IHL Urges Support of $130.7 Million Capital Facilities Request
As the 2008 legislative session moves toward final adjournment in mid-April, IHL continues to ask Mississippi Legislators to support its $130.7 million capital facilities request. The request, as approved by the Board of Trustees, represents the priority building, repair, and renovation needs of Mississippi's public university System. The House of Representatives approved HB 1641 that recommends $43.4 M for capital facilities for IHL. This bill is now pending in the Senate Finance Committee. It is important to note that nearly the entire capital facilities request is limited to repair and renovation of existing buildings, and that the request was developed as the result of the Board of Trustees' methodical planning process. As the state's largest landlord, IHL is responsible for over 1,600 buildings valued at over $4 billion, which represents 43 percent of the total square footage of all state-owned buildings. Sixty percent of these buildings are 25 years old or older and are in great need of basic repairs, maintenance, and improvements to remain safe and adequate for today's needs. Each year that maintenance is deferred, repair costs continue to increase. It is important that IHL not lose a single year of funding for repair and renovation of its facilities. To view the IHL capital facilities request, click here. For more information, contact Assistant Commissioner of Governmental Relations Dr. Jim Borsig.
|  Mr. John E. Pearce, Jr. | IHL Welcomes Director of University Budgets IHL is pleased to welcome John E. Pearce, Jr., CPA, as the new Director of University Budgets in the Office of Finance and Administration. Pearce comes to IHL from the Koerber Company, P.A., where he was a senior accountant responsible for valuation and litigation support services for clients. From 2003 to 2007, Pearce worked for the Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER Committee) of the Mississippi Legislature. At the PEER Committee, Pearce was responsible for performance reviews of state boards, institutions, and other agencies and providing financial analysis to the state legislators. These reviews focused primarily on financial and operational efficiency. Pearce received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Mississippi College, where he graduated with honors. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi with an emphasis in finance. Pearce is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Mississippi. He is a member the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants. He lives in Bay Springs with his wife and new son. Contact John Pearce. | Mississippi Education Professionals Work on College Access Website
The Website Development Work Team met for the second time on Thursday to develop content for the state's new college access website. The team of educators, guidance counselors, administrators, admissions officers, parents, students, and business leaders gathered to continue the work they started in January. They developed content specifically for parents of students who are getting ready for post-secondary education; transfer students; adult learners; and graduate students. Some team members also developed content to help students and their parents relate higher education to careers. Other members of the Work Team will meet in the upcoming weeks to flesh out content for traditional-aged high school students and content specifically related to financial aid. The Work Team is seeking to simplify the often complicated process of preparing for, choosing, applying to, and paying for college through the development of a college access website. The site will serve as a guide to going to college in Mississippi, and will provide information on all two-year, four-year, public, and private postsecondary institutions in the state. The Development Work Team was created to provide and review content for the website, to participate in the development of tools, and to provide feedback on the functionality and usability of the site as development progresses. For more information about the new website or the Work Team, please contact Jennifer Rogers at (601) 432-6333. | |  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
 MVSU International Week Set for April 14-18
Rhythms of drums, flapping of flags, and Afro-Mexican art are among the sights and sounds of the upcoming second annual MVSU International Week, scheduled for April 14-18. "Exploring Transnational Issues: Linking the Mississippi Delta to the World," is the theme for the week-long event which begins with a workshop and public concert by the Al-Andalus Ensemble. The concert is free and will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14 in the Business Administration Auditorium. Al-Andalus takes students on a musical journey amid the influences of Arab, Persian, and North African cultures on the Spanish art of Flamenco and Western classical music. "We chose Al-Andalus for their cultural integration," said Dr. Kathie Stromile-Golden, director of International Programs and coordinator of the event. "The performers will teach the audience about the language of the fan and the shawl. They can create rhythms with the drum and do palmas, a flamenco hand-clapping. We expect them to jaleo, or shout encouragement, and join in the dancing," Golden said. Members of the ensemble are Tarik and Julia Banzi and Margarita Bruce. Through their performance, the trio will cover history, culture, dance and movement, music, social sciences, language, migration, religion (including Islam, Judaism and Christianity), and geography of Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. Other events include an art exhibit, parade of 192 flags, convocation, and the annual international banquet. Learn more. Mass Communication Spring Production is April 3 Black Males Conference Set for April 4 Hope For The Delta Cancer Conference Set for April 3 UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
