Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Iwei Chu, a research engineer at the Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies, or I2AT, examines images of heat sink generated using additive manufacturing for research being conducted by Prashant Sing, an assistant professor in the Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering. I2AT is a university resource that houses major research instrumentation to advance the work of faculty, students and staff. Equipment in I2AT’s lab includes advanced microscopy capabilities, as well as magnetic resonance imaging used in fields such as veterinary medicine, cognitive science and medicine. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs

Electric-autonomous shuttle system by Beep debuts in Mississippi at MSU this fall
Mississippi State University again is on the cutting edge of technology, innovation and research -- introducing an electric-autonomous passenger shuttle system pilot program to campus and community this fall. With deployment by Beep, Inc., a leading provider of autonomous and electric shared mobility solutions, the system will be the first of its kind in the state and in the Southeastern Conference, and is designed for safety, sustainability, accessibility and efficiency. “We are excited to announce this special project which is going through several layers of approval, including the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” said Jeremiah Dumas, MSU executive director of transportation.

Senate confirms IHL Board of Trustees appointees
The newest members of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning -- Donald Clark Jr., Jerry L. Griffith, James Heidelberg and Charles Stephenson -- were confirmed by the Mississippi Senate on April 28. They will each serve a nine-year term beginning this Wednesday [May 8]. "This class of trustees brings a broad and diverse set of skills to the table, and I look forward to working with them in support of Mississippi’s eight public universities," said Dr. Al Rankins Jr., commissioner of higher education. "We have a strong system, and I’m confident the IHL Board of Trustees will continue in their dedicated work to make it even stronger." Four trustees are completing their nine-year terms effective May 7, 2024: Tom Duff, Dr. Alfred McNair Jr., Chip Morgan and Dr. Walt Starr.

Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are now available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s new agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. “Whether it’s a faculty member looking to add a supplemental resource to their course or professional development plan, a student looking to add a certification badge to their existing LinkedIn profile, or a staff member itching to venture into new areas of technology, there’s a wealth of information available to the entire MSU Bulldog family at no cost to them,” said Brent Fountain, MSU vice provost.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

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Spring graduation ceremonies start Wednesday
Mississippi State spring graduates will celebrate completion of their university degrees with commencement ceremonies Wednesday [May 8] through Friday [May 10] in Starkville and Meridian. During the MSU-Meridian commencement on Thursday [May 9], MSU President Mark E. Keenum will award local resident and entrepreneur Martin “Marty” Davidson, chairman of Meridian-based Southern Pipe & Supply Company, with the campus’s first honorary Doctor of Public Service. Keenum will serve as the commencement featured speaker on both campuses May 9 and 10 and will award bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees. All ceremonies can be watched remotely via the MSU TV Center’s livestream at mstv.msstate.edu, on the MSTV app and on the university’s main Facebook page.

Davidson to be awarded Doctor of Public Service honorary degree
Mississippi State University-Meridian’s spring 2024 graduation will prove historic with the campus bestowing its first Doctor of Public Service honorary degree during commencement exercises. MSU President Mark E. Keenum will award the honorary degree to Meridian resident and entrepreneur Martin “Marty” Davidson during the ceremony at the MSU Riley Center. “Mr. Davidson is a visionary business leader, a pillar of his community and major benefactor of Mississippi State University,” Keenum said. “This is the highest recognition that our university can bestow upon an individual, and Mr. Davidson is most deserving.” As current president of The Riley Foundation, Davidson’s generosity has enabled the development of MSU-Meridian’s Health Sciences Division, which includes programs that ultimately will provide compassionate health care workers for Mississippi’s most disadvantaged populations.

MSU’s Veterans Business Outreach Center named VBOC of the Year
Mississippi State’s Veterans Business Outreach Center was named the Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the 2024 National Small Business Week. “We are thrilled with this recognition for the Veterans Business Outreach Center. The team does excellent work with their clients, and we’re proud to see them honored for what they do,” said Scott Grawe, dean of the MSU College of Business. “Entrepreneurs and small business owners are an important part of the MSU business community, and we have resources in place to help them succeed.” Established in 2015, MSU’s VBOC serves the U.S. military community in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. The center provides active duty-transitioning service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members and military spouses with programs and services to start, grow and expand their small business.

Nadorff honored by nationally prestigious psychology group, named ‘Friend of APTC’
For demonstrating long-standing commitment to the field of psychology, Mississippi State University’s Michael Nadorff is the recipient of a prestigious Friend of APTC award from the Association of Psychology Training Clinics, an annual honor presented to educators who provide unwavering support while training future psychologists. “I will be honest, this award means an awful lot to me,” said Nadorff, who also acknowledged Emily Stafford, MSU’s psychology clinic director, and Kristy McRaney, director of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Behavioral Health, as keys to his success. “There is a close symbiotic relationship between training directors and clinic directors -- we both have to be doing our job for all to go well. To be recognized like this at a national level feels simply amazing,” Nadorff said.