Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State University and the City of Starkville celebrated the newly renovated outdoor plaza at the Innovation Hub with a ribbon-cutting last Friday [April 5]. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the new-look plaza now serves as a welcoming outdoor space in the heart of downtown Starkville. MSU Research and Technology Corp. purchased the building in 2019 and has since renovated the indoor and outdoor space, further strengthening the town-and-gown relationship between the city and university. Marking the occasion is, from left, Greater Starkville Development Partnership CEO and MSU Associate Director for Corporate and Economic Partnerships Mike Tagert, MSU Research and Technology Corp. Director Marc McGee, MSU President Mark E. Keenum, MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan and Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill. PHOTO: Jonah Holland | Public Affairs

Andy Rainey: Behind the scenes of every MSU Riley Center performance
When Andy Rainey got his first glimpse of the Grand Opera House of Mississippi, he had no idea he would one day be technical director at the historic and celebrated building now known as the Mississippi State University Riley Center. Precariously perched atop an antiquated catwalk to secure equipment for a show, the opera house gig is one he remembers as a more daring feat in his three decades of theater work. Now, the renovated 1890s former opera house is listed as one of Southern Living magazine’s most beloved historic theaters of the South, and it’s where Rainey serves a vital role in ensuring that each performance is perfectly executed.

Research Week celebrating ‘Research that Matters’
Mississippi State is celebrating the university’s impactful research during an extended Research Week April 2-12. With a theme of “Research that Matters,” this year’s Research Week includes several events to highlight the innovations that are driving solutions to current issues and shaping the future of scientific fields. The festivities include showcases, panels, a solar eclipse viewing event, research center tours and more, all culminating with the spring 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium. In addition to university-wide events, several academic colleges and departments are hosting events to highlight research in their fields. For a complete schedule of Research Week events, visit www.research.msstate.edu/initiatives/research-week.

Statewide Point of Pride: Inaugural conference highlights Mississippi excellence in high performance computing
Mississippi is known for southern hospitality, agriculture, and a rich history in music and sports. Mississippi is also making a mark as a national leader in the field of high performance computing. Mississippi State University and Jackson State University co-hosted the inaugural Mississippi High Performance Computing Conference in late March in Jackson, for the first time bringing together Mississippi’s vast HPC community. MSU Associate Vice President for Corporate Engagement and Economic Development Jim Martin highlighted MSU’s strengths in high performance computing, including two systems ranked in the top 500 globally, but noted that a connected HPC community across the state improves capabilities at every supercomputing site and university.

Three Shackouls Honors students earn prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
Three Mississippi State rising seniors -- all students in the university’s Shackouls Honors College -- are being celebrated for their selection as national Barry Goldwater Scholars. David C. Heson of Guntown, Annamarie L. Thompson of Trussville, Alabama, and Alyssa Williams of Franklin, Tennessee, are receiving one of the nation’s premier undergraduate scholarships for STEM students who have significant research experience and a passion for making important research contributions in graduate school and their careers. David Hoffman, director of MSU’s Office of Prestigious External Scholarships, said the university leadership is “incredibly proud of the fact that this is only the second time since the Goldwater Scholarship began selecting students in 1989 that MSU has three scholars.

Health care programs begin student enrollment at MSU-Meridian
Applications are now being accepted to the state’s first direct-entry, accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program and for admission to the current undergraduate Healthcare Administration program at Mississippi State University-Meridian. The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program will begin accepting applications on April 25. Courses in the three programs are designed to position students to fill gaps in the health care industry, particularly in Mississippi where rural needs are greatest, according to faculty.

Collaboration makes Choctaw Preview Day a success
Seth Lewis’ father is an electrical engineer, but seeing the capabilities of high voltage in person was no less fascinating for him than anyone else watching the demonstration. “We saw what would happen to a person if he got too close to a 300,000-watt electrical field, and we saw a demonstration on how lightning would affect metal if it hit it,” Lewis said. “I learned a lot of cool things today, but I think the electrical engineering was my favorite thing.” Lewis, a sophomore at Choctaw Central High School, was among more than 80 grade school students from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians who visited Mississippi State University March 27. Choctaw Preview Day provides students in the tribe a chance to tour the campus and learn about the range of degree programs MSU offers.

