Dr. George E. Ross was named the seventeenth president of Alcorn State University. Dr. Martha Saunders was named the ninth president of The University of Southern Mississippi. Board Names Presidents for Alcorn, Southern Miss On Tuesday, the Board of Trustees announced that Dr. George E. Ross has been named the seventeenth president of Alcorn State University; and on Thursday, the Board announced that Dr. Martha Saunders has been named the ninth president of the University of Southern Mississippi. “Dr. Ross’ proven record of leadership and experience makes him the right choice to lead Alcorn State University,” said Board President Dr. D.E. Magee, Jr., chair of the Alcorn State Board Search Committee. “I am confident he will guide the university to the next level of excellence.” Trustee Robin Robinson, chair of the Southern Miss Board Search Committee, had equally positive things to say about the new Southern Miss chief. “Dr. Saunders’ vision and experience is the perfect fit for the University of Southern Mississippi at this time in its history," she said. "As a Hattiesburg native and Southern Miss alumna, I am confident Dr. Saunders will be a remarkable addition to Mississippi’s public university system.” The announcements followed day-long open interview sessions with the preferred candidates and university and community constituency groups, who were allowed to give the Board feedback on the candidates. At the end of the day on Tuesday and on Thursday, the Board convened to discuss the feedback and to make a final determination. Dr. Ross will step into his role at Alcorn sometime this summer, and Dr. Saunders will take the reigns at Southern Miss on May 21, the day after Dr. Thames steps down. Learn more about Dr. Ross and Dr. Saunders. Legislature Appropriates $779.1 M to IHL for FY 2008 The Mississippi Legislature came together in the final days of the 2007 Session to pass a host of budget bills, including a bill appropriating $779.1 million for the Institutions of Higher Learning for fiscal year 2008. The allotted amount represents an increase of $97.5 million, or 14.3 percent, over the amount appropriated by the state for fiscal year (FY) 2007, but falls $152.2 million short of the requested $931.3 million and additional five percent salary increase. The funding package includes increases over FY 2007 of 11.9 percent for on- and off-campus budgets; 23.2 percent for the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and between 12 and 31.4 percent for the agricultural units at Alcorn State University and Mississippi State University. The Legislature included funding for a three percent system-wide salary increase. In addition to state appropriations, the Board of Trustees requested $126.5 million in capital improvement bond money, of which the Legislature is funding $84.1 million. The Board of Trustees will discuss the impact of the appropriations legislation and allocate funds during its regularly scheduled meetings in the upcoming months. Members of the College Readiness Task Force are hard at work. College Readiness Task Force Begins Work The College Readiness Task Force met for the first time on Thursday, March 29, to begin work on their task of determining what students need to know when they finish high school in order to be successful during their first year of college. Additionally, the task force will consider what knowledge and skills students need to gain from freshman level courses. The importance of college readiness has garnered national attention recently, because students who enter college unprepared for freshman level courses incur great costs, in terms of both time and money, for remediation. Also, students requiring remediation are less likely than their more prepared counterparts to persist and earn a degree. The task force, which includes a representative from the mathematics and English departments from each of the eight public universities, hopes to address this growing problem during future meetings with other university faculty, high school teachers, and the Mississippi Department of Education. For more information about the College Readiness Task Force, contact Assistant Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Lynn House at (601) 432-6501. Economy, Population Shifts Highlighted in Mississippi's Business Now available online, the March 2007 edition of Mississippi's Business, a monthly newsletter produced by the Economics Department of the IHL Office of Policy Research and Planning, includes articles on recent economic activity in Mississippi and population shifts from rural to urban areas in the state. The Mississippi Index of Coincident Economic Indicators, which reveals economic trends as they are occurring, shows that economic activity in Mississippi has hit an all-time high, surpassing the previous peak that occurred in 1999.  The Index of Leading Economic Indicators, which signals changes in economic activity before it occurs, also increased.  A general upward trend over the last several months suggests the economy will continue to grow. For more information, contact senior economist Dr. Darrin Webb at (601) 432-6556. Also in the newsletter, a state demographer discusses the population shift from rural to urban areas in Mississippi.  Of the 50 states, Mississippi has the fourth highest percentage (51.2 percent) of the total population living in rural areas. Recent population growth has been concentrated in the state's five metropolitan areas, while population losses continue in rural counties and even in many of the state's micropolitan areas--areas that nationwide are seeing strong population growth. Such population shifts have numerous implications for the state. To learn more, review Mississippi's Business online or contact Dr. Barbara Logue at (601) 432-6576.

