Dr. George Ross Dr. D.E. Magee, Jr., Chair of the Alcorn State Board Search Commitee names Dr. George Ross the preferred presidential candidate during a press conference on Tuesday, March 27. Dr. George Ross Named Preferred Presidential Candidate for Alcorn The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) announced in a press conference Tuesday that Dr. George Ross is the preferred candidate for the position of President at Alcorn State University. As Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services and Treasurer at Central Michigan University, Dr. Ross is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University’s fiscal and physical resources. He also oversees financial services and reporting, budget and planning, human resources, facilities management, residences and auxiliary services, campus police, the general counsel’s office, health services, and university recreation. Dr. Ross has more than 30 years of finance and management experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors, as well as in higher education. His higher education experience includes positions at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia; the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; and Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. “The Board and the Search Advisory Committee have worked diligently to identify the best person to take Alcorn State University to the next level of excellence,” said Board President Dr. D.E. Magee, Jr., chair of the Alcorn State Board Search Committee.  “We are confident that Dr. Ross’ experience, character, and leadership abilities make him the person for the job.”  Find a full biography and photo of Dr. Ross on the IHL website. Dr. Ross will participate in a full day of open interviews on the Lorman campus next Tuesday, April 3. Visit the Institutional Executive Officer Search Process website to learn more. Dr. Martha Dunagin Saunders Trustee Robin Robinson, Chair of the Southern Miss Board Search Committee, flanked by members of the Southern Miss Search Advisory Committee, announces the preferred presidential candidate for Southern Miss. Dr. Martha Saunders Preferred Presidential Candidate for Southern Miss The IHL Board has named Dr. Martha Saunders the preferred candidate for the position of President of the University of Southern Mississippi. “Dr. Saunders is a visionary, with the experience needed to lead the University of Southern Mississippi now and into the future,” said Trustee Robin Robinson, chair of the Southern Miss Board Search Committee.  “The Board and Search Advisory Committee were blessed with a tremendous applicant pool, and we are confidant that the search process has led us to the best candidate for president of Southern Miss.”  Dr. Saunders is the first-ever woman to hold her current position of chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, just one of many accomplishments in her nearly 30-year career in higher education.  Prior to her current position, she was vice president for academic affairs at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, where she also worked as Director of the University Honors Program.  Dr. Saunders has extensive training and experience in the field of communication, and her scholarship in the area has led to numerous publications and national awards.  Visit the IHL website for a full biography and picture of the Mississippi native. Visit the Institutional Executive Officer Search Process website to learn about Dr. Saunders' upcoming April 5 visit to the Southern Miss campus and the next steps in the search process.  Dr. Thomas C. Meredith Commissioner Meredith Leader at Higher Ed Summit On Thursday, March 22, nearly 300 business leaders, academicians, higher education officials, and lawmakers gathered by invitation in Washington, D.C., for a national summit, A Test of Leadership:  Committing to Advance Postsecondary Education for all Americans, to determine how to enact the recommendations made last fall by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings' Commission on the Future of Higher Education. Prior to the conference, Mississippi Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith was appointed by the U.S. Department of Education to lead one of five working groups called to develop actionable recommendations to be vetted by a larger working group at the summit.  Dr. Meredith's pre-summit working group of 14 members identified six actions that could enhance affordability, decrease costs, and promote productivity in postsecondary education. At the summit, a larger working group of approximately 50 people discussed the recommendations made by the smaller group, added other recommendations, suggested strategies, determined resources, and identified partners to accomplish the recommendations.  Near the conclusion of the summit, Dr. Meredith and the leaders of the four other working groups presented the refined recommendations to the general assembly of attendees. Moving forward, Secretary Spellings and Under Secretary of Education Sara Martinez Tucker will develop next steps and will travel to five locations across the country to share the recommendations made by summit attendees.

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.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
 Alcorn State University Academic Affairs Proposes Changes in General Education Courses
On Wednesday, Dr. Napoleon Moses, vice president for academic affairs sent a letter to Alcorn State University undergraduate students regarding proposed changes to general education course schedules.  He explained that the courses, which are primarily offered to freshmen, are being rescheduled to improve the availability of the courses by removing the potential for scheduling conflicts. With the new schedule, courses such as college algebra and English composition would not be offered at the same time, but would rather be offered in scheduling blocks to allow as many students as possible to take the classes. In his letter, Dr. Moses explained the rationale behind the changes.  The new schedule will not only ensure that class sizes are more evenly distributed, but will also reduce the total cost of an undergraduate degree for many students, who would otherwise need to attend the university an extra year as the result of being unable to schedule classes as needed during the initial four years. Dr. Moses also treated his letter as an opportunity to publicly thank, rather than reprimand, the students who demonstrated their opposition to the changes.  He said, "Each student’s participation yesterday helped demonstrate that the University values and celebrates dissent among all members of the Institution’s community.  This respect for a diversity of opinions is the hallmark of a great university and must be cherished and protected always.  We expect each of you to remain engaged in the affairs of the University and in the great issues of the day." Learn more.

