College of Forest Resources Dean Wes Burger plants a redbud tree with children from the university’s Child Development and Family Studies Center during an Arbor Day celebration earlier this month. Led by MSU faculty, staff and students, the special event emphasized the importance of trees to improve soil, air and water quality; provide habitat for wildlife; and absorb carbon dioxide. In total, 20 conifers for a privacy screen and three flowering shade trees planted at the event will benefit the campus childcare facility. Mississippi’s forestland covers approximately 65 percent of the state, or nearly 20 million acres, serving as an economic and environmental driver. PHOTO: David Ammon | Agriculture and Natural Resources Marketing
Four honored nationally for excellence in architectural education
Four Mississippi State faculty members were recently honored by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture with an Architectural Education Award. Professor of Architecture Hans Herrmann, Interim Assistant Dean and Professor of Landscape Architecture Cory Gallo, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture Abbey Wallace and Associate Professor of Graphic Design Suzanne Powney received the ACSA Design-Build Award for their collaborative project, the LivingRoom, a prototype outdoor classroom and learning garden. “This design-build award shows the strengths of Mississippi State University in our interdisciplinary endeavors as well as our ability to design and construct creative elements that serve communities,” said Karen Cordes Spence, School of Architecture director and F.L. Crane Professor.
MSU-Meridian proposal for accelerated master’s degree nursing program gains IHL approval
Mississippi State University gained initial approval for starting its proposed Master of Science in Nursing degree program, the first graduate entry-level licensure program in the state, during last week's meeting of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. Board members approved the university’s Phase I proposal to plan the professional Accelerated Master’s Graduate Entry Nursing Program at MSU-Meridian’s Riley Campus. The 12-month, fast-track pathway will be unlike other nursing programs across the state as it prepares college graduates holding non-nursing degrees for initial registered nurse licensure and offers a quality, direct entry route into a new career of nursing practice in hospitals and community settings.
Type 2 diabetes workshop for employees Thursday
Three Mississippi State University organizations -- Health Promotion and Wellness, University Recreation and Human Resources Management -- are sponsoring a workshop for employees living with or at risk of Type 2 diabetes from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday [Feb. 23] at Colvard Student Union’s Fowlkes Auditorium. Attendees will learn about healthy habits to prevent or live well with Type 2 diabetes. The event will feature free diabetes screenings, cooking demonstrations and an exercise activity.
2023-2024 Community-Engaged Learning Fellows applications due Feb. 28
Applications are now available for Mississippi State University's 2023-2024 Community-Engaged Learning Fellows program. The CEL Fellows program supports instructional faculty and staff in integrating community-engaged learning into their formal or non-formal teaching. The CEL Fellows program seminar will meet in May. Participants receive a $1,000 course or research development award, peer support and one-on-one assistance to design a new CEL course or modify an existing course. Program guidelines and application can be obtained via an email to michelle.garraway@msstate.edu. Submissions are due by Feb. 28.
Nominations open until March 1 for University Academic Advising Awards
Guidelines and nomination forms for the 2023 University Academic Advising Awards are now available. The deadline for nominations for these awards -- Irvin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Advising Awards, Wes Ammon Outstanding New Staff Advisor Award and Foil-Wyatt Outstanding New Faculty Advisor Award -- is 5 p.m. on March 1. Nominations are to be submitted in PDF form to the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President via email to lstricklin@provost.mssate.edu.
MSU Online Teaching Award nominations window open through March 8
The nomination window for the 2023 Mississippi State University Online Teaching Award is open through 5 p.m. March 8. The award, now in its fifth year, acknowledges and rewards an online instructor who employs best practices to engage, inspire and support students in an online environment. The nominee shall be a faculty member, instructor or lecturer of a Campus 5 course taught in the current academic year. The winner receives a $500 award along with registration to attend an online education-related conference similar to OLC, UPCEA or USDLA. Visit www.online.msstate.edu/faculty/online-teaching-award for nomination forms and submission requirements.
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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