Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Champ, MSU's current Bully mascot, posed recently for a back-to-school photo session in the Office of University Relations. In this behind-the-scenes glimpse, Lisa Pritchard, Champ's full-time mother and trainer, positions his baseball cap while university photographer Beth Wynn gets the shot. PHOTO: Nikki McKenzie | University Relations

Upcoming events from the Maroon Volunteer Center
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including the T.K. Martin Center Statewide School, Humane Society Volunteer Training, Emerson's Fresh Starkville, Starkville High School Boosters, and more.

Mississippi State in top 100 for research
Mississippi State continues to rank among the nation's top research universities, according to new data from the National Science Foundation. The recently released NSF Higher Education Research and Development Survey for Fiscal Year 2011 places Mississippi State at 91st overall among public and private institutions based on $226.1 million in total research and development expenditures. "These significant totals are the result of very hard work by our faculty," said Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw.

Yokohama Tire opens office in Research Park
One of the world's leading premium tire manufacturing companies recognized for its technology and innovation is locating in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. Yokohama Tire Corporation is opening an office in the state's largest research park that will serve as the company's operational headquarters while its new manufacturing plant in Clay County is under construction.

Mississippi Blues Trail exhibit at library
A newly installed exhibit at Mississippi State's Mitchell Memorial Library highlights the musical history of the state and prominent Mississippi blues musicians. The second floor exhibit will be featured through the end of August.

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.

P.R.E.P/Emergency Preparedness Week next month
Will your family be prepared when disaster strikes? Learn from the experts in disaster preparedness. The MSU Campus-Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) and the Maroon Volunteer Center are hosting Emergency Preparedness Week from Sept. 16-21, offering free disaster preparedness training sessions that are open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members.

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.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 08/19/13
Soccer travels to Mobile, Ala., to open the 2013 season at South Alabama on Friday at 7 p.m., and then hosts Arkansas State at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the MSU Soccer Field.

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.

Smith serving on national committee
Dr. David Smith, an epidemiologist at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been selected to serve on the U.S. Agriculture Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health. He and other committee members will lead dialogue on livestock economies and public health concerns. He will provide perspective and feedback on USDA strategies, polices, and animal health disease eradication programs.

Keith earns innovative education award
A Bagley College of Engineering professor has earned a national award for innovative teaching. Jason Keith, a professor and director of the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering and director of the MSU Energy Institute, has received the David Himmelblau Award for a decade of work in developing hydrogen fuel cell and energy education modules.

Volunteers break ground for Maroon Edition house
With ground broken Aug. 12 by Mississippi State and Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity volunteers, the fifth annual Maroon Edition Habitat for Humanity project is under way. Kicking off construction was MSU President Mark E. Keenum, who drove the first nail into boards that will serve as part of the door frame. Student and employee volunteers will work Fridays and Saturdays throughout the fall semester until completion. MSU's Maroon Volunteer Center coordinates the efforts.

SPA taking nominations for 'Working Group'
After a successful launch last year, Sponsored Programs Administration at Mississippi State University is taking nominations for year two of the Departmental Administrator Working Group -- DAWG, for short. The professional development program provides participants an eight-month curriculum designed to develop sponsored-project administration skills and foster networking opportunities with campus peers.