  Alcorn State University Office of Global Programs Announces International Study Tour

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
  Delta State Alumnus Recognized by State Senate, House of Representatives
Delta State University alumnus, David Abney was recognized yesterday on both the Senate and House of Representative floors in Jackson. Concurrently, Abney’s employer, United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (UPS) was honored with its own resolution, recognizing “its 100th year anniversary and commending the company for its contributions to the citizens of Mississippi.” A 1976 graduate, Abney earned his bachelor’s of business administration from Delta State. The resolution, initially authored by Representatives Linda Coleman and David Norquist of Bolivar County in the House and in the Senate, Delta State graduate, Senator Bob Dearing and Senators Buck Clarke, Willie Simmons and Johnnie Walls of Bolivar Country, honored Abney “on being named Chief Operating Officer of UPS, for his interest in the future of young Mississippians and for his continued support of Delta State University.” In response, Abney recognized “all those that made today possible,” including the legislators, the Delta State staff and administration and the UPS family in attendance. “I have been fortunate to live the American dream,” he explained. “I have been blessed to have a wonderful family.” He continued, “I am grateful to the state of Mississippi and Delta State University for taking a chance on a kid in 1974 whose hair was as long as his dreams were big."Learn more.

  Delta State University Dedicates Crawford Center, Ferriss Museum Opens

  Delta State Seeks H.L. Nowell Outstanding Staff Member Nominations

  Delta State to Host Annual International Film and Video Festival

  Statesmen to Host Bisons in Key GSC Series this Weekend at Dave "Boo" Ferriss Field

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
  JSU Exhibit Challenges Stereotypes, Raises Scholarship Money
Comic strip characters do more than entertain; they provoke deep thought and in some cases, provide scholarship money for deserving students. Those are the goals of "Other Heroes: African American comic book creators, characters & archetypes," an exhibition of comics and comics-inspired artwork to be housed at Jackson State University’s (JSU) Art Gallery in the Dollye M.E. Robinson School of Liberal Arts Building, April 5-25. The exhibit brings together a who’s-who of famed African American sequential artists past and present. The more than 40 participating artists include industry veterans Denys Cowan, graphic novelists Kyle Baker, editorial cartoonist Keith Knight and pioneering cartoonist Jackie Ormes. “Cartooning uses stereotypes to talk about larger issues,” says John Jennings, exhibit co-curator and a 1993 JSU graduate who helped build JSU’s graphics department from 1997-2001. Co-curator and Eye Trauma Comix editor-in-chief Damian Duffy hopes the exhibit and catalog of images will provide a positive space to discuss the social, economic, psychological, and philosophical impact of positive and negative racial representations.  Jennings and Duffy will talk about the exhibition during an opening at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium. The exhibit will open to the public at 4 p.m. Learn more.

  Students Advance to State, International Science Fair

  Former U.S. Surgeon General to Speak at JSU Conference

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
  Iraq Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient Named MSU Truman Scholar
An Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who received a Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon for Middle East service is Mississippi State's 16th Truman Scholar. Aaron R. Rice of Sumrall, a junior political science major at the university, was named Tuesday, March 27, by the Washington, D.C.-based Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. Selected from approximately 600 applicants, he is among 65 to earn the competitive national award that recognizes and rewards a desire to enter public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 to pursue graduate degrees in public service fields. In return, they must commit to work in any of those fields for three of seven years after completing their degrees. "This is one of the highest and most competitive honors acknowledging both ability and the desire to make a professional commitment to service," said MSU President Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong. "Aaron has demonstrated his leadership at Mississippi State, and we're confident that the Truman Scholarship will be instrumental in helping him fulfill his dream of contributing to public policy." A 2002 Oak Grove High School graduate, Rice said he plans to attend law school and specialize in administrative law and public policy.  Learn more.

