Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Students, faculty and staff returned from the Thanksgiving holiday to a short week of classes, which end Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday are scheduled as reading days before final exams begin Friday and continue next week. PHOTO: Sarah Tewolde | Public Affairs

A&S Researcher of the Month: Adam Skarke
The College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State has named Adam Skarke, assistant professor in the Department of Geosciences, as Researcher of the Month for November/December. His work is focused on understanding the fundamental physical relationships between fluid dynamics, sediment transport processes, morphological expression, and the stratigraphic record in marine environments that span the continental margin from coastal waters to the deep sea.

'A Christmas Celebration' concert Tuesday night
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Criss Christmas Concert Tuesday in historic Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Free to all, the 7:30 p.m. program will feature music for wind ensemble, including classic band literature and Christmas favorites. The program is being made possible by the J.W. Criss Foundation’s generous support of the Starkville-MSU Symphony Association and MSU Lyceum Committee.

'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 during the holidays.

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 Wednesday
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, 11/30/15
Women's Basketball travels to Austin for a 7 p.m. tipoff against Texas on Wednesday, and then hosts Tennessee State on Sunday at 2 p.m. ... Men's Basketball hosts Texas Southern at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

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.

Grounds maintenance sees national recognition
Mississippi State is celebrating a national award for outstanding groundskeeping. The Professional Grounds Management Society recently selected the land-grant institution for an Honor Award in the university and college grounds category of its 2015 Green Star Awards competition. Speaking for the university administration, Vice President for Campus Services Amy Tuck expressed pride in the campus landscape team’s achievement.

Thompson named 2015 MSU humanities teacher
An associate professor of philosophy is Mississippi State’s 2015 Humanities Teacher of the Year. The selection of J. Robert Thompson is being announced by the university’s College of Arts and Sciences, along with the Mississippi Humanities Council. As part of the honor, Thompson will present the college’s annual humanities lecture Monday afternoon. His address begins at 3 p.m. in the Shackouls Honors College Forum Room.

Buys attains public health certification
A health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service has been certified in public health by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. David Buys earned this certification after demonstrating mastery in several key components of public health, including biostatistics, health policy and management, and environmental health sciences through coursework completed during his public health training and by completing the Certified in Public Health examination.