Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Two readers lost in their books unintentionally cross paths on the university's historic Drill Field earlier this month. Pictured is MSU Library Associate Will Malone, along with "The Scholar" statue located in front of Mitchell Memorial Library. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

MLK Jr. Day keynote speaker outlines principles for achieving unity during MSU’s 29th annual program
Mississippi State and Starkville community members celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. last week. Lee Brand Jr., a Nettleton native and MSU alumnus who has spent the majority of his adult life in Starkville, serving as pastor of Beth-el Missionary Baptist Church from 2002-2019, was the keynote speaker for MSU’s 29th annual MLK Jr. Day breakfast program. He gave an ardent call to employ three underpinning principles in any genuine effort to pursue unity: conviction, communion and compassion. “I think we should hold our convictions dear, but we should also not try to force anybody to think and feel and view the world the way that we do. If this is our aim, then we’re never going to achieve ‘unity’ because what we’re aiming at is ‘uniformity,’” Brand said.

MSU Riley Center announces 2023 spring/summer season
The Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts unveils a 2023 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series of musical superstars, theater and comedy featuring one of Mississippi’s own. “From theater and comedy to a variety of musical acts, we aim to provide something for a range of audiences,” said Terry Dale Cruse, associate vice president and head of the Meridian Campus. “We are pleased to attract patrons from the local community as well as the rest of the state and region for quality arts and entertainment -- plus the restaurants, shops and other attractions that are thriving today in historic downtown Meridian, including the new Threefoot Hotel.”

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.

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MSU remains Mississippi’s leading research institution: NSF survey
Mississippi State remains the Magnolia State’s leading research university and one of the nation’s top 100 research institutions, according to the National Science Foundation. “As the Magnolia State’s leading university and one of the nation’s top land-grant institutions, Mississippi State’s commitment to research produces impactful results, from preparing our graduates for future careers to bringing better jobs to the state,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. MSU accounted for 56% of the almost $500 million in combined FY ’21 research and development spending by the state’s institutions of higher learning.

Department of Poultry Science welcomes new head
An experienced poultry pathogen specialist is the new head of Mississippi State’s Department of Poultry Science. Illinois native Ken Macklin has joined the department after serving as a research professor and extension specialist at Auburn University. He has over 25 years of experience researching diseases that affect poultry, with special expertise in genetics, immunology and bacteriology. At Auburn, Macklin had a 50% Extension appointment, and his programs were aimed at educating both the commercial poultry industry and small flock producers in the areas of biosecurity, poultry health, food safety and environmental issues.

College of Education faculty examine civic engagement among community college students
Mississippi State’s Carol Cutler White, assistant professor of Community College Leadership, and Stephanie King, professor and interim department head of Educational Leadership recently received a three-year $458,099 Corporation for National and Community Service grant. Cutler White serves as principal investigator for the grant to be used for research about community colleges -- specifically civic engagement outcomes of students who attend community colleges. “Community colleges in general are underrepresented in research on civic engagement, as are the students who attend them,” Cutler White said.