Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Countries from across the world united on the Drill Field during International Fiesta earlier this month, transforming the heart of Mississippi State's campus into a vibrant crossroads of cultures. Sponsored by MSU's Center for Student Activities and the Starkville World Neighbors Association, the event featured colorful flags, dynamic performances, cultural exhibits and flavorful cuisine, all while inviting campus and local communities to experience traditions from across the globe -- no passport required. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

West gives ‘A Clear Eye’ reading Monday afternoon
Mississippi State poet and Professor Robert West will present a reading of his newest poetry collection “A Clear Eye” on Monday [April 20] 4 p.m., in Old Main Academic Center Room 1030. “I think a lot of people have the idea poetry is something esoteric and difficult. I hope anyone joining us will leave feeling reassured that it doesn’t have to be like that,” West said. “I’m with poet A. R. Ammons when he writes, ‘I believe in fun.’” The reading, free and open to the public and sponsored by MSU’s Department of English, will feature selections from the February Broadstone Books publication, followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing.

Extension launches Magnolia Moves Activity Challenge
Mississippi, it’s time to get moving. Let’s increase our physical movement, improve our eating habits, and make ourselves healthier and happier! The Mississippi State University Extension Service invites everyone to join the Magnolia Moves Activity Challenge, a free six-week exercise and nutrition program. Registration is open for individuals and teams, and the program kicks off Monday [April 20] and continues through May 31. Not only will Extension hold weekly prize drawings for participation across five different age categories, all participants will receive nutrition tips, video links, and healthy living resources. Also, 4-H’ers and other youth can count hours toward the Congressional Award.

MSU AI Community: Join the conversation!
Mississippi State University is taking steps to advance artificial intelligence adoption across campus. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or staff member, these resources are designed to help you learn, collaborate, and stay informed about AI initiatives at MSU. The AI Innovation Hub SharePoint Site is your one-stop hub for AI-related learning opportunities, workshops, user guidance, industry news, tips, and updates. It's available at https://mstate.sharepoint.com/sites/AIInnovationHub. You can also connect through the MSU AI Community Teams Site. If you have any questions about AI at MSU, please contact Senior Advisor for AI and Data Governance Julie Jordan at julie.jordan@msstate.edu.

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 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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International Institute celebrates 15 years at MSU
Mississippi State’s International Institute celebrated its 15th anniversary last week by highlighting the university’s strategic global work. Founded in 2011, the International Institute includes the Office of Study Abroad, International Services Office, English Language Institute, International Research Development and U.S. Passport Office. Among other meetings and activities, MSU leaders hosted special guests Daniel Gustafson and Vanessa Passafaro of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, who participated in a series of celebratory events and attended the annual International Fiesta hosted by MSU’s Center for Student Activities.

Prescott returns to MSU Foundation as top level advisor
Dennis A. Prescott has made a return to the Mississippi State University Foundation this month as senior advisor to the vice president for development and alumni. He previously served Mississippi State as vice president for external affairs from March 1999 through January 2007. “Dennis is bringing tremendous value to our team,” said MSU Vice President for Development and Alumni John P. Rush, who also is president and CEO of the MSU Foundation. “The experience he has accumulated over the years, with us and then through service to other institutions, is just invaluable. Returning here, he brings his knowledge of the craft and will pair it well with the potential our university has to offer.”

National composites organization names Sullivan to presidency
Mississippi State’s Rani Sullivan, head of the university’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, is beginning a two-year term as president of the prestigious American Society for Composites. Sullivan now leads one of the most well-regarded national forums for advancing knowledge and fostering the exchange of ideas in composite materials and structures. The organization brings together scientists, engineers, industry professionals and students to promote research and innovative composite technologies across many sectors.

Mathews honored as dietetics educator of the year
An assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion was honored by a statewide organization as an exemplary educator in dietetics. Rahel Mathews received the 2026 Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetics Educator of the Year Award for Didactic Programs in Dietetics and Coordinated Programs. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, mentoring and leadership within ACEND-accredited dietetics education programs. Daniel Peterson, professor and head of the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, said the accolade exemplified the dedication and hard work of an individual invested in educating the next generation of nutritional experts.