Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Daniel Carruth, an assistant research professor at Mississippi State University's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, opened the third-annual IRB Connections Conference last Friday with a presentation about minimizing risk in research involving human subjects. The Office of Research Compliance at MSU hosted the regional event at the Hunter Henry Center. PHOTO: Russ Houston | University Relations

Bagley's Bammann adds new fellow honor
A Bagley College of Engineering mechanical engineering professor will receive the highest grade of membership from the Society of Engineering Science. Douglas Bammann will be named a Fellow during the organization’s 50th annual technical meeting at Brown University this week. He is the only member to earn the honor this year. Bammann joined Mississippi State in 2007 as Billie J. Ball professor in mechanical engineering.

Keenum speaks at Neshoba County Fair Thursday
The historic Founder's Square pavilion at the Neshoba County Fair will host Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum for a 10:10 a.m. speech this Thursday. Other officials speaking during the morning program include Commissioner of Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith, Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney, state Treasurer Lynn Fitch, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn and Gov. Phil Bryant.

MSU among '2013 Great Colleges to Work For'
Mississippi State has been named one of the "2013 Great Colleges to Work For," according to an assessment released last week by The Chronicle of Higher Education. "We take great pride in our faculty, staff and administrators, and this recognition underscores the wonderful contributions of each and every one of them to the success of this university," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

Register now for new faculty orientation, reception
New faculty to Mississippi State University are encouraged to sign up for new faculty orientation, which will be held Aug. 13 at the Hunter Henry Center. Individual faculty members need to register online for this event, and for the reception at the MSU President's Home on Aug. 12.

Volunteers needed: SED, Humane Society, Emerson
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Starkville Electric Department, Emerson’s Grief Support Program, Starkville Community Market, Service DAWGS Day, and more.

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.

Argonne officials, researchers visit in September
In early September, Mississippi State University will host officials from one of the world’s leading research facilities. During the two-day visit, MSU faculty, staff, administrators and students will have opportunities to meet with Argonne National Laboratory leaders and researchers and explore partnership and funding possibilities, among other topics.

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.

Parsons to lead Environmental Health & Safety Office
A veteran Mississippi State research professional has been named director of the new Environmental Health and Safety Office at the land-grant institution. Michael S. Parsons of Eupora began his new duties earlier this month. In the role, he will lead the university’s environmental and occupational safety efforts. With campus-wide environmental compliance issues and safety-related activities consolidated into EH&S, the former Office of Regulatory Compliance and Safety is now the Office of Research Compliance with Kacey Strickland continuing as director.

Tenhet takes reins of child care center
An experienced leader in the child development field has been named the new director of the Child Development and Family Studies Center at Mississippi State University. Melissa Tenhet accepted the permanent position in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences after serving as the center’s interim director for three months. She will also teach part-time as an instructor of human development and family studies in the School of Human Sciences.

Beasley new assistant AD for marketing
The newest member of the Mississippi State athletic department staff, Leah Beasley, comes to Starkville following a seven-year stint at Louisiana Tech, her alma mater. In her new position, Beasley will be tasked with overseeing the department's marketing and promotional efforts, including the production of the in-game fan experience at all Bulldog sporting events.

Chang named American Chemical Society fellow
A Mississippi State University administrator has been named a fellow in the American Chemical Society’s Agricultural and Food Chemistry Division. Sam Chang, head of the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, will be honored at the 246th annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in Indianapolis in September.