Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The bell in front of MSU's Chapel of Memories originally was installed in 1880 and renovated in 1939. After a 1960s windstorm damaged the bell, it was replaced with a replica, which still serves as an iconic landmark near Hull Hall and the Chapel of Memories. MSU's campus welcomes students back as classes for the spring 2019 semester begin on Monday, January 7th. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Kimberly Johnson
Attention to detail and a passion for learning new things have made pathohistology a perfect career for Kim Johnson. Histotechnologists perform the numerous steps required to prepare tissue samples for examination and diagnosis by a pathologist. Her work is very technical and precise. “A lot rides on what we do,” she explains. “In both human and animal medicine, everyone wants results as soon as possible, but most people don’t understand how much time it takes to prepare the tissue samples for reading.”

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Travis Childress
Originally from Mason, Tennessee, Travis Childress and his family moved to Starkville three years ago for him to assume the position of Facility Operations Coordinator at the Mississippi Horse Park. He and his two technicians are responsible for maintaining the facility including equipment, grounds, barns, arenas and roads. “The Horse Park is heavily used each year and had 145 days of activities in 2018,” Travis said. “My crew is responsible for the setup and breakdown of all of these events. I try to go above and beyond expectations to accommodate the needs of producers and attendees. I want everyone who walks through the gates to feel welcome.”

MSU Dining Services updating old favorites, offering new ways to ‘Feed the Dawg Inside’
OLILO, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant offering exclusive, signature recipes developed by Jackson native and global restaurateur Cat Cora, is among the new dining locations opening this spring on Mississippi State’s Starkville campus. State Fountain Bakery, a decades-old tradition featuring a wide selection of freshly made cakes, pies, cookies, donuts, breads and MSU ice cream flavors, will continue its legacy in an updated space beside the Starbucks location inside the Union. “These initiatives from MSU Dining are a direct result of student feedback and emphasize the importance of offering new and innovative approaches to healthy and convenient food choices,” said MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt.

MSU, Habitat for Humanity dedicate 10th Maroon Edition home
As a decade-long tradition continues, a local mother has a new home for starting her own holiday traditions, thanks to a partnership between Mississippi State University and Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity. The 10th Maroon Edition home, dedicated Dec. 17, has had volunteers from MSU and Habitat for Humanity building a new living space for Lou’Quan Lucious and her three children. “This is more than community service -- it is meaningful engagement,” MSU Interim Director of Student Leadership and Community Engagement Meggan Franks said. “It allows the students to learn about the community they will be in for four or more years, to build relationships with people they might otherwise not meet as a student, and to develop skills that they can use to help lead the communities of tomorrow.”

Don't miss seminar: 'The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet'
Join the Office of Research and Economic Development this week for "The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet," a seminar led by Jeff Kosseff. Join the Office of Research and Economic Development this week for "The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet," a seminar examining the remarkable influence of Section 230 led by Jeff Kosseff. The assistant professor of cyber science at the United States Naval Academy will visit Mississippi State on Friday [Jan. 11] to discuss his forthcoming book about Section 230's history, impacts on society, equities and future during a presentation from 11 a.m. to noon in Colvard Student Union's Foster Ballroom, Section U.

Communication department raises over $5,000 for scholarships
The Lora J. DeFore Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund at Mississippi State is growing by more than $5,000 from funds recently raised at the communication department’s annual golf tournament. In its 12th year, the scholarship fund supports summer internship positions for communication majors, aiding with living and travel expenses. To date, more than 25 scholarships have been awarded. Twenty-one teams participated in the tournament, which honors Lora DeFore, a member of the communication faculty for nearly two decades, who died in 2009 following a battle with cancer. DeFore coordinated both the department’s public relations concentration and internship program.

Agriculture industry holds steady despite lower row crop values
Agriculture was a $7.7 billion industry in Mississippi this year, exceeding the total set in 2017 despite declines in the estimated value of row crops, timber, catfish and livestock. The state's largest agricultural commodity, poultry, is responsible for pushing the overall value above $7.5 billion for the second straight year, bringing in nearly $3 billion by itself. "The strong poultry numbers made up for some lower production values in other commodities," said Josh Maples, an agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Starkville-MSU Community Band enters 16th year, seeks musicians
Mississippi State’s band staff again is inviting university students and employees, as well as Golden Triangle residents with previous band experience, to participate in the Starkville-MSU Community Band. Practice sessions will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. each Monday during the spring semester at the MSU Band and Choral Rehearsal Hall, located at 72 Hardy Road on the Starkville campus. A $20 participation fee is required, which can be paid at the first meeting of the semester on Monday. No pre-registration is required. The band’s diverse repertoire includes traditional marches, patriotic selections and “pops” arrangements.

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resource for Mississippi State University employees.

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Carnegie classification: Mississippi State recognized as one of nation’s top research universities
A new review of U.S. higher education further affirms Mississippi State’s status as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. The Carnegie Foundation released an update in mid-December of the influential Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and MSU is designated as a “Very High Research Activity” doctoral university. “Carnegie’s very high research classification speaks directly to the commitment of our outstanding faculty and staff, as well as our undergraduate and graduate students, who are engaged in transformational research and creative discovery. This recognition is truly a university-wide achievement,” President Mark E. Keenum said.

17 graduate from Leadership Excellence for Accomplished Professionals program
Seventeen Mississippi State staff members are new graduates of the university’s Leadership Excellence for Accomplished Professionals program for 2018. LEAP’s goals and purpose include the advancement of knowledge, enhancement of leadership skills, and direct practical work application for selected employees. During the four-month program, participants met with campus and community leaders to explore and develop their leadership skills in many areas and to more effectively lead MSU’s efforts. Mississippi State Chief Human Resources Officer Judy Spencer delivered the keynote address during the recent graduation reception at MSU’s Hunter Henry Center.

Miller receives regional archaeology honor
An assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures has received a prestigious award for excellence in southeastern archaeology and associated studies. Prehistoric archaeologist Shane Miller, an MSU College of Arts and Sciences faculty member since 2014, is the 2018 recipient of the C.B. Moore Award. Hsain Ilahiane, professor and head of MSU’s Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, said this prestigious award underscores Miller’s “excellent scholarly contributions through applied archaeology, publications and service to the discipline.”

Anthony takes command of National Guard battalion serving in Kuwait
A Mississippi State College of Education faculty member is taking new leadership responsibilities with the Mississippi National Guard as he serves in Kuwait with the 2nd Battalion, 198th Armored Regiment. Maj. Kenneth V. Anthony assumed duties as battalion commander during a change of command ceremony last week. In addition to serving in the Senatobia-based battalion, Anthony is an MSU associate professor of curriculum, instruction and special education, with research interests in rural education, preservice teachers’ knowledge and ability to teach social studies disciplines using primary sources in the classroom, and homeschooling.