Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State University's beloved Bulldog, Dak, sends season's greetings and Christmas cheer to all Bulldog family members, near and far. University offices will be closed beginning Dec. 23 and will re-open for the New Year on Jan. 5. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs

MSU members help lead Fulbright Association’s Mississippi Chapter
The Mississippi Chapter of the Fulbright Association announced its newly elected board and officers, whose collective work will advance international exchange, cross-cultural understanding, and global engagement throughout the state. With leadership anchored at Mississippi State University, the chapter brings together educators and practitioners from universities and school districts across the state. “The Fulbright Association exists to spark something bigger than any single program or institution,” said Masey Smith, president of the Mississippi Chapter of the Fulbright Association and deputy director of MSU’s International Institute. “Our chapter is about igniting a fire for global exchange -- encouraging Mississippians to see themselves as part of an interconnected world and to engage with it thoughtfully and boldly.”

Renovation adding new student lounge, Event Services office space to Colvard Student Union
Mississippi State University’s Colvard Student Union is undergoing renovations that will add a new student lounge and expand office space for MSU Event Services. The former Starbucks location in the first-floor Gaddis Hunt Commons Food Court will be transformed into a lounge area where students can study, meet with friends and relax between classes and events. In addition to lounge-style seating, the renovated space also will offer arcade-style video games, a nod to the game room housed in the Union before a 2006 renovation. “This project is all about enhancing the student experience,” said Raymond Brooks, Colvard Student Union and Event Services executive director. “We’re creating spaces that bring people together and support the vibrant energy of Bulldog life.”

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USDA leaders visit MSU to honor Jenkins’ 64-year career, highlight ‘Mississippi Model’ partnership
Mississippi State University welcomed leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, or ARS, to campus last week to celebrate the retirement of Johnie Jenkins, an ARS Hall of Fame research plant geneticist whose 64-year career has had a global impact on agriculture. Among those on campus for the occasion was MSU alumnus Scott Hutchins, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. MSU President Mark E. Keenum met with USDA leaders, highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting the agency and advancing agricultural innovation. He pointed to MSU’s work in precision agriculture, agricultural autonomy and unmanned aerial systems as examples of efforts to help farmers stay efficient and profitable amid rising costs.

MSU, Texas Christian University, Australia’s Deakin University launch international Athlete Engineering Consortium
Mississippi State University, Texas Christian University and Australia’s Deakin University signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the Athlete Engineering Consortium, the first international partnership of its kind dedicated to advancing human performance, technology integration and workforce innovation across athletic, tactical and industrial domains. “This marks a transformative moment for athlete engineering,” said Jim Weinstein, director of MSU’s Athlete Engineering Institute. “By linking the strengths of MSU, TCU and Deakin, we’re accelerating research and education that connect engineering, data science and human performance to real-world outcomes.”

MSU scientists cast light on Christmas tree research
From the Griswolds to the Grinch, just about every holiday movie features characters cutting, decorating or stealing the perfect Christmas tree. But most people -- including moviegoers -- don’t consider that Christmas trees take work to cultivate. Like all trees, they are subject to the threats of disease, insects, fungi and other menaces. This is why scientists in Mississippi State’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center have been studying some of the most popular tree species that decorate homes for the holidays. Forestry Associate Professor Joshua Granger explained why Christmas trees often get overlooked in forestry programs.

College of Forest Resources recognizes outstanding faculty and staff
Mississippi State’s College of Forest Resources recently honored faculty and staff for their dedication and service to the college’s mission of fostering the management, conservation and sustainable use of forest, wildlife and aquatic resources to benefit the people of Mississippi, the nation and world at its annual awards ceremony. Wes Burger, CFR dean and director of MSU’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center, said recipients contribute to raising the standard of excellence across the college, sharing essential expertise while inspiring students and serving stakeholders. “Our faculty and staff provide exceptional mentorship, advising and support, helping students succeed academically and prepare for rewarding careers in natural resources,” Burger said. “The research and outreach led by our faculty, staff and students are making a real difference in natural resource management."