6/15/2006 - Jackson, Miss.

During its regular monthly meeting, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) met today and approved the rehabilitation of the Gulf Park campus for use by the University of Southern Mississippi. The Board also approved the initiation of securing 100 to 150 acres for the establishment of an additional campus to be run by the University of Southern Mississippi to serve the higher education needs of the Gulf Coast region.

"We want to make sure we anticipate the future needs of the Gulf Coast," said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith. "The University of Southern Mississippi is already offering more degree programs than it was pre-Katrina, so we’re on the right track."

In other business, the Board agreed to amend the employment contracts of each of the institutional executive officers to reflect a five-percent salary increase, effective July 1, 2006. The Board also approved the fiscal year 2006-2007 operating budgets.

The next regular meeting of the Board will be held Wednesday, July 19.

Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, IHL governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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