Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

MSU Office of Public Affairs staff members tour the newly constructed Old Main Academic Center, which is set to open for the fall semester. The 150,000-square-foot building will serve approximately 11,000 students on the busiest class days. Built in the same style as the famed Old Main dormitory, the new facility contains a 60,000-square-foot parking garage. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: David Howell
As an engineer for the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, David Howell uses his leadership and management skills to ensure projects are successful. “My main responsibility is serving as project manager for construction projects within the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine,” David said. “On a typical work day, I may be communicating with architects, engineers and contractors to resolve design or construction issues.”

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Clinton Neely
Faculty and staff at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine rely on custodian Clinton Neely to see that the facilities are clean and in good condition. “On a daily basis, I’m responsible for the upkeep of the building and any waxing services that need to be completed,” he said. That work ethic carries over into his duties as trustee at Sixteenth Section Missionary Baptist Church and Life Center, where he assists with events and building maintenance.

Edwards-Henry boosts All-Steinway Initiative efforts
A veteran Mississippi State music education professor is making an impactful contribution to the Department of Music’s All-Steinway Initiative in honor of her late parents William E. Edwards Jr. and Martha Edwards, as well as in memory of her late husband William P. “Bill” Henry. Recently celebrating her 26th year as a faculty member, Jackie Edwards-Henry is gifting the project with $165,000 for a new Steinway Model “D” 9-foot concert grand piano. Her beloved husband also served 25 years as a professor for MSU’s Department of Chemistry.

Three MSU Taido Karate Club members earn promotions at camp
More than 400 Taido karate students from around the nation converged on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for an intense, two-day summer workshop in June. The event culminated in skill tests and belt promotions with three Taido karate students at Mississippi State -- Laura Terry, Tony Garcia and Ronald E. Cossman -- earning significant promotions as a result of training provided by the club’s sensei (instructor), Shelley Keith.

Coker finds her calling in horticulture
For 16 years, Christine Coker has been doing what she loves: putting food on people's tables. As an associate Extension and research professor, she manages the Mississippi State University Beaumont Horticultural Unit -- one of five Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station units in the southeastern region of the state. The 20-acre research station in Perry County serves as a testing and display area for fruits, vegetables and ornamentals suitable for urban gardeners.

Alumni chapters, clubs 'send off' newest Bulldogs
It’s send-off time again for incoming Bulldog freshmen and transfer students entering Mississippi State University. Chapters and clubs of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association will host more than 60 send-off events from July 12 through August 8. “Send-off parties help encourage enthusiasm and school spirit for our incoming students, and we continue to have tremendous support from our chapters for this nationwide celebration,” said Jeff Davis, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association. “It is the perfect opportunity for our alumni and friends to usher in our newest students to our forever-Bulldog family.”

Watch: Dudy Noble Field construction online
With construction underway on the new Dudy Noble Field, fans can view the progress of the $55-million facility project through either of the two live cameras that take photos every 10 minutes. There is a home-plate view of the project from outside Dudy Noble, along with an additional angle that looks into Dudy Noble from beyond the right field wall. The main entrance at home plate, right field entry plaza, lower level of the main grandstand, grass berms on first and third base sides, and the Left Field Lounge are all expected to be completed for the 2018 season. Mississippi State expects to release a seating plan for the 2018 season later this summer.

Mississippi, Alabama research administrators coming to campus in July
The Society of Research Administrators International Alabama-Mississippi Chapter will hold its annual meeting at Mississippi State University this summer. With a theme of "Research United," the newly expanded chapter will meet on the Starkville campus on July 21, and registration is now open.

Variety defines upcoming MSU Lyceum Series
A nostalgic trip down Abbey Road will open Mississippi State’s 2017-18 Lyceum Series. The university’s long-running performing arts program launches Sept. 12 with a concert titled “Cellophane Flowers: A Beatles Tribute.” “MSU’s Performing Arts Committee worked very hard this year to bring a variety of productions that will enhance the cultural opportunities available to the MSU and Starkville communities,” said Stephen Cunetto, committee chair and associate dean of MSU Libraries.

Volunteers needed for MVNU2MSU in August
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 registration for Service DAWGS Day 2017, MVNU2MSU, Back 2 School Bash, Boys & Girls Club summer garden, information about becoming a mentor to at-risk young people, reading tutors, communication partners, Habitat for Humanity home build, 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.

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.

Nadorff earns major honor from Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine
A faculty member in Mississippi State’s Department of Psychology has been recognized nationally for significant contributions to the field of behavioral sleep medicine. Michael R. Nadorff, an assistant professor of psychology who oversees the university’s Sleep, Suicide and Aging Laboratory, is a 2017 recipient of the Art Spielman Early Career Distinguished Achievement Award from the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. He officially accepted the award during the annual SLEEP meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. His trip to was made possible in part by a travel grant from the university’s Office of Research and Economic Development.

Abercrumbie to attend NCAA Leadership Institute
Mississippi State Assistant Athletic Director for Life Skills and Community Engagement JP Abercrumbie has been selected to participate in the 2017 NCAA Leadership Institute. Nineteen minority female administrators from around the country will join Abercrumbie for the gathering this week in Tampa, Florida. The program offers an opportunity to gain insight into every facet of an athletics department, preparing them to become well-rounded leaders who are equipped with the tools an effective athletics administrator needs.

Computer-Based Testing Services gains national testing stamp of approval
The department at Mississippi State responsible for administering standardized examinations and professional certifications now holds official certification from the National College Testing Association. Computer-Based Testing Services was added recently to the growing list of association-approved accommodations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Part of the university’s Division of Student Affairs, the department is located at Rice Hall. In addition to enrolled MSU students, it serves all others making plans to pursue a higher education at any school.

Deadline for SEC Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program applications July 28
The Southeastern Conference Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program is intended to enhance faculty collaboration that stimulates scholarly initiatives between SEC universities. Mississippi State can select a maximum of eight faculty members to receive 2017-2018 travel grants of $1,250 each for transportation, room, board, etc., to use for travel to another SEC campus. Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on July 28.