 Dr. George E. Ross | Ross Takes Reins at Alcorn
Alcorn State University welcomed the new year with a new leader. Dr. George E. Ross took the reins as the university's 17th president on Thursday, January 3. "I am excited to return to my home state of Mississippi," said Dr. Ross, "and I look forward to being part of Alcorn's journey to the next level of excellence." Dr. Ross comes to Alcorn from Central Michigan University, where he served as vice president for finance and administrative services. He was selected to serve as Alcorn's president in April 2007 by the IHL Board. A full biography of Dr. Ross is available on the IHL website. The IHL Board Executive Staff is pleased to welcome Dr. Ross home to Mississippi.
| IHL Legislative Priorities, Contact
The 2008 Legislative Session is now underway, and IHL is pleased to welcome state legislators back to the capital city. During this session, IHL is asking the Legislature to continue adequate, stable state funding for the universities' many, varied roles. The universities not only educate Mississippi's students, but also maintain the state's largest investment in capital resources, conduct research that promotes and facilitates economic development, and provide necessary services to the citizens of the state through the State Office of Financial Aid, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and the agriculture units at Alcorn State University and Mississippi State University. The total IHL funding request over FY 2008 includes $99 million for capital renewal, $69 million for education, $12 million for research and economic development, and $78 million for services. View IHL's FY 2009 appropriation request. View graphs and other data related to the request. IHL will have a constant presence at the Capitol in the form of Dr. Jim Borsig, IHL's Assistant Commissioner for Governmental Relations and Legislative Liaison. For more information about IHL's legislative priorities or other issues related to the 2008 Legislative Session, contact Dr. Borsig at jborsig@mississippi.edu or (601) 432-7039. |  February 6-8, 2008, Beau Rivage Resort, Biloxi, Mississippi | IHL, SBCJC to Host Creating Futures Through Technology Conference Institutional faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the 12th annual Creating Futures Through Technology Conference (CFTTC), scheduled for February 6-8 at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Miss. The CFTTC, jointly sponsored and facilitated by IHL and the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, will explore the use of technology in higher education. The conference will feature sessions on emerging technology; systems, services, and infrastructure; teaching and learning in a changing world; and the technical aspects of technology on college campuses. Dr. Joel Thierstein, Associate Provost for Innovative Scholarly Communication at Rice University and Executive Director of Connexions, an online file-sharing site that allows faculty to post learning content for use by other faculty members, is slated to headline the conference. Don't miss the early registration deadline of January 15. Visit the CFTTC website for more information. | AASCU Predicts "Top 10" State Policy Issues for Higher Ed in 2008
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) included a list of the "Top 10 State Policy Issues for Higher Education in 2008" in its bi-weekly e-newsletter, which was distributed Thursday, Jan. 10. The list's authors noted that 2007 policymakers and business leaders increasingly recognized the important relationship between a state's economic competitiveness and its system of higher education. This growing recognition affected public policy in 2007, and will continue to do so in 2008. The top ten public policy issues for higher education in 2008, as listed by AASCU, are 1) affordability; 2) state's fiscal forecasts; 3) college preparation; 4) accountability; 5) campus security; 6) immigration; 7) 2008 Presidential election; 8) affirmative action; 9) retooling state financial aid programs; and 10) economic development. The list, which you can view online, was compiled by the AASCU State Relations and Policy Analysis Research Team. | IHL Board Committee Meetings, Board Meeting Next Week The IHL Board will hold the following committee meetings next Wednesday, January 16: - A meeting of the Educational Policies and Programs Committee, chaired by Trustee Bettye Neely, will begin at 1:30 p.m. in room 935 on the 9th floor of the Paul B. Johnson tower building in the Education and Research Center, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS, 39211. The purpose of this meeting is to review initiatives and upcoming Board items.
- A meeting of the Real Estate and Facilities Committee, chaired by Trustee Scott Ross, will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the IHL Board Room in the Universities Center, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS, 39211. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Real Estate and Facilities Committee agenda, including the additional campus for the Southern Miss Gulf Coast operations.
