Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Deputy Director-General for Programmes Daniel Gustafson, left, and MSU President Mark E. Keenum sign memorandums of understanding to create three new programs with FAO offering international internship, fellowship and volunteer opportunities for MSU students, recent graduates and faculty. Keenum and other senior MSU administrators attended meetings at the FAO headquarters in Rome earlier this month, and Keenum delivered a speech about the university’s work to address key challenges of the 21st century.

Don't miss: 'Tips and Tricks to Effectively Convey a Scientific Message' seminar Wednesday
The need for scientists to communicate their research effectively reaches far beyond the bench or the discipline. The Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State University will host a "Tips and Tricks to Effectively Convey a Scientific Message" seminar Wednesday. Jason Organ, an assistant professor of anatomy and cell biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, will lead the seminar.

College of Education opens Virtual Reality Academy and Lab
Mississippi State’s College of Education has opened a new Virtual Reality Academy and Lab, which has state-of-the-art technology beneficial to all university students. MSU leaders officially opened the lab with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Located in the Industrial Education Building on Herbert Street, the lab provides 20 virtual reality stations for use by both students and faculty, as well as for professional development training.

Mississippi State dedicates POW/MIA Chairs of Honor at athletic venues
Mississippi State continues its longstanding tradition of honoring our nation's military service men and women with the unveiling of permanent POW/MIA Chairs of Honor inside Davis Wade Stadium, Humphrey Coliseum and Dudy Noble Field, the Athletic Department announced on Veteran's Day. "Mississippi State has always taken great pride in honoring our veterans and service members," Director of Athletics John Cohen said. "These unoccupied Chairs of Honor at our venues will forever serve in remembrance of those who never returned home. There will always be a place in our venues awaiting their return."

Author of new book on Grant’s Vicksburg campaign to speak at MSU Libraries event
The author of a new book on Ulysses S. Grant’s Vicksburg campaign will hold a presentation and book signing this week at Mississippi State’s Mitchell Memorial Library. Donald L. Miller, a New York Times bestselling author and Pennsylvania-based historian, will discuss “Vicksburg: Grant’s Campaign That Broke the Confederacy” at 5 p.m. on Thursday in the John Grisham Room of Mitchell Memorial Library. The event, sponsored by MSU Libraries and the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, is free and open to the public.

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.

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Numbers show fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth at Mississippi State
Mississippi State is defying the trend of declining student numbers at universities and colleges across the state and nation with its fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth. Official Nov. 1 class enrollment for the state’s leading research university and land-grant institution stands at 22,226, an increase of 252 students over same time in the fall of 2018. Mississippi State remains the No. 1 college choice for Mississippi’s high school graduates with 14,218 Mississippi residents enrolled or 64 percent of the student body.

Mississippi State, Hinds Community College sign MOU for Bachelor of Applied Science program
Mississippi State University and Hinds Community College signed a memorandum of understanding last week to formalize partnership programs for students enrolled in technical education programs. The agreement outlines a pathway for HCC students to complete MSU’s new Bachelor of Applied Science program, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to provide more opportunities in technical education and meet current and future workforce demands.

Gadke named head of Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Foundations
A Mississippi State associate professor of school psychology is the new head of the university’s Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Foundations. For the past year, Daniel Gadke has served as the department’s interim head and began his new role this fall. Focused on expanding the department and creating more student opportunities, he also has research interests in autism spectrum disorder, academic and behavior interventions, and severe and disruptive behaviors in children with developmental disabilities

MSU Extension adds Kenda, Payne as regional registered dietitians
The Mississippi State University Extension Service hired two regional registered dietitians to help in the fight against obesity and chronic disease in Mississippi. Madison Payne and Dottie Kenda have joined the Extension Office of Nutrition Education. In their regions, they oversee curriculums and delivery for the Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, or SNAP-Ed, and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or EFNEP.