Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Cutting the ribbon at The Commons in Mitchell Memorial Library last week are, from left, MSU Libraries Systems Administrator James Mize, Assistant Dean for Technology and Operations Paul Huddleston, Dean of Libraries Lis Pankl and Associate Dean for Research Derek Marshall. PHOTO: Emily Grace McCall | Public Affairs

Dhakal earns national honor for transforming the future of agriculture
From healthier soils to cleaner rivers, the impact of Madhav Dhakal’s research is reshaping agriculture across the country -- and the nation is taking notice. The Mississippi State University assistant research professor received the 2025 Conservation Research Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society, one of the field’s most respected national honors. “Dr. Dhakal’s research exemplifies the mission of the Water Resources Research Institute -- delivering practical, science-based solutions that benefit Mississippi, the region and the nation,” said Jason Barrett, associate Extension professor and director of WRRI. “His work is helping chart a future where agricultural innovation and environmental stewardship move forward together.”

Dozier invited to keynote national conference on chronic disorganization, hoarding
Mississippi State University's Mary E. Dozier has been invited to serve as a keynote presenter at the Institute for Challenging Disorganization annual conference, a national event focused on understanding and addressing chronic disorganization, hoarding and other concerns. The Feb. 21 conference will bring together professional organizers, productivity specialists and related professionals seeking education and research-based strategies to support individuals affected by chronic disorganization. Dozier is one of three featured presenters. Dozier, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology, said her presentation will focus on the complex clinical factors that underlie disorganization.

Spring general faculty meeting set for Friday
The Office of the President and the Robert Holland Faculty Senate invite all faculty to the spring general faculty meeting at 2 p.m. on Friday [Feb. 6] in Colvard Student Union’s Foster Ballroom. Interested members of the campus community are also welcome. The program will include an update from President Mark E. Keenum, along with reports from Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw, Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development Scott Willard, and Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Keith Coble. The MSU Television Center will provide a livestream of the meeting at https://vimeo.com/event/5644852 for those unable to attend in person or who prefer to watch online.

MSU AI Community: Join the conversation!
Mississippi State University is taking steps to advance artificial intelligence adoption across campus. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or staff member, these resources are designed to help you learn, collaborate, and stay informed about AI initiatives at MSU. The AI Innovation Hub SharePoint Site is your one-stop hub for AI-related learning opportunities, workshops, user guidance, industry news, tips, and updates. It's available at https://mstate.sharepoint.com/sites/AIInnovationHub. You can also connect through the MSU AI Community Teams Site. If you have any questions about AI at MSU, please contact Senior Advisor for AI and Data Governance Julie Jordan at julie.jordan@msstate.edu.

MSU Riley Center unveils 2026 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series
A dynamic lineup of iconic and acclaimed artists will take the stage as Mississippi State’s Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts announces its 2026 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series. The five-show season, which runs March through June, features artists whose influence spans genres and generations. The series includes legendary hitmaker Billy Ocean, blues and rock duo Tab Benoit’s Swampland Jam & Samantha Fish, pop icon Air Supply, bluegrass legend Alison Krauss & Union Station and a powerhouse evening with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, Orleans and Pure Prairie League. Season tickets for the upcoming series are on sale now, with prices ranging from $245 to $615 for VIP seating. Current ticketholders must renew by Feb. 6 to retain their existing seats. Individual tickets go on sale to the general public Feb. 9, with prices varying by artist and seat location.

Airport shuttle departure schedule adjusted to meet airline baggage check changes
A 45-minute cutoff for checking baggage with Delta and American airlines has changed the express shuttle times offered by Mississippi State Transportation to Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The GTRA express shuttle now departs The Mill at MSU two hours before flight time and arrives at the airport one and a half hours before flight time. This is 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule. Shuttle pickups from the Starkville campus and hotels along Highway 12 also can be scheduled with MSU if reservations are made at least 24 hours prior to the requested departure time from these locations. This service is available by emailing GTRShuttle@transportation.msstate.edu or calling 662-325-5204.

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 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.

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MSU Libraries celebrates ribbon cutting for newly renovated Commons at Mitchell Memorial Library
Mississippi State University Libraries is celebrating a newly renovated, student-focused space designed to support collaboration, studying and community. The Commons at Mitchell Memorial Library welcomed students with a ribbon cutting last Thursday [Jan. 29] and a reception on the library’s second floor, inviting attendees to explore expanded seating, updated furniture, enhanced study areas and improved computer access. “The Commons reflects how today’s students learn, collaborate and create. By redesigning this space, MSU Libraries is providing an environment that supports both focused study and the networked tools students need to be successful -- from printing and technology access to flexible, welcoming spaces that encourage collaboration,” said Dean of Libraries Lis Pankl.

College of Education receives Mississippi Science of Reading designation
Mississippi State University’s College of Education is celebrating its designation as a Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading Educator Preparation Program by the Mississippi Department of Education. The recognition is for colleges and universities that have trained professors and teacher candidates in the science of reading, exemplified a change of instructional practices and are ensuring graduates enter a classroom ready to instruct students in structured literacy practices. MSU is among four Institutions of Higher Learning to receive science of reading designations for the 2025-26 academic year. Teresa Jayroe, dean of the College of Education, added, “This honor reflects the exceptional work of our faculty and reinforces our commitment to preparing teachers who are ready on day one to deliver strong, science-based reading instruction.”

Record results, innovative efforts net MSU’s collegiate licensing program top honor from international organization
Mississippi State University is the recipient of the International Collegiate Licensing Association’s Synergy Award, the organization’s highest honor recognizing a collegiate licensing program that demonstrates exceptional collaboration, innovation, brand stewardship and measurable impact across campus and beyond. MSU delivered record-setting results and industry-leading initiatives during the past fiscal year. The university’s licensing success is driven by a highly effective team within the Office of General Counsel and Trademark Licensing, including Duski Hale, senior legal administrator and director of licensing, and Caitlin Rackley, paralegal and associate director of licensing, in collaboration with Affinity Licensing. MSU Athletics and the Office of Public Affairs served as essential campus partners.

Green appointed community development research fellow with Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
John J. Green, director of the Southern Rural Development Center at Mississippi State University and professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, has been named a Community Development Research Fellow with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, a part of the Federal Reserve System’s network of regional banks that help promote a healthy U.S. economy. In this role, Green will engage with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Development department, conducting research and sharing insights on economic conditions and mobility affecting households and communities across the Eighth Federal Reserve District, a 15-million-person region covering Arkansas and parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi.