Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

President Mark E. Keenum cuts the cake to celebrate Mississippi State University's 140th birthday last Wednesday [Feb. 28], alongside students, staff, alumni and friends. PHOTO: Russ Houston | Public Affairs

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Gregory Biggs
Gregory Biggs’ joy for serving young people began in 1981 during his time in seminary. Today, he engages this passion through the Mississippi State University Extension Service as a 4-H agent. Biggs supports Madison County 4-H’ers through developing practical leadership, communication, and professional skills. Children ranging from 8 to 18 years old have opportunities to hone in on their specific interests through activities like livestock exhibits, shooting sports, horse shows, robotics, district and state agricultural competitions, and the Mississippi State Fair.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Melissa Montgomery
Melissa Montgomery is determined to make the world a brighter place through service and stewardship. At the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she is known as a philanthropist. Montgomery works alongside the college’s dean, primarily on fundraising projects. She manages the college’s annual giving program, handles gift administration and donor relations, identifies and cultivates donors and coordinates events. Montgomery also crafts and edits press releases and development stories.

Clients offer suggestions to MSU scientists, agents
Agricultural clients met with Mississippi State University personnel to discuss research and education needs during the annual Producer Advisory Council Meeting for the southwest region in late February. Each year, producers and industry professionals come together to share ideas and requests with specialists, researchers and agents with the MSU Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. The meeting is held in conjunction with Alcorn State University’s Extension Program and Hinds Community College.

PCSM now accepting nominations for 2018 MSU Diversity Awards
The President's Commission on the Status of Minorities is accepting nominations for the 2018 MSU Diversity Awards. The annual awards program is designed to recognize individuals and teams of individuals who have demonstrated a significant commitment to enhancing diversity at Mississippi State University or within the community. Nomination packets are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.

Everything Garden Expo returning to Mississippi Horse Park
The Everything Garden Expo, presented by the Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners, will return to the Mississippi Horse Park this month. Jane Loveless, chairman of the two-day event, said almost 60 vendors will be selling plants, tools, garden art and other items. An antique tractor show will be part of the event on the first day. Children’s programs and activities both days will ensure there is something for everyone. Gary Bachman and Jim DelPrince, horticulture specialists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, will conduct programs the first day.

Classics of all kinds highlight MSU Riley Center spring/summer series
Classics will rule the stage as the MSU Riley Center presents its 2018 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series, starting April 14 with a concert by the powerhouse rock band Jefferson Starship. “Each of our performers and productions in the Spring/Summer Series has, in some exceptional way, stood the test of time,” said Dennis Sankovich, the Riley Center’s executive director. “What better fit could we have for our Victorian gem of a theater? It made its grand debut in 1890, regained its youthful vigor in 2006, thanks to a loving restoration, and has since inspired the ongoing revival of Meridian’s historic downtown.”

Maroon Goes Green: Recycling reminders
Mississippi State University currently recycles an average of 60,400 pounds per month. The campus-wide sustainability initiative "Maroon Goes Green" is continuing its efforts to increase recycling awareness and participation among the campus community. Custodial staff members continue to be an integral part of this process and are committed to helping us increase our recycling numbers. To reduce contamination of recyclables, the Office of Sustainability is working to ensure all offices have bins with blue bags for recyclables only and to have convenient trash containers placed in buildings throughout campus.

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, 03/05/18
Baseball hosts New Mexico State on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. (SECN+) and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (SECN+) followed by a home series with Utah Valley State with games set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. (SECN+), Saturday at 1 p.m. (SECN+) and Sunday at 1 p.m. (SECN+) ... Men's Basketball sees the start of the SEC Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri, on Wednesday ... Softball hosts Boston College on Wednesday at 6 p.m. (SECN+), Illinois on Friday at 6 p.m. (SECN+) and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (SECN+), UMass Lowell on Saturday at 4 p.m. (SECN+) and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (SECN+) ... Women's Tennis is on the road Thursday for a 2 p.m. match against Auburn, and then visits Tuscaloosa on Saturday for a match against Alabama at noon ... Men's Tennis hosts Florida at 3 p.m. on Friday and South Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Beginning Friday, Track & Field competes at the NCAA Indoor Championships in College Station, Texas.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
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Keenum elected to board of trustees of Department of Archives and History
Mark E. Keenum, president of Mississippi State University, has been elected to the board of trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The action took place at the regular meeting of the MDAH board of trustees Feb. 15. His nomination will be submitted to the Mississippi State Senate for confirmation. His accomplishments at the university include increasing enrollment, expanding the campus through multiple construction projects, and acquiring the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana -- a vast collection of documents relating to the life and times of President Abraham Lincoln.

Coats, Moore-Henderson recognized by IHL for diversity efforts
Two Mississippi State University faculty members were honored recently during the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning’s annual Diversity Awards ceremony. Linda T. Coats, a professor of educational leadership in MSU’s College of Education, and Brittany S. Moore-Henderson, a community outreach veterinarian for MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, were among campus and community leaders recognized for their impact in advancing diversity and encouraging understanding and respect.

Schaefer named SEC Coach of the Year
A perfect season led to numerous SEC honors for Vic Schaefer and his Mississippi State women's basketball team last week. Schaefer was named SEC Coach of the Year by fellow league coaches and Associated Press after guiding the Bulldogs to their first SEC regular-season title and the first undefeated regular season by a conference team since 1997-98. It is the second time in four seasons Schaefer has garnered SEC Coach of the Year laurels, as he also received the accolades in 2014-15.

Cunetto extending development role to MSU Libraries
A Starkville resident serving since 2012 as College of Education development director is expanding her duties to also help secure major gifts for Mississippi State University Libraries. Patricia A. “Trish” Cunetto, a Columbus native and 1986 MSU elementary education graduate, joined the land-grant institution’s fundraising team following an accomplished classroom career. In making the announcement, MSU Foundation Executive Director Jack McCarty said Cunetto “is extremely qualified for this dual appointment. She has enthusiastically served the College of Education, and she will be a great asset for the university’s libraries.”