Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Last week, the IMPACT2 Summer Institute at Mississippi State hosted Kathy Holt and William Katzman (seated) from LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory, in Livingston, La., as guests presenters. The IMPACT2 team couldn’t let them leave campus without treating the visitors to MSU’s famous ice cream and a visit to the MAFES Sales Store. Also pictured (back, left to right) are master teachers, Lori Matzek and Jamie Calvert, and project coordinators, Re-C Carter and Sonya Smith.

Faculty to present at writing-to-learn institute
Five speakers will enhance the Maroon Institute for Writing Excellence when they present information as part of the June workshop for Mississippi State faculty that will soon pilot writing-to-learn strategies in their courses. The writing-to-learn initiative, "Maroon and Write," is part of MSU's quality enhancement plan, a strategy to improve undergraduate learning.

Research center named for longtime MSU employee
Mississippi State University will honor the memory of longtime employee Frank T. “Butch” Withers Jr. by naming the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond after him. Withers, who passed away Oct. 14, 2012, was an employee for 40 years in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at MSU. He served as head of the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center for 10 years, until his retirement.

Search underway for MSCL director, state chemist
Mississippi State University is now accepting applications and nominations for the position of state chemist and Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory director. The laboratory employs approximately 25 professionals and support staff, and is involved in regulatory and public service programs, analytical services, and assistance to citizens, businesses and research programs. The director and state chemist serves as chief scientist and administrative officer of the MSCL.

Volunteer shifts for Habitat for Humanity now open
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Volunteer Starkville Healthier You Summer Camp, Emerson's Fresh Start Program, Starkville Community Market, Service DAWGS Day, and more.

SPA offers proposal development assistance
Sponsored Programs Administration and the Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State University are committed to helping faculty find the resources needed to support research endeavors. Recognizing that not all faculty members have departmental support for proposal development, SPA is working to provide this support as needed.

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.

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.

Bulldogs, Bruins open championship series Monday
Mississippi State’s 2013 post-season quest advances to uncharted territory Monday in Omaha, Neb., where the Bulldogs (51-18) open a best-of-three series against UCLA (47-17) for the championship of the 2013 NCAA College World Series. It’s Mississippi State’s deepest march in 33 advancements to NCAA post-season play and first appearance in the CWS Championship Series. The Bulldogs and the Bruins square off at 7 p.m.

Herrmann helps document 6,000-year-old cave art
A pictograph that remained in the dark for almost 6,000 years has come to light with the help of a Mississippi State anthropologist. Featuring what appears to be a human hunting, the image -- certainly the oldest ever discovered in Tennessee and among the oldest yet found in America -- is providing new insights into prehistoric life, according to Nicholas Herrmann, MSU associate professor of anthropology and Middle Eastern cultures.

Franz and Ivy contribute to new book
IGI Global, an international publishing company specializing in high-quality research publications in the fields of educational technology and information technology management, is pleased to announce the release of Common Core Mathematics Standards and Implementing Digital Technologies. The title features research contributions from Mississippi State University associate professor Dana Franz and visiting assistant professor Jessica Ivy.

New Research Park boulevard opens
A new roadway is now open in the state's largest research park, and its completion sets the stage for expansion, according to Mississippi State University officials. "We expect to make significant progress on developing Phase II now that the new road is open and water, sewer and electrical infrastructure are in place," said Marc McGee, the director of the MSU Research and Technology Corporation, who manages the park.