Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Banners along the YMCA Plaza are welcoming incoming freshmen and transfers to Mississippi State for orientation. The university is hosting multiple sessions this summer to give new Bulldogs and their families an introduction to life at MSU. Fall semester classes are set to start on August 20. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

MSU Riley Center announces 2025-26 Fall and Winter Performing Arts Series
An adventurous array of musical artists is set to excite audiences during Mississippi State’s Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts 2025-26 Fall and Winter Performing Arts Series. The six-concert season begins in August and runs through January 2026. It welcomes a stellar lineup of artists whose influence spans genres and generations. “Each artist brings a unique energy to the stage, promising unforgettable experiences for our audiences,” said Morgan Dudley, Riley Center director. “This season celebrates not only the power of performance but also the continued growth of the MSU Riley Center as a premier destination for the performing arts in Mississippi and beyond.” Dudley said the MSU Riley Center thanks The Riley Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, MSU and Friends of the Lady members, whose continued support helps make these shows possible.

MSU Lyceum Series season ticket renewals available, ticket sales begin July 1
Mississippi State’s 78th annual Lyceum Series promises to delight throughout its upcoming season, bringing the Magnolia State’s own Grammy-winning blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram to the stage this December. Season ticket renewals opened June 9, ushering in a dynamic 2025-26 lineup featuring an eclectic mix of world-class music, theater and dance performances. New season and mini-series ticket sales for the season’s six-part series go on sale July 1, while individual tickets are available starting Aug. 20. The season opens Sept. 26 with Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” This Theatre MSU play adaptation takes place at 7 p.m. in McComas Theatre.

Airport shuttle departure schedule adjusted to meet airline baggage check changes
A 45-minute cutoff for checking baggage with Delta and American airlines has changed the express shuttle times offered by Mississippi State Transportation to Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The GTRA express shuttle now departs The Mill at MSU two hours before flight time and arrives at the airport one and a half hours before flight time. This is 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule. Shuttle pickups from the Starkville campus and hotels along Highway 12 also can be scheduled with MSU if reservations are made at least 24 hours prior to the requested departure time from these locations. This service is available by emailing GTRShuttle@transportation.msstate.edu or calling 662-325-5204.

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.

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Mississippi State, Cenergistic launch campuswide energy conservation program
Mississippi State is taking strategic steps to conserve energy and reduce utility costs across campus with the launch of a comprehensive energy conservation program in partnership with Cenergistic, a national leader in energy and sustainability solutions. “This program reflects Mississippi State’s commitment to using resources more efficiently and leveraging any savings to reinvest in what matters most -- our people, our programs and a campus environment that best supports our academic priorities,” said Les Potts, MSU vice president for Finance and Administration. “Every building on campus functions differently, and our job is to ensure each one operates efficiently,” said Saunders Ramsey, executive director of Campus Services. “This program helps us fine-tune how we manage energy day to day."

Runnells returns to lead Department of Art
A longtime university educator, illustrator and designer is the new head of Mississippi State’s Department of Art. Jamie Runnells, who taught at MSU from 2002-2013, returns after serving a stint as coordinator of Jacksonville State University’s Master of Fine Arts program, where she also held the title of distinguished professor of visual communication. Runnells began her new role in the College of Architecture, Art and Design last week, succeeding Professor Critz Campbell, who stepped down from his leadership role to focus on full-time teaching in the department. CAAD Dean and Graduate School Interim Dean Angi Elsea Bourgeois said she is excited about the department’s future under Runnells’ direction.

Summer send-off parties welcome new students and families to MSU
More than 40 Mississippi State University Alumni Association chapters and clubs will host summer send-off parties for new Bulldogs July 22-Aug. 10. This 20-year MSU tradition enables incoming freshmen, transfers and their families to meet with future classmates, alumni, friends and current students to learn more about university life. It also provides networking opportunities for participants to establish meaningful connections with fellow Bulldogs in or near their hometown. “We are honored to welcome these new students to the MSU family,” said Jeff Davis, MSU Alumni Association executive director. “Our alumni volunteers eagerly look forward to hosting these parties every year to connect new students and their parents with alumni and friends while celebrating their entry into the Bulldog community.”

Master of Science in artificial intelligence launching this fall
A new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program at Mississippi State will prepare students for high-demand careers in one of the fastest-growing fields of technology. Launching this fall and housed in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the program builds on the university’s longstanding commitment to the field, said Andy Perkins, interim department head. MSU previously introduced an undergraduate concentration in AI and was among the first universities in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in the field. Rapid advancements and growing demands, he said, made the new graduate program a natural next step.