Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The Center for Teaching and Learning at Mississippi State hosted Stephen Reynolds last Thursday [Jan. 28] for a presentation in the Grisham Room at Mitchell Memorial Library. The Arizona State professor of geology presented a seminar titled, "Perception, Visualization and Learning in the Sciences." PHOTO: Matt Motes | MSU Libraries

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Mary Katherine Burkhardt-McNeel
Mary Katherine Burkhardt-McNeel didn’t grow up planning to work in the College of Forest Resources, but it has been home for a lot longer than her tenure as an accounting assistant. “I wouldn’t say I chose this career; I would say it chose me,” Mary Katherine said. “My father, Charles Burkhardt, worked for MSU for more than 25 years. I grew up, literally, in CFR. Many of the faculty were like family to me.”

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Verleen Gray
Verleen Gray helps keep the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine running smoothly while encouraging clients, students and staff. As a communications operator, Verleen answers the phone and directs calls to small animal admissions and the clinic. She also handles work orders for items that break and operates the gate to let clients into and out of the hospital. Logging visitors’ names, times and destinations helps keep CVM secure.

Nominations wanted for Powe, research awards
The nomination period is now open for Mississippi State University's 2016 Research Awards and the Ralph E. Powe Research Excellence Award. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to submit nominations for this year's program. Recipients will be honored during a special luncheon at the Hunter Henry Center on April 28.

SPA here to help with proposal development
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.

Spirit of State nominations, applications wanted
Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the 11th-annual Spirit of State awards. These awards are open to all Mississippi State students from all campuses and recognize excellence in campus involvement; service to the university community; actions that promote the Spirit of State; and overall impact on peers and the broader campus community.

Make a difference: Discover a volunteer opportunity
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 an alternative spring break trip to the Delta, spring Habitat for Humanity shifts, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by resolving to volunteer this spring.

MSU Riley Center announces spring/summer series
A farewell to an icon, a hello to some energetic newcomers and lots of heartwarming rock ’n’ roll memories will highlight the 2016 spring/summer series at the MSU Riley Center in historic downtown Meridian. The center's restored Victorian theater will also host the world’s best dancers, one of the most powerful voices in country music, and the returns of both an intimate songwriters showcase and a beloved children’s character.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 02/01/16
Men's Basketball hosts Alabama at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and then visits Baton Rouge on Saturday for a 5 p.m. tipoff against LSU... Women's Basketball is on the road to Baton Rouge for an 8 p.m. game against LSU on Thursday, and then hosts Missouri on Sunday at 2 p.m. ... Track & Field competes at the New Balance Invitational in New York City on Friday and Saturday... Women's Tennis starts play in the Courtside Classic in Minneapolis on Saturday... Men's Tennis hosts Samford at 11 a.m. and Alabama State at 3 p.m. on Saturday... Women's Golf competes in the UCF Challenge in Orlando beginning Sunday.

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.

Spring General Faculty meeting Monday afternoon
The spring meeting of the General Faculty at Mississippi State is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. in Foster Ballroom of Colvard Student Union. The program will include reports on topics of general interest to the university community from President Mark E. Keenum, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Julia Hodges, Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw, and Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Greg Bohach, followed by a time for questions and discussion.

Shaw provides provost/EVP search update
A senior Mississippi State administrator is challenging the university’s academic leaders to “go out and help recruit the best possible candidates” for the vacant post of provost and executive vice president. David Shaw, the university’s vice president for research and economic development, is chair of the search committee to replace Jerry Gilbert, who left late last year to accept the presidency of Marshall University in West Virginia. At a Friday roundtable, Shaw urged his fellow administrators to “consider those stellar individuals who will be a good fit and will provide leadership in a team-oriented manner.”

Tuck launches HRM's 'PRO Chats' series
Mississippi State Vice President for Campus Services Amy Tuck helped launch a new professional development series sponsored by the university’s Human Resources Management office last Wednesday [Jan. 27]. “PRO Chats” is a new HR series designed to provide faculty and professional staff at MSU with insightful and practical information for improving their professional and personal lives. Delivered by engaging speakers from on and off campus, these motivational presentations last 30-45 minutes in length and are followed by Q & A sessions.

Coyne, Dodd named HEADWAE honorees
Dr. Cody Coyne of the College of Veterinary Medicine and senior Joseph M. “JoJo” Dodd of Picayune are Mississippi State’s 2016 HEADWAE faculty and student honorees. An acronym for Higher Education Appreciation Day-Working for Academic Excellence, the program has been held since 1987. Administered by the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of High Learning, the event annually recognizes individuals on campuses “who have made outstanding contributions in promoting academic excellence.”