President's Perspective

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
Greetings for another week.

For the column this time, I need to share a couple of disparate pieces of information with the MSU Campus:

--Today marks the 9th anniversary of the Posters-at-the-Capitol (P@C) event held in the Kentucky Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. Murray State University serves as the coordinating body for this annual exhibit of research and scholarly work by undergraduates from all Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System for members of the Kentucky General Assembly and the Governor. Thirty-plus student-scholars and numerous faculty from our Colleges of Business; Education; Science, Engineering and Technology; and the School of Agriculture will be presenting projects—congratulations to all of them! Governor Beshear has once again this year proclaimed “UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY” today across the Commonwealth.


Continue reading "President's Perspective"

Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 21:35

Relief for Haiti - sponsored by the MSU American Humanics/Youth and Nonprofit Leadership program

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
As you know, the impoverished and struggling country of Haiti has experienced one of the worse national disasters of our time. Over a million people are homeless and it is estimated that 200,000 have been killed from the earthquake. Injuries and deaths have left countless children without parents and many people are searching for shelter, medication and food. You can help. Join us by making a contribution to the American Red Cross. Send your check or money order to the American Humanics/Youth & Nonprofit Leadership program at 105 Carr Health Building, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, and be sure to write Haiti Relief and Development AP 2885 in the memo section. Or, you and your department/class/residence hall/organization can become a part of the Bucket Brigade for Haiti Relief. Contact Robin Esau at robin.esau@murraystate.edu or (270) 809-3824 and sign out a Bucket for Haiti Relief and pass the bucket at your next meeting or activity. The Red Cross already has numerous mobile units on the ground in Haiti and hundreds of staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to aid those in need. If you’d like more information on Haiti relief efforts at MSU, contact Roger Weis at roger.weis@murraystate.edu or (270) 809-3808. Thanks for your help.
Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 14:43

MSU selected to receive higher education collaborative software grant

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
Murray State University was selected as one of 10 postsecondary schools to receive a collaborative software grant from DyKnow. Universities and colleges throughout the United States and Canada submitted proposals outlining strategies for using DyKnow’s collaborative software to enhance teaching and learning at their institution. A team of education advisers selected the winners. The selected schools detailed a variety of intended uses, from extensive mobile classroom projects to restructuring doctoral programs. Dr. Terry Derting, principal investigator of the DyKnow grant at MSU and professor of biological sciences, and her co-investigators, Dr. Renee Fister in mathematics and statistics, and Greg Gierhart, lecturer in elementary education, will use the collaborative software to facilitate active learning in classrooms where faculty and students use tablet and laptop PCs.


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Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 14:42

MSU’s Healthy LIFE Incentive Plan for employees begins Feb. 1

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
Step one of MSU’s Healthy LIFE Incentive Plan will begin February 1. Step one consists of 1) registering (or logging on for returning users) on-line at www.anthem.com 2) following on-screen instructions then complete/submit the MyHealth Assessment (found as a link beneath the 360° Health). The $50 monetary reward will be applied quarterly to employees’ pay stub that complete the requirements for step one. Please note that to complete the on-line assessment, a current blood pressure, recent blood lipid results (LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.), and glucose (blood sugar) levels are requested. Much of the information needed can be provided at the Spring Employee Health Fair scheduled for Wednesday, March 10th from 8:00 am -12:30 pm in the North Gym of the Carr Health Building. After completing step one, employees are then eligible to work toward step two. Be looking for a Healthy LIFE Wellness Incentive Plan folder to be distributed via campus mail in late February. Included in the folder will be a booklet for tracking screenings and participation in events, a physical activity log, and a frequently asked question (FAQ) document. Please contact Amelia Dodd, Wellness Coordinator, with additional questions (Amelia.dodd@murraystate.edu or 809-6463).


Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 14:40

Bob Valentine publishes story compilation, “Seasons”

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
Bob Valentine, senior lecturer in Murray State University’s department of journalism and mass communications, is often referred to as a “renaissance man” or a “man for all seasons,” due to his many activities and accomplishments in the arts and communications fields. He is a writer, columnist, editor, publisher, broadcaster, storyteller, actor, director, coach, playwright, producer, workshop conductor, stand-up comedian and teacher. He recently wrote a book, “Seasons,” that includes pieces written for magazines, commentaries for WKMS-FM (NPR affiliate at Murray State), sermons given in regional churches and even stories told around campfires. Arranged in order of the four seasons of the year, the paperback consists of 24 pieces, and was published by the New Caledonian Press in Murray in December 2009. The book is available in Murray at University Book & Bean, 5th At Main Coffees and the MSU University Store. It is also available online at Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles.com, and by contacting “Murray Life Magazine” at murraylife@aol.com.


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Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 14:39

Kentucky Deferred Compensation representative coming to MSU

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
The state sponsored Kentucky Deferred Compensation Authority has, since 1975, provided supplemental retirement plans on a tax-sheltered basis to public university employees, public school employees, and state and local government employees in Kentucky. Although this benefit has been available to MSU employees, our ability to contribute dollars to an additional retirement plan was greatly limited. In the past, the 403(b) primary retirement plan dollars absorbed much of the IRS maximum dollar limit. Now, the IRS regulations have changed to allow Kentucky Deferred Compensation’s 457 plan deferrals in addition to 403(b) contributions. This is very good news for MSU employees who want to tax shelter additional dollars through the Kentucky state sponsored 457 plan.

Year 2010

457 Limit: $16,500 (under age 50) | $22,000 (age 50 and older)
403(b): $16,500 (under age 50) | $22,000 (age 50 and older)
Combined limit: $33,000 (under age 50) | $44,000 (age 50 & older)


Kentucky Deferred Compensation also offers a pre-tax 401(k)* through payroll deduction, and Traditional and Roth IRAs available by individual contributions only (not payroll deducted).