University of Mississippi Online
www.olemiss.edu UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
Thomson Healthcare names Medical Center to Top 100 List
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is listed among the 100 top hospitals in the country as designated by Thomson Healthcare, a national health care information company. The "100 Top Hospitals National Benchmarks for Success" study, which identifies the nation's top performing hospitals using the two most recent years of data, was released March 17. Top performers are selected from more than 3,000 hospitals across the country and divided into five categories for evaluation. The Medical Center was named in the major teaching hospitals category - the only Mississippi hospital to make the Top 100 for 2007. "It's not an honor you apply for; that's what makes it special," said Dr. Will Ferniany, CEO of University Hospitals and Health System. "Being a Top 100 Hospital is a reflection of the great physicians and staff at University of Mississippi Health Care (UMHC), who provide high-quality care to our patients. It also reflects that we are an efficiently run, high-quality hospital system." Learn more. Holmes County Long Term Care Center - Durant Joins National Quality Campaign Neuroscience Summer Program Offers Guidance to Undergraduate Students UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Universities Enhance Stadium Security With Help of Southern Miss Center
The United States Department of Homeland Security identifies stadiums and sports arenas as targets of major security threats across the country. At the collegiate level, officials from Mississippi universities are working together to enhance security efforts so that fans enjoy their game day experience without that worry. The University of Southern Mississippi, Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi Valley State University recently received their Sports Event Security Aware Seal of Approval by the Center for Spectator Sports Security Management at The University of Southern Mississippi. Mississippi State University's training is in the process of completion. The seal represents a university's development of an interdisciplinary environment to improve sport security management policies and procedures and enhance emergency response and evacuation, recovery operations, and crowd management training. Learn more. Pat Mora to Receive Southern Miss Medallion for Culture and Diversity in Literature Distinguished Entrepreneur Lecture Series at Southern Miss to Feature Husband and Wife Team Southern Miss Honors North Carolina Entrepreneur with Innovation Award Third Annual Eagle Institute for School Leaders Set for April 21-23 at Southern Miss UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NEWS
MS Sea Wolves and Southern Miss Partner for Southern Miss Jersey Night
The University of Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi Sea Wolves announce Southern Miss Jersey Night for Friday, April 4, at 7:05 p.m. at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. Southern Miss Jersey Night marks the last regular season home game for the Sea Wolves as they take on the Pensacola Ice Pilots at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. "We're thrilled to close out our regular season with Southern Miss," said Bill Yates, Sea Wolves president. "Come experience an exciting game and have the opportunity to get a one-of-a-kind Southern Miss hockey jersey." The Sea Wolves will don authentic Southern Miss hockey jerseys for the game. Afterward, the Sea Wolves will stay on the ice to help auction every game jersey for the Southern Miss Gulf Coast scholarship endowment, which benefits Southern Miss students from the Gulf Coast. Learn more. Mississippi Superintendent of Education to Speak at Issues + Answers Lecture ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Writing Center Tutors Dominate Alcorn State's Honda Campus All Star Team
Writing Center peer tutors account for four of the starting five players in Alcorn State University's Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team, which competes at the National Championship Tournament in Orlando, FL, March 27-31. Writing Center peer tutors Jeremy Nelson, Onika Angus, Byron Brown, and Ava Barrett, along with fellow student Robert Patrick, have won recent academic competitions at Dillard University-New Orleans and Paul Quinn College in Dallas. "When I selected the team members, I was not aware that four were Writing Center tutors," said Dr. Lawrence Konecky, coach for Alcorn's teams since the academic competition's inception 19 years ago. "It stands to reason, though, because the players must be well-read," said Konecky, chair of the ASU Fine Arts Department. "Good learning and communication skills are essential for competition," said Onika Angus, a graduating senior majoring in pre-law. "The Alcorn Writing Center helps develop those skills in the peer tutors as well as in the student writers who visit for tutorials. It's a place for collaborative learning, and that ability to collaborate is also essential for the team," said Angus. The 2008 National Championship Tournament (NCT) features 64 teams and 320 players, according to the HCASC Web site. All 4-year, degree granting Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the continental United States, a pool of 89 institutions, are eligible to compete in the NCT. Learn more. Business Affairs Announces New Campus Dining Vendor DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Delta State to Present International Business Symposium
