Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State University will close at noon on Wednesday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes resume next Monday. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs

Fowler receives editorial award
A Mississippi State electrical and computer engineering professor received recognition for his hard work and dedication to an international journal. James Fowler, an associate editor of the IEEE Transactions on Image Processing Journal, was one of three individuals to be named Outstanding Member of the Editorial Board. Fowler said that he was honored to receive an award from the most prestigious journal in the field of image processing.

Luxion named ASSURE associate director
Stephen “Lux” Luxion is the new associate director of the Mississippi State-led Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence. “I am looking forward to being part of the ASSURE team working to safely, efficiently and effectively move unmanned aerial systems into the national airspace system where they will serve to improve our lives in ways we have yet completely imagined,” he said.

SSO, MSU Philharmonia to present concert Monday
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Symphony Orchestra and MSU Philharmonia student orchestra will present a joint concert next week in the university’s McComas Hall. Free and open to all, the 7:30 p.m. performance Monday sponsored by the Starkville-MSU Symphony Association and MSU Department of Music will feature the symphony orchestra’s chorus and university’s 20-member student orchestra, as well as guest performers.

Be intentional with holiday food choices
Many Mississippians find it difficult to keep off the pounds during food-oriented holiday celebrations, and hidden calories make this problem even worse. Ann Twiner, Mississippi State University Extension Service agent in Sunflower County, said turkey, ham and vegetables can be healthy choices, but consider how they are prepared when choosing whether to eat them and deciding how large a portion to take.

'Tis the season: Volunteer today
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 local food pantries, the Giving Tree, Operation Christmas Child, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center toy drive, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this fall.

MRC issues call for working group proposals
The Mississippi Research Consortium has issued a call for working group proposals to identity potential statewide research initiatives enabling multi-disciplinary research programs that capitalize on existing and potential strengths in Mississippi and increase the breadth and depth of research at the MRC institutions.

‘Best in Show’ exhibit open through Dec. 2
Poster creations in which artists explore the theme of “man’s best friend” are on display through Dec. 2 at Mississippi State. Titled “Best in Show,” the exhibition at the university’s Visual Art Center Gallery is free and open to all. The gallery is located at 808 University Drive.

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, 11/23/15
Women's Basketball hosts Mississippi Valley State at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Norfolk State at 6 p.m. on Friday, and Savannah State at 2 p.m. on Sunday... Volleyball hosts LSU on Wednesday at 6 p.m., and then Ole Miss at 2 p.m. on Friday... Men's Basketball hosts UT Martin at noon on Saturday... Football hosts Ole Miss on Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

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Search committee set for provost and executive VP
Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum on Friday provided the campus community with an update on the search for the university's next provost and executive vice president: "We now have in place a 19-member search committee composed of 10 elected faculty and nine faculty, staff, student and administrative members who I appointed. The committee, chaired by Dr. David Shaw, will hold its initial meeting in early December, and I will present the group with its charge at that time."

NRTC awarded major grants to expand mission
The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State is receiving two new federal grants totaling more than $7.3 million. The funding supports six new university research projects. “All projects focus on improving employment outcomes for people who are blind or visually impaired,” said center director Michele McDonnall, principal investigator for both grants.

School of Architecture wins national award
Mississippi State University’s School of Architecture will use funds from a highly-competitive national grant to expand its students’ horizons. “Winning the NCARB Prize is like receiving an Emmy Award for a faculty member in the discipline of architecture,” said Michael Berk, director of the School of Architecture and the F.L. Crane Professor of Architecture. “This national acknowledgement reinforces the strong relationship our faculty and students have with the architectural profession in our state.”

Bushby honored for dedication to animals
A professor emeritus with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine received national recognition from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Dr. Phil Bushby, the retired Marcia P. Lane Endowed Chair in Human Ethics and Animal Welfare, accepted the 2015 Association of Shelter Veterinarians Meritorious Award in New Orleans. “It’s truly his passion that sets him apart,” said Dr. Kent Hoblet, dean of the college.