MSU celebrates Unity Month, honors the world’s cultures, heritages and religions
Mississippi State is celebrating Unity Month throughout April with a variety of events including the International Fiesta, a showcase of different cultures, heritages and religions of the university’s students, faculty and staff. Sponsored by the World Neighbors Association and MSU’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, the popular International Fiesta returns April 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Drill Field with entertainment, food and displays. MSU’s Music Maker Productions will celebrate Unity Month with its annual Old Main Music Festival of live music, food trucks and an art market, April 26 at the MSU Amphitheater.

2024 Research Award nomination window open through May 10
Nominations for MSU's 2024 Research Awards, sponsored by the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, are open through May 10. These awards exemplify MSU's impact and commitment to excellence in research and innovation across a diverse array of disciplines. The Research Awards seek to honor outstanding achievement in the following categories: Ralph E. Powe Research Excellence Award, Mid-Career Research Scholar Award, Emerging Research Scholar Award, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award, Research Professional Award and Research Support Award.

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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Mississippi State, Lone Star College sign articulation partnership for smooth transfers
Mississippi State University and Lone Star College in The Woodlands, Texas, last week formalized an articulation agreement streamlining a seamless transfer process for Lone Star graduates to the Magnolia State’s leading university. The partnership creates greater student options for advanced educational pathways and specialized degrees that can significantly enhance career prospects and professional development. The newly signed articulation agreement is one of many MSU partnerships enabling a smoother transition for students enrolling in the university. President Mark E. Keenum said MSU programs are in high demand and meeting critical workforce needs.

Gadke receives national Trainers of School Psychologists Presidential Appreciation Award
Professor Daniel Gadke, head of Mississippi State’s Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations, is the recipient of the national Presidential Appreciation Award from the Trainers of School Psychologists. “I am immensely proud of Dr. Daniel Gadke for receiving the prestigious Presidential Appreciation Award from the Trainers of School Psychologists,” said Teresa Jayroe, dean of MSU’s College of Education. “This award is a testament to his exceptional leadership, dedication and service to the field of school psychology. I look forward to his continued success in shaping the future of school psychology.” Gadke also serves as associate dean of research for the College of Education and co-director of the university’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic.

Mississippi Quarterly named ‘best publication’ by Mississippi Library Commission
A Mississippi State University College of Arts and Sciences publication is this year’s winner of the Summit Award, presented annually by the Mississippi Library Commission for “exceptional publication” value. Mississippi Quarterly: The Journal of Southern Cultures, issue 75.1, No. 1, was selected as Best Publication by a Large Agency. “Over the years, Mississippi Quarterly has earned a reputation for excellence in academic publishing by maintaining rigorous scholarly and editorial standards. It is gratifying to receive recognition for this work from the Mississippi Library Commission, a respected and vital organization in our state,” said Ted Atkinson, associate professor of English and editor. Atkinson is joined on the editorial team by Laura West, managing editor, and Robert M. West, associate editor and head of MSU’s Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures.

Jousan earns awards, board term
Dean Jousan helps the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association select the annual winner of its Paul F. Newell Award, which honors an outstanding Mississippi State University Extension agent for serving in Extension’s 4-H livestock program. This year, some of those recipients came back to present that award to Jousan. And that’s not the only recognition he has received lately for his work. The 4-H livestock specialist for MSU Extension was also recognized by the American Youth Horse Council, or AYHC, during its annual symposium with its distinguished service award. Jousan was also re-elected to the AYHC board of directors. He was first elected to serve in 2013 and is currently wrapping up a two-year term as board president. He has also served as treasurer and as vice president on the council’s executive committee.