Delta State University's Division of Management, Marketing, and Business Administration will present the 2008 International Business Symposium on April 3 and 4 in the Delta and Pine Land Theatre of the Bologna Performing Arts Center on campus. The annual symposium is sponsored by Sherry and David Abney, Delta natives who currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia. Abney is an alumnus of Delta State University and serves on the Delta State University Foundation Board of Directors. The 2008 International Business Symposium guest speakers are top-ranking international business professionals whose knowledge of the field is renowned and whose experience spans the globe. Learn more. DSU One of Five Recipients of the 2007 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Award Delta State to Focus Attention on Natural Resources of the Delta Delta State's Jennifer Rushing Named Finalist for Cellular South Gillom Trophy JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Jackson State University Online
www.jsums.edu MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Watson to Assume MSU Presidential Duties April 1
Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith announced today that Dr. Vance H. Watson, named Interim President by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) during its March 2008 Board meeting following the resignation of Mississippi State President Dr. Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong, will immediately begin working in transition with President Foglesong and will assume the presidential post on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Dr. Watson's salary is to be determined. "The Board and I appreciate Dr. Watson's willingness to serve Mississippi State in this capacity and know he will generate positive momentum for the university during this interim period," said Commissioner Meredith. A Missouri native, Dr. Watson began his tenure at the land-grant institution in 1966 as an assistant professor of agronomy. During his 42-year career, he has held successively responsible positions, including a variety of leadership roles in the areas he now heads. Prior to the interim presidential appointment, Dr. Watson served Mississippi State as Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine. Watson is the author of more than 300 publications, including six textbook chapters. Among his many service activities is a five-year appointment as executive vice president of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, an international organization for genetic standards and certification of 3,500 varieties of crops produced in nine countries. Learn more. MSU Scientific Computing Researcher to Assist European Colleagues Regional Health Education Center, MSU Social Scientists Join Forces 'TRIO' Helping Some MSU Students Succeed, Excel Area, International Students Combine Talents at MSU Music Fest MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND VETERINARY MEDICINE NEWS
MSU Helps Catfish Producers Get $8.1 Million in Disaster Aid
The distressed Mississippi catfish industry received a small boost in January as state producers were granted $8.1 million in disaster assistance for losses sustained in the hot summer of 2006. "By using data collected from national and state statistic services, we were able to help Mississippi catfish producers make a successful temperature-related crop loss claim," said Jim Steeby, a Mississippi State University Extension Service catfish specialist based in Belzoni. "With catfish production costs at record levels, a lot of producers can use this assistance to pay off production loans." Steeby helped producers secure the assistance at the request of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. He compiled feed and price data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Agriculture Statistical Service and pond water temperature data collected by the Delta Agriculture Weather Center in Stoneville. The catfish specialist used the data to show that the state's catfish production decreased in 2006 when pond water temperature exceeded 90 degrees for 35 to 40 consecutive days. "This confirmed statements by catfish producers that heat-related production problems had occurred," Steeby said. "Then, using data on the market price of fish for the period, I was able to assign a value to the estimated heat-related production loss." Learn more. MSU-sponsored Health-Care Career Camps Raise Delta Youth Hopes MSU's 4-H Shooting Sports Program Teaches Safety, Respect, Responsibility, and Patience MSU's AgrAbility Program Put Crystal Springs Man Back on His Tractor after Paralyzing Accident MSU Natural Resources Workshop Focuses on Outdoor Businesses MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
Roberts Named MUW's Director of Alumni Relations
Mary Margaret Roberts of Columbus has been named Mississippi University for Women's director of alumni relations effective April 21. Roberts is the current executive director of development and has served the university in various capacities over the past 12 years. She joined MUW in 1996 as the research/financial services coordinator and shortly after served as coordinator of grants and special projects. For two years she was assistant to the president and has worked in her current position for nine years. Dr. Gary Bouse, vice president for institutional advancement, said, "Mary Margaret has been a valued member of the MUW family for the past 12 years. In her work in both the president's office as well as institutional advancement, she has dedicated herself to this institution. Mary Margaret possesses all the necessary traits, skills, and abilities to be a successful alumni relations director, and I look forward to working with her in this capacity." Roberts earned her master of arts in southern studies from The Center for the Study of Southern Culture at The University of Mississippi. Her bachelor of arts is in cultural anthropology, which she received from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. Learn more. 
