Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State's annual Fan Day featuring the 2017 Bulldog football, soccer, volleyball and golf teams is set for Saturday [Aug. 19], inside the Palmeiro Center. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. with autograph availability running from 4-6 p.m. Fans are asked to enter through the southeast entrance of the Palmeiro Center. There will be an early entry for Maroon Memories at 3:15 p.m. through the Bryce Griffis Boardroom. MSU Athletic Game Management staff will be available to answer questions and review with fans game day, stadium security and access policies for the 2017 football season.

MSU ranked best in state, among top 50 southern colleges in ‘Money’ rankings
Mississippi State University is ranked the best in Mississippi and is among the top 50 best colleges in the region in Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money” 2017 rankings. MSU came in at No. 48 in Money’s “Best Colleges in the South” rankings and was listed as the best college in Mississippi in Money’s ranking of the best colleges in every state. “With the steady enrollment growth we’ve seen recently, it’s clear our students and their families see tremendous value in an education from Mississippi State,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said.

Extension hires marine fisheries specialist
Mississippi State University has hired a new marine fisheries specialist for its Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. Marcus Drymon began his MSU Extension Service appointment Aug. 1. Before coming to MSU, he received his doctorate from the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences, where he also served on the faculty. "Marcus will be a tremendous asset in extending research-based information to both our commercial and recreational fishermen on the Gulf Coast and to fisheries managers working to maintain healthy coastal ecosystems,” said James Henderson, Coastal R&E Center head.

Extension adds three regional registered dietitians
The Mississippi State University Extension Service hired three regional registered dietitians to help in the fight against obesity and chronic disease in Mississippi. Samantha Willcutt, Kaitlin DeWitt and Juaqula Madkin have joined the Extension Office of Nutrition Education. They oversee the Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, or SNAP-Ed, curriculum and delivery in their regions. Willcutt, DeWitt and Madkin work with SNAP-Ed nutrition educators in Extension county offices to help coordinate efforts to teach low-resource families ways to improve their diets, increase physical activity and manage their food resources. Nutrition educators deliver direct instruction in communities and schools.

Harkness honored by international animal-care body
A retired member of Mississippi State’s College of Veterinary Medicine faculty is being honored for a lifetime devoted to specialized animal care. Dr. John E. Harkness is receiving the 2017 Bennett J. Cohen Award. Over his decades on campus, the now-professor emeritus served as the land-grant university’s laboratory animal veterinarian. A major recognition of the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, the Cohen Award is given for exceptional service and significant contributions in the promotion of animal care in research, testing and educational programs.

Anagnost adds two to soccer staff
In preparation for the 2017 season, Mississippi State soccer coach Tom Anagnost announced a pair of additions to his staff last week. Brandon DeNoyer joins the Bulldogs as a volunteer assistant after spending six seasons as the top assistant coach at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., where he helped guide the Saints to the 2015 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title. Anagnost also named former University of Florida soccer player Betsy Middleton as coordinator of soccer operations for the upcoming season. Middleton played one year at the University of Miami (Fla.) before playing the 2014-16 seasons at UF, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology.

Service DAWGS Day kicks off Monday morning
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 Monday's Service DAWGS Day 2017, Boys & Girls Club volunteers, 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.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 08/14/17
Soccer hosts Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m. on Friday and Missouri State on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
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University, Habitat for Humanity partner to build ninth Maroon Edition home
Mississippi State University and Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity officials broke ground Friday on the ninth Maroon Edition home, which will be built this fall by volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and MSU. “A lot of students will come out here and help build this home, giving love to this family and community, but also learning about the importance of service and helping other people,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “That’s what college is about, not only educating young people, but preparing them for their lives and future so they can serve others.”

Fulbright taps Shaw for U.S.-France International Education Administrators Program
Mississippi State’s chief research officer will be taking on a new role this fall: student. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program has selected David Shaw for its prestigious U.S.-France International Education Administrators Program. “I’m honored to have been chosen for this Fulbright exchange program, and look forward to the many opportunities it presents. I’m also proud to represent Mississippi State and be an ambassador for the state of Mississippi during my time in France,” the university’s vice president for research and economic development said.

Chen receives ORAU Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
A Mississippi State University assistant professor of mechanical engineering is among 37 researchers selected to receive a prestigious junior faculty grant from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. Lei Chen has received the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from ORAU for his research on metallic additive manufacturing. The Powe Award provides $5,000 in seed money for research by junior faculty at ORAU member institutions. Chen also will receive a matching $5,000 contribution from MSU.

Walden takes wheel at CAVS; Dennis to lead CAVS Extension
A major research center at Mississippi State University has a new leader. Bagley College of Engineering alumnus Clay Walden is the new executive director of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems at MSU. He succeeds Roger King, who retired in June after a distinguished career with the university. Walden most recently served as director of CAVS Extension in Canton. Glenn Dennis has been named director of that unit.