Today [Sept. 17], Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum is launching PowerTalks, a series of luncheon meetings designed to enhance communication and engagement with the campus community.
"People are telling me they want to know more about Mississippi State's overall direction and our plans for the future," Keenum said. "PowerTalks are formatted to encourage candid conversations and give participants an opportunity to ask questions and voice new ideas as well as to air concerns."
Keenum plans monthly PowerTalk meetings that include approximately 25 representatives from a cross-section of students, faculty and staff. Participants are selected from a group nominated by their departmental leadership. Nominees not immediately selected remain eligible for future luncheons.
During the first part of each meeting, a facilitator leads a discussion with participants focusing on concerns and compliments. Keenum then joins the group for lunch and responds to a summary of key topics. Meetings are held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PowerTalks are part of a soon-to-be-launched branding initiative that highlights the many ways MSU is driven to make a difference.
"This is an exciting time in MSU’s history. We're experiencing unprecedented growth along with increasing recognition of our accomplishments as a leading research university," Keenum said. "Everyone here is contributing in some way to our success, and PowerTalks are an opportunity for me to directly engage with people who are making great things happen at Mississippi State."