Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

For Staff Appreciation Day last week, MSU staff members were treated to good food and music in the Junction. Providing entertainment were the faculty-led Bill Cooke Trio Band, sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association. The vice presidents and deans again contributed door prizes to show their appreciation for the MSU staff. PHOTO: Nikki McKenzie | University Relations

Burger promotes environmental stewardship
When kids react to the natural world, Leslie Burger wants them to say “Oh, wow!” instead of “Oh, gross!” “I want people to understand what is happening around them and to appreciate it,” said Burger, an Extension instructor at Mississippi State University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center. Burger brings a wide range of experiences to her role as an environmental educator.

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. The nomination deadline is May 31.

Volunteers needed at Noxubee Wildlife Refuge
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), Noxubee Wildlife Refuge Family Canoe Day, Togo Medical Supply Drive, and more.

New app gives real-time MSU parking information
Parking at Mississippi State University now is more user-friendly with the addition of a new Parker motorist guidance smartphone application and ParkEdge parking publishing platform. Mike Harris, director of parking and transit services, said MSU's unprecedented growth in recent years has created a challenge for students, employees and visitors looking for available parking.

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.

Policy reminders from University Health Services
University Health Services at Mississippi State reminds the campus community of several important policies for its patients to keep in mind when seeking treatment, parking, refilling a prescription online, and privacy.

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.

Bruce named new graduate school dean
Lori Mann Bruce is the new associate vice president for academic affairs and graduate school dean at Mississippi State. She will be the first woman to lead MSU's graduate school. "We are delighted that Dr. Bruce has agreed to be our next associate vice president and dean of the Graduate School," said Jerry Gilbert, provost and executive vice president. Enrolling nearly 4,000 students, the MSU Graduate School currently offers more than 130 doctoral, master's, specialist and bachelor's/master's degree programs.

Messac hired as Bagley College dean
A New York higher education administrator and faculty member is Mississippi State's new engineering dean. Achille Messac will be MSU's first African American dean. At Syracuse University, the MIT doctoral graduate has been serving as chair and distinguished professor of the mechanical and aerospace engineering department. "We are fortunate to have attracted a person of the caliber of Dr. Messac," said Jerry Gilbert, MSU provost and executive vice president, in making the announcement.

Collaboration yields results for faculty team
A diverse group of Mississippi State faculty and staff collaborators is reporting significant progress toward enhancing the university's high-technology instrumentation capacity. Giselle Thibaudeau, director of the Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies, praised the multi-disciplinary team effort, noting that achievements to date have been critical to the work of campus researchers in the areas of life and materials sciences, as well as regional industries.

Strawderman earns first Bagley online ed award
An industrial and systems engineering assistant professor received the first Bagley College of Engineering award for Excellence in Online Teaching. Lesley Strawderman formally accepted her award during the Faculty Excellence Dinner April 23. Strawderman teaches online classes as part of BCoE-Learning. The program is ranked 12th nationally by U.S. News and World Report, which evaluates factors including value, quality and affordability.