Report Maintenance Needs
Announcements
-
click to view
Dumas named sustainability 'pioneer'
MSU campus sustainability coordinator Jeremiah Dumas (left to right) and Students for a Sustainable Campus president Liz Kazal attended TVA's Green Power Switch Leadership Awards program in April, where Dumas was recognized for his work to enhance sustainability on campus. SSC nominated him for the award.
Mississippi State University's work to achieve a "greener" campus and the efforts of its sustainability coordinator have been recognized by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
As part of its Green Power Switch Leadership Awards, TVA and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy recently named Jeremiah Dumas a "Campus Sustainability Pioneer."
"I accepted the award on behalf of everyone on our campus working to achieve greater energy and transportation efficiency, greener purchasing, education and research," said Dumas, an assistant research professor who leads the land-grant institution's sustainability initiative.
Winners were honored at an event in Memphis last month.
"This recognition helps us get our own campus in order, and does so in a way that educates and showcases our success to all those who work, study and visit here. Not to mention that this type of publicity is also very important from a recruiting standpoint, as we know that sustainability is becoming a factor as students make their college choices."
MSU's Students for a Sustainable Campus submitted the award nomination to TVA.
TVA, local distributors of TVA power and members of the environmental community launched Green Power Switch in 2000 as the first-of-its-kind program in the Southeast. It allows consumers to help ensure that renewable energy from wind, solar and landfill gas is added to TVA's power supply. (For more, see http://www.greenpowerswitch.com.)
For additional information, contact Dumas at 662-325-2629 or jpd1@msstate.edu.
Jim Laird | University Relations
-
click to view
Cooling tower replacement at Central Plant
The Mississippi State University Central Plant produces chilled water and hot water that is used for cooling and heating 40 buildings in the heart of campus, including the new residence halls. The chilled water portion depends on several cooling towers, and it recently became apparent that some of these had reached the end of their service life -- accelerating the replacement schedule.
Accordingly, MSU Facilities Management launched a fast-track project to procure three new towers, with design and installation oversight by staff personnel.
Last week, the towers were received and lifted into place.
The new state-of-the-art towers are constructed of fiberglass and will provide many more years of service than the original wood towers. In addition, the new towers employ the energy conservation strategy of minimizing the electrical consumption according to the campus cooling need.
A similar tower was recently installed at Humphrey Coliseum as part of the Mize Pavilion project, and it has demonstrated the advantages of this technique.
This project represents another step in the university's sustainability efforts articulated and supported by MSU President Mark E. Keenum. The towers are producing energy savings and providing for more fuel efficient, environmentally-friendly operations in an area of critical need on our campus.
The new towers at the Central Plant will soon be operational, and ready to reliably and economically meet the summer cooling needs. In addition, a thermal storage initiative is in the design stage that will enable chilled water to be produced and stored at night -- when the summer electrical rates are lower -- for use the following day during the cooling-demand period.
PHOTO: Megan Bean | University Relations
-
click to view
Facilities Management shares survey results
Mississippi State University's Facilities Management team reports that 1,076 participants provided feedback for its 2011 annual survey -- a noteworthy increase from the 838 people who took part in the 2010 survey.
"The annual survey is one of the tools we use to maximize efficiency and provide a superior customer service experience, and we are very pleased that more faculty and staff were willing to participate and let us know how we are doing," said Amy Tuck, executive director of Campus Operations.
Overall, survey participants were satisfied with their Facilities Management experience. The largest gains from 2010 were seen in the level of satisfaction of cleanliness of common areas in buildings; cleanliness of office spaces in buildings; and the attitude, professionalism and expertise of maintenance personnel.
The 2011 survey also revealed several opportunities for improvement, including:
--Providing detailed invoice information online.
"People want to be able to go to our website, enter their work request number and generate a detailed invoice for all of their charges," said Assistant Director for Business Operations Angie Waller, who coordinated the survey project. "We will implement this feature when the new FM website goes live."
--Building assessment surveys.
According to Waller, a program has been created with Information Technology Services' assistance to enable FM staff to assess the custodial and maintenance needs of a facility, which over time will build a database of information that will assist in determining ongoing needs and resources.
--Recycling program.
Waller said the campus-wide recycling program is under review to identify improvements and education and communication opportunities.
"We appreciate participants taking the time to complete the survey, and thank them for sharing their thoughts with us," Tuck said. "We plan on using it again, and hope to see another increase in the number of responses."
For additional information, contact Waller at awaller@physplant.msstate.edu or 662-325-1948.
Jim Laird | University Relations
-
click to view
Safety Record Outstanding for Campus Landscape
Mississippi State University's Office of Regulatory Compliance and Safety recognized the Campus Landscape team for its commitment to safety and training with a barbecue luncheon. Despite having some of the riskier jobs on campus, the crew's accident record is among the lowest, according to MSU safety officer Alicia Musselwhite PHOTO: Russ Houston | University Relations
-
NOTICE OF CHANGES TO CAMPUS WIDE RECYCLING
The Mississippi State University single-stream recycling program has now been in place for over a year. This program fundamentally changed the way that we collect recycling and waste on the campus and we are still evaluating and reviewing our procedures in order to see how effective this program is and how we can make it more efficient at reducing our waste stream into our local landfill. In addition to monitoring the current system, a few changes have happened related to the contractor and their ability to collect material.
