Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Work crews are clearing debris from the McCarthy Gymnasium site to make way for construction of the Jim and Thomas Duff Center, which is expected to start in August. The new 100,000 square foot building will be home to the Department of Kinesiology, as well as the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic, and other related programs. The building is named in recognition of brothers Jim and Tommy Duff of Columbia, who provided a gift of $15 million for the $65 million project. The facility will provide state-of-the-art offices, classrooms and laboratories to enable increased hands-on training and research opportunities. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

Life vest research at MSU changing course for commercial fishermen
While many Mississippians may be surprised to know the commercial fishing industry has an almost $100 million economic impact in the Magnolia State, they may be even more startled to know that, nationwide, the lucrative but dangerous business accounts for approximately 43 deaths per year. Mississippi State University experts are delving into one of the leading causes of these commercial fishing workplace fatalities -- falling overboard -- and developing life jackets with scientifically engineered materials and technology. “Most commercial fishermen understand the risks of falling overboard, but choose to not wear life jackets for many reasons,” said Charles Freeman, associate professor of fashion design and merchandising in MSU’s School of Human Sciences. “We want to change these perceptions by making the jackets more accessible to wearers.”

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life plans National Pan-Hellenic Council campus plaza
Mississippi State’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is planning to honor the National Pan-Hellenic Council with a new campus plaza and raising $1.6 million for the project. To be located at the corner of George Perry and Barr Avenue, the space will help tell the history of NPHC organizations and respective MSU chapters. Founded at Howard University in 1930, the NPHC is a governing council composed of the nine national historically African-American fraternities and sororities, also known as Black Greek-letter organizations. Along with recognizing the NPHC community, the plaza will provide a new venue for chapter anniversaries, member presentations, Founder’s Day celebrations, alumni tailgates, social gatherings and more.

MSU Lyceum Series: Renewal period for season ticket holders open through July 30
Five acts spanning a variety of genres will entertain fans with live performances during the Mississippi State Lyceum Series’ upcoming 76th season. The 2023-24 event year begins with a performance by Kings Return, a Grammy-nominated acapella vocal group, at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 in Lee Hall’s historic Bettersworth Auditorium. Drawing from R&B, jazz, gospel and pop influences, the group defies the constraints of a single musical genre and explores a myriad of sonic shades and textures. The renewal period for season ticket holders is open now through July 30, and new season tickets go on sale July 31. Mini-series tickets will be available Aug. 22, with individual event tickets on sale Sept. 12.

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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Highest in state history: MSU surpasses all previous records with unparalleled $259.9 million in fundraising success
Mississippi State University is announcing a momentous milestone in its history of philanthropic achievement that has eclipsed all previous single-year fundraising records among the state’s public institutions of higher education. With unwavering support from its dedicated alumni, friends and partners, the university soared to unmatched heights in the 2023 fiscal year, reaching an exceptional level of fundraising success with an astounding $259.9 million in gift commitments. “This unprecedented level of support for Mississippi State University is an extraordinary investment in the people and communities we serve. We are proud to have earned the faith and trust of our friends and alumni who recognize how we are taking care of what matters and who also know we will be good stewards of their gifts,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said.

Mitchell named 4-H center director
A Mississippi State University Extension Service administrator with more than 30 years of experience in youth education has been selected to lead Mississippi’s 4-H program. Linda Mitchell has been named director of 4-H Youth Development, logging her first official day at the helm July 1. She served more than two years as interim director of the program. Since Mitchell was also the Extension coordinator for the Northeast region, she will retain those duties on an interim basis during the search for her replacement in that role. “Dr. Mitchell’s experience, passion, and local and institutional knowledge of Mississippi 4-H has no peer,” said Steve Martin, interim director for MSU Extension.

MSU receives Small Business Administration funding to accelerate Vicksburg tech companies
Mississippi State University is accelerating its efforts to support the development and growth of Vicksburg area technology companies with new funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration. MSU has been named a Stage One winner for the SBA’s 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, providing the university with a $50,000 cash prize to support the launch, growth and scale of research and development-focused small businesses. “Small businesses are vital to growing our state’s technology sector, and I am proud of our Vicksburg team’s work to better position companies to compete for federal awards and grow STEM-based companies,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “Initiatives like this will help us maximize the economic impact of research activity taking place in the Vicksburg area and around the state.”