Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Robert Wolz, an instructor in MSU's Department of Aerospace Engineering, uses the 3D Organon VR program to view the anatomy of the human body during a workshop designed to explore the uses of mixed reality in the classroom. The event was hosted by MSU's Center for Teaching and Learning in the CAVS Mixed Reality Lab at Mitchell Memorial Library. The Mixed Reality Lab includes two HTC Vive and three Oculus Rift virtual reality devices, as well as three Hololens augmented reality devices. PHOTO: Logan Kirkland | Public Affairs

SMART Business Act reminder from ORED
The Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State reminds eligible businesses of the Strengthening Mississippi Academic Research Through Business Act. The SMART Business Act was adopted by the Legislature in 2013 to stimulate private investment in research and development through partnerships with Mississippi Public Universities, develop the competitiveness of Mississippi companies, and improve the state's economy. The program is managed by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

Aquila Theatre brings ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to life for Lyceum Series
Aquila Theatre is kicking off Mississippi State’s 2019 Lyceum Series lineup on Feb. 5 with a 7 p.m. performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved and witty comedies. In Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium, audience members of all ages will witness Aquila Theatre’s signature physical theatre style of expressive movement, combined with music, song and some of today’s most accomplished Shakespearean acting. Full of memorable characters including Puck, Oberon, Hermia and Nick Bottom, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a “play within a play” that deals with the universal theme of love.

Nominations for Irvin Atly Jefcoat, Wes Ammon academic advising awards now open
The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President at Mississippi State is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Irvin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Advising Awards and the 2019 Wes Ammon Outstanding New Advisor Awards. The Jefcoat and Ammon awards honor both a full-time MSU faculty adviser and a full-time staff adviser for contributions to student advising. Interested faculty and staff must submit an application in PDF form to Nancy Fultz at nfultz@provost.msstate.edu. The deadline to submit nominations for both awards is 5 p.m. on Monday, April 1.

Art department kicks off new year with 'Confluence'
A retired educator with more than five decades of photographic experience is sharing his recent work with students, faculty, staff and visitors in a new exhibition at Mississippi State. Internationally recognized artist Jerry N. Uelsmann is presenting 58 photographs from his portfolio in “Confluence,” an exhibition on display through March 1 at the university’s Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery. A public reception takes place Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery. Refreshments will be served.

Anti-spam environment gets upgrade
On Friday [Jan. 25], Mississippi State's anti-spam environment upgraded to Microsoft's advanced anti-spam solution. This is the first step in moving the university's email environment to Office 365. Students, faculty and staff will notice several changes to email delivery. If you have any questions, please contact the ITS Service Desk at (662) 325-0631 or servicedesk@msstate.edu, or contact IT Desktop Support personnel.

Construction area near Allen Hall causes temporary closure on west side
To allow a contractor to complete sidewalk and parking lot construction in the area, a portion of sidewalk and parking spaces on the west side of Allen Hall will close temporarily. Please use entrances on the east, north and south sides of Allen Hall through Jan. 30. For questions or more information, please contact the Facilities Management Service Desk at (662) 325-2005.

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Williams to keynote 2019 Diversity Conference
One of the world’s foremost authorities on diversity, equity and inclusion is the featured speaker for Mississippi State University’s 2019 Diversity Conference set for Thursday and Friday at The Mill at MSU in Starkville. Damon A. Williams, one of the nation’s recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility, educational achievement, social impact and organizational change, is this year’s keynote speaker. With the theme “Our Voices-When Diversity Matters,” the event will address ways to use one’s voice to create an environment of inclusiveness in higher education.

University a finalist in national voting campaign to house Camp Kesem chapter
Mississippi State University is participating in a national voting campaign that would give the university a chapter of Camp Kesem this fall. As part of Camp Kesem’s “Chapter Expansion Campaign,” students, faculty, staff and the general public will be able to vote once daily from Jan. 28-Feb. 1 at http://vote.campkesem.org. Up to six new Camp Kesem chapters will be selected from the 13 finalists. Winners will be announced Feb. 6. “The demand for more Camp Kesem chapters nationally is phenomenal,” said Susan Brooks, business manager for MSU’s Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President and chair of MSU’s Staff Council.

Partnerships give opportunities at archeological ‘ground zero’ for understanding human life
Mississippi State is developing new partnerships with the Moroccan institute that oversees one of the world’s most important archeological sites, creating potential opportunities for MSU students and researchers in the African nation. During a recent trip to Morocco, faculty from MSU’s Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures met with leaders of the Institut National des Sciences de l'Archéologie et du Patrimoine to discuss collaborations in archeology. INSAP is currently in charge of the Jebel Irhoud site, where in 2017, archeologists discovered the world’s oldest known homo sapien remains.

Shaw to discuss 'Targets for Strategic Investment: What Does This Mean For Your Research?'
From government agencies to private foundations, the funding environment for research and creative discovery has never been more competitive. It’s no longer business as usual for anyone writing a funding proposal. To adapt to these changes at the institutional level, Mississippi State's Office of Research and Economic Development recently completed a comprehensive analysis of the university’s research portfolio to develop new targets for strategic investment. On Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium, Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw will discuss this process.