The single stream program was developed around the capabilities of the contractor who was awarded the contract. Blubox was the selected contractor because of their ability to collect and sort all cardboards, papers, plastics, metals, and glass. During the course of the last year, Blubox was purchased by Mississippi Industrial Waste Management (MIWD) and just a few months ago, MIWD was purchased by Waste Pro. Waste Pro is now the recycling and waste contractor for the campus and the only change resulting from this change is that Waste Pro does not collect glass; therefore we cannot collect that as part of our recycling stream.
The materials that we can now collect as part of our single-stream recycling program are as follows:
All Paper
All Plastic
Cardboard
Metals and Aluminum
Thanks for your effort and support with this program and if you have specific questions, please email Jeremiah Dumas at jpd1@msstate.edu.
-
click to view
Our People: Effie Hopkins
Passengers on the blue route of Mississippi State University's shuttle system have more than a driver at the wheel — they have an angel in disguise.
For years, that's how students have described "Miss Annie," a woman who remembers the names of nearly all of her regular passengers and cares for them like her own family.
A self-described "granny for those away from home," Effie Hopkins' selfless actions and caring nature have become legendary for the more than seven years she has driven a shuttle at the university.
Students send her flowers and cards thanking her for being so kind to them, often years after they have graduated. Miss Annie keeps a thick folder of them, reminding her of how much her "family" loves her.
"I'm having a great day — what about you?" Hopkins says as she greets students getting on her shuttle.
Students gush about how much better she has made them feel on bad days, how she helps them put problems in perspective and find a better attitude.
Ravi "Raj" Sadasivuni, a graduate student in geosciences, said during the years he has known Hopkins, she has inspired him when he's stressed.
"She helps everyone," said Sadasivuni, who works at the High Performance Computing Collaboratory. "She knows how to inspire everyone."
Ask nearly anyone riding her shuttle route and they respond with glowing praise for her. Some students intentionally park so they can visit with her during the shuttle experience.
"I could drive straight to class," said Tiffany Bridges, a senior marketing major from Yazoo City. "But I chose to ride with her because she makes my day better."
Hopkins remembers the names of regular riders and asks about things they discussed during previous rides. She even helped a group of German graduate students visiting campus find a laundry and particular shops to buy gifts.
"You want to be a welcoming committee to them because you have to remember they've left their family behind in this new environment," she said.
But Hopkins doesn't stop helping students when her shift ends each day. She regularly uses her personal vehicle, an old Chevy Blazer, to take them to the grocery store and other places when they can't find other means of transportation.
"She could be at home, but she gives rides to people who need to go and buy basic necessities," Sadasivuni said.
When Hopkins' church learned about her giving rides to students in need, the congregation began helping pay for gasoline. She even carries business cards with her contact information that say "Being a helper of one another."
"I said I wanted to be out here to make a difference in the students' lives," she said. "So far, I think I've held up my end of the bargain."
"I've always found people interesting," she said. "I'm a people watcher."
-
click to view
Our People: Bart Prather
When MSU athletes take to the field on game day, whether it is baseball, football, soccer, or softball, it would be nearly impossible without the diligent work of Bart Prather and his staff. He's not a coach, trainer or manager, but his contributions, arguably, are of near-equal importance.
As superintendent of sports turf, Prather is responsible for ensuring that playing surfaces are safe for student-athletes to practice and play on and that they meet NCAA guidelines for all striping, painting and dimensions. He and his staff are diligent in making sure the playing surfaces are free of low spots, high spots, holes, and trip hazards that could easily turn a first-round draft pick into a former student-athlete.
Prather returned to State 10 years ago and says a love of athletics makes what he does seem less like a job and more like an endless sports season.
"I couldn't do this if I didn't love athletics," Prather said. "Being able to do it for the university I grew up coming to as a kid makes it that much more rewarding."
-
click to view
Our People: J.D. Hardy
When J.D. Hardy came to Mississippi State in 2008 as energy/mechanical engineer in Facilities Management, he says he walked into to a great situation from an energy conservation standpoint.
Hardy serves as the energy monitor for MSU and, in addition to developing reports on consumption for the energy committee, he is part of a team that develops projects to help improve campus systems and make them more efficient.
He says that a large part of conservation is efficient use of resources and developing sustainable practices and, because the university has been so proactive, he and the energy team have been able to continue a downward trend in energy use for several years.
"We are constantly looking to the future for new ways to be more efficient," Hardy says. "Our goal is to continue to conserve energy without sacrificing the academic and research goals of Mississippi State by being more efficient and sustainable in ou r practices. I am very proud of our performance and our reputation as an energy-conscious university."
