Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

For the 12th consecutive year, the Charles H. Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival is bringing the spirit and sounds of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to Mississippi State University’s Mitchell Memorial Library this week. The 2018 festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the library’s main lobby with the 5th annual Gatsby Gala fashion show featuring 1920s apparel designed by MSU School of Human Sciences fashion design and merchandising students and modeled by MSU Fashion Board members. Learn more at http://library.msstate.edu/festival.

NEH, Mississippi Humanities Council funding workshop on campus this week
Mississippi State University’s Office of Research and Economic Development is welcoming visitors from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Mississippi Humanities Council to the Starkville campus this week. Dan Sack, acting deputy director for the NEH’s Division of Research Programs, will be available to meet one-on-one with researchers and also lead a workshop that will provide an introduction and general overview of NEH programs, special initiatives and funding opportunities.

Tuesday deadline 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 Tuesday.

Cohen slated for Association of Retired Faculty meeting Tuesday afternoon
Mississippi State Director of Athletics John Cohen will be the featured speaker at a Tuesday meeting of the MSU Association of Retired Faculty. Cohen will provide an update on Bulldog sports teams, facilities and coaches. Membership in ARF is open to the university's retired faculty and professional staff. The ARF spring meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in the recently opened Old Main Academic Center

Everything Garden Expo returning to Mississippi Horse Park this weekend
The Everything Garden Expo, presented by the Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners, will return to the Mississippi Horse Park this weekend. 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, 03/19/18
Baseball hosts Alcorn State at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Texas Southern on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and then travels to Columbia for a weekend series against Missouri with games on Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Softball hosts Central Arkansas on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Georgia on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. ... Track & Field hosts the Al Schmidt Bulldog Relays on Friday and Saturday ... Men's Golf starts play Friday at the Bighorn Invitational in Palm Desert, California ... Men's Tennis hosts Vanderbilt at 3 p.m. on Friday and Kentucky on Sunday at 1 p.m. ... Women's Tennis is on the road for matches against Missouri on Friday at 5 p.m. and Arkansas at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

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Locke named leader of Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans
A career military officer with 23 years of active service is the new director of the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans at Mississippi State University. Brian S. Locke, a retired lieutenant colonel who has led the center on an interim basis since early 2017, was named the permanent director last week. The Montgomery Center is based in Nusz Hall, a world-class facility that opened in 2016 and provides 7,500 square feet dedicated to the university’s veteran community.

Smith to lead Advanced Composites Institute
An academic and research leader at Mississippi State is adding a new role to his professional portfolio. Dennis Smith has been named director of the university’s Marvin B. Dow Advanced Composites Institute. He will continue to serve as head of the Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. “We look forward to Dr. Smith’s leadership of this cutting-edge research institute,” said David Shaw, MSU vice president for research and economic development.

Longtime university photographer to give exhibit before retirement
A Mississippi State photographer who has chronicled university life for three decades will showcase his work during an exhibit this month. Russ Houston, who joined MSU in 1988 and plans to retire as photographic services coordinator June 1, will display a selection of his photographs March 19 through April 6 in the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery. A reception will be held in his honor from 2-4 p.m. on April 3 in the Old Main Lounge on the second floor of the Union.

Easley, Hyche elected leaders for prominent research administrator group
Two Mississippi State staff members are taking on regional leadership of a major professional organization. Jennifer B. Easley recently was selected to become president-elect of the Society of Research Administrators International/Southern Section with membership representing 14 states from Virginia to Texas, plus Puerto Rico. Easley currently is serving as president of the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter, and her MSU colleague Stephanie Hyche also has been chosen to serve this year as president-elect of the chapter.