Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

President Mark E. Keenum welcomed Zac Selmon, wife Rachel and daughters Rylee and Shayne to Lee Hall for a visit last Friday [Jan. 13] prior to the press conference naming Selmon as the university’s 18th director of athletics. Read more at www.msstate.edu/newsroom. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

MSU recognizes exemplary faculty, staff in natural resources
Mississippi State faculty and staff in the College of Forest Resources and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center -- Mark McConnell, Shaun Tanger, Courtney Siegert, Joshua Granger, Sandra Correa, Peter Allen, Jessica Myers, Susan Blanton, Karen Brasher, and Charlsie Halford -- are being honored for excellence in teaching, research and outreach. “Our greatest asset is our people -- faculty and staff who work to train future conservationists, conduct research to enhance and conserve our natural resources and then transfer that knowledge to landowners,” Wes Burger, CFR dean and FWRC director, said at a recent awards ceremony and advisory meeting. “This year’s honorees are dedicated individuals invested in fulfilling our land-grant mission.”

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Eric Laiche
Eric Laiche’s main office is in Dorman Hall, but he’s seldom behind a desk. As the facilities coordinator for Mississippi State University's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Laiche directs the planning and administrative tasks required to maintain and improve 29 buildings, as well as manages access to the buildings, and oversees the department’s safety protocols and inventory. “Good teamwork is required to best utilize our shared resources, and communication is key. It’s always important to make sure everyone understands how our departmental resources are being used,” said Laiche. Laiche received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Mississippi State University and spent 18 years working as an engineering manager and production manager in manufacturing before returning to MSU for his current role.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: James Wooten
Persistence -- and a lot of stubbornness -- are a couple of the traits James Wooten credits for helping him succeed in his career. “Things don’t always work the first time,” said Wooten, speaking from more than a decade of experience working on prototypes and research projects. Wooten oversees Mississippi State University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering’s shop used by students and faculty for research. He also works on original research, and product and process development. Wooten’s favorite part about his job is the people; his favorite memory is helping a farmer save thousands of dollars. Wooten has a master’s degree in engineering and a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering, both from Mississippi State.

Spring MSU Golf Course memberships now available
Spring memberships at the Mississippi State Golf Course are now available. Current students, faculty and staff can purchase unlimited green fees and golf car fees for $600 or a green fees-only option for $325. Memberships run from Jan. 16 to May 10. Visit the golf shop during normal business hours to sign up for a membership. Charge forms for students are also available. For more information or questions, call (662) 325-3028 or email PGA Head Golf Professional Tim Basel at tbasel@business.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.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

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MSU plans MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast, Day of Service
Mississippi State’s 29th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast returns to The Mill at MSU on Monday [Jan. 16] with an 8 a.m. meal and 9 a.m. program. Day of Service activities will follow with volunteers working at sites across the community from 10 a.m.-noon. “We look forward to gathering in person to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through our fellowship, reflection and meaningful service in tribute to his memory and accomplishments,” said Ra’Sheda Forbes, MSU vice president for Access, Diversity and Inclusion. This year’s theme is “Amplifying the Dream,” and the keynote speaker is MSU alumnus and pastor/teacher Lee Brand Jr. In addition to welcoming remarks by MSU President Mark E. Keenum, the program also will feature music by the university’s Black Voices Gospel Choir.

Bagley names Mohammadi-Aragh new director of diversity programs
Mississippi State University has named Jean Mohammadi-Aragh as the new director of diversity programs and student development for the Bagley College of Engineering. Mohammadi-Aragh said she hopes to grow the diversity program for faculty, staff and students. “When I say ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion is important’, I mean it for everyone. Historically, a lot of our diversity programs have focused on undergraduates and, specifically, that transition into college, and that's important.” Mohammadi-Aragh said. “We’re going to keep doing that, but now we’re also looking at ways to further support our mission for all engineering students, and faculty and staff as well.”

College of Arts and Sciences announces newest Dean’s Eminent Scholar faculty award winners
Mississippi State’s College of Arts and Sciences has selected four new recipients of the Dean’s Eminent Scholar Awards -- Anna Osterholtz, Vicky Montiel-Palma, Shalyn Claggett and Kimberly Kelly -- honoring “exceptionally meritorious faculty who have achieved national recognition and enhanced the quality and stature of academic programs.” “It is a great privilege to recognize these professors for their important research achievements and contributions to their academic disciplines. Their scholarship is innovative, internationally recognized, and serves to shine a spotlight on this college and university,” said Dean Rick Travis.

MSU Deer Lab's Demarais wins NDA Lifetime Achievement Award
The National Deer Association is pleased to announce Steve Demarais from Mississippi State University’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture as the 2022 Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award winner. This award is presented to a person who has dedicated their life and/or career to wildlife management in general, and deer management in particular. The recipient must also have made a significant impact in deer management, deer research, or deer hunting. During his time at MSU he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on essential concepts in ecology and conservation, while mentoring master’s degree and doctoral degree students. He and 50 co-authors have published 150 peer-reviewed articles. Through his research and various media platforms he has educated hundreds of thousands of people on deer management around the globe.