Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Faculty members from the Southeastern Conference’s 14 institutions of higher learning convened at Mississippi State last week for an SEC Academic Leadership Development Program workshop. Along with receiving insight from MSU President Mark E. Keenum regarding effective leadership habits, SEC Fellows had the opportunity to work in teams to solve hypothetical scenarios as part of an "In Basket Exercise." Participants included, from left to right, Nancy Buchan, University of South Carolina; Pearl Dove, University of Arkansas; Matthew Theriot, University of Tennessee; Tim Haskew, University of Alabama; Anna Ball, University of Missouri; and Cecilia Giusti, Texas A&M University. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Hudson, Damm recognized by IHL for diversity efforts on campus, in the community
A Mississippi State faculty member and an extension agent were recently honored during the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning’s annual Diversity Awards recognition. The awards recognize campus and community leaders for the impact they have made in advancing diversity and encouraging understanding and respect. MSU’s honorees were Robert Damm, professor of music and director of music education partnerships, and Harvin Hudson, agriculture and natural resources extension agent, who was recognized on behalf of the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.

Pearson, Raven represent MSU at annual state higher ed celebration
A College of Business teaching veteran and computing authority and the current Mississippi State student body leader are the university’s selections for an annual statewide higher education tribute. Professor Rodney A. Pearson of the management and information systems department and senior Roxanne L. “Roxie” Raven of Okemos, Michigan, were among nearly three dozen faculty members and an equal number of students honored last week at the 30th annual HEADWAE luncheon at the Mariott Hotel in downtown Jackson.

Mississippi State marks 139th year with traditional campus party Tuesday
Mississippi State University will celebrate the 139th anniversary of its creation with a birthday party on Tuesday given by the university’s alumni association. “We proudly salute MSU’s founding each and every February, and the annual birthday party is a great time for campus and community to come together and help light another candle for our beloved university,” said Jeff Davis, the association’s executive director. The party, presented by Renasant Bank, begins with the featured cake cutting, and complimentary cake slices, ice cream and drinks will be served while supplies last.

Campus visit schedules updated for MWRRI director finalists
Mississippi State University will host three finalists for director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute over the next several weeks. During their visits, each candidate will deliver a public presentation where they will share their vision for the institute, as well as discuss their leadership style. Interested members of the campus community are invited to attend.

Early bird registration extended for SEC Academic Conference on 'The Future of Water'
Early bird registration for the 2017 SEC Academic Conference on “The Future of Water” has been extended until Tuesday. The conference will take place March 27-28 at Mississippi State University and feature three keynote speakers and more than 60 speakers and panelists representing all 14 SEC institutions. “We want this conference to showcase the best that the SEC institutions have to offer,” MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw said.

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 Mississippi Delta Alternative Spring Break, the MSU Big Event on April 1, MSU Collegiate Leadership Conference, communication partners, Bulldogs on the Move, tutoring, 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, 02/27/17
Men's Golf starts play Monday in the Southwestern Jones Invitational at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, California, and at the Tiger Invitational presented by Jason Dufner in Opelika on Sunday ... Softball is on the road for a Tuesday game at Southeastern Louisiana, and then hosts Alabama State on Thursday at 6 p.m. before hosting the Bulldog Slamboree with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ... Men's Basketball visits Columbia on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. tipoff against South Carolina, and then hosts LSU at 5 p.m. on Saturday ... The SEC Women's Basketball Tournament begins Wednesday in Greenville, South Carolina ... Women's Tennis hosts Auburn at 3 p.m. on Friday and Alabama on Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Baseball visits Oregon this week with games on Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. ... Women's Golf starts play Friday at the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate at Long Cove Golf Club in Hilton Head ... Men's Tennis visits Auburn on Sunday for a 1 p.m. match.

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.

In his ninth year: Keenum shares leadership perspective with SEC Fellows
Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum welcomed faculty members from throughout the Southeastern Conference’s 14 institutions of higher learning last week, sharing leadership lessons from his presidency and previous career roles. The SEC’s Academic Leadership Development Program Fellows convened on campus for a three-day workshop. Each year, the program identifies up-and-coming academic leaders to prepare and advance to key roles within SEC institutions and beyond. MSU has four fellows currently participating in the program.

MEDC recognizes CAVS Extension, FFI, NSPARC for jobs reshoring initiative
Mississippi State’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension is a major honoree of the Mississippi Economic Development Council. The university’s Canton-based office recently accepted the Community Economic Development Award for its work to bring advanced manufacturing jobs back to America. The MEDC recognition specifically cited the “Reshoring Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in Mississippi: Enhancing Skills and Building Competitiveness” program. MSU's Franklin Furniture Institute and National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center were key partners in the three-year project.

National higher ed association honors Taylor
The American Association of Blacks in Higher Education is honoring a newly arrived College of Education faculty member at Mississippi State. Leonard D. Taylor Jr., an assistant professor in the university’s educational leadership department, is receiving the organization’s 2017 Dissertation of the Year Award. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native, Taylor came to Starkville prior to the fall semester after receiving a doctorate from the University of Minnesota in organizational leadership and policy development. He also holds two degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Foshee joins MSU Foundation fundraising team
Stephen Foshee of Starkville begins a new position this month with the Mississippi State University Foundation as assistant athletic director for development. In his new role, Foshee will serve as a liaison between the Bulldog Club and the MSU Foundation as he works to secure major gifts for both organizations. He replaces Michelle McBride, who is now at the University of Pittsburgh. Foshee joins the MSU Foundation from the university’s Bulldog Club, where he has served in athletic fundraising since 2008.