  MSU Announces Latest Research Award Selections

  MSU 'Top Dog' in D.C. to Meet with Bush, Russian General

  MSU Engineering College Announces Hall of Fame Selections

  Top Historian Joins Civil War Study Group for Birthday Celebration

MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
  MUW Culinary Graduate Uses Degree with a Twist
Thinking she would become a chef after completing her culinary arts degree at Mississippi University for Women and wouldn’t need to learn about event planning, Leslee Colson is sure glad she listened to the “boring stuff” in class because it landed her a job as the events manager at a 4-1/2 star-rated private golf and country club in Lincoln, California. “I use my degree in every aspect of my current position,” Colson said. “Students need to be mindful that it's the small details that will set you apart from others in the industry.  A lot of the students in my class did not want to learn about how to set up a dining room, food costing or menu writing. That boring stuff got me to where I am today. Not everyone will leave the program and become a chef. That's OK. The great thing about a culinary degree is you can spread your wings and find what you truly enjoy doing and it will require all the knowledge you obtain through the program." She came into the culinary program later than most students. She was married and needed to graduate at a certain time due to her husband's military commitment at Columbus Air Force Base. Learn more.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
 "Fearless and Female" Crime Prevention Program Slated at Valley
The Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Campus Violence Prevention Program (CVPP) will present “Fearless and Female” on April 3 at 6 p.m. in the Social Science Auditorium. The program will introduce students to several defensive skills, such as best striking techniques for women, vital target areas, ground fighting, setting healthy physical boundaries and making safe choices. In addition, students will be introduced to step-by-step plans for situations such as what to do if you are grabbed from behind; what to do if you are knocked to the ground; what to do when your wallet has been stolen, what to do when you think you are being stalked, and what you can do to make your home safe and secure. “This is a hands-on, hard-hittin’, butt-kickin’ interactive program that offers lifesaving techniques for today’s woman,” said Carver Randle, Jr., director of the MVSU CVPP. The presenter, Cindy Coughenour, is a personal safety coach and founder of "Fearless and Female." A graduate of the nationally known Model Mugging program, Coughenour has been trained and certified by the American Women’s Self Defense Association in techniques including Krav Maga, multiple assailant attacks, confined area tactics, and ground fighting. For more information, contact the Campus Violence Prevention Program at (662) 254-3107. Learn more.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Honors College Student from Sandersville Wins Truman Scholarship
Shadrack "Shad" Tucker White, a 21-year-old Sandersville native, is among some 75 students nationwide to receive the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship. A member of the University of Mississippi's Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, White was chosen by the awarding foundation from a pool of some 600 candidates from 300 universities. He is the 12th Ole Miss student to receive the award. The honor provides up to $30,000 for graduate school and is open to all U.S. students with junior-level academic standing who wish to attend professional or graduate school to prepare for careers in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors. White, the son of Charles and Emily White, is a political science and economics major with a 4.0 GPA. His preparation for the award has been a long ordeal of reading, writing, and talking with mentors since his sophomore year. Last summer, he also worked at an orphanage in San Salvador, where he painted the building, helped with homework, and played soccer with the girls. He was deeply inspired by three sisters - one of whom suffered from a learning disability but who maintained an enthusiasm and hope for life. "I had no idea that I would win," he said. "I knew I was prepared for the interview, but I was worried it could go either way. I met the 12 other (regional) finalists in Nashville, and they were all extremely intelligent, brilliant people who were really involved in their campus life and community, and I knew the competition was stiff." Learn more.

UM Institute to Host Symposium for School Districts Affected by Toyota Plant

Civil Engineering Research Center Awarded Technology Transfer Grant for Work in Pakistan

Student Dietetic Association Sponsors Box Top Drive for Bramlett Elementary School

Pharmacy Student Receives National Scholarship from Professional Fraternity

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
Senior Medical Students Find Their "Match" at Ceremony
Senior medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC) discovered where they would go for their specialty training during the traditional Match Day ceremony March 15 in front of an overflow crowd at the Norman C. Nelson Student Union. According to Dr. LouAnne Woodward, associate dean for academic affairs and associate professor of emergency medicine, the event yielded a strong Southeastern match: approximately two-thirds (67) of UMC’s 101 students matched with programs in Mississippi or in a neighboring state. Woodward, who emceed the ceremony, said 52 students matched into a primary care specialty; 42 will be staying in Mississippi; 57 will go to residency programs “from Alabama to Virginia, from Oregon to New Hampshire to Florida;” and two were matched in military matches. Established in 1952, the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) is the primary system that matches the preferences of applicants to U.S. residency programs to the preferences of residency programs with available positions at teaching hospitals across the country. The NRMP is sponsored by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Medical Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the American Hospital Association, and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. Read more.

Medical Classes Swap Stories, Memories at UMC's First Legacy Reunion

UMC Patients Now Receive House Calls

Retail Experience Leads Crecink to Volunteer Services Position

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Southern Miss to Offer Undergraduate Degree in Marine Science
The University of Southern Mississippi on the Gulf Coast will offer the only bachelor of science in marine science degree in Mississippi starting this fall. The new undergraduate degree program will educate students in the multidisciplinary field of marine science and provide a basic understanding of oceanic processes. “We are thrilled to have this program located in Gulfport,” said Dr. Pat Joachim, associate provost for Southern Miss Gulf Coast. “Graduating students in marine science will benefit not only Gulf Coast establishments, but nationwide industries as well.” The development of the bachelor’s degree in marine science was done in response to a specific request by the U.S. Navy. The Navy wants the opportunity available for their enlisted personnel to obtain an undergraduate degree and achieve a higher rank based on their education. Addition of the new degree strengthens an already solid academic program in the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences (SOES), says Dr. Jay Grimes, provost. “This new undergraduate program will offer undergraduate students one more opportunity in the sciences, and it will no doubt serve as a feeder to our graduate programs,” he said. Other graduate programs in the SOES include master’s programs in marine science, coastal science and hydrographic science as well as doctoral programs in marine science, coastal science and geography. Learn more.

