Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach held a grand opening and ribbon cutting earlier this month to celebrate completion of its E-Center expansion in McCool Hall, home of the College of Business. The 4,000-square-foot E-Center is designed to assist students, faculty and community members in launching or expanding their business ventures. Pictured at the April 12th event are Outreach Director Jeffrey Rupp (left to right), retired Dean Sharon Oswald, E-Center Director Eric Hill, retired businessman and former MSU National Alumnus of the Year Turner Wingo, and College of Business Dean Scott Grawe. PHOTO: Jonah Holland | Public Affairs

Coker to lead regional professional society
A Mississippi State scientist and longtime member of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) was elected president of its southern regional chapter. Christine Coker, an extension and research professor in the MSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and a Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station horticulturist based at the MAFES Beaumont Horticultural Unit, accepted the position at this year’s annual meeting of the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS). ASHS is a community of academic and industry professionals who have collaborated to conduct research and address the most pressing national and global issues in horticulture since 1903.

McNair to Martin: Gavel passes to new president of IHL Board of Trustees
Leadership of the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning changed last week, as the gavel was passed from outgoing president Dr. Alfred McNair Jr. to incoming president Bruce Martin. "It has been an honor to serve in this role for the past year, and I am proud of the good work done by this board in service of Mississippi's public universities," McNair said. Martin echoed McNair's statement and shared his own thoughts on the work ahead. "The IHL Board of Trustees has had a great leader in Dr. McNair, and I know I speak for my fellow trustees when we express our gratitude for his time and energy in this role," said Martin. "I am excited about the work that lies ahead and confident we will continue to build on the strong foundation that is in place."

Institute for the Humanities celebrates Faculty Fellows, showcases creativity
Mississippi State’s Institute for the Humanities is hosting an end-of-year showcase next week highlighting the 2024 IH Faculty Fellows’ scholarship and creativity. The IH Faculty Fellows Presentation on April 30, 11 a.m., in the College of Arts and Sciences Vault, Allen Hall Room 526, will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/msu.humanities.institute. Presenters are Jim Giesen, associate professor of history, “The Land of Cotton: Culture and Environment in the American South;” Peter Messer, associate professor of history, “Dictated by Nature: Science, Theology, and Politics in Early American Natural History;” and Bonnie O’Neill, associate professor of English, “The Good News from Plymouth Church: The Faith, Politics, and Celebrity of Henry Ward Beecher”

Funding opportunity: Fish Innovation Lab request for applications
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, managed by the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine, requests concept notes due by 5 p.m. Eastern U.S. time on May 15, 2024, showcasing proposed research to alleviate poverty and improve nutrition, especially for marginalized populations, through the reliable and inclusive provision of nutrient-rich fish and other aquatic foods. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Fish Innovation Lab supports Feed the Future's mission to break the vicious cycle of poverty and hunger in partner countries.

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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University sets new records with MAB Excellence in Broadcasting Awards
Mississippi State claimed numerous honors at the recent Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Awards, with the University Television Center taking a record 11 first place awards and its fourth consecutive Achievement Award. Mississippi State claimed numerous honors at the recent Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Awards, with the University Television Center taking a record 11 first place awards and its fourth consecutive Achievement Award. The UTC, recognized in many categories, received the Achievement Award in the noncommercial TV division and is the only organization to have won the award for best overall product four consecutive years in all three competitive divisions.

19 faculty complete university leadership program
Building on a rich tradition of developing university leaders, 19 Mississippi State faculty members completed the Faculty Leadership Program this academic year. Sponsored by MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, the Faculty Leadership Program helps outstanding faculty members further develop the skills needed to lead the university forward in its mission of learning, service and research. During the 10-month program, participants attend various presentations and engage in roundtable discussions with top administrators. The program concluded this month with a recognition and conversation about leadership with President Mark E. Keenum.

Faculty, staff honored with excellence in teaching, advising awards
Mississippi State is honoring exceptional faculty and staff with annual awards for their outstanding teaching, mentoring and advising of students at the university. “This year’s faculty and staff honorees stand out because of the sincerity of the heartfelt comments made in the nomination letters by fellow faculty members and students. The honorees’ impressive and noble work is moving, and they are all extremely deserving recipients of these awards,” said Executive Vice Provost Peter Ryan, who also serves as dean of the Graduate School. “It’s great to see so many early-career teachers excel. They’ve hit the ground running, and they serve as an impetus for their peers be successful and pick up momentum in a culture of excellence in teaching and advising.”

Irby named associate director for MSU Extension
Trent Irby has moved into an administrative role with the Mississippi State University Extension Service after more than 12 years of serving the state’s soybean growers. MSU Extension Director Angus Catchot recently named Irby associate director of Extension. In this role, Irby will be working primarily in agricultural and natural resource programs. Prior to his appointment, he had been serving in the position on an interim basis since January. “Soybeans are our most grown row crop, so Dr. Irby has been one of our busiest and most trusted agronomists for many years,” Catchot said. “He has logged a lot of road miles helping our producers solve problems, and he has shown natural leadership in the process. That ability plus his experience makes him an excellent fit for this role.”