Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation's downtown Innovation Hub hosted U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, center, his family, staff and visitors for the ribbon cutting at Guest’s new Downtown Starkville office in the Hub last Tuesday [April 4]. Joining Guest, who represents the state’s District 3, for the official announcement were, from left, State Senator Bart Williams; Guest’s sons Kennedy and Patton, and wife Haley; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill; and Guest staff members Charlie Ballou and Harold Cross. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Jacky Peraza
Although born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Jacky Peraza’s pursuit of an ophthalmology specialty in veterinary medicine brought her to Mississippi State University in July 2022. As a first-year ophthalmology resident at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, her work includes teaching students and educating clients about various eye diseases. “It’s nice to be able to work as a team with the students and see them grow to become independent doctors,” said Peraza. “Another aspect of my job that I love is interacting with clients. It is a wonderful experience getting to know them and building a bond with them and their pets.”
DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Cyndi Ware
For as long as she can remember, Cyndi Ware has been interested in science, so she naturally gravitated toward biology in college. For the past 24 years, Ware has worked at the Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) in Stoneville. “My home is just down the road from this great research facility. Lucky break!” said Ware. As a senior research associate at DREC, Ware, along with fellow scientists and extension specialists, work cooperatively to solve crop and aquaculture production problems and transfer new information and technology to area producers. The variety of work is her favorite aspect of her job.
MSU celebrates Unity Month with a variety of events
Mississippi State is hosting a variety of Unity Month programs throughout April, exploring the dynamics of diversity and inclusion while celebrating the many cultures and heritages represented at the university. Hosted by the ADI division and the World Neighbors Association, MSU kicked off Unity Month events with April 1’s International Fiesta, a day of cultural exchange and entertainment through food and displays.
Ignoring stress, grief can can cause physical illness
After natural disasters, food and shelter are prioritized well above mental health, but ignoring emotional distress can lead to serious physical health conditions. This problem applies to adults and children who survive tragedies like the series of tornadoes that tore through Mississippi March 25. Health specialists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service have teamed with colleagues in the MSU Department of Psychology to create new publications with tips for storm victims coping with stress and grief. MSU Extension has several publications related to coping with disasters, including the two new ones stemming from this collaboration.
MSU Legal Issues Conference set for May 2-4
The annual Mississippi State University Legal Issues Conference is scheduled for May 2-4. The Legal Issues Conference will be valuable for all levels of university practitioners, from senior student affairs professionals to conduct officers and counselors, housing professionals, general counsel, academic administrators and faculty. This year we will hear from experts on the following topics: behavioral intervention team standards and threat assessment; university compliance in the age of regulation; de-escalating student crisis situations; Clery Act reporting process/timely warnings and amendments/audits; disability accommodations; and employment law.
Register 2023 Summer Camps with MSU Guest and Conference Services
When planning for summer camps and other events, please visit www.guestservices.msstate.edu to begin the reservation and planning process. We are asking all day camps to register here, as well. As we are a one-stop-shop for all camps and conferences, there is no need for you to reach out to campus partners (dining, parking, event services, university recreation, etc.). Guest and Conference Services will manage your planning needs at MSU. Due to high demands of MSU facilities, there is no guarantee we can accommodate your first choice. Please list alternative preferences for housing, meeting spaces, recreational spaces and parking. For questions or more information, please contact Guest and Conference Services Coordinator Doris Barksdale at dbarksdale@saffairs.msstate.edu or 662-325-4140.
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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resource for Mississippi State University employees.
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