Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

MSU President Mark E. Keenum introduces Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves during the keynote luncheon of the inaugural "Mississippi - A Data Driven State" summit held at The Mill at MSU last Friday. The event brought together leaders from across the state to discuss the important role data plays in informing government, business and education decisions. PHOTO: Russ Houston | Public Affairs

Howland inducted into Northern Arizona Hall of Fame
After taking Northern Arizona to incredible heights in his first head coaching stint, Mississippi State basketball head coach Ben Howland was inducted into the Lumberjack's Hall of Fame earlier this month. "Kim, Meredith, Adam and I really enjoyed our time in Flagstaff and had a great experience at Northern Arizona," said Howland, who was 79-59 at NAU. "We were able to do some special things there that had never been done before. It was a great experience in my coaching career that helped me get where I am today."

NSPARC summit showcases state as leader in data
Leaders in state government, education and economic development showcased the importance of reliable data during the inaugural "Mississippi – A Data Driven State" summit, held last week at Mississippi State. “It is imperative that we continue to get the best data possible” Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said during the summit’s keynote address at The Mill at MSU. “We can only make the best decisions possible to make Mississippi a better place if we are getting the best information.”

High-powered panel to discuss science of learning
A public forum examining the implications of research on the cognitive psychological science and neuroscience of learning and instruction will be held this week at Mississippi State. Six internationally recognized researchers will be featured at the free university event taking place 9 a.m.-noon Friday in the Colvard Student Union’s Foster Ballrooms S and U.

Safe Zone awareness training Monday evening
Mississippi State University's Safe Zone Advisory Board encourages students, faculty and staff members who have not previously attended to register now for the Safe Zone LGBTQ Ally Training on Monday from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Leo W. Seal M-Club. Safe Zone Allies, who have completed awareness training, are any individuals committed to providing and maintaining a safe and supportive campus environment.

'Fame - The Musical' dances into Riley Center
“Fame - The Musical” will bring youthful exuberance and a whole lot of singing and dancing to the MSU Riley Center Friday at 7:30 p.m. Like the 1980 movie “Fame” that inspired it, this musical adaptation follows a diverse group of talented teenagers through four years of love, heartbreak, disappointment and triumph at New York’s elite High School of the Performing Arts.

Theatre MSU announces 2016-17 season lineup
Theatre MSU is opening its 53rd season Saturday at 2 p.m. with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” children’s show on the university’s McComas Hall main stage. “‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ is a story that so many people adore. Its messages of hope, honor and the fight between good and evil are ideas that connect with so many people regardless of age,” said director Cody Stockstill.

T.K. Martin Center to host 'Super Fun Run' Friday
Individuals of all ages are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero and participate in the T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability’s ‘Super Fun Run’ Friday at Mississippi State. “This fun run event is something we look forward to each year,” said Janie Cirlot-New, the center’s director. “We are constantly amazed at the outpouring of support from campus organizations and the Starkville community.”

Study abroad fair coming up next week
The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) at Mississippi State will host a Fall Study Abroad Fair on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union, first floor, in front of the Dawg House. Faculty directors and OSA staff will be there to answer questions about upcoming study abroad programs around the world

New opportunities with Maroon Volunteer Center
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 MSU on the Move, Student Career Expo, Maroon Edition: Global Village Experience, Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, T.K. Martin Center Super Fun Run, Pumpkinpalooza, and more.

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, 09/26/16
Men's Golf starts play Monday in the Cincinnati Intercollegiate on Monday ... Soccer hosts Alabama at 7 p.m. on Friday ... Volleyball hosts Auburn on Friday at 7 p.m. ... Softball hosts Chipola College on Saturday with games at noon and 2:30 p.m. and Southern Union State Community College at 3 p.m. on Sunday ... Men's Tennis begins play Saturday at the ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa ... Women's Tennis starts play in the ITA All-American Championships in Los Angeles on Saturday ... Women's Golf opens play on Sunday at the Cougar Classic in Hanahan, South Carolina.

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University selected for national leadership program
Mississippi State is one of nearly 100 institutions selected to participate in the 2016-17 NASPA Lead Initiative Institution -- a nationwide student affairs initiative promoting civic learning and democratic engagement, furthering the university’s reputation as a leader in community engagement. “We are delighted to be included in the NASPA Lead Initiative which recognizes the commitment MSU makes to community engagement and volunteerism,” MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Young Hyatt said.

Lee, White awarded NSF grant to encourage women in computing
A $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will allow researchers from Mississippi State University to encourage young women to enter science-based computing fields. A proposal submitted by MSU Computer Science and Engineering Assistant Clinical Professor Sarah Lee and Bagley College of Engineering Director of Educational Outreach and Support Programs Vemitra White is one of 37 projects funded through the NSF’s first INCLUDES awards, which are aimed at improving access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields for underserved populations.

Hall chosen for major ‘happiness, well-being’ study
A Mississippi State faculty member is part of a three-year international investigation into the variables that affect human happiness and well-being. Assistant Professor Alicia Hall of the university’s Department of Philosophy and Religion recently was selected for the $5.1 million interdisciplinary research project. As part of this project, Hall’s research focuses on finding a pragmatic approach to measuring the impact of well-being specifically in health care and public policy.

Vahedifard expands focus on disaster avoidance
A letter in Science magazine from a Mississippi State faculty member points to recent Louisiana flooding as an example of how compound hazards can lead to disaster and calls for research to better prepare for future climatic events. Farshid Vahedifard, an MSU Bagley College of Engineering assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, penned the letter published in last week’s issue of Science, along with civil and environmental engineering colleagues Amir AghaKouchak and Navid H. Jafari from University of California, Irvine, and Louisiana State University, respectively.