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.

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Delta State to Host Two AD Candidates on Campus Next Week
The Delta State University Athletic Director Search Committee announced today its intent to bring two candidates to campus next week for preliminary on-site interviews. John G. Garvilla, current athletic director and head men's soccer coach at Belhaven College in Jackson; and Jeremy McClain, director of development with the Delta State University Foundation in Cleveland, will interview with the search committee, the Delta State Cabinet, and members of the Delta State athletic department on Wednesday, April 11. Greg Redlin, Delta State's Vice President of Finance and staffing member of the search committee offered, "These interviews should not be confused with the at-large interviews which will involve additional university and community audiences, but rather are just the committee's way of gathering more information on the candidates. It is still our intent to interview the chosen candidates with community and university audiences. We will know more after Wednesday's interviews," he concluded. The Delta State athletic director position was left vacant in March by the departure of Dr. Brad Teague. In the interim, Ronnie Mayers, assistant athletic director for special projects and director of swimming operations, is filling the post. Learn more.

Delta State's International Business Symposium Proves Successful Second Year in a Row

Delta State Crawfish Boil Set

Delta State Alumnus Recognized by State Senate, House of Representatives

Lady Statesmen to Team with Relay for Life on Strikeout Cancer Night April 19

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
JSU among HBCUs to Partner with Indiana University in STEM Initiative
Jackson State University (JSU) is one of nine historically black colleges and universities teaming up with Indiana University (IU) in a partnership that will enhance the number of minorities in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. The goal of the STEM Initiative is to build long-term, highly interactive relationships between Indiana University, JSU, and the other HBCUs, resulting in an increase in the number of African-American graduate students, scholars, and professionals in the STEM disciplines. "Jackson State University is pleased to partner with Indiana University and our sisters HBCUs on this important initiative," said JSU President Ronald Mason, Jr. "Through student and faculty exchanges, internships, and shared knowledge, the partnership created can serve as a model for securing the future STEM workforce that our nation so desperately needs." The STEM Initiative also will provide additional research opportunities for students, increase access for HBCU students to IU graduate programs in STEM disciplines, encourage collaborative research between IU and HBCU faculty, and develop faculty relationships through various programs. Dr. Mark G. Hardy, interim dean of JSU's College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, said programs such as the Summer Scholar Institute will continue throughout the year. Learn more.

NEA 'Jazz Master' Donald Byrd to Appear at Jackson State University

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
MSU Travelers to Learn More about South Korea
A group of Mississippi State University students selected for a 10-day trip next month to South Korea chatted recently with students from the Eastern Asian nation now studying at the university. The 30 undergraduate and four graduate students involved in MSU's new Global Leadership Program: Korea (GLP/K) have completed the required travel paperwork and begun reviewing lists of what to pack for the trans-Pacific trip. Beginning May 9, they will be visiting universities, technology companies and other locations on the lower half of the vast peninsula bounded by China and North Korea to the north and the islands of Japan to the southeast. J. P. Shim, a professor of management systems and director of the program, said the immersion in Korean culture, business, and other aspects of the country will enable the students to broaden their world perspectives. The changing marketplace now requires businesses to consider global perspectives, the South Korean native added. To take part in the GLP/K study-abroad program, participants must have at least a 3.5 grade-point average (based on a 4.0 scale) and have demonstrated leadership experience. Learn more.

MSU Announces 2007 Insurance Institute for Teachers

Student Association Officers Installed for 2007-08

MSU Student Honored by Federal Research Agency

Vanderbilt Psychology Researcher Tom Carr to Lead MSU Program

MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
MUW's Premier Education, Recreation Facility Opens
Mississippi University for Women's (MUW) premier education and recreation center, which boasts approximately 87,000 square feet, officially opened its doors Monday morning. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Emma Ody Pohl Building and the Marie Charlotte Stark Recreation Center was held about four years after the Pohl Gym was destroyed by a tornado in the fall of 2002. MUW President Claudia A. Limbert said, "These buildings are significant achievements for MUW, and the entire project was an unexpected challenge that we are proud to have faced and faced very well." The facility allows MUW to provide recreational and wellness services the same as universities five times it size, according to Nora Miller, vice president for finance and administration, who said the cost of the building was $13.5 million. Named after two women, who were fundamental in the development of physical education at MUW, the two buildings have defined academic and recreational components. Learn more.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Mississippi Valley State University Online
www.mvsu.edu

