Mississippi State’s newest John Grisham Master Teacher encouraged faculty to embrace paradox in the classroom during a lecture at Mitchell Memorial Library last week. Professor of English Michael Kardos gave the annual John Grisham Master Teacher Lecture, sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning. Kardos is co-director of MSU’s creative writing program and has written several fiction works and a textbook on writing fiction. “By studying creative writing and literature, I tell students that they are developing the skills they need to write effectively and persuasively, no matter what their eventual careers end up being,” Kardos said. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
Babel Street moves its innovation center into MSU RTC's new building in downtown Starkville
Babel Street, Inc., the world's data-to-knowledge company, last week announced the opening of its new innovation center in the top two floors of 301 East Main Street in Starkville, to support the expansion of its technical development team. Babel Street will join the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation in its newly acquired property downtown, fostering its close association with the university.
Race in America lecture series begins Oct. 1
Mississippi State University’s fifth annual interdisciplinary lecture series -- Race in America -- kicks off Oct. 1 with a keynote lecture from alumnus Deadric T. Williams. “Over the past five years, we have had the honor of hosting at MSU more than 20 race scholars from across the country,” said event chair Margaret Hagerman, an MSU assistant professor of sociology. “This year, we are really excited to first host Dr. Williams.”
Applications sought for teaching excellence awards
Mississippi State University faculty who are interested in submitting applications for the 2020 Grisham Master Teacher Award, the Alumni Association Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award or the Alumni Association Graduate and/or Professional Teaching Excellence Award have until Oct. 15 to do so. All current full-time faculty members at MSU with the required years of service, regardless of rank, are eligible to apply for these awards.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy.
Deadlines for research faculty promotion requests
The Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State is reminding university departments to refer to MSU operating policy 56.06 regarding research, extension and clinical faculty positions. University deadlines are listed below, but departments, centers or colleges may issue earlier dates to complete the promotion process in a timely manner.
Policy addresses employee political activity
With political campaigning for local and statewide races currently underway, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several guidelines that employees of the university should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. The Office of General Counsel encourages each employee to review this policy in its entirety to make certain you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities.
The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.
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Jim Laird.
