Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

This hibiscus, located at the Mississippi State Trial Gardens near the A.B. McKay Food Research and Enology Lab, has flowers the size of paper plates. The mission of the university's Trial Gardens is to identify, evaluate and promote the plants that excel in Mississippi landscapes and appeal to gardeners in the South. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Athletics establishes Hail State Productions
With the launch of the national SEC Network a month away, Mississippi State Athletics has established Hail State Productions. Drew Walker, the former assistant executive director for video production at the Auburn IMG Sports Network, has been tabbed as assistant athletic director for video operations at MSU, while MSU television producer Bennie Ashford has been named assistant athletic director for video production.

Lyceum season ticket sales underway
An Aug. 20 concert by country music legend Merle Haggard will kick off Mississippi State's 2014-15 Lyceum Series season in newly renovated Lee Hall. Season-ticket renewal sales take place July 1-July 18. With the return of the full venue and reserved seating, season ticket holders again may reclaim seats reserved in the 2011-12 season.

University announces Men of Color Summit speakers
The presidents of three Mississippi higher learning institutions will speak in late summer at Mississippi State's 2014 Men of Color Summit. The free, public lectures, panel discussion and other activities will take place in August. Summit participants will hear from MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Alfred "Al" Rankins Jr., newly named president of Alcorn State University; and Valmadge T. Towner, president of Coahoma Community College.

Movin' You to MSU volunteers needed
Faculty and staff volunteers are needed for Mississippi State University's annual Movin' You to MSU move-in day, which will take place Aug. 9, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Duties include working check-in at Humphrey Coliseum or McCarthy Gym, moving boxes from cars to rooms, greeting students and directing traffic.

Free dinner and more for Project Linus
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Project Linus, Healthier You Summer Camp, Dawg Daze of Summer Youth Camp, and more.

SEC Symposium now taking abstracts
The 2014 SEC Symposium will bring together scholars from each SEC university for the purpose of critically reviewing the body of knowledge that could guide the development and implementation of an effective national effort to markedly reduce the percentage of the American population that becomes overweight or obese. Attendees are invited to submit abstracts to be considered for inclusion in the symposium poster session.

Register today for CERT half-marathon, 5K
The Community Emergency Response Team at Mississippi State is hosting The Preparathon -- a half-marathon, 5K, half-mile family fun run and Emergency Preparedness Fair -- in mid-October. Proceeds from the races will benefit the Oktibbeha County Volunteer Fire Departments, OSERVS and the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.

Maroon Alert: Sharing emergency updates with MSU
The Maroon Alert system is how Mississippi State University communicates with the campus community about emergency situations that may arise on campus. Maroon Alert is a family of communication outlets to communicate about emergency situations. In most situations the primary means of communication are web, e-mail, Twitter via @maroonalert and sometimes instant messaging.

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.

Forde receiving major public relations honor
A long-serving Mississippi State department head and faculty member is among four scheduled to be inducted later this month into the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame. Associate professor John E. Forde, head of the university's communication department since 2004 and a faculty member since 1987, formally will receive the honor with the three others during a special program July 25 at MSU's Mitchell Memorial Library.

ASEE recognizes faculty for dedication to education
Seven Bagley College of Engineering faculty members earned recognition from education the American Society for Engineering Education for their dedication to engineering, education and the organization. Founded in 1893, ASEE furthers education in engineering and engineering technology through research, service and leadership.

Roberts to lead men's tennis program
Matt Roberts has been named Mississippi State’s new head men’s tennis coach, as announced by athletic director Scott Stricklin in late June. The hiring is pending the approval of the Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning. Roberts steps into the head coaching role after two seasons as MSU’s assistant under Per Nilsson, who accepted the head women’s tennis coaching position at Pepperdine recently.

Dillon named coordinator of baseball camps
Zach Dillon was named Mississippi State baseball coordinator of camps, head baseball coach John Cohen announced late last week. In addition to his duties associated with directing MSU's summer and winter baseball camps, Dillon will also serve as the Bulldogs' volunteer assistant coach and coach first base during the season.