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
UM in Running to Host 2008 Presidential Debate
The University of Mississippi (UM) is among 19 proposed host sites for the 2008 presidential debates. The Commission on Presidential Debates announced the list of debate host applicants, which includes 14 universities or colleges, on Monday. The commission is scheduled to visit the Ole Miss campus to conduct a site survey before June, and the final four host sites--three for presidential debates and one for a vice presidential debate--are to be announced next spring. "We had a preliminary visit from Martin Slutsky, the executive producer of the commission's debates, to determine if our campus had the necessary facilities to be a serious contender," said Andrew Mullins, UM executive assistant to the chancellor. "He enjoyed his visit very much and encouraged us to apply." Leading the effort to bring one of the debates to Ole Miss, Mullins met with representatives from other campuses that have hosted debates. He said the total cost to host a debate is estimated at $2.2 million. "Despite the costs, the advantages are tremendous," Mullins said. "We'd have more than 2,000 journalists from across the globe reporting from campus, providing Ole Miss with huge international exposure. It would also be a historic first for Mississippi and offers unprecedented opportunities for our students and faculty to launch spin-off programs, events and lectures." Read more.

School of Law Officially Launches Fundraising Campaign

Honors College Student Chosen for National Goldwater Scholarship

Scientist Honored that His Discovery of Flowering Plant is Featured on Thai Stamp

MFA Student's Woodblock Print is Expected to Break World Record

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
Heart Patients Give UMC Excellent Marks for Cardiac Care
Cardiovascular patients rate the University of Mississippi Medical Center among the leading health care institutions in quality, education, and satisfaction, according to a recent cardiovascular market assessment survey. The telephone survey of patients, diagnosed with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction, asked about their experiences with the health care system, both inside and outside of the hospital. The questions covered a gamut of the patients' experiences, from health status, care patterns, and patient-provider communication, to satisfaction with care, provision of advice, and barriers to care. The survey is part of Expecting Success: Excellence in Cardiac Care, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program that has helped 10 participating general acute care hospitals improve their performance on standard measures of cardiovascular care. The program examined the results of the survey by race and ethnicity to see if disparities exist in the delivery of services or the assessment of care. Read more.

UMC Metabolism Center Empowers Patients to Take Control of Diabetes

Neuroscience Society Educates Students About Brain Activity, Development

UMC Pediatricians Encourage Community, Children to "Reach Out and Read"

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Southern Miss Jazz Combo Takes Top Award at Festival
The University of Southern Mississippi Jazz Sextet was selected as the "Outstanding College/University Combo" at the University of North Texas Jazz Festival at Addison, Texas, March 31, receiving the Rich Matteson Award. In only its second appearance at the festival, the Southern Miss combo, under the direction of Larry Panella, performed on the final evening concert with five other groups selected from the categories of Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Combo, and Big Band. Each member of the sextet was also awarded the festival's coveted "Outstanding Soloist" award. "I knew we performed well, but I did not expect this award," said Panella, director of the Jazz Studies program in the School of Music. "There were many good groups represented there." Panella said that often groups play flashy material to impress the judges. "We played what we've always played--our own arrangements and even some originals," he explained. Other schools represented included groups from Hawaii, North Dakota, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, South Carolina, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and more. The Southern Miss combo was founded in 1999 by several graduate and undergraduate students at the time. With one compact disc recording under its belt, "Home Cookin' Jazz at USM," the group expects to release a new recording in the fall of 2007. Learn more.

Jackson Business Leader Named 2007 Southern Miss Distinguished Entrepreneur

Home of Your Own Program Receives Communities of Excellence Award

Southern Miss Student Receives Full Scholarship to Attend Ivy League Law School

Southern Miss Focuses Attention on Awareness, Prevention During Sexual Assault Awareness Month

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Alcorn State Department of Mass Communications Hosts Media Day 2007
On April 4-5, 2007, Alcorn State University Department of Mass Communications held Media Day 2007. The Media Day is one of the premier events at the university. "This unique and enriching experience has been designed to provide a realistic view of the world of mass media for the students and potential students of mass communication," said Dr. Sherlynn H. Byrd, Chairperson of the Department of Mass Communication. This two day event included a special panel discussion on "Connecting the Community: The reporters first Amendment Rights to Write" and a special keynote on "New Media" from the Editor and Chief of AOL Black voices Nick Charles. Other keynote speakers were: Audie Cornish, reporter, National Desk, National Public Radio; Andreao Heard, Grammy-winning producer/consultant; and Jerry Mitchell, investigative reporter, the Clarion Ledger . The Department of Mass Communication was delighted to have alumni as well as media professionals give the charge to the future journalists. Learn more.

