Professor Robert J. Damm of Mississippi State's Department of Music plays the marimba during a recital in the university's McComas Hall theater last week. Throughout the evening, Damm performed 10 pieces, including “The 1908 Rag” for xylophone, “A Vision in a Dream” for vibraphone and “Atrium Dance” for marimba. Two compositions also represented non-Western musical traditions. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
McGee joins Mississippi State alumni staff
The 130-year-old Alumni Association of Mississippi State University is welcoming a new professional staff member. Starkville native Casey McGee began her duties Sept. 21 as the new assistant coordinator for chapter and recruitment programs. McGee will provide guidance and advice for the university’s 95 alumni chapters and their leaders.
Benefits open enrollment underway
Benefits open enrollment is now available for eligible Mississippi State University employees. Open enrollment is required only if you are adding new coverage, changing existing coverage or canceling coverage. If you aren’t adding new coverage, changing existing coverage or canceling coverage, you do not need to participate in open enrollment, and your current benefits will continue into 2016.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Pam Awad
Before a customer suggested that she apply for a job with the MSU Extension Service, Pam Awad didn’t know the organization existed. Pam was working as the operations manager at Fred’s Pharmacy, and a job opened for an Extension nutrition educator. At first, she ignored the customer’s suggestion. “But when she came back a second time to find out if I had applied for the job, I thought, ‘Maybe the good Lord wants me over there.’ So I applied and got the job,” Pam said.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Daniel Fleming
When Daniel Fleming began a job as a student worker for an entomology professor, he had no idea he would end up making a career out of insects. “That job led to an opportunity to get a master’s degree in entomology, then I chose to get a doctorate because I believe I have something to offer,” Daniel explained. “I’m interested in teaching students, conducting research and helping farmers become better managers of their crops and the insect pests they deal with.”
English faculty featured in national anthologies
Works by two Mississippi State English faculty members are being featured in two of the nation’s most prestigious anthologies. “The Upside-Down World,” a 2013 short story by Becky Hagenston, is among 20 included in The O. Henry Prize Stories 2015. “Relevant Details,” a poem by Catherine Pierce, was chosen for The Best American Poetry 2015.
Hood receives national grant for HIV study
A new national research grant is supporting a Mississippi State faculty member’s investigation of HIV intervention efforts focused on African American women. Kristina B. Hood will use the two-year award totaling more than $280,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health for her project titled “Increasing rural substance-using African American women’s access to evidenced-based HIV intervention.”
Roush-Elliot selected for prestigious program in Japan
An architect with Mississippi State’s College of Architecture, Art and Design recently returned from a week-long collaborative learning experience in Japan as part of an international group of young professionals. Emily Roush-Elliott was selected for The Outstanding Young Persons Program of Osaka’s Junior Chamber International organization.
Morrison releases Aaron Henry biography
The head of the political science and public administration department at Mississippi State has released a new biography about one of the state’s most influential civil rights leaders. Titled “Aaron Henry of Mississippi: Inside Agitator,” Professor Minion K.C. Morrison’s 365-page book focuses on the Coahoma County native who served as president of the Mississippi NAACP and founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and the Council of Federated Organizations.
Pink Dawg Walk returns Thursday afternoon
In recognition of an illness that affects more than 200,000 American women each year, Mississippi State’s Department of Health Promotion and Wellness is hosting the second Pink Dawg Walk on Thursday as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. From 4-6 p.m., all are encouraged to dress in their most creative pink attire for the mile-long walk around the Chadwick Lake walking track.
'TACKLE CANCER' kickoff this week
Mississippi State University and the American Cancer Society are inviting members of the campus and surrounding communities to attend the inaugural “TACKLE CANCER” Kickoff Event. Taking place Thursday at Davis Wade Stadium’s Gridiron Club, festivities begin at 7 p.m. Straton Karatassos, MSU associate athletic director for development, will serve as emcee.
Explore volunteer opportunities with the MVC
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 Humane Society volunteer orientation session, Noxubee Refuge litter patrol, Bulldogs on the Move, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this fall.
Policy addresses employee political activity
With local and statewide campaigns underway this fall, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel reminds employees to be aware of the university's policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity.
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, 10/05/15
Men's Golf opens play Monday at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate in Birmingham... Softball plays a roadtrip exhibition against Pensacola State College at 4 p.m. on Monday... Women's Tennis begins play Tuesday at the ITA Riviera All-American Championships in Los Angeles... Men's Tennis opens play at the USTA Futures in Houston, Texas on Thursday... Soccer is on the road to Athens for a Friday match with Georgia at 6 p.m., and then hosts Kentucky at 6 p.m. on Sunday... Volleyball hosts Missouri at 7 p.m. on Friday and Georgia on Sunday at noon... Football hosts Troy at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
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