Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The Mississippi State University Police Department celebrated the retirement of a well-loved police dog last week. Bessi, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois, retired from MSUPD after nearly a decade of service as a dual-purpose explosive and patrol detector K-9. Pictured from left, MSU Assistant Police Chief Brian Locke, Sgt. Nick Coe and K-9 Bessi. As part of her retirement, Bessi received a certificate from MSU human resources, an official change of ownership from MSUPD to Coe and a small piece of cake to celebrate her years of service. PHOTO: Emily Grace McCall | Public Affairs

MSU secures prestigious defense grant, ranks among elite institutions
Mississippi State University has been awarded one of just seven inaugural Defense Security Cooperation University grants, funding research to evaluate a critical component of the military arms ecosystem: capabilities that are reused, refurbished, dated or discounted, known as R2D2. This research aims to position the U.S. as a leader in the value arms industry. Leading the nearly $400,000 grant at MSU is Benjamin Tkach, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. He is joined by Vasabjit Banerjee, a former MSU faculty member now at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Their project, “The Value Arms Ecosystem: New Data on Stockpiles, Production Capacity, and Transfers,” will expand understanding of the value arms ecosystem.

Stokes participates in international review
A Mississippi State University faculty member recently represented the university on the international stage, serving as an invited panelist for an internally-initiated review of the Forest Research Institute at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Over the course of 10 days, Beth Stokes, associate professor in MSU’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, visited the Australian campus, attending the institute’s research showcase and interviewing university students, faculty, administrators and stakeholders to conduct a formal review of its research and educational programs. Stokes, who is also a scientist with the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, was the sole representative from the U.S. on the distinguished panel, underscoring the global recognition of MSU’s leadership in forest products research.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Alexis Jones
Alexis Jones goes with the flow -- quite literally. As a floater assistant teacher at East Biloxi Head Start, she works with 3- and 4-year-olds, transitioning between classrooms to assist wherever needed. Through the MSU Extension Service, Head Start provides research-based education to prepare children for preschool and kindergarten. For Jones, the most rewarding part of her job is building relationships with the children she works with and being there to provide care, support, and encouragement. Although some might find the constant movement between classrooms and children overwhelming, Jones embraces it with enthusiasm.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Mikayla Prisock
For Mikayla Prisock, the Mississippi State University Extension Service is more than just a job -- it’s the backbone of the communities. From her early days participating in 4-H programs like shooting sports, “Kids in the Kitchen,” and serving as a state officer, to her current role as Project Coordinator for Agricultural Communications, MSU Extension has been a constant presence in her life. In her role, Prisock serves as a liaison between Extension specialists and the communities they serve. When new, research-based information is available, she coordinates the creation of materials that help disseminate that knowledge to producers, industries, communities and individuals.

Website provides support, resources for free speech
Mississippi State offers a website dedicated to supporting and promoting freedom of speech and expression within our university. You can access the website at www.freespeech.msstate.edu. This platform has been created to provide accessible resources and guidance to foster a campus environment where open dialogue, respectful debate and diverse perspectives can thrive. All members of the MSU community -- students, faculty and staff -- are encouraged to explore this site and take advantage of the materials and opportunities it offers. Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of free speech principles, enhance your ability to engage in thoughtful dialogue or learn more about your rights and responsibilities, this resource is here to support you.

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 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.

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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President Keenum: ‘No better investment’ in Magnolia State’s future than higher education
Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum remains steadfast in his support of faculty and staff pay increases, saying there is “no better investment” in the Magnolia State’s future than through higher education. Keenum’s comments came last week during the annual Spring General Faculty Meeting, where MSU’s 19th leader noted the university’s positive momentum, growing student body and ongoing campus improvement projects while stressing the importance of having “resources to retain and recruit world-class faculty.” Faculty praise also came from David Shaw, provost and executive vice president, Julie Jordan, vice president for research and economic development, and Keith Coble, vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, who highlighted key milestones from the past year.

MSU, EMCC formalize Communiversity partnership to upskill workforce for advanced manufacturing
Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum and East Mississippi Community College President Scott Alsobrooks signed a Memorandum of Understanding last week to formalize the MSU at the Communiversity partnership through the Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling Program, better known as AiM UP. “Mississippi State is well-known for the collaborative culture we have, and so much of our success comes from the outstanding relationships and partnerships we have that made today possible,” Keenum said. “Leaders from the Golden Triangle, including those in local government and economic development, saw the need more than a decade ago for a place like the Communiversity for the region to remain competitive in workforce development,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan.

MSU, other state leaders welcome high-tech powerhouse Compass Datacenters to Meridian
The state of Mississippi is accelerating its status as a hotbed for innovation and high-tech development thanks to several “stars” aligning -- including Mississippi State University. Leaders from the university, Mississippi Power, Mississippi Development Authority, East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, and Gov. Tate Reeves last week welcomed Compass Datacenters to East Mississippi. All were at MSU-Meridian’s Riley Center during the EMBDC annual meeting. MSU President Mark E. Keenum said, “What Compass Datacenters is planning to do here in this community is going to have an incredible statewide impact as well. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of our Mississippi State graduates work for Compass and the many other companies we are going to see as a result of this investment. Preparing students for these jobs is what we’re all about at Mississippi State University.”

Strickland named assistant vice president and executive director for research administration
A Mississippi State research administrator has been promoted to assistant vice president and executive director for research administration. Kacey Strickland, the MSU Office of Research and Economic Development’s executive director of the offices of Sponsored Projects as well as Research Compliance and Security, now will oversee operations and management supporting the submission of research funding proposals and protection of MSU’s research enterprise. She serves as the Authorized Organizational Representative, or AOR, for MSU with grants signature authority. “Kacey is a valuable asset to our university through her thoughtful leadership and dedication to her work,” said Julie Jordan, vice president of Research and Economic Development.