Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Roses bloom around Mississippi State University's entrance sign adjacent to Highway 12 in Starkville. The sign greets campus visitors, employees and students as they enter the university's main west entrance. PHOTO: Russ Houston | Public Affairs

Deadline for SEC Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program applications Friday
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 this Friday.

Temporary stop signs on Blackjack Road at Wise Center entrance to come down Aug. 1
Stop signs on Blackjack Road at the entrance to Mississippi State’s Wise Center which have been in place through the summer will be removed Aug. 1. The temporary traffic management signs have been part of the south entrance road project, which begins at Poorhouse Road and stretches about 3.5 miles to connect with Blackjack Road at the Stone Boulevard intersection. A section of Stone Boulevard from Blackjack Road south to Wise Center Drive remains temporarily closed. The new corridor for traffic to and from campus is projected to open in late August or September before the start of football season.

Research addresses health in aging adults
Scientists representing universities throughout the country have teamed up for research and outreach to address ways to improve health disparities facing aging adults. The multistate team will present their findings during a special symposium as part of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics this week in San Francisco. “Mississippi State is pleased to join with other universities to improve the health and wellness of midlife and aging adults through research and educational programming. Research has shown that many of the chronic diseases faced by this age group are preventable through diet and/or exercise,” said David Buys, assistant research/extension professor in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

SEC Network takeover coming up Tuesday
Make plans to tune into the SEC Network on Tuesday for 24-hour coverage of Bulldog athletics featuring historic moments, inspiring wins and mind-changing documentaries. It's the third year in a row the SEC Network is previewing all 14 SEC schools during a two-week stretch. A sampling of the segments included are the women's basketball memorable upset against UConn in the Final Four this past April to end the Huskies' 111-game winning streak, the 2016 Egg Bowl victory and the men's 2002 SEC Tournament basketball title.

Volunteers needed for MVNU2MSU
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.

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.

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.

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.

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Mississippi State again named ‘Great College to Work For’ by Chronicle of Higher Education
For the second year in a row, Mississippi State University has earned recognition as a “Great College to Work For” from The Chronicle of Higher Education for receiving top ratings from employees on workforce practices and policies. “Receiving this recognition once again validates the work we’re doing to set Mississippi State apart as a place where people are driven to make a difference,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “We’re creating an environment that gives everyone an opportunity to dream big and set a bold course into the future -- and our faculty, administrators and staff are leading the way.”

Farmers market named for longtime Extension agent
For 33 years, Ruby D. Rankin was the face of the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Kemper County, and her sudden death in early May surprised and saddened the local community. More than 100 people gathered at a building dedication ceremony Monday in the Extension office in Kemper County to honor Rankin's life, service and impact on local individuals, various organizations and the entire community. The Kemper County Board of Supervisors honored Rankin's many accomplishments by naming the local farmers market in her honor. “She was an excellent Extension agent; in fact, she was a model agent,” said Extension Director Gary B. Jackson.

Ruby, Wiseman to lead Association of Retired Faculty
Retired Mississippi State Vice President for Student Affairs Roy H. Ruby was elected 2017-18 president of the MSU Association of Retired Faculty at the organization’s summer meeting last week. Joining Ruby in ARF leadership positions for the coming year are Vice President Marty Wiseman, retired director of the Stennis Institute of Government; Secretary Margo Swain, retired professor of social work; Treasurer Joe Street, retired MSU Extension Service associate director; and Past President Lawrence Croft, retired professor of physics. MSU President Mark E. Keenum presented an annual update to the group.

Musselwhite recognized for campus safety efforts
Mississippi State’s fire prevention and life safety officer is being honored by the professional organization whose members administer and enforce state building and related codes. Alicia F. Musselwhite recently was named 2017 Fire Code Official of the Year by the Building Officials Association of Mississippi. A Florida native and longtime Starkville resident, the MSU alumna was cited for a career that has “contributed immeasurably to the organization and its constitutional precepts.” Her current role is part of MSU’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety, a division of the Office of Research and Economic Development.