The newly redesigned MSU Retail Product Accelerator debuted last week at the MSU Idea Shop in downtown Starkville. The Retail Product Accelerator helps entrepreneurs test market products in a fully working retail store and gives students experience operating a business. Operated in partnership by MSU's College of Business and School of Human Sciences, the Idea Shop also houses the Turner A. Wingo Maker Studio. Located on Main Street, the Idea Shop is open to the Starkville community seven days a week. PHOTO: Brooke Lammert | College of Business
School of Architecture recognized by American Institute of Architects’ Mississippi Chapter
Mississippi State’s School of Architecture received several statewide honors from the American Institute of Architects at the virtual 2020 AIA Mississippi Celebrates Architecture Awards Ceremony this fall. Awards were presented to Director Emeritus Michael A. Berk, the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, and Associate Professor Hans C. Herrmann during the annual Mississippi Chapter of the AIA event that recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the profession. Berk, who retired in 2019 after 29 years with the MSU School of Architecture, received the Education Commendation Award for his significant contribution to the field of education related to the purposes of AIA. The Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, led by Director Leah Kemp, received an honor citation for the creation of the Starkville Streatery and Small Town Streatery Toolkit. Herrmann’s project, Mirror Perch Bridge at the Crosby Arboretum Gum Pond Exhibit, received two awards, with the first being an honor award for overall design excellence.
Hosemann Family Foundation extends support at MSU for future educators
The Hosemann Family Autism Foundation has created an annual scholarship award for graduate students studying and pursuing careers in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through the Mississippi State University College of Education. The nonprofit foundation was established in 2017 by Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and his wife Lynn, along with their children, to improve access to and the quality of educational, therapeutic, medical and behavioral health-related services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in Mississippi. The Hosemanns have publicly and privately supported autism-related efforts within the state for many years. At MSU, they have previously worked with Dan Gadke, director of MSU’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic, and Kasee Stratton-Gadke, director of the university’s T. K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability, to provide support for these two campus-based programs.
University launching online master’s programs in accounting and taxation
Mississippi State University will launch new online master’s programs in accountancy and taxation in 2021. The MSU College of Business’ Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy is set to begin offering online Master of Professional Accountancy and Master of Taxation programs in the fall, building on the college’s nationally-recognized online offerings. The new online programs are made possible by a recent gift from the Richard C. Adkerson Family Foundation. “As the fields of business and accounting evolve, it is our job to equip students with both the foundational concepts and the modern tools they need to be at the forefront of their profession,” College of Business Dean Sharon Oswald said. “Our updated accounting curriculum and expanded online offerings are two great examples of how we are doing just that.”
Beware of scammers as vaccines roll out
The saying goes that tough times bring out the best and worst in people. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception, and consumers need to be wary of potential fraud related to the vaccine as it is rolled out. Becky Smith, a family financial management specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said two of the most important facts to keep in mind about the vaccine is that it will be free of charge, and it will require an appointment to receive. “You should get your vaccination only from your doctor, a hospital or clinic, or a licensed pharmacy. There will be no do-it-yourself versions of the vaccine,” said MSU Extension health specialist David Buys.
Looking for a way to help? Give to the MSU Student Relief Fund
The Mississippi State University community continually exhibits a great sense of responsibility and caring for enrolled students that make the land-grant institution such a special place. The MSU Student Relief Fund, built with private gifts, helps those members of the student body affected with day-to-day crises or like now, the impact to their daily lives posed by COVID-19. The Dean of Students' Office assesses needs and administers the fund for acute crises that may impact students’ ability to succeed academically. The MSU Foundation accepts gifts year-round for the MSU Student Relief Fund. Contributions for this effort can be made online or by contacting the Annual Giving office at (662) 325-2466.
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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