- A meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Trustee Thomas Colbert, will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the IHL Board Room in the Universities Center, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS, 39211. The purpose of this meeting is to plan the February 13 Strategic Planning summit.
The Board will hold its regular monthly meeting next Thursday, January 17 in the IHL Board Room in the Universities Center, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS, 39211. The full Board will convene at 8:30 a.m. and will then conduct business as a committee of the whole. Various Board committees, including Educational Policies and Programs; Budget, Finance, and Audit; Gulf Coast; Real Estate and Facilities; Governance; and Legal will meet as part of the Board meeting. As part of the meeting, the Board will announce institutional 2007 Best Practices award winners. The Board's Best Practices award program is designed to highlight efforts that create efficient and effective practices initiated at institutions in academics; finance, business, and administration; student services; and technology. Executive sessions may be held for Wednesday's committee meetings and Thursday's Board meeting in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. The Board meeting will be available for real-time viewing via live webcast on the IHL website. | |  Items included in the "University News" section of the System Review are submitted each week by the universities. The news items are listed in rotating alphabetical order by university.MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
 AT&T Presents Valley With $25,000 for Model United Nations Program
The Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) National Model United Nations (UN) program received a significant boost for its 2008 program when AT&T officials recently presented a $25,000 gift. The funding will assist in sending students and their advisors to the National Model United Nations Conference and related activities, sponsored by the National Collegiate Conference Association (NCCA). Incorporated in 1968 as a nonprofit, educational corporation of the United States, NCCA is also a recognized Non-Governmental Organization associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information. "We are extremely elated for the continued partnership with AT&T as this grant will serve as a true example of commitment to excellence in education," said Dallas Reed, assistant vice president for the Office of Development. "The grant serves as an example of the progressive partnership between the community and the University to ensure that students are exposed and enriched both in and out of the classroom," Reed said. Dr. Morgan Ero, associate professor of public administration, has served as faculty sponsor of the MVSU UN team. "Our students have the unique opportunity to build lasting and valuable relationships, enhance their writing, diplomatic, and leadership skills, and meet with diplomatic corps and ambassadors of countries that comprise the United Nations," Ero said of the program. Learn more. UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
UM Washington Internship Program Offers Unique Learning Experience
University of Mississippi students can gain practical experience in the nation's capital through the Washington Internship Experience (WIE) program developed by the Lott Leadership Institute, Department of Political Science and Division of Outreach. The WIE integrates course work and internships for 20 students during fall, spring, and summer terms. "We believe that this unique opportunity to study and work in our nation's capital will be a valuable experience for students," said William R. Gottshall, executive director of the Lott Leadership Institute. "One of our goals at the institute is to prepare our students to assume positions of leadership. Serving in Washington, D.C., will broaden our students' perception of our nation and the world." The political science department has offered informal internships in the past, but the WIE adds an interdisciplinary approach that includes history, criminal justice, and other fields, said Richard Forgette, professor and chair of political science. It also takes the internship experience to the next level. Applications to WIE for summer 2008 must be submitted on or before Jan. 31. Click here for more information. "It's a way to get firsthand knowledge and a feel for how D.C. works," Forgette said. "This can be a life-changing and career-changing experience. Then when the participants come back to school, they share that experience in class with other students, and that's beneficial to everyone." Learn more. Students in Dietetics Lead Program for High School Students in Batesville New Name, New Leader for Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Develops Simple Solution for Tedious Coupon Clipping National Institute Films Food Safety Video for School Food Service Workers UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
New Year Offers Opportunity For A New You at UMMC Face Center
No matter the age, many people want their outward appearance to reflect how young they feel inside. For some time now, The Face Center, located at the UMMC Pavilion, has been helping clients look their very best by offering the most scientifically advanced facial skin rejuvenation technology, skincare products, and surgical procedures available. Recently, these services have been expanded to include total skin care with the addition of a board-certified dermatologist to the staff. Now known as The Face and Skin Center of University Physicians, the center offers complete skin care, dermatology services and facial plastic surgery. Learn more. Giving Spirit Shines During CMDA Coat Drive 2 South Nurses, Staff Give Cancer Patient Reason To Smile UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Wolf to Join Southern Miss Leadership Team as Vice President for Advancement