-
click to view
Our People: Everett Kennard
Having the best job in the world is a daily reality for Everett Kennard. Often far from home, but never far from friends, he drives the immaculate MSU buses on trips all over the country. Just call him—,he may answer from anywhere, but if he doesn't, his voice greeting will tell you he "could be in Washington state under an apple tree or I could be in Florida on the beach, all for Mississippi State, of course." The tone of his voice will let you know for sure—he's loving every minute of it.
Kennard, manager of transportation services, has been blazing the highways for 28 years, carrying Bulldog athletes, administrators, faculty, staff, and students of all kinds.
"I've got the greatest job in America. It's a dream job that a lot of people would want. I work with the greatest people, and I work for the greatest people. And I've got the easiest product in America that sells itself, and that's Mississippi State," Kennard said.
"I don't feel old until I haul children of those who I hauled in the earlier days," he said. He explained that freshman baseball player C.T. Bradford is the son of Mike Bradford, who was on the baseball team in 1983. Kennard's memory is like a rolodex of MSU alumni.
Of course, Kennard has been to many memorable events on behalf of the university, including trips to the College World Series, Final Four, SEC Championship, and many bowl games. He said about 59 percent of transportation is related to athletics, but many travels are academic field trips.
Spending about 200 days a year on the road, Kennard is a restaurant and hotel expert. He's never tired of the highway, but still delights in it. "I thank God that he put me in this position, and I really feel sorry for anyone who doesn't enjoy their work like I do," Kennard said.
-
click to view
Our People: Jimmy Rice
For campus landscape supervisor Jimmy Rice, the reward of working with Mississippi State's lush grass and other natural scenery is the satisfaction of seeing a job well done.
"It's just really good when you do your job, and it looks good. People come by and compliment it, and it makes you feel good," Rice said.
The veteran master crew member has more than 28 years of experience carefully managing and maintaining— even manicuring, one might say— the acres of pure green grass that canvas the university from one end to the other like a natural soft carpet.
Rice said he's seen a lot of changes to MSU's landscape during his career. The current landscape calls for a host of bedding plants, giving variety for every season and for every perspective of campus. Irrigation, equipment, and a host of other tools, such as fertilizers, are all part of a methodical effort to get the just-right results that mark the MSU environment. Rice manages a cycle of work to ensure that the north half of campus is mowed and otherwise properly maintained year-round. But he will be the first to point out a larger group effort among a team of dedicated employees.
"You've got to have guys that really take pride in their work to make a campus look as good as this one. We have guys that really take pride in what they do," Rice said.
Rice says he puts some of his professional knowledge to use in his own yard. A family man, Rice has been married to Starkville native Shavell Rice for 29 years, and they are parents of five children. He also happens to be an older brother to retired NFL star Jerry Rice. He says his career has allowed him the right balance of time between work, family, and his other career— which he describes as more of a calling. He pastors Fourth Street M.B. Church in Columbus.
Rice said the nature of landscape work allows him to multi-task in some ways. "I can be doing my job and meditating at the same time, reflecting on what I've already read," Rice said. "That's when I do my best work really."
-
click to view
Our People: Stella Ellis
Stella Ellis grew up caring for people. As one of seven children in her family, Stella always helped with the other kids, and did whatever it took to keep the household in order. Her sense of caring for others definitely has affected her work for the last 21 years in Mississippi State's custodial department.
While the master custodian works to ensure the functionality and upkeep of 18 different areas around campus, her main objective is to make sure that the people who work in those spaces are happy. The MSU Welcome Center, first floor of Thompson Hall, and the fourth and fifth floors of the library are among her areas of responsibility, which include everything from maintaining office spaces and hallways to classrooms and entranceways.
A nighttime supervisor for the past six years, she said of her attitude about work, "It's just the way I was brought up—to take pride in what I do, especially when it involves looking after people."
Along with her loyalty to her job, Stella is devoted to Mississippi State and the Bulldogs. From the hubcaps on her car to her clothing and household trinkets, it's not hard to identify her as "True Maroon." She even lends her generous heart to caring for students who find themselves in need.
"I've done what I can to help students. I've taken them into my house, fed them, and provided some spending money when I can," she explained.
When asked why she's remained at MSU for more than two decades, she said, "When I put my mind to something, I don't give up."
Now that's the Bulldog spirit.
-
click to view
ROAD CLOSURE - NORTH FARM
North Farm Road Closure
Description: Beginning Monday May 9, 2011 the portion of the North Farm road between Joe Baddley Drive and the entrance to the western parking lot of the A.B. McKay Food Research & Enology Lab building will close. This portion of the road will remain closed for the foreseeable future due to the construction of a new business incubator building and a new entrance road. See the image below for a map of the closure location and plan commuting routes accordingly.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to complete this project. If you have any questions regarding this closure, please contact Facilities Management at 662-325-5830.