Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

President Mark E. Keenum, right, and Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw, speak during a virtual town hall for staff members in MSU's Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine last Tuesday [July 21]. The town hall was one of four meetings hosted by MSU Staff Council, providing opportunities for campus staff members to discuss COVID-19 related issues with university leadership. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs

Flowers delivered for hands-on instruction in MSU’s floral design course
In a time of social distancing and face coverings, the decline in mental health and the rise in emotional distress have almost everyone looking for solutions during coronavirus. One Mississippi State instructor has found a way to reach students all over the world and create immediate social and emotional connections through virtual floral design. Floral management teacher Lynette McDougald designed and introduced the first basic floral design course offered virtually during MSU’s Summer Advantage Online.

EMMC, MSU tout use of sports wearable technology against COVID-19
Cutting edge technology used by collegiate and professional sports teams to enhance athletes’ performance has been adapted for industrial use to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus among employees, according to information provided to regional industry leaders during a Zoom virtual conference hosted by Athlete Engineering at Mississippi State University and The Communiversity at East Mississippi Community College. Reuben Burch, associate director of Human Factors & Athlete Engineering at MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS), said some of the sports wearable technology companies he works with also provide services to the NBA and NFL.

Sara Evans offering two showtimes for Aug. 22 concert at MSU Riley Center
Individual tickets are on sale for two shows by country superstar Sara Evans on Aug. 22 at the MSU Riley Center. Structural Steel Services and 970KK radio will present the concerts beginning at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Meticulous safety measures will be in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19. The new rules, among other things, limit seating to 50% capacity and require concertgoers to wear masks at all times inside the Riley Center. Evans, a favorite with Meridian audiences, was originally scheduled to perform April 18. The pandemic forced the postponement of that appearance.

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.

S.M.A.R.T. passengers now required to wear face coverings
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Area Rapid Transit -- known as S.M.A.R.T. -- is requiring that all passengers in the local community and on campus wear face coverings, as of July 6. Ridership capacity will remain at 19 passengers plus the driver, and all buses will continue to be disinfected on a daily basis. “SMART has continued to offer transportation services throughout the pandemic and ridership has continued to climb on our city routes,” said Executive Director of Transportation Jeremiah Dumas. “Given the continual and growing demand for transportation services and the continual threat of COVID-19, we think it is in the best interest of our riders and our drivers to require everyone utilizing our services to wear a mask and, within our capacity guidelines, practice social distancing while on our vehicles.”

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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The Wildlife Society selects Burger as fellow
A Mississippi State College of Forest Resources faculty member is acquiring the prestigious title of fellow from The Wildlife Society. Leslie Burger, assistant extension professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, will be honored at the organization’s annual conference to held virtually Sept. 28-Oct. 2. As one of the highest awards bestowed by TWS, the honor recognizes Burger for her remarkable service to the wildlife profession. For the past 12 years, Burger has worked to create programs to educate youth and the broader community about natural resource conservation as it relates to wildlife. She also serves as her department’s undergraduate coordinator, preparing students for a future in natural resources.

NSF grant to study skeletal samples helps Zuckerman advance syphilis research
New funding from the National Science Foundation is aiding a Mississippi State biological anthropologist using human skeletal samples to discover more about syphilis. With the goal of helping mitigate the spread of the disease, this current research could provide clinical guidelines for the screening and diagnosis of modern cases. Molly K. Zuckerman, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, is investigating which characteristics of human hosts -- and their immune system responses -- led to early resolution of the syphilis infection or were associated with persistence into late-stage infection, which can have serious and sometimes fatal symptoms.

Mississippi State, Starkville Police plan expanded officer training on culturally responsive policing
Mississippi State University and Starkville police departments are uniting to give officers expanded training on culturally responsive policing strategies. Workshops scheduled for early August will focus on implicit bias, racial diversity, effective communications programs and crisis intervention. MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said culturally responsive policing is a long-held expectation for the MSU Police Department, which is part of the university’s Division of Student Affairs. “Through our annual accreditation, our team of officers is regularly training on issues around diversity and implicit bias. We are pleased to be offering this training, in collaboration with Starkville Police Department, to further our goals of equity and bias-free policing in our community,” Hyatt said.