Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

These greenhouses, located in the Rodney Foil Plant Science Research Center, house the winter gardens where plants have long, sunny days with spring-like temperatures no matter what winter on the North Farm feels like. These particular greenhouses are growing research plants for the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

MSU, district announce Partnership School plan
Officials of Mississippi State and the new Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District are taking the first joint steps toward the construction of a new school building for sixth- and seventh grade students. "Mississippi State University is committed to continuing our active role as a powerful force for growth and development in Starkville and Oktibbeha County," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

New undergrad research clearinghouse online
A new web portal is showcasing undergraduate research opportunities and encouraging students to delve into the endless possibilities of academic research and creative discovery at Mississippi State. Jerry Gilbert, provost and executive vice president, said the website will serve as a clearinghouse to collect and distribute materials easily across all academic disciplines.

Tobacco Use Attestation Form completion required
Human Resources Management at Mississippi State reminds all benefits-eligible employees that the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration's board voted recently to implement a $50 per month tobacco use surcharge, effective July 2015, for the State and School Employees' Health Insurance Plan. All plan participants are now required to complete a "Tobacco Use Attestation Form."

Avoid diets that forgo necessary components
Losing weight and getting in shape are among the most common New Year’s resolutions, so it is no surprise that many organizations recognize January as National Fat-Free Living Month. But attempting to eliminate all fat is not a healthy way to diet, said Brent Fountain, associate professor of human nutrition with the MSU Extension Service. Regulating the types and amount of fat in a diet is a better way to lose weight.

Kick off the new semester by volunteering
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community on its website and in its newsletter this week. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering as a new semester gets underway.

Register for Safe Zone awareness training
Mississippi State University’s Safe Zone Advisory Board encourages interested students, as well as faculty and staff members who have not previously attended, to register now for the Spring Safe Zone LGBTQ Awareness Training on Feb. 10 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Colvard Student Union’s Foster Ballroom. Since space is limited, early registration is encouraged.

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.

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, 01/19/15
Track & Field begins competition at the Samford Multi Invitational in Birmingham on Wednesday and at the Vanderbilt Invitational in Nashville on Friday... Men's Basketball is on the road Wednesday for an 8 p.m. tipoff against Auburn, and then hosts Georgia at 2 p.m. on Saturday... Women's Basketball visits Oxford on Thursday for an 8 p.m. game against Ole Miss... Men's Tennis opens play at the ITA Kickoff Weekend in California against North Carolina State on Friday at 3 p.m.... Women's Tennis opens play at the Ivy League Kick-off Weekend in New Hampshire against Cornell at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

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MVSU leader speaks Monday at Unity breakfast
The president of Mississippi Valley State University will be keynote speaker Monday for Mississippi State's 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity Breakfast. The address by William B. Bynum Jr. begins at 8 a.m. in the Bill Foster Ballroom of the university's Colvard Student Union. The free, public celebration of King's life and legacy gets underway with a 7 a.m. meal. The annual event is sponsored by the Office of the President.

Collaborative research grants back for fifth year
The Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State is again investing in innovative $2,000 grants for 27 faculty teams at the land-grant institution. “Providing faculty members additional opportunities to share ideas and work together to move their research forward is a priority for all of us,” said David Shaw, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development.

McFatrich named head coach for volleyball
David McFatrich, who directed Central Arkansas to NCAA Tournament appearances in two of his four seasons as head coach, has been named Mississippi State’s new head volleyball coach, athletic director Scott Stricklin announced last week. The hiring is pending the approval of the Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning.

Newberrys join volleyball coaching staff
After being announced as the head volleyball coach at Mississippi State on last week, David McFatrich has assembled his coaching staff, adding John and Brittany Newberry as assistants. The couple comes to Starkville after spending the last three seasons on McFatrich’s staff at Central Arkansas.