Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State University's College of Education held its spring 2012 convocation April 25 and honored several members of its faculty, including James Adams, Diversity Award (second from left); Lorie White, Betty Purvis Staff Award; Dana Franz, Clyde Muse Service Award; and Anastasia Elder, Lucinda Rose Teaching Award. Congratulating the winners are Associate Dean Teresa Jayroe (left) and Dean Richard Blackbourn (right). PHOTO: Russ Houston | University Relations

Library announces 24-hour exam schedule
As Mississippi State University's spring semester nears a close, Mitchell Memorial Library has announced details about its hours of operation for exams.

Cooling tower replacement at Central Plant
With summer just around the corner, MSU Facilities Management is installing three new fiberglass cooling towers that will be responsible for maintaining comfortable temperatures in more than 40 campus buildings. The older wooden towers had reached the end of their service life, and department staff launched a fast-track project for design, purchase, and installation of the more fuel efficient, environmentally friendly structures.

Staff Appreciation Day set for May 18
Staff Council is excited about hosting Staff Appreciation Day "Luncheon in the Junction" to honor Mississippi State University staff. This year's special event will be held Friday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff Appreciation Day t-shirts will go sale Tuesday, May 1.

Rogers graduates from FBI program
When Mississippi State University prepares for major events, university police Lt. Kenneth Rogers relies on his planning, years of experience and other officers' insights to help keep the area safe. Rogers, special events coordinator for MSU's police department, now has additional help with special events on campus. He dramatically expanded his professional network of police and other law enforcement officers recently when he completed the 10-week FBI National Academy Program.

Young, McWilliams awarded best paper honor
MSU-Meridian's Carl Young, assistant professor of healthcare administration, and Doug McWilliams, assistant professor of technology management, recently received the Distinguished Research Award (Best Paper): A Medical Malpractice Approach to Quality Assessment of Florida Acute Care Hospitals from the Academy of Health Care Management at the spring 2012 Allied Academies International Conference in New Orleans.

MAFES Excellence in Research Award to Reynolds
Mississippi State University Plant and Soil Science professor Dan Reynolds received the 2012 Excellence in Research Award by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. A 16-year veteran, Reynolds is known for his work on herbicide application and weed control for crops grown in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Reddy wins Outstanding Scientific Pub Award
Mississippi State University Plant and Soil Sciences professor K. Raja Reddy received the Outstanding Scientific Publication Award from the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station during a recent award ceremony.

Maddox, Brand recognized for contributions
Two staff members in Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station were recently awarded for outstanding contributions. Gail Maddox is a business coordinator, and David Brand is a senior research associate, both in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

CoSIDA honoring Dier during June convention
Joe Dier, a mainstay in Mississippi State athletics since 1978, will be recognized by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) this June for his 25 years of exceptional service to college athletic communications.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 04/30/12
Softball is on the road to Auburn for a weekend series with games Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m.... Baseball travels to Tuscaloosa for games against Alabama on Friday, 6:35 p.m.; Saturday, 2:05 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

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Herndon named DAFVM associate vice president
Cary W. "Bill" Herndon, a long-time leader in Mississippi State's Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, has been named the new associate vice president in the division. "After a national search, Dr. Herndon's experience made him the perfect choice to help advance our efforts to serve the university, the state and beyond," said Greg Bohach, DAFVM vice president.

Chang named department head of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion
Mississippi State University has named Sam K. Chang as the new head of the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion. "Dr. Chang has an extensive background in research, particularly in the processing and benefits of legumes, including soybeans," said George Hopper, dean of MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

McKinney takes the reins for MSU financial aid
Mississippi State's new financial aid director brings more than a decade of experience in the field to the position. Paul McKinney previously held the same position since 2006 at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tenn. A financial aid officer in higher education since 1996, he replaces Bruce Crain, who retired. At MSU, McKinney said a major responsibility will be supervision of the institution's long-standing compliance with the many complex federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.

Campus researchers honored for achievements
Nearly 50 Mississippi State faculty, students and staff are 2012 selections for university research honors. President Mark E. Keenum and other senior administrators were in attendance at a recent campus banquet to extend the land-grant institution's congratulations for the accomplishments. "I greatly appreciate your hard work and dedication to our state. Congratulations on a job well done," he said.