MSU Libraries faculty and staff, including Debra Fairbrother, administrative assistant to the dean, are making masks for campus and community healthcare workers. Through Mitchell Memorial Library’s Makerspace, personnel are also making mask extenders for those who must wear them for long time periods. If you're interested in joining the library’s sewing team, please contact Associate Dean Stephen Cunetto at scunetto@library.msstate.edu.
Bethel elected to Computing Research Association's board of directors
Cindy Bethel, a professor in Mississippi State University's Department of Computer Science and Engineering, has been elected to serve on the board of directors of the Computing Research Association. “I am excited to participate with this organization and helping to have an impact on computing research and policies at the national level,” Bethel said. “I have been involved as a participant in programs sponsored by the Computing Research Association since I was a graduate student and it is an honor to be able to be involved and give back to this wonderful organization.”
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Lin Newell
Lin Newell works as a technician at Mississippi State University with the College of Veterinary Medicine. His department is responsible for the day to day maintenance operations of the CVM to insure and provide the best learning environment. “We do what we do so we can produce the best veterinarians possible,” he said. His favorite aspect of the job is being able to interact with the students.
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Graham Oakley
Not everyone gets to pursue a career in something they love, but early on in his experience as an MSU Bulldog, Graham Oakley found his path. Graham has worked as an Extension associate in the soybean research program for 5 years. He oversees different activities associated with research including equipment maintenance, planting, spraying, data collection, and data analysis and presentation. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
Historical, medical perspective of COVID-19 offered online by university's Institute for the Humanities
A Mississippi State University faculty member specializing in the history of medicine will present her perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic next week in a virtual format open for public interaction. A scholar of the history of 19th-century American medicine, medical humanities, and the history of the mind and body, Courtney Thompson, an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of History, will present “Understanding ‘the Pandemic’” on Wednesday [April 15] at 2 p.m. on the university’s Institute for the Humanities Facebook page. Thompson will discuss how historians of medicine think about disease and epidemics/pandemics, and “what lessons we can draw from the past about the current crisis.”
University to host spring commencement online with December option available
Spring commencement is moving online this year for Mississippi State students, a decision made last week by the university so that graduates can get recognition for their hard work. “Many of our graduating students have expressed that some type of recognition is important. As we have all experienced over the past couple of months, engagement through technology gives us a chance to come together and give these graduates kudos for not only their accomplishments, but their adaptation and perseverance,” said David Shaw, MSU provost and executive vice president. Graduates can participate in the traditional 2020 December graduation ceremonies with their regalia if they wish.
MSU Small Business Development Center helps businesses navigate CARES Act relief programs
As Mississippi’s small businesses navigate hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi State University personnel are providing guidance as owners seek funds from the U.S. government’s $2 trillion stimulus package. The MSU Small Business Development Center, housed in MSU’s College of Business, regularly provides no-cost counseling to business owners within its 10-county footprint. Chip Templeton, MSU SBDC director, said the center has been working to understand the rapidly evolving provisions for businesses in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and relay that information to business owners.
Looking for a way to help? Give to the MSU Student Relief Fund
The Mississippi State University community continually exhibits a great sense of responsibility and caring for enrolled students that make the land-grant institution such a special place. The MSU Student Relief Fund, built with private gifts, helps those members of the student body affected with day-to-day crises or like now, the impact to their daily lives posed by COVID-19. The Dean of Students' Office assesses needs and administers the fund for acute crises that may impact students’ ability to succeed academically. The funds have a direct impact on students in extenuating circumstances in order to help them achieve their academic success. The MSU Foundation accepts gifts year-round for the MSU Student Relief Fund. Contributions for this effort can be made online or by contacting the Annual Giving office at (662) 325-2466.
SMART route changes in effect during COVID-19 pandemic to protect riders and staff
As Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit continues to evaluate the best ways to protect transit riders and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, service is being limited (one bus per route) to the following routes: Boardtown North, Boardtown South, Old Main, Highway 12, Sportsplex and Paratransit. Routes will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be limited to nine passengers per bus. Routes will stop from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for cleaning and spraying of all buses.
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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