University of Southern Mississippi President Martha Saunders announced that Dr. David Wolf of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has been selected as the university's vice president for advancement. Wolf, currently assistant vice president for development at the University of Alabama, will begin his duties at Southern Miss on Feb. 1 and will oversee Foundation activities and fund development. The selection ends a three-month national search for the cabinet-level position. "David Wolf brings a wealth of experience to this position. He has served in a myriad of roles in university advancement and comes to us with high praise from people with whom he has worked. He is a man with high energy and a vision. I look forward to having him on my team," said Saunders. Wolf earned his doctorate from the University of North Texas and holds master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington. He also is a 2006 graduate of Harvard University's Management Development Program in the Graduate School of Education Institute for Higher Education. He has served in a variety of university positions including director of university leadership gifts and director of athletic development at Alabama; vice president for development at Cameron University in Lawton, Okla., and director of university development at UT-Arlington. Learn more. Royal Walker Receives President's Award from National Association Southern Miss Alumni to Celebrate Success of Ogletree House Campaign Southern Miss Professors Featured in Lucasfilm Production to Air Jan. 10 Southern Miss Society of Physics Students Recognized as Outstanding Chapter UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST ONLINE
The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Online
www.usm.edu/gc ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Alcorn State University Welcomes Dr. George E. Ross
Dr. George E. Ross started officially on January 3, 2008, as the 17th President of Alcorn State University. With over twenty years of leadership and management experience in higher education, Dr. Ross has worked actively with student organizations, faculty senates, academic councils, staff organizations, and faculty and staff unions on university academic and administrative governance issues. In his role as President, Dr. Ross will strive to build and maintain a collaborative environment that will push Alcorn State University toward its future, and to provide visionary leadership that models inclusion and accountability. A certified public accountant, Dr. Ross held positions in corporate and non-profit finance and management prior to his work in higher education. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Michigan State University, a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, and completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. Dr. Ross and his wife Elizabeth were both raised in the southern United States, and have two adult daughters, Roshaunda and Joronda. Learn more. DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Delta State to Host Best-Selling Author John Grisham
John Grisham has joked many times before, "Any literary success I have had is because of 'Boo.'" After watching Grisham during fall tryouts in 1974, Delta State University's legendary baseball coach, Dave "Boo" Ferriss advised Grisham "to stick to the books." He did, and 20 successful novels later, Grisham is one of the best-selling authors in America. Grisham and "Boo" have remained close through the years, exchanging many letters and phone calls. Upon the release of every new book, Grisham never fails to send "Boo" a personalized copy with the inscription, "Thanks for putting me on the right career path, Coach." The two will reunite for the first time on Delta State's campus, Monday, Feb. 11 for a night of entertaining storytelling inside the Bologna Performing Arts Center. A 6 p.m. reception will precede the evening's program, which begins at 7:30 p.m. A live auction will follow at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale and available for $100 by calling (662) 846-4289 or visiting www.gostatesmen.com . All proceeds will benefit the Athletic Department's Green & White Scholarship Fund. Learn more. Bologna Performing Arts Center to Host Theatre Workshop for Ages 9-11 Delta State Sets Committee to Enhance Diversity Planning, Programming on Campus Delta State to Host Grant Training Center Workshop, Led by Renowned Grant Expert JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
JSU's Chemistry Department Tops in Faculty Publications in the Southeast
Professors in the Jackson State University Department of Chemistry published more scientific articles per faculty than any other chemistry department in the Southeastern United States in 2005 and 2006, figures show. The publications are listed in the American Chemical Society's Directory of Graduate Research. The 18 faculty members in Jackson State's chemistry department, under the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, produced an average of 6.4 peer-reviewed articles per faculty per year, figures show. By comparison, the top five colleges in the Southeast produced an average of 5.6 publications per faculty per year, figures show. The Southeastern colleges, certified by the American Chemical Society, are in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina. "Being No. 1 in terms of publications per faculty in the Southeastern United States will certainly help the Department of Chemistry to recruit more academically talented students," said Mark G. Hardy, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Hongtao Yu, chair of the chemistry department, said self-motivation of the faculty and strong support from the administration led to this accomplishment. "We recruit the best possible faculty and provide facility, administration, grant-writing, grant implementation, and publication support," Yu said. Learn more. Pigskin Club of Washington Honors Jackson State's Comegy, Oliver Evers/Baker Lecture Series Turns to Political Development Lerone Bennett to Speak at Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
