual conference
The Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit system and three Mississippi State University drivers were recognized during the recent Mississippi Public Transit Association conference for their outstanding work, community service and innovation. Celebrating its 10th year in operation at MSU, S.M.A.R.T. was recognized as MPTA Rural General Public Transit System of the Year. In addition, the university team was named Innovative Agency of the Year -- recognizing MSU’s recent addition of the Campus Autonomous Bus, the university’s electric shuttle. Joe Lynn Moore, a S.M.A.R.T. transit operator, was honored with MPTA’s Community Service Award. Theodis Young and Tommy Lott, also S.M.A.R.T. transit operators, were recognized as Outstanding Staff Members.

MS State Online wins silver and bronze from UPCEA for excellence in marketing
Mississippi State Online’s team was recognized nationally for its recent marketing campaigns during the University Professional and Continuing Education Association’s annual competition. MS State Online won a silver excellence in marketing award for “Creating a Sense of Belonging: MS State Online Revamped Orientation” and bronze for “Revolutionizing Student Engagement: MS State Online’s Journey to Strategic Online Communication” campaigns. Tracy Craven, associate director for Mississippi State’s Center for Distance Education, credits the entire MS State Online staff who each played a role in both campaigns. “These honors reflect the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our team at MS State Online to connect with students in meaningful ways.”