Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Louis Wasson of the Mississippi State University Extension Service prepares to launch an unmanned aerial system quadcopter to shoot video of damage from the April 13 tornado in Hamilton. Extension Service personnel have been assisting in relief efforts, and also conducting agricultural damage assessments and assisting producers who suffered property damage from the storm. Wasson, a senior Extension associate with the MSU Geosystems Research Institute, oversees the UAS flyovers. PHOTO: Linda Breazeale | MSU Extension Service

MSU, ICC sign MOU to support honors students
Students in the Itawamba Community College Honors Program now have a clear pathway to matriculate into the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College at Mississippi State University. Leaders from MSU and ICC convened last week to sign a memorandum of understanding outlining a convenient process for ICC honors students to join the Shackouls Honors College upon transferring to MSU.

Global stakeholders convene to discuss progress on early research by MSU-based Fish Innovation Lab
The international Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish held its first virtual platform meeting for global partners in March when lab leaders, country coordinators, and grant recipients convened to discuss progress and learning outcomes for current research projects. “One of the most rewarding parts of the new Fish Innovation Lab at Mississippi State University has been getting to know outstanding researchers in aquaculture and fisheries in the U.S. and around the world,” said Mark Lawrence, director of the lab and professor at Mississippi State. “This meeting was a great way to get our project started and begin building teamwork.”

Partnership for a Healthier America honors MSU’s commitments to campus well-being
Mississippi State University is passionate about improving the lives of Magnolia State students and residents, and this ongoing commitment recently was honored by the Partnership for a Healthier America. “Over the past several years, Mississippi State has incorporated wellness initiatives including a facilitated outdoor walking program and comprehensive wellness education programs with nutrition and exercise components. We also have made free water available in every academic and recreational building across campus,” said Leah Pylate, director of MSU’s health promotion and wellness department.

Applications sought for Academic Leadership Program
The Office of Research and Economic and Development and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President at Mississippi State will be leading a newly restructured Academic Leadership Program in the upcoming 2019-2020 academic year for faculty who aspire to be administrators. The format of the leadership program consists of two-hour seminar sessions once per month from August to April. A wide variety of topics will be covered by senior leaders at MSU. Applications are due by May 24.

Butler Hall parking lot construction to cause temporary closure
Construction to improve the parking lot adjacent to Butler Hall will cause temporary closures of the lot beginning Monday [April 8] and lasting through Aug. 6. The MSU Office of Planning, Design and Construction Administration is administering a project to replace a retaining wall, curbs and sidewalks in the area. The parking lot also will be milled, overlaid and striped.

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Adjutant General of Mississippi National Guard to deliver spring commencement address
Mississippi State University graduates will hear from Maj. Gen. Janson D. “Durr” Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi’s National Guard, during spring commencement exercises May 2 and 3 at Humphrey Coliseum. Boyles will deliver the graduation address during Thursday’s 3:30 p.m. ceremony and Friday’s 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ceremonies. More than 2,700 students will receive degrees. George H. Bishop and Kenneth D. Johnson also will be honored during commencement, with each receiving honorary Doctor of Public Service degrees in recognition of their lifetime achievements and longtime support of MSU.

Gholson new irrigation specialist
Mississippi State University agricultural leaders looked far and wide to find a new specialist to guide farmers with irrigation concerns. Drew Gholson started April 1 as an assistant professor and the irrigation specialist with the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center and the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer Water Center. He replaces Jason Krutz, who was promoted to lead the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute.

Crudden named Social Worker of the Year
A Mississippi State University social work professor is the 2019 Social Worker of the Year for Mississippi’s chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Adele Crudden received the award at the association’s recent annual conference for exemplifying “the best of the profession’s value and achievements.” “I was very surprised when I learned I had won and, of course, delighted,” she said, “but I share this award with my MSU social work colleagues and the social work students, who inspire and support me.”

Forde delivers Rabideau Lecture
For more than three decades, Professor John E. Forde has inspired thousands of Mississippi State students pursuing degrees and fulfilling careers in communication and related fields. Forde was the featured speaker for this year’s recent Rabideau Lecture on Teaching Excellence and spoke on the value of a college education and the role that educators play in preparing students for their professions.