Southern Miss Summer Mathematics Institute Supporting Teachers, Students across State

Country Singer Charley Pride to Award Scholarships to Gulfport High School Seniors

Southern Miss to Offer Spanish in Mexico Study Program for Summer 2007

CNN Correspondent to Give Commencement Address at Southern Miss

Mar. 30 - Mississippi Valley State University's Computer and Information Sciences Department is hosting the Women in Science & Technology Conference. Area students are invited to attend the program featuring outstanding women in the math and computer science fields. Call (662) 254-3578. Learn more.

Mar. 31 - Prospective college students and their parents are invited to the University of Mississippi for Spring Visit Day. One of the largest recruitment events held each year, the daylong program provides opportunities to learn about academic offerings and meet faculty and current students. Learn more.

Mar. 31 - The acclaimed U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus of Washington, D.C., continues its long history of public performances when it appears at the University of Mississippi's Ford Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Tickets are free. Call (662) 915-7411 for more information. Learn more.

Apr. 1 - India's traditional food, fashion, song and dance take center stage at the University of Mississippi's Ford Center for the Performing Arts Sunday during India Night. The Indian dinner, which features cuisine from the country's different regions, is set for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6.  Call (662) 915-7411. Learn more.

Apr. 1 - May 1 - The Delta State University student art show will open Sunday, April 1, from 4-6 p.m. in the Wright Art Center Gallery on campus. The art will be on display through May 1. For more information, please contact the Art Department at (662) 846-4720.

Apr. 2 - The University of Southern Mississippi Carillon Handbell Choir will perform at 8:30 p.m. at Marsh Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus, under the direction of Dr. Larry Smith, professor of music. Learn more.

Apr. 2 - Mississippi State University's Global Leadership Series presents environmental activist and author Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who will discuss themes in his most recent book, Crimes Against Nature . The 7 p.m. presentation in Humphrey Coliseum will follow Kennedy signing books at Barnes & Noble. Learn more.

Apr. 2 - 8 - Jackson State University’s School of Health Sciences, College of Public Service will celebrate National Public Health Week. Learn more.

Apr. 3 - Mississippi State University's Panhellenic Council will sponsor its annual Easter egg hunt for children of faculty, staff and students on the president's lawn. For more information on the 5:30 p.m. Easter egg hunt, contact Heidie Lindsey at (662) 325-3063. Learn more.

Apr. 3- The School of Music at the University of Southern Mississippi will present the 15-member Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, under the direction of associate professor Richard Perry, in concert at 6 p.m. at Marsh Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. Learn more.

Apr. 3 - 5; 12 - 14 - Spanish playwright Federico Garcia Lorca’s Blood Wedding will heat up the Gilbert F. Hartwig stage April 3-5 and 12-14 at The University of Southern Mississippi. A performance of the tale of love and betrayal is set for 7:30 p.m. each day. Call (601) 266-5418 or (800) 844-8425 for tickets. Learn more.

Apr. 4 - Alcorn State University Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation announces a Health and Wellness Fair. It will be held at the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex from 9am until 3pm. Call (601) 877-6507 for more information.

Apr. 4 - The Mississippi Valley State University Department of Fine Arts is presenting an exhibition of photography by Ralph D. Jones in the Johnston Gallery April 4-20. A reception is scheduled April 4 from 2 until 4 p.m. Jones, a Greenville resident, has photographed people throughout the Delta. Learn more.

Apr. 9 - Mississippi State University's sexual assault services will sponsor a "Jean Drive for Denim Day" beginning at 8 a.m. All jeans collected will be donated to Safe Haven Inc., in recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Contact Beatrice Tatem at (662) 325-2091 for more information. Learn more.

Apr. 11 - 12 - Delta State University will present its Third Annual Research and Scholarship Symposium in the Henry J. Jacob Conference Center of James M. Ewing Hall on campus. For more information, contact John Green at (662) 846-4069 or (662) 846-4334. Learn more.

Apr. 14 - Mississippi Valley State University will hold its annual Piano Festival. Learn more.

Apr. 27 - Alcorn State University will host Multicultural Festival 2007, featuring foods from several international and American communities, arts, crafts, fashion, music, contests and games.  The festival will take place in the Jack Spinks Stadium parking lot, from 2 until 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.