Emily Fortney, a staff psychologist with Mississippi State Student Counseling Services, joins others in a recent yoga session on the Drill Field. The event was part of MSU on the Move, an intiative to promote healthy lifestyles among the campus community. PHOTO: Logan Kirkland | Public Affairs
Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures welcomes new department head
An anthropology professor with a research focus on the Middle East and North Africa is the new leader of Mississippi State’s Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures. Hsain Ilahiane joined MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences as AMEC’s department head in July. A native of Morocco, Ilahiane said he plans to build on the existing strengths of the department and “establish links with North African and Middle Eastern universities as well as other Global South institutions.”
Lee promoted to associate dean for public services
An alumna with 25 years of service at Mississippi State has been named the university library system’s associate dean for public services. Deborah O. Lee, who holds a Master of Science and doctorate in business administration from MSU, is enjoying her new role in the University Libraries’ public services division. She is responsible for overseeing Research Services, the College of Architecture, Art and Design Library, two branch libraries at MSU-Meridian, and a library that serves the School of Architecture’s Fifth-Year Program in Jackson.
Architecture adds Callender as associate director
Mississippi State’s School of Architecture Fifth-Year Program Director Jassen Callender has taken on additional university leadership duties as the school’s permanent associate director. “The School of Architecture has long established itself as a leader in the field, and the appointment of Jassen Callender as the associate director will provide an excellent support to the school moving forward,” said College of Architecture, Art and Design Dean Angi Elsea Bourgeois. “Jassen’s expertise will be an asset to both our faculty and students.”
Ford now leading building construction science program
A longtime educator and licensed professional engineer is the new director of Mississippi State University’s Building Construction Science program. George D. Ford comes to the state’s leading university after serving 14 years in the construction management program and the College of Engineering and Technology at Western Carolina University in North Carolina, where he earned a doctorate in educational leadership.
Brocato named Fellow of ASEE
John Brocato, the program coordinator for the Shackouls Technical Communication program in the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State, was recently named a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education. ASEE Fellows are recognized for their outstanding contributions to engineering or engineering technology education. Additionally, to be selected as an ASEE Fellow, an educator must have been an active member of ASEE for at least 10 years. He was one of just 11 engineering educators from the across the country to be selected as a 2018 ASEE Fellow.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Callie McKey
Callie McKey works for Extension by helping people find the information they need. Her sense of responsibility and organizational skills keep the Pike County office running. She enjoys seeing the smiles on people's faces as she aids them through their day. She does this by answering phones, signing up clients for certain events, receiving soil samples, performing computer work, and setting up the interactive video system for Quick Bites programs offered through Extension. She enjoys what she does every day, and she reminisces about when she got to host a spring break camp for 4-H'ers.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Pamela S. Redwine
Pamela Redwine has an affinity for interacting with people to help them learn new, interesting information about important life skills. So, it would seem very natural for her to excel in her career of working with people simply to help them improve their quality of life. Pamela aids people by planning, presenting and evaluating programs in Family & Consumer Science. She teaches various programs such as Walk-A-Weigh, and the Healthy Homes Initiative. She also offers child care trainings for early care and education providers. She leads a 4-H Science Club, Sewing Club, Crochet Club, Arts and Crafts Club, and oversees a Master Chef’s School for young people.
Ricketts promoted to softball associate head coach
After revamping Mississippi State softball into one of the top slugging programs in the Southeastern Conference, Samantha Ricketts has been elevated to associate head coach as announced by head coach Vann Stuedeman last week. "I am very thankful for this opportunity and to John Cohen for his continued support of Mississippi State softball," Ricketts said. During the 2018 campaign, she helped the Bulldogs to their 14th overall NCAA Regional appearance as MSU captured a 38-23 overall record. State closed the 2018 season ranked No. 23 in the final USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll.
Staff Council hosting 'Get the Scoop!' on Thursday
Mississippi State staff members are invited to stop by and meet representatives of the university's Staff Council on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble at MSU. Free MSU ice cream and Starbucks coffee will be available. Attendees will have the chance to win door prizes and will receive a coupon good for 25 percent off of one item at the bookstore.
New faculty orientation, welcome reception, teaching academy, Canvas training set
Mississippi State University is announcing a variety of programs to officially welcome new faculty to the Bulldog family this fall. The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President is sponsoring an Aug. 14 orientation program at The Mill at MSU in Starkville. MSU President Mark E. Keenum and First Lady Rhonda Keenum also are hosting a welcome reception at The Mill for new faculty and their spouses or significant others. MSU's Center for Teaching and Learning also is offering a New Faculty Teaching Academy on Aug. 15 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the third-floor John Grisham Room at Mitchell Memorial Library. The program is intended for new faculty who will begin teaching in the fall or spring semesters.
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