MSU Prof Goes 'Green' in Next-generation Mobile Home
When someone mentions a mobile home or "house trailer," the image usually doesn't make others green with envy. Mobile homes haven't earned recognition for long-term quality, environmental friendliness, or return on value. But "green" is exactly what Michael Berk, F.L. Crane Endowed Professor of Architecture at Mississippi State, wants mobile homes to be. He hopes to toss traditional thinking about the structures into the recycling bin, salvaging the traditional "mobile home" perception one national award at a time. Working in the Carl Small Town Center--part of MSU's College of Architecture, Art and Design--Berk created an award-winning, next-generation factory-built unit he calls the GreenMobile. Unlike other lower-end housing, Berk's applies sound construction methods, as well as energy-saving concepts for lower utility costs. The GreenMobile design meets International Residential Codes for structurally sound foundations, involves using better insulation, promotes the use of energy-efficient appliances, and creates interior spaces better suited for natural-day lighting and ventilation. It also includes an option to install Tennessee Valley Authority solar photo-voltaic systems, which convert energy from the sun into electricity--an option known in the industry as net-metering. Energy savings from the home make it a smart choice for people looking for affordable housing and lower utility costs. "It potentially could make money at the end of the month," Berk said. Learn more. 'Day One' at MSU Continues to Evolve MSU Courses Offer 'Enriching' Alternatives to Winter Blahs Annual MSU Band Clinic to Feature Four Public Concerts MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND VETERINARY MEDICINE NEWS
MSU Research Targets Meat Quality before Harvest
Meat quality at the point of purchase and until use concerns the consumer, but those bringing the meat to market must manage numerous factors before it reaches the customer. "My research is on improving meat quality through pre-harvest intervention," said Ty Schmidt, a researcher with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. "This includes animal management, nutrition, nutritional manipulation, health, animal welfare, and stress physiology. Each of these factors impacts meat quality and food safety. Factors influencing meat quality begin with the producer's decision to breed a specific sire and dam. From this point forward, everything will influence meat quality, including the environment, nutrition, management practices, and more," he said. Schmidt's research focuses on the impact animal health has on meat quality, specifically the impact of bovine respiratory disease. This most devastating disease accounts for more than 75 percent of deaths in the beef cattle industry, of which 50 percent are reported in the United States. "Very limited data describe the impact this disease has on meat quality, and specifically meat tenderness," Schmidt said. He began researching this topic while working on his master's degree in meat science at West Texas A&M University. He continued his research at the University of Missouri, where he earned a doctorate in muscle biology and meat science. Two post-doctoral positions at the University of Missouri continued this work. Learn more. MSU Economists Report Record Year for Mississippi's Crops Farm Bureau Honors MSU Administrator for Service to Mississippi Soybean Industry MSU Student Recognized in Veterinary Scholar Competition MSU Agriculture Conference Targets Financial Issues MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
Grandson of Gandhi to Speak at MUW
Arun Gandhi, the grandson of legendary spiritual leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, will address the Ina E. Gordy Honors College at Mississippi University for Women on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. The event will take place in the Nissan Auditorium, located in Parkinson Hall. Gandhi was born in apartheid-era South Africa, and because of confrontations he had and his desire to fight back, he was sent to visit his grandfather at the age of 12. During his 18-month stay with his grandfather, Gandhi experienced firsthand the philosophy of nonviolence, which set a foundation for the rest of his life. After arriving in the United States in 1988, Gandhi and his wife founded the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, located at Christian Brothers University in Memphis. The Institute's mission is to "foster understanding of nonviolence and to put the philosophy to practical use through workshops, lectures, and community outreach programs." Gandhi has spoken before hundreds of colleges and universities, as well as corporate and civic organizations. He's spoken in various countries, including Croatia, France, Ireland, Holland, Lithuania, and Nicaragua, among others. The Ina E. Gordy Honors College at MUW supports the intellectual development of highly motivated, high-performing undergraduate students. Learn more. 
