Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Carmen Kelly, an administrative assistant for Mississippi State's Office of Research and Economic Development, ascends the stairs toward her office on the third floor of the university's historic Lee Hall. The Mississippi Landmark building has been an integral part of the campus landscape since 1909. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Mission Mississippi leader encourages campus influencers to discuss racial reconciliation efforts
The president of an interdenominational movement promoting racial reconciliation throughout the state was at Mississippi State University last Monday [Jan. 16] when campus and community leaders came together to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. One year ago, Neddie Winters of Jackson-based Mission Mississippi gave a challenging keynote to the MLK Jr. Day Unity Breakfast crowd, but this year, he addressed a much smaller group of leaders who gathered for lunch and discussion of a work-plan during a racial reconciliation forum.

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.

Nominations sought for 2017 MSU Diversity Awards
The President's Commission on the Status of Minorities at Mississippi State is accepting nominations for the 2017 MSU Diversity Awards. The annual awards program is designed to recognize individuals and teams of individuals who have demonstrated a significant commitment to enhancing diversity at the university. Nomination packets are due no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 17.

PCSW now accepting nominations for annual awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 PCSW Awards Program, sponsored by the President's Commission on the Status of Women at Mississippi State. These awards recognize individuals both on and off campus with notable achievements in promoting the status of women, and who are advocates for the well-being, development and advancement of all women of MSU's campuses and surrounding communities. All nominations are due by Feb. 24 at noon.

Nominations wanted for Powe, research awards
The nomination period is now open for Mississippi State University's 2017 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 27 at 11:30 a.m. The awards program is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.

'Out of this World' opens at Mitchell Memorial Library
Eye-catching astronomical and scientific illustrations will be on display Jan. 24-Feb. 28 at Mississippi State’s Mitchell Memorial Library. Free to all, the exhibition in the third-floor John Grisham Room features images by renowned space science artist and educator Edwin Faughn, as well as astrophotographers Fred Howell, Bill Kennedy, Jon Talbot, David Teske and Stephen Winkler.

It's a new year: Why not volunteer?
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 the Frostbite Half Marathon, West Point Animal Shelter, Project CLASS, Columbus Boys & Girls Club, Habitat ReSale Store, reading tutors, 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, 01/23/17
Women's Basketball visits Columbia on Monday for a 6 p.m. tipoff against South Carolina (ESPN2), and then hosts Texas A&M at 3 p.m. on Sunday ... Men's Basketball hosts Missouri at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and then travels to Tuscaloosa for a 5 p.m. game against Alabama (SEC Network) on Saturday ... Track & Field competes Friday and Saturday at the Razorback Invite in Fayetteville ... Men's Tennis opens play in the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Lubbock, Texas, on Saturday at noon against Florida State with another match on Sunday against Iowa or Texas Tech ... Women's Tennis starts play in the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a Saturday match against Syracuse at 1 p.m. with another match on Sunday vs. Michigan or Denver.

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.

Crocker named emergency manager
Brent Crocker has been named Mississippi State University’s emergency manager, filling a new position created to administer the university’s emergency management efforts. As part of MSU’s Division of Student Affairs, the emergency manager reports directly to Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt. The new emergency manager, who formally began his new role Jan. 1, said communication will be key to emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Arts & Sciences celebrating 60th anniversary
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, Mississippi State’s largest and most diverse unit is recognizing an equal number of its very accomplished graduates. Interim Dean Rick Travis has announced a campaign called “Discover Your And,” which refers to the ampersand connecting the distinct general academic fields in its name. The ampersand is used on all of the college’s official documents and promotions. If standing alone, MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences would constitute the state’s fifth largest institution of higher learning.

Higher education, business formalize partnership
Understanding the crucial link between higher education and economic development, the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and the Mississippi Development Authority have worked together for decades to leverage higher education assets to attract business and industry to Mississippi. The two entities formalized this partnership last week. In collaboration with Mississippi’s eight public universities, the Board of Trustees and MDA will showcase Mississippi to companies that will create jobs and invest capital.