Joseph MacGown, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Starkville, discusses his pottery creations with fine arts professor Robert Long during a recent pottery studio class. With safety precautions such as masks and extra space between tables, students are able to get a hands-on experience in the class. PHOTO: Mary Georgia Hamilton | Public Affairs
Search process begins for College of Education, MSU Libraries deans
Mississippi State University is beginning the search process to fill two open dean positions. A search is underway to find a new dean for the College of Education following Richard Blackbourn’s announcement this summer that he would be stepping down as the college’s dean effective Jan. 1, 2021. A search committee for the new dean is in place and led by Angi Bourgeois, dean of MSU’s College of Architecture, Art and Design. The university is also beginning a national search for a new Dean of Libraries following the retirement this summer of longtime dean Frances Coleman. MSU is in the process of finalizing a search committee for the position, which will be led by Executive Vice Provost Peter Ryan.
Owen Nagel, Forsythe and Jimerson recognized by national professional and continuing education association
One faculty member in Mississippi State’s Department of Geosciences and two employees in the Center for Distance Education are being honored by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association. UPCEA is honoring Athena Owen Nagel with this year’s UPCEA South Region Professional, Continuing and Online Educator Award. Kiley Forsythe is the recipient of the UPCEA South Region Emerging Professional, Continuing and Online Education Leader Award. Mark Jimerson, CDE coordinator for MSU College of Business programs, is one of only 13 selected nationally to participate in the inaugural Bethaida “Bea” Gonzalez Diversity in Leadership Scholars cohort.
Recent tour with state officials highlights university's state-of-the-art meat processing capabilities
Mississippi State University’s state-of-the-art meat processing facilities drew Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson and a small group of influential lawmakers to campus for a personal tour earlier this month. The visit was organized to address a desire to increase meat processing capacity in the state. MSU’s modern meat processing facility and storefront operation on campus became the centerpiece of the daylong tour. Reuben Moore, interim vice president of the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said MSU met the legislators’ need for information and can meet producers’ need for education in the industry’s latest techniques, as well.
Longest Student Health Center hosting Sept. 29, Oct. 8 flu vaccine clinics for students, employees
With flu season quickly approaching, Mississippi State's Longest Student Health Center will be hosting two flu vaccine clinics that are open to all MSU students (free/no charge) and any employee who wishes for their insurance to be billed. Most health insurances cover flu vaccination at 100%. No appointments are needed or scheduled for these two flu clinics on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 1-4 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 8 from 8-11 a.m. The clinic will be closed to regular patient visits during these hours, but prescriptions can still be dropped off or picked up at the center's retail pharmacy. Students and employees are being encouraged to take advantage of these flu clinics while the center is not also performing COVID-19 testing or seeing other patients.
Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With political campaigning underway this fall, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. MSU employees are encouraged to review OP 01.14: Political Activities in its entirety and to understand their rights and responsibilities.
ORED, OIDI issue call for proposals
The Mississippi State University Office of Research and Economic Development and
the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion are jointly issuing a
special call for proposals for research that advances inclusion, diversity,
equity, and access. Proposals are due October 5 by 5 p.m. This funding opportunity is designed to support new research and creative
activities in any discipline that contribute to understanding of racial equity.
Scholarship from all disciplines and a
wide variety of methodological traditions is appropriate for this program.
Park Cafe re-opens in research park
The Park Cafe in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park re-opened this month under new management. Located in the II-VI building at 60 Technology Blvd., Suite 100, Park Cafe offers blue plate lunches and more from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dine-in service will be available in a reduced capacity. Diners also can order food to-go. The Riley J’s Streatery food truck will park outside the II-VI building to serve lunch on Mondays, offering Mexican cuisine.
Nominations now open for MSU’s Grisham Master Teacher Award, Alumni Association Teaching Excellence Awards
The University Instructional Improvement Committee is announcing the call for nominations for the 2021 Grisham Master Teacher Award, 2021 Alumni Association Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award and 2021 Alumni Association Graduate and/or Professional Teaching Excellence Award. All submissions must meet the deadline of Oct. 15. Interested faculty must submit an electronic application in PDF form to the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President via email to grishamaward@provost.msstate.edu.
Apply for the 2020 MSU Excellence in Community Engagement Awards
Applications for the 2020 MSU Excellence in Community Engagement Awards are now available at https://tinyurl.com/MSUCEAwardapp. The MSU CE Awards recognize outstanding accomplishment in community engagement in the categories of Community-Engaged Service; Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning; Community- Engaged Research; and Scholarship of Engagement. The most outstanding example of a current community engagement project or program in each of the four areas will receive a $3,000 award to further community engagement efforts within Mississippi State’s threefold mission of teaching, research and service.
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 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.
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.
The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.
Web links are subject to change. Submit news, questions or comments to
Jim Laird.
