Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The pillars in front of the Cobb Institute of Archaeology stand tall in the summer sun. Located at 340 Lee Boulevard, the Cobb Institute's facilities include the Lois Dowdle Cobb Museum of Archaeology and its artifact collections, as well as multiple laboratories, classrooms, office space and a library. Through affiliations with other academic departments at MSU, as well as with partner institutions and agencies, it provides a wide range of opportunities for MSU undergraduate and graduate students to become engaged in archaeological research. It also sponsors public lectures, tours and workshops. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

Mississippi Academy of Sciences names Reddy inaugural Fellow
The Mississippi Academy of Sciences has awarded the status of Fellow to K. Raja Reddy, a research professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University. Reddy, a William L. Giles Distinguished Professor, and a research scientist in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, will be formally recognized on August 4, 2021, at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences annual meeting. He has previously been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. He has received numerous awards including the ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year in 2020 by the International Cotton Advisory Committee and received the Beltwide Cotton Physiology Award by the National Cotton Council of America.

RTC begins renovations to turn former downtown bank into 'The Hub'
Renovations are underway in downtown Starkville as the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation (RTC) transforms a former bank building into “The Hub.” The $1.4 million renovation of the 34,000-square-foot building located at the intersection of Main and Jackson streets began July 1 following Cadence Bank’s relocation to a new branch on Russell Street. The building investment includes $300,000 in support from the Appalachian Regional Commission. RTC purchased the building from Cadence in 2019 with the intention of creating a Downtown Innovation Hub. “We are excited to carry out our vision for this building and further strengthen the town-and-gown relationship between MSU and the city of Starkville,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan.

Faculty, staff earn national win for virtual showcase
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) selected a Mississippi State University team as one of the 2021 Educational Aids Blue Ribbon award winners for an online resource that teaches farmers about soil moisture sensors. The award will be presented during a ceremony on July 15 starting at 1 p.m. as part of the ASABE Annual International Meeting, held virtually July 12-15. The blue ribbon went to the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR) for its Soil Moisture Monitoring Showcase. This winning team includes Jacob Rix, Extension/research associate I; Tsz Him Lo, assistant Extension/research professor; Drew Gholson, assistant professor and MSU coordinator of NCAAR; and Stephen Caples, web designer II, and Karen Brasher, manager of communications, who are both with MSU Agriculture and Natural Resources Marketing.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Kathy Beatty
When Kathy Beatty needs an answer, she gets it. “I have earned the nickname Bulldog from other jobs that I have held,” she said. “I bite in and don’t let go until someone gives me an answer that I want.” That comes in handy for her position in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology & Plant Pathology (BCH-EPP) where she oversees making all purchases in the department. “I enjoy knowing that when vendors hear my name, they know that I will call back and will keep calling back. I never give up,” Beatty said. That persistence has paid off because circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have made many supplies hard to find. She sometimes spends an entire day looking for vendors who have the items they need. However, through the pandemic, she has remained efficient, organized, and cheerful no matter what her day brings.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Randall Nevins
Randall Nevins works as an Extension Agent in Monroe County where some of his responsibilities include working events related to agriculture and natural resources, community development, and 4-H development. “My favorite part of the job is having the ability to work with different clientele in my county and having the opportunity to be helpful to anyone who needs the Extension Service,” Nevins said. “I really enjoy the camaraderie we have in Extension. I love working with other agents on educational events, tours, and workshops for clients.” As an Extension agent, Nevins has been able to pursue his love of agriculture and programs like 4-H with others who share the same goals.

Growing together: MSU Extension uses USDA grant to help Mississippi farmers
Mississippi State University’s Extension Service is working to enhance direct sales, farmers markets, and local food development in northeast Mississippi as part of a new project “From Gravel Roads to City Streets” funded by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Rachael Carter, Extension economist for the MSU Extension Service’s Center for Government and Community Development, is principal investigator for project, along with co-PIs Lauren Colby Nickels, Extension instructor for the Center for Technology Outreach, and Courtney Crist, assistant Extension professor of food science, nutrition and health promotion. The MSU Extension Service, Mississippi Main Street Association, West Point Growth Alliance, Aberdeen Main Street, Itawamba County Farmers Market, Columbus Main Street, and Noxubee Alliance, are collaborating to create economic opportunity, foster food entrepreneurship, improve access to healthy foods, and strengthen the capacity of regional food systems in these counties.

Department of Communication to offer master’s degree beginning in January
The Department of Communication at Mississippi State University is offering students a new Master of Arts in Communication program beginning in January 2022. “This program has been a work in progress for the faculty in communication,” said Terry Likes, professor and head of the communication department. “We frequently get requests from graduating students, those working on campus, alumni and others in the region about whether we have a graduate program. We are thrilled we’ll soon offer courses to meet the needs of those seeking an advanced degree in communication.” Melody Fisher, an associate professor in the communication department, will serve as graduate coordinator for the new program that is a 33-credit-hour degree.

