Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Vice President of the Division of Agriculture Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Greg Bohach, left, and Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum present Caroline Withers with a framed collage to commemorate the dedication of MSU’s Frank T. (Butch) Withers Jr. Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center last week. PHOTO: Scott Corey | MSU Ag Communications

Naming ceremony held for MSU research center
Former colleagues, friends and family members used the words loyal, genuine and humble to describe Frank T. “Butch” Withers Jr. during a naming ceremony in Raymond for the center he helped create. The name change was approved by the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees in March. MSU President Mark E. Keenum officially declared the name change effective July 10.

Leadership program taps 17 MSU faculty
Seventeen Mississippi State faculty members are new selections for the competitive 2013-2014 Hugh Critz Faculty Leadership Program. Sponsored by the university’s Office of Research and Economic Development and Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, the program works to develop the next generation of campus academic leaders, among other goals. It honors the memory of the land-grant institution’s eighth president (1930-34), a Starkville native and an MSU alumnus.

‘Liability in Laboratories’ seminar July 25
A new topic in the Responsible Conduct of Research seminar series called "Liability in Laboratories" will be presented on July 25 in Fowlkes Auditorium at 2 p.m. Based on recent events that have changed how liability when accidents happen in laboratories is understood, the Office of General Counsel at Mississippi State will provide a brief presentation and host an open forum for questions related to this important topic.

Ticket sales begin for Lyceum Series events
Advance tickets now are available for Mississippi State's 2013-14 Lyceum Series. With the university's longest running entertainment program set to get under way in mid-September, admissions may be purchased for all six, or individually selected, performances. Gretchen Parlato, an award-winning jazz vocalist soon to join the faculty at New York's Manhattan School of Music, will inaugurate the season Sept. 19. As with all but the final Lyceum event this year, her performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium.

Humane Society volunteer training July 16
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Father's Child Ministry, Volunteer Starkville Healthier You Summer Camp, Starkville Community Market, Service DAWGS Day, and more.

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.

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.

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.

Hamilton named associate VP for research
A scholar with extensive experience in cybersecurity and a two-decade career in the U.S. Army will fill a top research administration post for Mississippi State University. After a national search, John A. “Drew” Hamilton, Jr. has been named associate vice president for research and professor of computer science and engineering at the land-grant institution, pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning.

Munn new forest resources associate dean
A veteran Mississippi State University faculty member is the new associate dean in the College of Forest Resources. Ian Munn, a forest resource economist and professor, will lead the university’s natural resources program. MSU is the only university in the state that offers a bachelor’s degree in forestry and a bachelor’s degree and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture. As associate dean, Munn will coordinate all aspects of these undergraduate programs, including curriculum, student advising and scholarships.

Grebner named Society of American Foresters fellow
A Mississippi State University forestry professor was recently honored by the Society of American Foresters. The professional forestry organization named Donald Grebner a fellow for his contributions to the society and the forestry profession. Grebner is a professor in the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center. His areas of research include bio-energy, carbon sequestration, forest protection and international forestry.

Cohen: 2013 ABCA South Region Coach of Year
After guiding his alma mater to the best finish by any program in the history of Mississippi State athletics, MSU Head Baseball Coach John Cohen was named the 2013 ABCA South Region Coach of the Year, the American Baseball Coaches Association announced last week. Cohen, who was also a finalist for CollegeBaseballInsider.com’s 2013 National Coach of the Year, guided the Maroon and White to a national runner-up finish, concluding State’s remarkable run with an appearance in the NCAA College World Series Championship Series against UCLA.