Classes resumed and campus offices reopened at Mississippi State on Monday [Nov. 29] after a brief break for Thanksgiving last week. Wednesday [Dec. 1] marks the final class day of the fall semester with final exams starting Friday [Dec. 3]. PHOTO: Robby Lozano | Public Affairs
SRDC team receives national diversity award
A team led by a Mississippi State University unit has been recognized on the national level for its contributions to race relations. The Coming Together for Racial Understanding (CTRU) project received the 2021 National Diversity in Extension Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, Cooperative Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. CTRU is a team of Extension specialists and administrators from 22 land-grant universities from 17 states coordinated by the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) at MSU. The team helped train facilitators who guided community dialogues across the country focused on race-related issues. SRDC Associate Director Rachel Welborn said the effort involved 29 states sending teams for national training, with more than 100 participants completing train-the-trainer workshops. These participants have led more than 900 Cooperative Extension System staff members through training sessions at the state level.
MSU Extension changes administrative structure
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is modifying its administrative structure to commit more resources for county level staffing. Upon Steve Martin’s return to his primary role as MSU Extension associate director Nov. 16, his title changed to Associate Director for County Operations. He will have oversight responsibilities for the four regional Extension coordinators, the Center for 4-H Youth Development, the Office of Nutrition Education, Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, civil rights, the MSU Horse Park, and the Mississippi Boll Weevil Program. Along with county Extension agent hiring and retention, the overall budgets of the county operations will also become his responsibility as part of the reorganization. MSU Extension Director Gary Jackson will continue to lead the overall Extension operations with an emphasis on state and federal initiatives, legislative agenda and process, program planning and evaluation, faculty and specialists, budgeting, policy and other duties.
Office of Research Compliance and Security announces new hires and role changes
Mississippi State’s Office of Research Compliance and Security has recently completed a round of new hires and promotions to better meet campus research security needs. Allen Baxter is taking on an expanded role and reporting to MSU Information Technology Services as assistant director for data security and compliance. He previously led MSU’s research data security efforts in ORC&S. Chris Jenkins, formerly an export control officer in ORC&S, is now serving as an assistant director and research security officer. On December 1, Clay Hardwick will join MSU as the senior research security analyst in ORC&S. “It takes a dynamic team to ensure MSU’s wide-ranging research activities remain secure and in compliance with federal, state and funding agency directives,” said ORC&S Director Kacey Strickland.
MSU’s ‘The Promise of Good Things’ floral design book offers creative holiday decorating ideas
There will be no shortage of decorating ideas this holiday season thanks to a new book written by Mississippi State University horticulture experts. “The Promise of Good Things – Floral Design for the Fall and Winter Holiday Season,” produced by the MSU Extension Service, is a catalogue of floral design ideas for the fall and winter holidays. James M. DelPrince, an associate Extension professor and horticulture specialist at MSU, is the primary book author. The books co-authors are Patricia Knight, research professor and director of coastal horticulture research at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station; Christine Coker, an associate Extension and research professor specializing in floriculture and ornamental horticulture; and Christian Stephenson, an Extension agent in Hancock County. The authors’ floral designs and decorations are showcased through the photography of Office of Agricultural Communications photographer Kevin Hudson and the layout of graphic designer Annette Woods.
Reminders about MSU golf carts, low speed vehicles, side-by-sides, utility carts
All Mississippi State University golf carts, low speed vehicles, side-by-sides, utility carts, etc. are required to behave as a vehicle by only driving in an open roadway, obeying all traffic control devices, and parking in valid parking spaces. These vehicles, unless they have an approved or a work-related duty to be off-road are not to be driven or parked on sidewalks, landscaped or turfed areas, plazas, etc. No private vehicle may operate on campus without a state issued license plate or park on campus without a valid MSU parking permit. Given the recent policy change in the City of Starkville that allows golf carts and low speed vehicles to operate on city streets, all MSU vehicles are required to register with Parking and Transit Services and purchase a permit for $5. This permit will assist Parking and Transit Services and the University Police in being able to differentiate between official MSU vehicles and private vehicles and provide a point-of-contact and responsible party for MSU vehicles that are permitted to operate on campus. Beginning Dec. 1, any unregistered golf cart, low speed vehicle, side-by-side, utility cart, etc. that is operating or parked on campus will be immobilized with a boot and/or towed.
International Institute shares passport reminders
Mississippi State's International Institute is encouraging all students and faculty who are considering travel within the next six months to apply or renew (if needed) their passport now. Current U.S. passport processing times are significantly longer than normal, so it is more important than ever that you plan early. First-time passport applications and renewals are taking up to 18 weeks for routine service and up to 12 weeks for expedited service (additional $60). If you aren't sure if you need to renew your passport, check the expiration date and make sure it is valid for six months after the end of your potential travel dates. Additionally, keep in mind that if your travel requires a visa, you often need to send your passport to the embassy to receive your visa prior to travel.
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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