Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Cathy Pittman, a longtime participant in the campus midday aerobics class, reminisces over memories of the exercise group from days gone by. The class for years was taught in McCarthy Gym before moving to its new location at the Sanderson Center more than two decades ago. In preparation for construction of the Jim and Thomas Duff Center – a new 100,000 square foot home for the Department of Kinesiology, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic, disabilities resources, programs, classrooms, labs, and offices – instructor Holly Wiley arranged a celebratory last workout in the old gym last week. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

New college to sharpen focus on non-traditional students
Two centers educating adult learners at Mississippi State are uniting to form a new university college -- the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. MSU’s Center for Distance Education and Center for Continuing Education are combining to enhance program offerings and services through the new merger, which will sharpen the university’s focus on non-traditional, adult learners. According to the CPCS’s new Dean Susan Seal, this academic division connects effectively with several pillars of the Transforming MSU strategic plan, including serving the whole student, elevating community and igniting innovation.

Nissan-T.K. Martin Center partnership underscores commitment to community
Thanks to a donation from Nissan North America, clients of Mississippi State’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability who receive support as they learn to drive now have access to a sport utility vehicle loaded with modern amenities and assistive technology. Representatives of the car manufacturer and university gathered at the center last week as Nissan formally donated a maroon 2021 Nissan Rogue SUV for use in the department’s adaptive driving program. “Nissan’s generous gift to the T.K. Martin Center is truly remarkable. It will have a lasting impact on our community and beyond,” said Teresa Jayroe, MSU College of Education dean.

Exciting summer camps offer a variety of learning options at MSU
From honing athletic skills and discovering academic interests to diving into the pool and launching a new business, summer camps at Mississippi State meet a wide variety of interests. The university’s newest catalog of 2023 camps may be viewed online at www.guestservices.msstate.edu/camps/camp-participants. “We always look forward to hosting a lot of campus guests during this great assortment of summer activities and programs. Many of these visitors are youth, but whether you’re looking for something for young children through high schoolers, and even college age and beyond, take a look at the growing opportunities to learn, be enriched and have fun,” said MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt.

Summer semester golf memberships now available
The MSU Golf Course’s 2023 Summer Semester Golf memberships are now available. Current students, faculty and staff can now have unlimited green fees and golf car fees for $600 for the semester. A green fees-only option is available for $325. Memberships run from May 15 to Aug. 11. Stop by the golf shop during normal business hours to fill out the membership form and get signed up. Student charge forms are available for this charge. If you have questions, please call 662-325-3028 or email Tim Basel, PGA head golf professional, 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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12 staff members honored with Zacharias Awards
Twelve Mississippi State employees -- Brenda Clark, Lisa Dye, Clint Hester, Sheryl Kinard, Elizabeth Nicholson, Jenny Ryals, Douglas Shaw, Jenna Shook, Julie Sims, Gina M. Studley, Lola “Tookie” Walker and Linda “Christine” Williams -- are being honored for their dedication to service with this year’s Donald W. Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards. The awards, given in honor of the university’s 15th president, were given during last week's Staff Appreciation Day by MSU President Mark E. Keenum. The annual event is organized by the MSU Staff Council. To be eligible, award nominees must be classified as a professional or support staff employee working at least half time and with a minimum of three years of campus service, among other criteria.

Navicky named director of High Performance Computing Collaboratory
Michael E. “Mike” Navicky is now overseeing one of the country’s top university-based high performance computing centers. Navicky is the new director of Mississippi State University’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory. “For nearly three decades MSU has been home to supercomputers that are among the most powerful in the world, and that computing capacity has been a game-changer for our university and our state,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “Mike is well-positioned to continue our tradition of excellence in high performance computing and continue the vital service that MSU researchers and our partners across the country rely on as they push the boundaries of modern science.”

Cardozo-Gaibisso earns Promising Scholar Award from top linguistics organization
Mississippi State Assistant Professor Lourdes Cardozo-Gaibisso has earned a Promising Scholar Award from the North American Systemic Functional Linguistics Association, or NASFLA, for her excellence in the field of linguistics. “NASFLA is a very supportive organization in which, as junior scholars, we find support and mentorship from those leading our field,” Cardozo-Gaibisso said. “This award means a lot to me academically and professionally and inspires me to continue developing my work as a systemic functional linguist.” NASFLA presents one Promising Scholar Award annually to a pre-tenure scholar who has made outstanding contributions in applied linguistics.

Artunç inducted into Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture's Academy of Fellows
Sadık C. Artunç, professor and head of MSU’s Department of Landscape Architecture, is the newest member of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture’s Academy of Fellows. Artunç is one of only four fellows inducted this year during the CELA Annual Conference held in San Antonio, Texas. He is the second MSU professor to receive this designation. “This induction recognizes my lifetime accomplishments in teaching, scholarship, creative activities and service,” Artunç said. “It is a recognition by my peers in the academy; therefore, it carries a special meaning. I am simply grateful for the honor and am happy many from MSU were able to attend the award ceremony to observe the induction process.”