Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Miguel Munoz and Vicky Montiel-Palma, faculty members in the Department of Chemistry, demonstrate a chemical reaction between dry ice, heat and magnesium for K-12 students through the Mississippi Migrant Education Service Center for Ciencia en Vivo. The summer lab experience included guided experiments with dry ice and liquid nitrogen where the students learned to make ice cream similar to Dippin' Dots. They also used the art of chromatography to create their own slime. PHOTO: Robby Lozano | Public Affairs

Richardson joins MSU Alumni Association
The Mississippi State University Alumni Association is welcoming Ava Richardson of Flowood as coordinator of young alumni programs and alumni outreach. Richardson, a 2021 communication graduate of MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, began her role with the division in July. As coordinator for young alumni programs and outreach, she is organizing and implementing programs for the association to engage alumni ages 35 and under and providing support for furthering outreach efforts on behalf of MSU. “We are pleased to welcome Ava to our team of alumni professionals,” said Jeff Davis, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association. During the fall 2020 semester, she was part of a student group whose coursework involved creating a strategic public relations plan for the association to enhance its messaging and increase young alumni participation.

Woodrey selected for USFWS Regional Director’s Honor Award
Mississippi State University Assistant Research Professor Mark Woodrey was recently selected for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Regional Director’s Honor Award. He received the award for his work with the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GoMAMN). The 19-year MSU veteran is a scientist in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station stationed at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He specializes in the ecology and conservation of coastal birds. “This prestigious award is a reflection of the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network partnership and the amazing colleagues and collaborators who helped shape and build this dynamic conservation effort,” Woodrey said.

Hagenston's award-winning book available at Wednesday launch event
Mississippi State University Professor of English Becky Hagenston is offering signed copies of “The Age of Discovery and Other Stories” at the book’s official launch Wednesday [Aug. 11] at Munson and Brothers Trading Post in Columbus. Hosted by Friendly City Books, the 5:30 p.m. event includes a featured reading by Hagenston, a 2020 Pushcart Prize winner. She also will sign copies of her new book, published this year by The Ohio State University Press/Mad Creek Books. “I didn’t know where any of these stories were headed when I started them, and they ended up in some pretty weird places that involve robots, witches and magical sourdough,” Hagenston said. “That’s what I love most about writing stories -- seeing where they take me.”

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Brandon Mast
As an agricultural technician, Brandon Mast is part of the support team for more than 20 research scientists at the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center on MSU’s main campus in Starkville. He spends his days on the 550 acres of tillage research plots located at the center, which is also called North Farm. He assists with planting, harvesting, and managing various crops including, corn, cotton, soybeans, rice, sweet potatoes, and turf. He also helps maintain the center’s irrigation lines and roadways and assists in greenhouse maintenance. Mast said he loves it. But the job is not for the faint of heart.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Kelly Stewart
Kelly Stewart helps ensure the financial books are in order at the College of Veterinary Medicine. As an accountant, she is responsible for paying invoices, reconciling accounts, and keeping a daily log of income from the Animal Health Center, Animal Emergency and Referral Center, and Veterinary Specialty Center. One of her favorite things about the job is witnessing the work done there. “Every purchase that occurs at CVM crosses my desk,” she said. “It is fascinating to see the diversity of research projects and materials CVM needs to ensure the health and safety of animals. I love that my job has given me the opportunity to learn so many different things and meet so many different people.”

Register today for New Faculty Orientation
Mississippi State University's Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President is hosting New Faculty Orientation on Aug. 17 at The Mill Conference Center, 100 Mercantile St., Starkville. Parking is available in the parking deck behind the center. Attendance is mandatory for all new full-time instructors, clinical, tenured and tenure-track faculty. Business casual attire is recommended. This face-to-face orientation will be livestreamed for those uncomfortable attending in person and/or who are not located on main campus. The orientation session will begin at 7:45 a.m. with a light breakfast. Lunch will be served at noon, and orientation will conclude around 3 p.m. This face-to-face orientation will be livestreamed for those uncomfortable attending in person and/or who are not located on main campus. Please click here to register.

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.

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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Communication department, TV Center, WMSV radio station win big in state broadcasting awards
The Mississippi Association of Broadcasters is recognizing staff and students in Mississippi State’s Department of Communication, University Television Center and WMSV 91.1 FM campus radio station for excellence in broadcasting. Terry Likes, professor and head of MSU’s Department of Communication, won first place in the use of sound category, as well as second place in the documentary or series of stories category, for his report -- “The President and the Media: From Fireside Chats to Twitter, the Love-Hate Relationship Between the Media and the Commander-in-Chief” -- a half-hour program that originally aired in Fall 2020 on WMSV 91.1 FM. MSU’s University Television Center received first place awards in the achievement, feature story and news videographer categories; second place, public affairs program; second and third place, public service announcement; and third place, special report. In the radio category, WMSV 91.1 FM accepted numerous awards for student newscasts, produced as part of the communication course Radio News Reporting and Podcasting.

MSU partners with Delta Health Alliance's Mississippi RIVER Project for vaccination efforts
Mississippi State is partnering with the Delta Health Alliance to encourage more people at the university and around the state to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Funding from the Delta Health Alliance Mississippi RIVER Project is helping MSU’s vaccine adoption efforts both on campus and via MSU Extension, which has offices statewide in all 82 counties. MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said the communication effort to encourage vaccination is a multi-pronged approach, including a new student team called Vaccine Ambassadors which will work during the school year to provide information to MSU students. Hyatt said many student and employee incentives also are being funded through the DHA grant. MSU employee incentives have included National Championship gear and meal vouchers, with more planned for the fall semester.

University welcomes Quarles as assistant VP for access, diversity and inclusion
Dominique A. Quarles has been named assistant vice president for access, diversity and inclusion at Mississippi State University. Last week, Quarles started his new role of helping to advance the 143-year-old land-grant’s work of inclusive excellence on campus. MSU’s commitment to outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts has been recognized with the national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Ra’Sheda Forbes, MSU’s vice president for access, diversity and inclusion, said Quarles will play an integral role in the university’s efforts to promote a culture of inclusion and student success where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic status; sexual orientation and gender; religious, political and ideological perspectives; and physical and mental abilities can thrive.

MSU-Meridian announces interim director of physician assistant program
James “Rick” Kilgore, well known for his contributions to the Physician Assistant profession over the past 34 years, has been named interim director of Mississippi State University-Meridian’s Physician Assistant program. A national search for a program director is currently underway. “Dr. Kilgore’s appointment presents great opportunity to further strengthen our new PA program,” said Terry Dale Cruse, associate vice president and head of campus. “His experience leading one of the nation’s premiere programs, as well as his proven reputation in the field, will immensely benefit our faculty and students as we search for a new director.” Active in the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Kilgore has served on the board of directors as well as a member and chair of the Political Action Committee and was named a Distinguished Fellow of the AAPA in 2007.