Student Association Director of Programming Fisher Iseminger, a senior aerospace engineering major from Natchez, celebrates the university’s 146th birthday last Wednesday [Feb. 28] by handing out cupcakes in Colvard Student Union. The student organization honored the milestone with the Bulldog family and reflected on the land-grant institution's storied and accomplished history of service to the Magnolia State and its people. PHOTO: Jonah Holland | Public Affairs
MSU Extension appoints new vegetable specialist
With nearly a decade of horticultural production experience, the new vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service plans to serve growers statewide. Pawel Orlinski understands the economic considerations involved in vegetable production, and he has experience working on small plots and large operations. As the Extension vegetable specialist, he will advise vegetable producers and answer their questions on a range of subjects, including production expansion, precision agriculture and farm-to-table initiatives. Orlinski also plans to participate in or establish new variety trials at MSU’s four research and Extension centers. He looks forward to working with any producer stakeholders who want to participate and learn more.
MSU re-designated as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations
Mississippi State University has achieved another significant milestone in cybersecurity with its renewed designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations by the National Security Agency. MSU President Mark E. Keenum expressed pride in the achievement and said this designation further signifies the university’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education and research. Reflecting on the designation, Department of Computer Science and Engineering Department and Gloria and Douglas Marchant Endowed Chair Shahram Rahimi commended department faculty and the university for their hard work and dedication. Jason Keith, dean of MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering, said MSU’s cybersecurity programs are preparing students for the critical challenges that graduates will address as operations in all sectors become increasingly reliant on digital systems.
Breakfast Club in MSU Research Park expands hours, begins serving breakfast buffet
The Breakfast Club, located in Mississippi State University’s Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, is expanding its hours of operation and adding a breakfast buffet. The restaurant’s new hours for breakfast and lunch are: Monday-Friday: Breakfast served from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m., and lunch served from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday: Breakfast only, served from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Sunday: Breakfast served from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., lunch from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Breakfast Club is housed in the café space within the Business Incubator building, located at 60 Technology Boulevard.
Campus Services launches Bulldog First Impressions contest
Campus Services at Mississippi State has launched the first Bulldog First Impressions contest, which seeks ideas for campus improvement projects. Current MSU students, faculty and staff members may draft written proposals or create short videos outlining campus refresh, redesign or remodeling projects for public spaces and common areas. Entries will be reviewed by Campus Services and judged on their overall impact to the MSU community. The winning submitter will receive up to $25,000 to complete their project. Proposals are due April 1.
Women’s History Month brings numerous programs to MSU throughout March
Mississippi State is commemorating Women’s History Month throughout March with a variety of events, including a Monday [March 4] visit from Emmy-nominated veteran FOX Sports reporter Erin Andrews. The Q&A discussion featuring sportscaster Andrews is set for 6:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Hosted by the MSU Student Association, doors open for the free, Global Lecture Series event at 6 p.m. for students, employees and the public. Andrews will share the impact of college on her life, her experiences while working in the sports and entertainment industry, and overcoming obstacles along the way. MSU hosts “Kick-off to Women’s History Month Celebration,” March 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Drill Field. This event will celebrate the rich history and accomplishments of women.
Race in America lecture Thursday tackles inequities in women’s sports
Mississippi State University’s interdisciplinary lecture series -- Race in America -- this spring spotlights the expectations and inequities women face in the field of sports. Michelle J. Manno, a former collegiate athlete and current interim chief diversity officer at Northwestern University, will discuss their new book, “Denied: Women, Sports, and the Contradiction of Identity,” a 2023 NYU Press publication. “Dr. Manno’s talk will explore the behind-the-scenes realities faced by women athletes and how these athletes navigate expectations placed on them that often contradict their own ability to be successful at their sport. This talk will appeal to a wide audience given how central sports is in our society,” said event chair Maggie Hagerman, an MSU associate professor of sociology and affiliated faculty member in MSU’s African American Studies program.
MSU, Jackson State to host inaugural Mississippi High Performance Computing Conference
Mississippi is one of the leading states in the country when it comes to high performance computing resources and for the first time, a statewide meeting will bring together the researchers, faculty and students that lead the state forward in supercomputing. Registration is now open for the inaugural Mississippi High Performance Computing Conference, hosted by Mississippi State University and Jackson State University, taking place March 26 and 27 in Jackson. Mississippi boasts seven supercomputing systems that rank among the top 500 most powerful in the world, with two housed at MSU.
Nominations for Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards due April 1
Mississippi State’s Staff Council is seeking nominations of outstanding employees for the annual Zacharias Distinguished Staff Awards through 11:59 p.m. April 1. Twelve selected honorees will be announced at the annual Junction luncheon, scheduled for 11 a.m. May 17. They will receive a plaque of recognition along with a $1,000 check from MSU President Mark E. Keenum. The honors are a memorial to the university’s 15th president Donald W. Zacharias. To be eligible for the award, nominees must be classified as a professional or support staff employee, be in good standing, work at least half-time, have a minimum of three years of service and have never been a recipient of the award.
MSU Athlete Engineering Summit returns April 16-17 with focus on building a human performance culture
Mississippi State’s annual Athlete Engineering Summit returns this April to discuss human performance issues in sports, industry, military and medical applications through interactive learning sessions, networking and more. The summit, themed “Building a Human Performance Culture,” will be held April 16 and 17 at The Mill at MSU Conference Center. Reuben Burch, associate vice president for research and head of MSU’s multidisciplinary Athlete Engineering research group, said equipping practitioners with the tools for problem solving and culture building is important.
Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With campaigning for elected offices underway this year, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. MSU employees are encouraged to review OP 01.14: Political Activities in its entirety and to understand their rights and responsibilities.
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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