Kentucky Deferred Compensation features:


  • Not-for-Profit State Plans created by the Kentucky Legislature in 1975

  • Administration is provided by Kentucky State Government employees

  • Low Fees

  • Local personalized assistance

  • Award winning, customized, secure website

  • Automated 24 hour toll free “Saver Line”

  • Well known and proven investment choices.



The local Kentucky Deferred Compensation representative, Ms. Donna Richardson, will be available with more information on Friday February 12, 2010, at the Curris Center in the Ohio Room. Ms. Richardson is a Registered Representative and a Certified Retirement Counselor, so don’t miss this opportunity to speak with her about your financial future. Please contact her at 270-293-0870 or by e-mail at richad11@nationwide.com to schedule your one-on-one appointment today. *Note: You may or may not be eligible for the pre-tax 401(k) plan depending on your 403(b) contribution status. Plan service representatives are registered Representatives of Nationwide Investment Securities corporation, member FINRA
Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 14:38

Black Women: Bold, Beautiful, Brilliant

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
MSU's Women's Center presents a night of celebration in honor of Black History Month. Come and enjoy entertainment that will surely satisfy your thirst for knowledge about African American women of the past and present. This event, designed to honor African American women through literature, singing, and spoken word, will take place on Feb. 8, 2010 in Wrather at 7pm, and guarantees that you will be enlightened about the boldness, beauty, and brilliance of African American women.
Posted by Tony Powell in Events at 14:37

2010 PSO/MSU Young Artist Concerto Competition winners

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
The 2010 Young Artist Concerto Competition, co-sponsored by the Paducah Symphony Orchestra and Murray State University department of music, took place Saturday, Jan. 9, in the Performing Arts Hall and Farrell Recital Hall in MSU’s Doyle Fine Arts Building. The winner of the Piano Division was Yihan Chen, 15, of Plainfield, Indiana. Yihan is the son of Lingma and Doug Acheson, and the piano student of Karen Taylor from Bloomington, Ind. He attends Indiana University High School. He won the 2010 competition by performing Liszt’s Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major. The first place award includes a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by Western Kentucky Navigation and Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative, a performance with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra on April 10, a music scholarship to Murray State University (if eligible) and a first-place award plaque.


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Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 14:36

Women in Computing conference set for Feb. 26 and 27

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
Murray State University’s Department of Computer Science & Information Systems will sponsor the first ever Regional Celebration of Women in Computing conference for Kentucky Feb. 26-27 at Kentucky Dam Village State Park. The shortage of women in computing sciences has been a concern addressed in national conferences for several years. To increase the participation of females in the field has been a goal of the MSU Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, according to Dr. Brenda Wilson. For the past few years, Wilson has been recruiting young women into the field and mentoring several of them. The conference, Kentucky Celebration of Women in Computing (KY-WIC), provides a low cost, regionally-tailored small conference for women in computing who do not have the opportunity to attend some of the major conferences. The students with the best undergraduate and best graduate posters will receive a full scholarship to attend the International Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing for 2010 in Atlanta. The conference will feature guest speakers from Vanderbilt, Intel, Microsoft, Anita Borg Institute and the National Council of Women in Technology.


Continue reading "Women in Computing conference set for Feb. 26 and 27"

Posted by Tony Powell in Events at 14:35

Spring Employee Health Fair scheduled for March 10

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
Mark your calendar for the Spring Health Fair for MSU employees and spouses scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm in the North Gym of the Carr Health Building. Please plan to attend this free, convenient health event featuring numerous health screenings, including lipid panel (12 hour fast required), diabetes, blood pressure, and many more. To accommodate as many schedules as possible and to decrease lines at the health fair, a pre-health fair blood draw is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2nd from 8:00 am – 10:30 am in room 100 of the Carr Health Building. Look for additional details in upcoming RoundAbout Murray issues. Contact Amelia Dodd with questions (Amelia.dodd@murraystate.edu or 809-6463).
Posted by Tony Powell in Events at 14:34

Safety and Security Series: Theft Prevention Tips

Wednesday, January 27. 2010

There have been several recent thefts from vehicles reported to the Murray State Police Department. Whether you are parking on-campus or off-campus, there are a few tips to lowering the chance of having items taken from your vehicle. Some of those tips include:

Lock your vehicle any time you are going to be away from it.
Keep windows rolled up (only slightly cracked if necessary).
Take your keys with you when you park your vehicle.
Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle…if you must leave valuables in your vehicle, place them out of sight, preferably in the trunk.
Park in well lit areas.
Park in areas that have a lot of other vehicles coming/going.


Continue reading "Safety and Security Series: Theft Prevention Tips"

Posted by Tony Powell in Feature story at 14:33

Fall 2010 Semester in Regensburg program student applications due Feb. 12

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
Students, applications for the Fall 2010 Semester in Regensburg Program are due in the Study Abroad Office of the Institute for International Studies in Woods Hall by Friday, February 12. Application materials are available online. For more information, contact Jennifer.Dickey@MurrayState.edu in the Study Abroad Office, or Program Director Fred.Miller@MurrayState.edu.
Posted by Tony Powell in Announcements at 14:32

Semester in Regensburg program faculty applications due Feb. 26

Wednesday, January 27. 2010
The Regensburg Programs Committee is accepting applications for two Program Faculty positions in the Fall 2011 Semester in Regensburg Program. Application materials are being delivered to all full time faculty. Completed applications are due on or before Friday, February 26 at 4:30 PM. To learn more, attend the SiR Program Information Meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 12:30-1:30 in the CTLT Conference Room.
Posted by Tony Powell in Announcements at 14:31
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