Mar. 28-30 - Mississippi State University presents Super Bulldog Weekend, bringing a weekend of baseball games, alumni gatherings, the spring football scrimmage, a 5-K race, and more. Visit the official website for a full schedule of the weekend's events. Learn more. Mar. 29 - The Pointer Sisters will perform with the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg. Limited tickets are $39, $44, and $59 and may be purchased by calling (601) 266-5418 or (800) 844-8425 or ordered online at http://www.southernmisstickets.com. Learn more. Mar. 30 - Delta State University will present Chicago in the Delta and Pine Land Theatre of its Bologna Performing Arts Center at 3:30 p.m. For ticket information, please call the Box Office at (662) 846-4626, or to order tickets online, go to http://bolognapac.ticketsxchange.com. Learn more. Apr. 1-2 - Mississippi State University is hosting the 21st annual MSU Insurance Day (I-Day) activities on Tuesday and Wednesday. I-Day offers Continuing Ed hours for all areas of insurance and CLEs for attorneys. For more information, go to www.msuinsurance.org. Learn more. Apr. 2 - The University of Mississippi Medical Center's National Center of Excellence in Women's Health presents the 2008 Women's Health Update, including a one-woman play about Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, at the UMMC Conference Center in the Jackson Medical Mall Thad Cochran Center. Learn more. Apr. 3 - Mississippi State University's Lyceum Series presents two-time Grammy winners, the Turtle Island Quartet, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium. The San Francisco Bay area musicians will bring their distinctive sound to campus to interpret the sounds of jazz master John Coltrane. Learn more. Apr. 3 - MVSU will host the 2nd Annual Hope for the Delta Cancer Conference. The event is designed to meet the educational and informational needs of the public. There is no fee to attend the workshop from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Social Science Building on the MVSU campus. Learn more. Apr. 3 - The Sun Herald and Southern Miss Gulf Coast present Dr. Hank Bounds, Mississippi's Superintendent of Education, for the Issues + Answers lecture at 7 p.m. in the Advanced Education Center auditorium on the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach. The lecture is free and open to the public. Learn more. Apr. 3-5 - The Southern Miss Repertory Dance Company presents its Spring Dance Concert at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center in Hattiesburg. Concert times are at 7:30 p.m. A 2 p.m. matinee is offered on April 6. Tickets are $6, $10, and $15. For tickets call (601) 266-5418 or (800) 844-8425. Learn more. Apr. 4 - The Mississippi Sea Wolves and Southern Miss present Southern Miss Jersey Night at 7:05 p.m. in the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Tickets are $12, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Gulf Coast Metro Alumni Chapter Scholarship Endowment. Learn more. Apr. 4 - In an effort to reduce the number of black male high school dropouts, MVSU is hosting its first Black Male Conference. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. The conference begins at 10:00 a.m. with lunch at noon. The conference is free. Call (662) 254-3745 for more information. Learn more. Apr. 4 - The University of Mississippi Medical Center presents the Wallace Conerly Health Symposium/Health Care Ethics Symposium at the Norman C. Nelson Student Union. American Heart Association CEO Cass Wheeler will speak. Learn more. April 4-5, 9-12 - The Southern Miss Department of Theatre and Dance present Intimate Apparel, a turn-of-the-century drama. Show times are 7:30 p.m. at the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus. Tickets are $5. Order online at www.southernmisstickets.com or call (601) 266-5418 or (800) 844-8425. Learn more. Apr. 10 - A one-hour Quick Bites statewide video conference workshop, "Don't Spread Lead," will be at noon in county Extension offices. Contact the local MSU Extension Service office through http://msucares.com/counties/. Learn more. Apr. 13-19 - A visual, musical and dramatic art contest will be among the highlights of the MVSU J.H. White Library's observation of National Library Week. The public is invited to attend the daily events. For more information, call (662) 254-3494. Learn more. Apr. 15-16 - MSU co-sponsors the 38th Annual Mississippi Water Resources Research Conference in Jackson. Ten sessions will cover topics including Delta water resources, sedimentation, groundwater, coastal and wetlands, water supply, surface water quality, agriculture, modeling, and invasive species. Learn more. Apr. 30 deadline - The Natural Resources Summer Camp will be June 1-5 on the Mississippi State campus. Sponsored by MSU's College of Forest Resources and the Mississippi Forestry Commission, the camp is open to rising 9th through 12th graders. The cost is $150.00. Contact Patsy Foster at pfoster@cfr.msstate.edu. Learn more. |
