Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Administration Thessalia Merivaki, left, a new faculty member from Athens, Greece, meets with her mentor, Associate Professor of Sociology Kimberly Kelly, who also serves as director of the university's Gender Studies program. A recent campus luncheon kicked off a faculty mentor program in the College of Arts and Sciences. The program pairs new faculty with veteran members who can help individuals learn about Mississippi State University and the local community. PHOTO: Robert Lewis | Public Affairs

Kirtane promoted to associate head coach for women’s tennis
After serving as the assistant coach for the Mississippi State women's tennis program for three seasons, Sachin Kirtane has been promoted to associate head coach entering his fourth season with the Bulldog program. "Shaq has played an integral role in our success the past few years," head coach Daryl Greenan said. "I feel fortunate to have him on board and enjoy working with him. We challenge each other and both share the same vision for the future of Bulldog tennis. Our girls benefit from his knowledge and passion for tennis. I appreciate his commitment and feel like he is very deserving of this promotion. It reciprocates our athletic department's commitment to him."

Goodwin named assistant coach for men's tennis
One of the brightest young minds in college tennis and a Southeastern Conference veteran is joining the Mississippi State men's tennis staff, as Andrew Goodwin was named State's new men's tennis assistant coach, MSU head coach Matt Roberts announced last Thursday. Goodwin was named State's new assistant coach after Matt Walters accepted the assistant coaching position at Central Florida. Goodwin comes to Starkville after spending a season as a volunteer assistant at the University of Michigan. In Ann Arbor, he helped guide a squad that finished 23-7 overall and 9-2 in Big Ten play in 2016-17 while the team also finished the campaign ranked 25th nationally.

National Geographic features MSU faculty research
Ecological research by faculty members in Mississippi State University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences is featured in a recent National Geographic article. Titled “How a 3-Ton Mess of Dead Pigs Transformed This Landscape,” the article discusses a mass mortality experiment led by Marcus Lashley, assistant professor of wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture at MSU’s College of Forest Resources. In addition to Lashley, collaborators include MSU biological sciences assistant professors Brandon Barton and Heather Jordan, along with Jeff Tomberlin, associate professor and forensic and investigative sciences program director at Texas A&M University.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation extends support for MSU on the Move
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation continues its support of MSU on the Move with a $359,132 grant to further expand nutrition and exercise programs for a healthier culture at Mississippi State University. Leah Pylate, MSU director of health promotion and wellness, said the grant will fund a fourth phase of the successful initiative. “Each year, MSU on the Move projects have built upon previous accomplishments and expanded in reach and scope,” she said. Pylate said the new grant will support efforts to enhance nutrition and exercise programs both on campus and in the community and will extend to area schools.

Lyceum Series continues Tuesday with Derik Nelson & Family concert
A talented musical family from the Pacific Northwest brings a repertoire of velvet harmonies to Mississippi State next week for the university’s next Lyceum Series event. Derik Nelson & Family will be featured in a concert Tuesday to begin at 7 p.m. in the Bettersworth Auditorium of historic Lee Hall. Performing together since childhood, the trio also includes its namesake’s siblings, Riana and Dalten. General admission tickets are $25 each; $20 for MSU employees and senior citizens; $10 for children and free for MSU students.

New opportunities with the 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 Art in the Park, Boys & Girls Club volunteer orientation, campus voter registration drive, MSU Community Garden, Habitat for Humanity home build, Emerson's Fresh Start Garden, BEST Robotics, hurricane relief efforts, 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.

McGee, Jenkins and Harrington take on new development roles
As its “Infinite Impact” campaign continues, the Mississippi State University Foundation welcomes a new fundraiser for the university’s Division of Student Affairs as two veteran team members take on new roles in athletics and the business college. Casey McGee began her new duties as assistant director of development for the Division of Student Affairs in mid-September. As associate athletic director for development, Rob Jenkins will serve as a liaison between MSU Athletics and the MSU Foundation. Succeeding Jenkins as lead College of Business fundraiser this month is Zack Harrington.

Police Department debuts communications center
The Mississippi State University Police Department now has a state-of-the-art 911 emergency communications center after recent updates to the unit’s headquarters. The communications center was unveiled with a ribbon cutting and open house last Wednesday at MSUPD headquarters in the Butler Williams Building. The updated space will allow MSUPD dispatchers and officers to more effectively respond to 911 calls. “This is a wonderful addition that will enhance the safety and security of the campus family,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “This new dispatch center will allow us to respond much more efficiently and effectively in times of emergency when anyone in the MSU family is in need.”

Benefits open enrollment starts Monday
Benefits open enrollment begins Monday, and will be available for eligible Mississippi State University employees through October 31, 2017. Open enrollment is required only if you are adding new coverage, changing existing coverage, or canceling coverage. If you aren’t adding new coverage, changing existing coverage, or canceling coverage, you do not need to participate in open enrollment and your current benefits will continue into 2018. All online elections must be completed by Oct. 26. Completed application forms must be received by HRM no later than Oct. 31.