Apr. 7 - Ole Miss fans gather on campus for a weekend of sports, food, and fun centered around the annual Grove Bowl intrasquad football scrimmage in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Tickets, at $10 each, are available through the Athletics Ticket Office at (662) 915-7167. Learn more.

Apr. 10 - Jackson State University's Fannie Lou Hamer Institute will present its 2007 Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Michael Hoover at 2:30 p.m. in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building. Hoover will present the topic "Kennedy and Civil Rights: Public Promise and Lost Opportunity." Call (601) 979-2282 for more information. Learn more.

Apr. 10 - Dr. Malcolm Taylor, University of Mississippi Medical Center clinical assistant professor of medicine and director of congestive heart failure at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, will present the Hypertension Education and Treatment (HEAT) Partnership presentation, "Race and Research, Conclusions and Implications, " from noon until 1 p.m. Learn more.

Apr. 10 - Dr. Richard Heinzl, founder of Doctors Without Borders Canada, will talk about his experiences and volunteer efforts as the 2007 David Fine Distinguished Lecturer at The University of Southern Mississippi at 7 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center Ballroom 1. Call (601) 266-4866 for more information. Learn more.

Apr. 10 - June 18 - The "History of the Delta State Nursing Program" exhibit is set to open. This exhibit will explore the establishment of the program, how it has succeeded, and what its future looks like from here. Former nurse's uniforms, caps, capes, text books, and other memorabilia will be on display. Learn more.

Apr. 11 - Dr. Adam Lynde, assistant professor of history at Delta State University, will present a free public lecture entitled "Canada's Gettysburg: The Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 1917" commemorating the 90th anniversary of one of the most important battles of the First World War at 7 p.m. in Jobe Hall Auditorium.

Apr. 11 - Mississippi State University will promote alcohol and substance abuse awareness by allowing students to experience the DUI simulator in the Sanderson Center parking lot from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, contact Regina Lattimore at (662) 325-2141. Learn more.

Apr. 13 - An accomplished University of Mississippi engineering alumnus returns to his alma mater to share information on how research collaboration can help curb global warming for the inaugural Woods Order Distinguished Lecture. The 3 p.m. event in Anderson Auditorium is free to the public. Learn more.

Apr. 13 - 14 - Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) presents an open house from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. that is free and open to the public. For more information, call the CVM's Office of Outreach and External Affairs at (662) 325-1103. Learn more.

Apr. 14 - Jackson State University's Army ROTC program will welcome Brigadier General Reuben Jones in the General Purpose Room of the Jacob L. Reddix Campus Union. For more information, call (601) 979-2177. Learn more.

Apr. 14 - Mississippi State University's Music Maker Productions presents the Spring Fever Music Festival at the Amphitheater and the Junction beginning at 5 p.m. The free festival will highlight Blues Traveler, Yung Joc, Steve Azar, Ingram Hill, and others. For more information, call Daniel Hicks at (662) 213-4710. Learn more.

Apr. 17 - The Sax-Chamber Orchestra at The University of Southern Mississippi will present its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. at Marsh Auditorium, under the direction of professor of music Lawrence Gwozdz. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call (601) 266-6934. Learn more.

Apr. 18 - The University of Southern Mississippi Interior Design program will present a free seminar April 18 by world-renowned photographer Dennis Anderson on "The Magic of Architectural Photography."  The seminar is set for 2 until 5 p.m. at the Thad Cochran Center Ballroom II. Call (601) 266-6437. Learn more.

Apr. 19 - Stanley Dearman, whose editorials in The Neshoba Democrat called for reopening the case involving the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers in his home county, receives the Silver Em award, the highest award given to journalists from the University of Mississippi, at the annual Silver Em banquet. Learn more.

Apr. 26 - The Delta State University Grenada County alumni chapter meeting will be held at the new Golf Club on Grenada Lake. The event includes a social at 6:30 p.m. followed by a barbecue dinner at 7 p.m. A golf scramble will be held in the afternoon and faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to participate. Learn more.