Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The American flag on Mississippi State's historic Drill Field unfurls in the breeze on a recent morning. The university will be closed Thursday and Friday this week in observance of Independence Day. PHOTO: Jim Laird | University Relations

MSU joins new effort to share student outcomes
Mississippi State University announced last week that it is an early adopter of a new student achievement reporting system that has been created to give a more comprehensive overview of student outcomes. MSU Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Gilbert said the university embraces the opportunity to provide additional information to help students make a more informed choice about which university to attend.

Human sciences, Extension online journal launched
Faculty in Mississippi State University’s School of Human Sciences recently launched a journal to promote academic research and outreach in human sciences and Extension topics. “MSU is a land-grant university, and one part of our mission is to get information out to the people,” said Donna Peterson, editor of the journal and Extension evaluation specialist in MSU’s School of Human Sciences.

Miss MSU previews wardrobe, talent Tuesday
Miss Mississippi State University Jasmine Murray will preview her Miss Mississippi competition wardrobe and talent Tuesday during a campus trunk show. Free and open to all at Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium, the 2 p.m. event will be followed with a send-off reception. Murray will represent the land-grant institution July 10-13 at the 2013 Miss Mississippi Pageant in Vicksburg.

Volunteers needed for 'Healthier You' summer camp
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.

Proposal development assistance from SPA
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.

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.

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.

Diamond Dogs, fans celebrate success
The most successful season in Mississippi State athletics history was celebrated late last week as Bulldog fans flocked to Dudy Noble Field to honor the Diamond Dogs. "I can't find the words to tell you how proud I am of our players, our coaches, our students and alumni, and all of our fans across the country and around the world," MSU President Mark E. Keenum said.

Keith to lead MSU Energy Institute
The director of Mississippi State University's Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering is taking on an additional role with the land-grant institution. Earnest W. Deavenport Jr. Chair Jason Keith will lead the MSU Energy Institute, which is administrated jointly by the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.

Rais-Rohani named interim associate dean
A Mississippi State alumnus with more than 20 years of faculty experience will assume the role of interim associate dean for research and graduate studies in the Bagley College of Engineering. Masoud Rais-Rohani, a professor in aerospace engineering, transitions into the role July 16. He replaces Lori M. Bruce who was recently named dean of the graduate school.

Kosovo students inspire Raymond's book
In the capital of war-torn Kosovo where children grapple with a national history of ethnic cleansing and organized crime, one Mississippi State University professor found -- and taught -- hope. Rich Raymond, also head of MSU's English department, took sabbatical leave from MSU during January through July of 2012 to pursue a Fulbright Scholarship in the Eastern European nation. In Kosovo, Raymond taught American literature and academic research methods.