Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State's Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts was recently honored as a recipient of the 2015 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, given annually by the Mississippi Arts Commission. Winning in the "Arts in Community" category at MAC's 27th annual awards ceremony, the center is part of the MSU-Meridian Riley Campus, which continues to grow thanks to a partnership with the Meridian-based Riley Foundation. On hand for the ceremony were, from left, Tommy Dulaney, Marty Davidson, Christine Riley, Robert Deen and Becky Farley, all of the Riley Foundation; MSU President Mark E. Keenum, and Riley Center Executive Director Dennis Sankovich.

Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival this week
Officials of Mississippi State University Libraries will hold the ninth annual Charles H. Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival this week. Previously an event exclusively featuring piano and concentrating mainly on ragtime, the Templeton Festival is "spreading its wings to include more instruments and styles," said Dean of Libraries Frances Coleman.

Nominations wanted for distinguished staff awards
MSU Staff Council needs your help in nominating outstanding Mississippi State University employees for the Zacharias Distinguished Staff awards. Twelve winners will be presented with a plaque of recognition and a check for $1,000. Awards will be announced at the annual Luncheon in the Junction/Staff Appreciation Day on May 15 at noon. The nomination deadline is April 15.

Strong turnout for search committee workshop
Search committees are an integral part of the hiring process at Mississippi State, and the university’s Human Resources Management team is doing its part to enhance their success. Specialized training for committee members can be a critical factor in making the best hire, said Darrell Easley, HRM’s learning and development manager.

Take advantage of spring volunteer opportunities
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, including Inter-Belief Conversation Cafe, tutoring local elementary school students, food pantry bagging and sorting, Bulldogs on the Move, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this spring.

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, 03/23/15
Baseball visits Trustmark Park in Pearl on Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. ballgame with Southern Miss, and then hosts Auburn for an SEC weekend series with games on Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.... Men's Tennis hosts Ole Miss at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and then visits Kentucky on Friday for a 4 p.m. match and Tennessee at noon on Sunday... Softball visits Hattiesburg on Wednesday for a doubleheader against Southern Miss beginning at 4 p.m., and then hosts Florida with games on Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.... Women's Golf opens play in the LSU Tiger Classic on Friday... Women's Tennis hosts Texas A&M at 3 p.m. on Friday and LSU on Sunday at 1 p.m.... Track & Field competes Saturday at the Alabama Invite in Tuscaloosa... Soccer visits Dallas for an exhibition against SMU on Saturday at noon.

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.

Faculty teams honored for collaborations
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture recently honored two Mississippi State faculty teams -- including Cory Gallo, Hans Herrmann, Suzanne Powney, Justin Taylor, Brian Templeton, Wayne Wilkerson, Alexis Gregory, Emily McGlohn, Tom Leathem and Lee Carson -- with education awards. The Washington, D.C.,-based association annually recognizes university architecture faculty who complete exceptional projects in building design and community collaborations.

Preparedness initiative gains national attention
A Mississippi State youth initiative is joining an elite group of programs that focuses on emergency and disaster preparedness in communities across the nation. “The Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, or MyPI, aligns well with a national strategy to make communities more prepared for potential disasters,” said Ryan Akers, MyPI coordinator and assistant Extension professor.

University, city proclaim Nutrition Month
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman and Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum signed a proclamation in honor of National Nutrition Month which is observed in March. They were joined by MSU students majoring in food science, nutrition and health promotion, who also are involved with the Student Dietetic Association, for the signing.

A&S Researcher of the Month: Eddie French
The College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State has named P. Edward "Eddie" French Researcher of the Month for March. A professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, he is the new director of the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at MSU. In his research and teaching, he specializes in human resource management and local government politics.