Jan. 11 - Watch business students at UM test their elocution skills at the fifth Speaker's Edge competition, featuring persuasive and informative speeches, as well as a seven-minute "ethical dilemma." The final rounds in the Student Union Ballroom are free and open to the public. Learn more. Jan. 12 - UMC presents a diabetes conference, "New Insights into Diabetes Care," from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hilton Conference Center in Jackson. Sponsored by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the conference will include discussions of cutting-edge diabetes technology and treatment options, family-focused programs for parents, educational opportunities for children, and a diabetes-friendly cooking seminar. Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children. There is no charge for diabetic children. For more information, call Mary Fortune at (601) 957-7878. Learn more. Jan. 15-16 - The Mississippi State University Extension Service coordinates the Delta Ag Expo, Mississippi's oldest regional farm show, in the Bolivar County Expo Center in Cleveland. Contact Ben Spinks at (662) 843-8361 or bspinks@ext.msstate.edu . Learn more. Jan. 16 - Mississippi State University's Instructional Media Center presents "PowerPoint: Effective Presentation" at 1 p.m. at Mitchell Memorial Library's Giles-First Floor. Learn how to give effective presentations without going overboard. For more information, call (662) 325-6781. Learn more. Jan. 17 - In observance of the late Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, Valley will hold its annual convocation at 6:30 p.m. in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium. Featured speaker will be Dr. Leslie McLemore, a professor of political science at Jackson State University. Learn more. Jan. 17-18 - Jackson State will host the First Annual Ruth Searcy Literacy Conference at the Mississippi e-Center @ JSU. For more information, call Tracy Harris at (601) 979-1749 or email tracy.harris@jsums.edu . Learn more. Jan. 22 - Peanut growers will learn more about their industry from a range of experts at the Mississippi Peanut Growers' Association meeting and peanut short course at the Mississippi State University Extension Service office in Hattiesburg. Registration is free, but preregistration is requested by Jan. 15. Learn more. Jan. 24 - Jackson State's Trent Lott Geospatial and Visualization Research Center is hosting a free workshop on geospatial metadata. The workshop will be 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Mississippi e-Center @ JSU, 1230 Raymond Road. To register, call (866) 732-2382 or e-mail ncddcmetadata@noaa.gov.
Jan. 25 - The Trent Lott National Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at Southern Miss will host the second Southern Mississippi Youth Entrepreneurship Program retreat for area high school students. For more information, call (601) 266-5515. Learn more. Jan. 27 - Quink, an acclaimed vocal group that ranks among the top a cappella ensembles of the world, performs at 8 p.m. in the UM Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Call the UM Box Office at (662) 915-7411 for ticket information or to request assistance related to a disability. Learn more. Jan. 31 - Winners of the annual William T. Gower Competition will appear as soloists with the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra in concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Bennett Auditorium in Hattiesburg. Call (601) 266-5418 for tickets. Learn more. Jan. 31-Feb. 7 - The MSU Extension Service coordinates the 43rd Annual Dixie National Junior Round-Up, the showcase for the 4-H and FFA livestock programs and livestock industry. It is the largest junior market livestock show in Mississippi. Learn more. Feb. 7-8 - Jackson State's School of Social Work will sponsor the Sixth Annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference. The conference, themed "The Many Faces of Child Welfare: A Rainbow of Diversity," will be held at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Jackson. For more information call (601) 432-6816. Learn more. Now through Feb. 17 - "The Prints of John L. Winters" display in the Adair Skipwith Gallery at Ole Miss is a retrospective of the professor emeritus of art's graphic works from 1967 to 1997. Museum hours are 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday, and admission is free. Learn more. |
