Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Workers prepare ground for the new walking track at Chadwick Lake. The 0.95-mile walkway will include a 0.80-mile concrete loop around the lake and a 0.15-mile exercise loop just north of the Sanderson Center. PHOTO: Nikki McKenzie | University Relations

Puryear achieves 'black belt' certification
Mississippi businesses and industries now have a new weapon in their arsenal for competing in the global marketplace. Analyst Steve Puryear of Mississippi State University's Canton-based Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension recently was certified as a full Innovation Engineering Black Belt. In addition to being a first for the state, the achievement makes him one of only 50 in the nation to hold the highly sought designation.

Agriculture honorary recognizes students, faculty
Mississippi State University's chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society of agriculture, met in late April to recognize faculty and students for outstanding contributions to agriculture. The annual meeting included the induction of new members, scholarships and awards for 2013, and officer installation. The keynote speaker was Scott Willard, head of MSU's Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Faculty leadership program seeks nominations
For the 2013-2014 academic year, the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President will again be conducting an academic leadership program for selected faculty at Mississippi State. This program has been very successful in the past, and many of its participants serve in key leadership positions on campus today. For the upcoming year, attendance will be limited to approximately 12 individuals who will be chosen from those who apply.

Volunteers needed for Bridges Out of Poverty event
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Emerson's Fresh Start Program (community garden), tutoring at Sally Kate Winters, Bridges Out of Poverty fundraiser, and more.

Policy addresses employee political activity
With political campaigning for local elections underway, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel reminds employees to be aware of the university's policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity.

Art faculty exhibition at Wade Gallery now open
A collection presented in a variety of mediums by members of the Mississippi State art department faculty will be featured on campus over the next two months. The May and June showcase at the university's Cullis Wade Depot Gallery will include samples of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, drawings, photography and printmaking. The gallery is located on the second floor of the MSU Welcome Center, located adjacent to the Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State Bookstore.

New employee assistance program available
Life is filled with change, opportunities and challenges. The issues may be large or small. Knowing that you have someone who can listen, understand and suggest next steps can make a big difference. And that is where Mississippi State University's new employee assistance program (EAP) and work-life program helps.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 05/13/13
Baseball hosts Oral Roberts on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and then welcomes South Carolina to Dudy Noble Field for the final SEC weekend series of the regular season. Games are set for Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 2 p.m.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

Web links are subject to change. Submit news, questions or comments to Jim Laird.

Armbrust appointed to key FDA advisory panel
The director of the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory is newly appointed to a key federal advisory committee. State Chemist Kevin L. Armbrust is beginning a three-year term on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Advisory Committee. He was nominated by the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

Brain awarded Fulbright fellowship to Russia
A member of Mississippi State's history faculty is receiving a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, which will take him to Rostov-on-Don, Russia in August. Assistant professor Stephen Brain's nine-month appointment will enable him to teach two semesters at Southern Federal University, while also conducting research for his next book on Soviet history.

Cottrell bound for Vietnam on third Fulbright
Mississippi State University's assistant director for the International Institute and ambassador for the Fulbright International Exchange Program is receiving his third Fulbright scholarship. In September, the prestigious award will enable Stephen Cottrell to travel to Nha Trang, Vietnam, for a nine-month appointment to teach American regional studies and cultural awareness measurements.

Bailey, Chang in first certification class
Two Mississippi State University scientists have set the standard for the state's future food scientists by completing an international certification program. Sam Chang in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Hart Bailey in the College of Veterinary Medicine recently received the Institute of Food Technologists' Certified Food Scientist credential.