Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Peter Ryan (left), associate provost for academic affairs, and Mississippi State's 2015-16 Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program Fellows Greg G. Hall, professor and associate dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design; Linda Cornelious, professor in the instructional systems and workforce development department; Linda W. Morse, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and professor in the counseling and educational psychology department; and Ron McLaughlin, professor and associate dean for administration in the College of Veterinary Medicine recently attended a graduation ceremony for participants during the program's spring workshop, which MSU will host in 2017. Through this academic initiative, the athletic conference works to sponsor, support and promote collaborative higher education programs and activities involving administrators, faculty and students.

Nominations wanted for distinguished staff awards
MSU Staff Council needs your help in nominating outstanding Mississippi State University employees for the 2016 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 in May.

Assistant VP for enrollment forums continue
The search committee for the assistant vice president for enrollment invites all Mississippi State faculty, staff and administrators to attend candidate seminars that continue after spring break in Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium. The two remaining sessions will be livestreamed online, and two sessions are available for replay.

Open forums set for international leadership post
The search committee for the Associate Vice President, International Programs/Executive Director, International Institute position invites interested faculty and staff to attend the remaining candidate seminars taking place this month. Each open forum will take place at 10 a.m. in Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium.

Take advantage of MVC's 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 how to volunteer for the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, information about the Alabama LEADS Conference, the Big Event, the annual volunteer awards banquet, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this spring.

Federal program officers visiting campus
As the research funding environment becomes more competitive, relationships with federal agency program officers are essential. Mississippi State faculty will have the opportunity to meet with two officers from the National Science Foundation next month. In addition to a presentation, each official will be available for one-on-one sessions for researchers who would like to pitch a proposal.

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, privacy and more.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 03/14/16
Women's Basketball on Monday hosts a watch party beginning at 5 p.m. in Humphrey Coliseum where players, coaches and fans will learn its destination for the NCAA tournament, which begins Friday at sites around the country... Baseball hosts Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., Oral Roberts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and then plays Vanderbilt on the road in Nashville with games on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Track & Field competes Friday and Saturday at the Alabama Relays in Tuscaloosa... Women's Tennis hosts South Carolina at 3 p.m. on Friday and Florida on Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Softball hosts Auburn on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. ... Men's Tennis travels to College Station for a 6 p.m. match against Texas A&M on Friday, and then visits Baton Rouge on Sunday for a 1 p.m. match against LSU... Women's Golf starts play in the LSU Tiger Classic in Baton Rouge on Sunday.

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Procurement earns national certification milestone
A Mississippi State department charged with good stewardship of the university’s taxpayer spending is being recognized for meeting and exceeding national professionalism standards in the field. MSU President Mark E. Keenum congratulated Don Buffum, director of procurement and contracts, as well as the entire team. “Our university is truly blessed to have professionals in our procurement operations who are recognized across this state and nation as experts in their field,” Keenum said.

Delta-based researchers see national recognition
Two Mississippi State scientists at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville are being honored by national commodity organizations for outstanding research. Tom Allen and Wayne Ebelhar are, respectively, 2016 soybean and corn researchers of the year. Both received their awards at the 19th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference, Southern Corn and Soybean Conference, Southern Precision Ag Conference and Delta States Irrigation Conference.

MSU Crosby Arboretum wins distinguished award
The Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum in Picayune recently received the Garden Excellence Award from the American Public Gardens Association. “This is a huge honor for the Crosby Arboretum,” said Crosby Arboretum Director Pat Drackett. “It is a testimony to the significance of our master plan developed by the first arboretum director, Ed Blake Jr. Since this year is the 30th anniversary of the arboretum’s public opening in 1986, it is a fitting time to receive this recognition.”

McIntosh named corporate, foundation fundraiser
Rankin County native Alexander W. “Alex” McIntosh is the new leader of fundraising efforts for Mississippi State University’s corporate engagement. An MSU alumnus, he officially began his new role March 1 as director of corporate and foundation relations for the MSU Foundation. In his new role, he will initiate a more unified experience for particular foundations, corporations, organizations and groups in their interactions with the university.