Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

A bee enjoys a summer snack on the Drill Field. Situated at the heart of Mississippi State’s campus, the well-known green space features many pollinator-friendly plants installed and maintained by the university’s dedicated landscape maintenance crews. PHOTO: Cameron Mazingo | Public Affairs

Perkins joins CSAB task force on artificial intelligence and machine learning
Andy Perkins, a Department of Computer Science and Engineering associate department head and professor at Mississippi State, has joined the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board’s task force on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The group is tasked with researching how to proceed in accrediting AI programs through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. As the lead ABET member society, the CSAB accredits degree programs in computer science, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, information technology and software engineering. ABET is an agency dedicated to accrediting programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.

Mittal attends NSF Center of Academic Excellence Artificial Intelligence Workshop
Suddip Mittal, assistant professor of computer science and engineering and associate research director of the PATENT Laboratory in the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State, recently attended the National Science Foundation Center of Academic Excellence Artificial Intelligence Workshop to begin developing new AI programs and scholarships. Part of the NSF and National Security Agency’s CyberAI Project, the workshop was focused on developing knowledge units for a program of study in AI in cybersecurity. The main goal is to develop an AI CAE program and Scholarship for Service for AI.

MSU-Meridian think tank addresses critical social worker shortages
Representatives from four area community colleges are exploring social work healthcare career paths and scholarship opportunities at MSU-Meridian as part of a think tank designed to fill crucial roles in an industry experiencing nationwide shortages. Administrators from East Mississippi Community College, Jones College, Meridian Community College and East Central Community College recently joined Social Work Think Tank Round Table No. 1 to begin expanding pipelines into MSU-Meridian’s Bachelor of Social Work program. The think tank sessions, led by Angela Savage, program director, serve as a resource and educational tool for community college advisors transferring students into four-year universities.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Mark Hill
Mark Hill turned his lifelong love for the outdoors and curiosity about creatures into a career. “We as humans have altered the landscape on which we depend; learning how to act as a steward of our natural heritage seemed like an obvious choice,” Hill said. As an Extension associate with the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University, Hill disseminates research-based information to a wide range of audiences including communities, private companies and producers. “I get paid to do what I love and learn about things that interest me,” said Hill. Hill helps manage a research project investigating greenhouse gas benefits for several on-farm conservation practices. Additionally, he assists in delivering the Mississippi Water Stewards Extension program.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Natoya Tate
Behind every student entering the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Mississippi State University is a team focused on setting students up for success. One of those people is Natoya Tate. As the CVM Assistant Academic Affairs Manager, Tate manages the academic affairs support staff and communicates consistently with students and faculty to facilitate academic advising, enrollment, curriculum, scheduling, evaluations and more. “Being a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student is so stressful and demanding that we try to manage as much as we can for them to alleviate some of that stress and anxiety, not only here at the college but also in their outside lives,” said Tate.

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. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.

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.

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

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Mississippi State and Starkville unite for Homecoming celebration this fall
The Mississippi State University Alumni Association is announcing the 2024 edition of Homecoming Oct. 31-Nov. 3 to celebrate the spirit of MSU and vibrant community of Starkville this fall. This year’s celebration promises to be a memorable occasion as MSU and the city of Starkville invite students, alumni and families to unite for a weekend of food, fun and football. “The MSU Alumni Association is proud to collaborate with the Greater Starkville Development Partnership to deliver a Homecoming weekend full of events and activities for the entire community,” said Jeff Davis, MSU Alumni Association executive director.

Winger new head of Department of Physics and Astronomy
A Mississippi State faculty member with more than a decade of service to the university is the new head of MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Professor Jeff Winger began his role as department head July 1. Winger has served as interim department head since last summer. “Dr. Winger is well-equipped for the this role with his past experiences as associate and acting head,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Rick Travis. “This experience, coupled with his new ideas, will guide the department to expand its leading role in contributing to the research profile of the university while also addressing the evolving teaching and learning environment. I look forward to working with him in the coming years,” he said.

From student worker to associate dean, Cunetto’s career with MSU Libraries spans more than three decades
When Stephen Cunetto walked into Mitchell Memorial Library at Mississippi State University for his first day on the job, he was just a college student. More than 35 years later, he is retiring as associate dean for MSU Libraries. “Stephen Cunetto has provided invaluable leadership and countless dedicated hours of labor for MSU Libraries for more than 30 years. His expertise in the field of librarianship and his commitment to MSU are nothing short of inspirational. He will be sorely missed by the entire campus community,” said Dean of Libraries Lis Pankl. “The people are what make the Libraries special,” he said. “We have such a caring and dedicated staff. It has been an honor to work with them to advance the Libraries.”

Marufuzzaman's DHS grant helps assess public space safety, protect civilians against threats
An industrial and systems engineering associate professor in Mississippi State’s Bagley College of Engineering has been awarded a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant to make civilians and first responders safer during active shooter incidents. Mohammad Marufuzzaman is delving into the intricacies of individual behavior during public safety threats and developing tailored training and response strategies for first responders. Project co-principal investigators include Associate Research Professor Daniel Carruth of MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems and Lucas Cagle, a former MSU employee and current electrical and computer engineering doctoral student, along with research assistants Abdur Rahman and Mohamad Dehghan.