Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State researchers are developing the next generation of steel alloys at the Edwards Building, thanks to a recent update to the facility originally built in the 1960s for nuclear engineering research. The space supporting work within MSU's Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering and the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems now bridges the gap between new materials developed in labs and those made on an industrial scale. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs

Bagley College of Engineering names associate dean for research and engagement
Mississippi State University’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering is naming Adam Smith, a seasoned higher education leader with more than 13 years of academic experience, as its new associate dean for research and engagement. “I am thrilled that Dr. Smith is joining us in this role. He has a record of success in building research teams at various levels, including programs spanning the state of Mississippi, and an expansive vision for engaging industry partners,” Dean Dave Ford said. “He is the right person to guide Bagley into a new era of academic research.” When he assumes the role July 1, Smith will lead the college’s research initiatives and expand partnerships with private sector organizations.

MSU Dining Services’ Jankowski named Aramark South Region District Manager of the Year
Mississippi State University’s Dining Services is flourishing under the leadership of James JankowskiJ, recently recognized as the 2025 District Manager of the Year for Aramark’s South Region. The resident district manager for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality at MSU has been instrumental in projects including the historic Perry Food Hall renovation and establishment of Azalea Dining in Azalea Hall, the university’s newest residence hall. Honored at the Aramark regional College Hospitality Awards ceremony, Jankowski said while his name is on the award, it reflects the strong work ethic contributed by the entire MSU Dining team. “It has my name on it, but it is really the work of the more than 300 people we have employed over the past seven years,” Jankowski said.

Ribbon cutting set for MSU Mental and Behavioral Health clinic April 17
Continuing its mission of expanding access and opportunity for Mississippi’s diverse communities, Mississippi State University-Meridian will officially open its new community behavioral health clinic with a ribbon cutting and open house on April 17. The event celebrating the MSU-Meridian Mental and Behavioral Health Clinic, in the Regions Bank Building at 2106 Fourth St., will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Operating under the leadership of Lesley Clack, dean of the School of Health Professions, the clinic is addressing a critical need for mental health services. The new facility was made possible through a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, along with philanthropic support from the Broadhead, Riley and Phil Hardin foundations.

DAFVM Spotlight: Ann Howard
Twenty years ago, Ann Howard was seeking more than a job; she was looking for a career that would allow her to grow professionally while remaining fully present for her children. After a conversation with her father about opportunities within Extension, she applied for and was hired as an office associate. What began as a practical decision has developed into a two-decade career defined by service, leadership and community impact. “The position allowed me to build a meaningful career while still being there for my children’s school and sporting events,” Howard said. “It was the perfect balance.”

DAFVM Spotlight: Jason Jones
Extension service is in Jason Jones’ DNA. Jones is a second-generation Extension agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, following in the footsteps of his father, Roger, and his uncle, Daniel, both retired Extension agents. As a child, he attended horse shows, field days and community programs alongside them, watching firsthand as they shared research-based knowledge that improved lives and strengthened communities. “Seeing how they positively impacted people with knowledge was the biggest motivator for me to pursue this career,” Jones said.

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.

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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Southeastern Conference honors Ball with Faculty Achievement Award
Professor John Ball, the Robert D. Guyton Chair of Teaching Excellence in Mississippi State’s Bagley College of Engineering, is the university’s 2026 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award winner. A recipient of MSU’s Grisham Master Teacher and Alumni Association Graduate Teaching Excellence awards, Ball is one of 16 SEC faculty members recognized this year for their work advancing knowledge, elevating their institutions and reflecting high standards of his profession. “Dr. Ball exemplifies the highest standards of faculty achievement through his extraordinary contributions in research, teaching and service. His career reflects a rare combination of scholarly distinction, innovative pedagogy and unwavering commitment to student success,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said.

Smith named MVMA Veterinarian of the Year
Dr. Jack Smith, associate dean for academic affairs in Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association’s 2026 Veterinarian of the Year. Smith received the honor during the recent MVMA Winter Conference. The award, presented by MVMA President Dr. Richard Gill, recognizes a Mississippi veterinarian whose career reflects excellence in practice, leadership in service and a lasting impact on the profession. “Dr. Smith has been vital to the MVMA for many years,” Gill said. “He has served as president and has always been willing to step up. He has been dependable, steady and reliable over the years, and it was our pleasure to be able to recognize him in this way.” A 24-year member of the MVMA, Smith is a board-certified theriogenologist and MSU CVM alumnus.

Mississippi Humanities Council recognizes MSU Libraries’ Baldwin
Mississippi State University Libraries Associate Professor DeeDee Baldwin was recognized last Friday [March 20] by the Mississippi Humanities Council as part of its 2026 Public Humanities Awards ceremony. Baldwin, who works as the engagement librarian in the university’s Mitchell Memorial Library, received the Humanities Scholar Award for her work researching and highlighting the lives and careers of Black elected officials in Mississippi during Reconstruction, as well as her leadership in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Clinton Massacre through a series of public programs. Baldwin, who has worked with MSU Libraries for nearly two decades, was honored at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson.

Buys recognized with UAB Alumni Award for Practice
Mississippi State’s David Buys is being recognized by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health with this year’s Alumni Award for Practice. Buys is MSU’s associate vice provost for health science partnerships and a professor within the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion. A 2013 graduate of UAB’s Master of Science in Public Health program, he is being honored for his impact on community health through research, education and outreach. The UAB award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has helped make a difference in the community by working with local, state or national public health stakeholders.