Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

USDA Farm Service Agency state representatives visited MSU at the end of June to discuss the university’s longstanding relationship with FSA and efforts in support of the agriculture industry. Holding discussions on Mississippi’s No. 1 enterprise were, from left, Keith Coble, vice president of MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Thad Fairley, Mississippi FSA executive director; Jessica Ellington, MFSA outreach coordinator; Demetrice Evans, MFSA price support division chief; and MSU President Mark E. Keenum. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

SEC Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program applications due Friday
Mississippi State University faculty members are invited to apply for the Southeastern Conference Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program through Friday [July 22]. The SEC Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program is intended to enhance faculty collaboration that stimulates scholarly initiatives between SEC universities. It gives faculty from one SEC university the opportunity to travel to another SEC campus to: exchange ideas; develop grant proposals; conduct research; consult with faculty and/or students; offer lectures or symposia; or engage in whatever activities are agreeable to the visitor and host unit. MSU can select a maximum of 12 faculty members to receive 2022-2023 travel grants of $850 each for transportation, room, board, etc., to use for travel to another SEC campus.

CTL New Faculty Teaching Academy dates set
Want to be more prepared for teaching this year? Join the Mississippi State University Center for Teaching and Learning's New Faculty Teaching Academy, which will be delivered online the three weeks before classes begin. Participants will learn essential strategies for engaging, motivating and communicating with students, as well as the basics of course design and lesson planning. A variety of common teaching challenges will be addressed by experienced MSU faculty members, while online assignments will assist new faculty in preparing for the upcoming semester. Those who complete all assignments will earn the New Faculty Teaching Academy badge. For more information and to enroll, visit www.ctl.msstate.edu/events. If you have questions, please contact Michael Seymour at michael.seymour@msstate.edu.

Apply today: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
Mississippi State has a long association with the Fulbright Scholar Program with over 50 MSU faculty from a variety of disciplines having received Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards since 1954. MSU has also welcomed many international scholars to our campus through the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program recently opened its 2023-24 competition with over 400 awards in 130 countries featured in the Catalog of Awards, which includes teaching, researching and professional project opportunities. The MSU International Institute welcomes questions from faculty who are interested in applying. If you have questions, please email Fulbright scholar liaison Cathy Curtis at ccurtis@international.msstate.edu.

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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CVM's Hoblet announces transition plan
The longtime dean of Mississippi State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kent Hoblet, has announced his plans to transition to a part-time faculty role, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Hoblet has led CVM as dean for more than 16 years. MSU Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Keith Coble said Hoblet has overseen CVM’s distinctive programs that require two full years of mentored clinical education for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students. The college also offers Ph.D. and master’s degree programs, as well as a veterinary medical technology program. Students attain a strong, multi-species foundation and may focus on species or discipline interests. “Dr. Hoblet’s distinguished service has been integral to the college and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine,” Coble said.

Oswald to retire from College of Business in 2023
Sharon Oswald, long-serving dean of Mississippi State University’s College of Business, has announced her retirement effective July 1, 2023. Oswald has led MSU’s College of Business since 2011, steering the unit through an era of growth in academic programs and support for entrepreneurship. Her career has spanned more than 30 years as a teacher and administrator. “I sincerely appreciate Dr. Oswald’s work to advance the College of Business during her time as dean,” said MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw. “She has greatly enhanced MSU’s support for student entrepreneurs and businesses across the state, which will leave a lasting impact. Additionally, the college’s academic programs are nationally competitive and popular among online and on-campus students.”

Jones named fellow in The Wildlife Society
The Wildlife Society’s latest group of fellowship inductees includes a member from Mississippi State University. Daryl Jones, an MSU Extension professor in the MSU College of Forest Resources Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, joined an international collective of professionals and faculty in wildlife conservation and management with his induction as a fellow in the society. “Dr. Jones’ appointment to The Wildlife Society Fellows Program places him in the top tier of professors and professionals who have devoted their careers to wildlife conservation and management,” said MSU Extension Director Gary Jackson. “I am pleased to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”

MSU Libraries rebrands Congressional and Political Research Center to Mississippi Political Collections
The Mississippi State Libraries Congressional and Political Research Center is now operating as the Mississippi Political Collections after recently being renamed. The MPC, a division of the MSU Libraries Archives and Special Collections founded in 1999 under the leadership of former Dean Frances N. Coleman and the late Professor Michael Ballard, is located on the fourth floor of Mitchell Memorial Library. The library’s Archives and Special Collections Division is led by Professor and MSU Libraries Associate Dean David Nolen, and MSU Libraries is under the direction of Dean Lis Pankl. Led by Director and Assistant Professor Kate Gregory and Senior Library Associate Amanda Carlock, the MPC gathers relevant materials relating to the political history of Mississippi and the U.S. and makes them available for public use and research.