Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

David Shaw, vice president for research and economic development, discusses Mississippi State's role in helping to bring the $300-million Yokohama Tire project to the state during a membership meeting of the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance last week. PHOTO: Russ Houston | University Relations

Schaefer invited to Center for Coaching Excellence
Mississippi State head women’s basketball coach Vic Schaefer recently had the opportunity to travel to New York City as one of 30 participants for 2013’s first session of The Center for Coaching Excellence, an invitation-only, two-and-a-half day leadership program hosted by Columbia University. The CCE utilizes the resources of one of the world’s top research universities to provide women’s college basketball coaches an exclusive learning experience and the opportunity to network with fellow coaches and top industry leaders.

MSU co-hosting IHL minority vendor fair
Mississippi State University is supporting initiatives of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning to significantly increase diversity among higher education vendors through an event designed to help minority businesses gain more access in the bidding process. MSU and the University of Mississippi will co-host a minority vendor fair on June 18 in Oxford. The event offers face-to-face opportunities for dialogue and networking between minority business owners and university leaders.

Writing-to-learn QEP sees exciting first session
Instead of encouraging students to learn about writing, a diverse team of Mississippi State faculty members is beginning a process to encourage their undergraduate majors to write to learn. Launching a writing-focused culture at the university is the primary focus of the "Maroon & Write" quality enhancement plan -- QEP, for short. Addressing his campus colleagues at the first session June 6, Rich Raymond, expressed excitement about the plan.

Cottrell to attend EducationUSA Forum in D.C.
Mississippi State's Stephen Cottrell will participate later this month in the fourth annual EducationUSA Forum in Washington, D.C. Assistant director of the International Institute and a Fulbright ambassador, Cottrell is among 500 college and university recruitment and admissions professionals attending the June 26-28 event sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Volunteers needed at the Boys and Girls Club
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Boys and Girls Club Summer Program Volunteers, T.K. Martin Center preschool classes, Emerson's Fresh Start Program, Service DAWGS Day, and more.

Annual 'Drinking Water Quality Report' available
Mississippi State University announced successful findings in this year's Annual Water Quality Report. "We are pleased to present this year's report. As you will see, no violations were found with the MSU water supply," said J.D. Hardy, university energy and mechanical engineer. The annual testing is administered by the Mississippi Department of Health, and each year a water quality report, also referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report, is provided to customers.

Art faculty exhibition open through the month
A collection presented in a variety of mediums by members of the Mississippi State art department faculty will be featured on campus through the month of June. The 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.

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Zacharias Awards honor distinguished staff
Twelve Mississippi State staff members are selections for the university's 2013 Donald W. Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards. The honors are a memorial to the university's 15th president, in whose 1985-97 administration Staff Appreciation Day and the accompanying awards program were established. This year, Tommie Zacharias of Starkville, President Zacharias' widow, and Jerry Gilbert, MSU provost and executive vice president, presented each honoree with a plaque and check for $1,000.

Ag experts join new LEAD21 class
Four representatives of Mississippi State University’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine will participate in a national program targeting future agricultural leaders. MSU faculty selected to participate in Leadership Development for the 21st Century: Linking Research, Academics and Extension include Chris Boyd, Rita Green, Wes Schilling and Sherry Surrette.

Rhonda Keenum named to Jackson Zoo board
Mississippi State University First Lady and Starkville public relations professional Rhonda Newman Keenum has been named to the board of directors of the Jackson Zoological Society, Inc., the formal operating entity of the Jackson Zoo. "As a parent and as a professional, I know the value of having a vibrant, high-quality zoological park available to the children of Mississippi," said Keenum.

Ag Comm's Gregory North gets top national award
She is new to Mississippi State University, but her professional track record is well known across the country. Elizabeth Gregory North, who joined MSU's Office of Agricultural Communications in February as department head, recently received the Professional Award from the Association for Communication Excellence, or ACE. The organization is the international association of communicators, educators and information technologists specializing in agriculture, natural resources, and life and human sciences.