Tours galore: Welcome Center resuming campus visits for individuals and groups
As pandemic restrictions are eased, Mississippi State University’s Welcome Center is resuming personalized individual and group tours of the Starkville campus this summer. Tours are open to all age groups and should be scheduled two weeks in advance. Guided campus tours, as well as historical and children’s tours and self-guided walking tours, are among those available. Each tour is led by a trained student volunteer with MSU’s Maroon VIP program. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To view tour options or schedule a visit, go to visit.msstate.edu, call 662-325-5198 or email visit@pres.msstate.edu. “While the MSU admissions office takes care of scheduling prospective student tours, the Welcome Center is here to enlighten visitors on the historical and visual aspects of our beautiful campus,” said Cristi Stevens, coordinator of MSU’s Welcome Center.

ORED accepting Faculty Leadership Program applications through July 30
Mississippi State University's Office of Research and Economic Development is currently accepting applications for the 2021-2022 Faculty Leadership Program. Interested faculty members that meet eligibility criteria can submit applications through July 30. The Faculty Leadership Program is designed for faculty who have aspirations of becoming an administrator or who simply want to improve their personal leadership skills. Many past participants have been successful and serve in key leadership positions at the university today.

MSU Libraries offering variety of fun, skill-enhancing workshops this summer
MSU Libraries is offering a variety of fun, skill-enhancing workshops for the MSU community this summer. Whether you're looking for information and digital literacy skills development workshops for your students or you want to learn more about the research databases offered through MSU Libraries, we have a session for you! Learn how to use new citation software (such as EndNote, Mendeley or Zotero), learn how to use Adobe Spark, Premiere Pro, InDesign and Illustrator, or brush up on your Microsoft Excel skills.

International Institute shares passport reminders
Mississippi State's International Institute is encouraging all students and faculty who are considering travel within the next six months to apply or renew (if needed) their passport now. Current U.S. passport processing times are significantly longer than normal, so it is more important than ever that you plan early. First-time passport applications and renewals are taking up to 18 weeks for routine service and up to 12 weeks for expedited service (additional $60). If you aren't sure if you need to renew your passport, check the expiration date and make sure it is valid for six months after the end of your potential travel dates. Additionally, keep in mind that if your travel requires a visa, you often need to send your passport to the embassy to receive your visa prior to travel.

MSU Riley Center announces 2021-2022 Fall/Winter Performing Arts Series
Meridian’s own Todd Tilghman will kick off the MSU Riley Center’s 2021-2022 Fall/Winter Performing Arts Series Aug. 21 with help from another hometown favorite, the sibling trio Track45. Tilghman shot to stardom last year when he won the TV talent competition, “The Voice.” Ticket prices vary per show. The series offers a range of season-ticket options that include discounted prices and other perks. If subscribers lose or forget their tickets, the Box Office will issue duplicates on the spot. With a simple phone call, subscribers also can arrange to leave their tickets at the Box Office for friends, family members or clients. Tickets and information are available by phone at (601) 696-2200 or in person Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 2200 Fifth St. in downtown Meridian. Tickets also can be purchased starting one hour before showtime on the day of a show. For more information, visit www.msurileycenter.com.

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 complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.

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Brown named associate vice president for Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine
Ashli Brown has been named associate vice president of Mississippi State University’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. Brown will begin July 16 in her new role, helping to advance MSU’s national reputation as a leader in agriculture and natural resource teaching, research and service. DAFVM Vice President Keith Coble said Brown is respected as an “exceptional scientist who works well with people at the university and with our clientele.” Darrell Sparks will serve as interim state chemist and director of the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, pending confirmation from the Mississippi Senate and following Brown’s move into the associate vice president role. Sparks currently serves as associate state chemist and is an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Spence to lead School of Architecture
A professional architect who has worked in higher education for nearly two decades is the new director of Mississippi State University’s School of Architecture. Karen C. Spence began her role at the state’s leading research university on July 1. She also is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional who recently finished serving a term as president of the American Institute of Architects chapter in Springfield, Missouri. “My favorite part of administration is developing student connections, and I’m excited to do that at Mississippi State,” she said. Longer-term goals include elevating national rankings and preparing for the upcoming reaccreditation, as well as growing certain areas of the program.

Ponder named associate dean in College of Business
A longtime Mississippi State faculty member is now serving in a new capacity as associate dean in the university’s College of Business. Nicole Ponder, professor of marketing, began a new position July 1 as associate dean for graduate programs and assessment. Ponder has been a faculty member in the Department of Marketing, Quantitative Analysis, and Business Law since joining the university in 2001. From 2015-2021, she served as director of the college’s graduate studies. In the new position, she will oversee all of the college’s graduate programs and assessment efforts. “Dr. Ponder brings extensive experience to this position and will be a strong asset for our administrative team,” said MSU College of Business Dean Sharon Oswald.

Two long-term faculty members to expand role in the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University has added two faculty members to serve as interim assistant deans for academic affairs for the largest college within the land-grant university. Melanie E. Loehwing, an associate professor in the Department of Communication, and Kathy M. Sherman-Morris, a professor in the Department of Geosciences, were selected by Arts and Sciences Dean Rick Travis to step jointly into the role while the current associate dean for academic affairs, Tommy Anderson, shifts his responsibilities to other areas. Loehwing will focus her leadership on increasing student success including retention and graduation rates. Sherman-Morris will focus on graduate education, student success at the graduate and undergraduate level, and faculty workload issues.