Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Associate Dean of Libraries Stephen Cunetto (left to right), Dean of Libraries Frances Coleman, and Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Projects Sarah McCullough are pictured with a new banner commemorating Tennessee Williams. Each month during the academic year the library will unveil a banner featuring one of the Mississippi writers on the Southern Literary Trail. PHOTO: Isa Stratton | MSU Libraries

Grant extends foundation's support of METP to 10 years, $42 million
A new commitment of $28 million from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation marks a total investment of $42.1 million over 10 years into the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program, a collaborative teacher preparation program at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University that provides both scholarships and an honors college-type experience for top students. "The METP is the culmination of hard work that's been done by the leadership of Mississippi's two largest universities -- normally very spirited rivals -- to come together to address a very critical issue for this state, the future quality of K-12 teaching," MSU President Mark E. Keenum said.

Wednesday seminar focuses on industry partnerships
Join the Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State for a "Using Real-World Problems in the Classroom to Grow Industry Partnerships" seminar on Wednesday [Jan. 11] at 2 p.m. in the theater at Bost Extension Center. Kathy Gelston, associate vice president for corporate engagement and economic development, and Reuben Burch, an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, will lead the seminar.

International research in Uganda wins poster award
Two Mississippi State University faculty members recently received the Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference Poster Award for their outstanding poster presented at the 17th Annual Conference of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium in Omaha, Nebraska. College of Business Finance and Economics Professor Meghan Millea and College of Veterinary Medicine Epidemiology Professor Margaret Khaitsa’s poster won “Best Overall Poster Award” for their global research and humanitarian efforts in Eastern Uganda.

African American Studies celebrating 10-year milestone
The African American Studies program is celebrating a decade of service and pride at Mississippi State University. “It’s been really exciting to make an impact on students through our events and programs, and we look forward to furthering the university’s mission of fostering diversity and multiculturalism in the years to come,” said Donald M. Shaffer, MSU associate professor of English and African American Studies.

Justice Court Judge Larnzy Carpenter Jr. to give MLK Jr. Day Unity Breakfast keynote
An Oktibbeha County Justice Court judge and pastor with extensive military and law enforcement experience will be keynote speaker for Mississippi State’s 23rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity Breakfast. The Jan. 16 address by Larnzy L. Carpenter Jr. of First Baptist Church of Longview begins at 9 a.m. in The Mill at MSU Conference Center located at 600 Russell St. in Starkville. The free, public celebration of King’s life and legacy as a Baptist minister, humanitarian and civil rights activist gets underway with an 8 a.m. breakfast.

Starkville-MSU Community Band enters 13th year, seeks musicians
Mississippi State’s band staff again is inviting university students and employees, as well as Golden Triangle residents with previous band experience, to participate in the Starkville-MSU Community Band. Practice sessions will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. each Monday during the spring semester at the MSU Band and Choral Rehearsal Hall, located off Blackjack Road near the southern edge of campus. A $20 registration fee will be accepted at the 6:30 p.m. first rehearsal this Monday.

Registration open for SEC Academic Conference
Registration is open for the 2017 SEC Academic Conference to be hosted by Mississippi State University March 27-28. The new academic event focused on SEC university research collaboration will examine “The Future of Water: Regional Collaboration on Shared Climate, Coastlines, and Watersheds.” For complete conference details, visit www.secconference.msstate.edu.

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, 01/09/17
Men's Basketball travels to Fayetteville on Tuesday for an 8 p.m. tipoff against Arkansas, and then hosts Texas A&M at noon on Saturday ... Women's Basketball hosts Florida at 8 p.m. on Thursday ... Women's Tennis starts play Friday in the TCU Invitational at Fort Worth, Texas ... Track & Field competes Friday and Saturday at the Blazer Invite in Birmingham.

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.

Hui receives prestigious Humboldt fellowship
Mississippi State University Associate Professor of History Alexandra “Alix” Hui will spend three summers in Germany after receiving a Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Scholars, one of the most prestigious academic awards in Germany. Given by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the awards are designed to foster international exchange and networking among scientists and scholars.

Schramm named American Fisheries Society Fellow
A U.S. Geological Survey fisheries research biologist who also teaches at Mississippi State is receiving a major international recognition. Hal Schramm recently was designated a Fellow of the American Fisheries Society in tribute to his four decades of service. Specifically, he was cited for excellence in leadership, research, mentoring, resource management and public outreach.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Donald Carmichael
Donald Carmichael keeps the College of Veterinary Medicine ticking. As coordinator of the college’s ancillary services, he manages the maintenance of buildings and grounds. “This job found me. I just kind of fell into it,” Carmichael said. “I’ve been in construction my whole life, so this job is a natural fit.” Each day is a surprise, which is what he loves most about the job. His duties include everything from making sure light bulbs get replaced to organizing interior construction projects.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Phyllis Parker
Forrest County Extension Office Associate Phyllis Parker enjoys working for an organization where she knows there is genuine care for others. “It’s good to know that you’re employed by an organization that isn’t just concerned with their own success but with the education of the people they serve,” she said. After transferring from East Mississippi Community College and graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Phyllis began working for MSU Extension in 1990. When she took her first position as an office associate in her native Noxubee County, Phyllis was unaware of the opportunities that Extension offers people.