MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, & VETERINARY MEDICINE 
MSU, UMMC, JAMA Team Up to Uncover Bed Bug Issues The findings of a medical entomologist and a physician are bringing extensive national attention to a small bloodsucker on the comeback trail. One result is the lead piece in the April 1 issue of the
Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA. Jerome Goddard is a medical and veterinary entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. His colleague, Dr. Richard deShazo, is a physician in the Department of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The two have reviewed literature on species of bed bugs that feed primarily on human blood. National and world media outlets picked up on the hot topic of bed bug reappearance. Goddard has been swamped with interview requests from Reuters and Bloomberg News Syndicate to Scientific American and several large newspapers in metropolitan markets. "Bed bugs were common in the United States decades ago and thought to be eradicated with the advent of modern pesticides," Goddard said. "The pests have reappeared in various states, and their numbers are increasing." JAMA chose Goddard's paper as its lead article because it addresses bite reactions, treatment and control issues, and the potential for disease transmittal, all which concern health officials. "The consensus is that bed bugs don't carry human disease, but more work needs to be done to evaluate their potential for disease transmission," Goddard said.
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MAFES Research Shows High Tunnels' Potential for Mississippi Horticulture Crops
Riders Develop Skills with Special Horseback Therapy at MSU
MSU Extension's 'Real World' Makes Financial Impression on Youth
MSU Scientists Find Agricultural Buffers' Benefits for Butterflies
MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN Study: Waverley Most Favored New Name for MUW; More Research Conducted Results from a stakeholder opinion study conducted by The Cirlot Agency found that Waverley University was the most favored new name for Mississippi University for Women. However, the survey also revealed that a fourth contender-Welty University-could not be ignored. After The Cirlot Agency's recent presentation to the MUW Naming Committee, several of the committee members suggested that Welty be researched as a stand-alone name. As a result, the university has asked The Cirlot Agency to conduct additional research regarding the name choices Reneau, Waverley, and Welty. This research will be consistent with the research conducted to date. In stating her support for additional research, MUW President Claudia Limbert said, "The information gathered in the original opinion survey is invaluable and will be carefully considered. As we look to the university's future, we know that doing this right is more important than doing this quickly. The Cirlot Agency's additional research will yield important information as this process continues. All the information gathered during the MUW 20/20 process related to the name and the university's brand development, as well as The Cirlot Agency's research, will be available to the Leadership Committee as it evaluates the evidence and makes its recommendation to me."
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MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY Tutu Highlights Third Annual MVSU International Week Nontumbi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, highlights the third annual Mississippi Valley State University International Week during April 13-17. In celebration of the theme, "Promoting Cultural Diversity and Improving International Understanding," a variety of events are planned, including entertainment by the Beatin' Path Rhythm Drum Circle. Also scheduled to perform are Joe Caploe & Neck-n-Neck, a group of musicians who are fluent in many styles of music including jazz, African, Indian, Latin, Indonesian and improvisational music. Activities for the general public begin on Tuesday at 10 a.m. with the Beatin' Path Rhythm Drum Circle. A drum circle is a highly interactive activity where everyone is provided a drum or rhythm instrument and the group is guided through an "in the moment" musical experience. On Wednesday, April 15, Valley students will enjoy a pizza luncheon featuring the college food staple with an international flare. The event begins at 11 a.m. in the MVSU Student Pavilion. At 2 p.m., a diabetes forum will be held in Carpenter Auditorium. The annual convocation featuring human rights activist Nontumbi "Naomi" Tutu begins at 10 a.m. in Carpenter Auditorium. On Friday, April 17, the Cultural Exhibits open at 9 a.m. in the Lackey Recreation Center. The World Music Clinic will be held at 11 a.m. in the Fine Arts Building. The event culminates at 6 p.m. with the International Banquet in the Lackey Recreation Center.
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Senator Roger Wicker, Delta Council's Chip Morgan, Featured MVSU Founder's Breakfast Speakers
Manhattans Are Featured MVSU Gala Entertainment
MVSU TRiO Students Recognized
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI Senior Honors Student with Triple Major to Conduct Summer Research in China For the third year in a row, University of Mississippi student Anna Hailey will be studying in China this summer. Over the past two summers, the Ole Miss senior from Muscle Shoals, Ala., immersed herself in the language and culture as a Chinese language major studying abroad. This time around, she becomes the first UM engineering student to study at Zhejiang University, the nation's leading engineering school. "I'm very excited about doing research there," said Hailey, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree with a triple major that also includes chemistry and chemical engineering. Her study is part of a five-year research collaboration on controlling pollutants from coal-fired boilers. She expects her project will focus on studying carbon emissions. Hailey said that she was led to Ole Miss because of her dual desire to become an engineer and to be fluent in a foreign language. "I like that the School of Engineering faculty is so accessible to its students," she said. "I feel that I'm getting a competitive yet personal education here. After I learned that Ole Miss offers a degree in Chinese, I knew that this was the right place for me." Already with enough academic credit hours to be qualified as a senior, Hailey expects to complete requirements for her bachelor's degree with three majors in 2011. She plans to atten d graduate school, then focus on her career goal of becoming a researcher in an area that will allow her to use her Chinese language abilities.
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Center for Intelligence and Security Studies Moves to New Campus Location
Center to Study Indian Systems of Medicine to be Created at Natural Products Center
History Professor Named Campuswide Outstanding Teacher of the Year
Walgreens Partners with School of Pharmacy to Promote Diversity Initiative
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER Heart Partners The parents of most newborns look forward to milestones like first smiles and the first time sleeping through the night. Jennifer and Jared Chance of Brandon celebrated other more serious milestones in their daughter's infancy. Laney Chance was born without a coronary artery, making her little body unable to get the oxygen it needed. So instead of anticipating the usual events in a newborn's life, the Chances spent a week in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. They learned that Laney would need open-heart surgery to repair the defect and flew to another state to have that operation - all before Laney was 3 months old. "It's overwhelming," said Jennifer. "You ask the normal questions, like 'Why is this happening to us?'" The Chance family traveled to Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for Dr. Richard Jonas, one of the world's leading pediatric heart surgeons, to perform Laney's surgery. The surgery would mark the beginning of a partnership between Children's National and Batson Hospital, which has plans to develop its own comprehensive pediatric heart surgery program.
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The Scales of Science
Anticipation, Tension Build for Senior Medical Students
Hystamine Hysteria
Improving by Degrees
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI Southern Miss Breaks Ground on New Residential Community University of Southern Mississippi officials, dignitaries and students held formal groundbreaking ceremonies today for Century Park, the university's newest residential community. The $37.7 million development, the largest in the history of Southern Miss, will consist of four, four-story buildings in a gated community and provide 864 beds. The project is located on West Fourth Street, adjacent to the Longleaf Trace Gateway at Southern Miss. The project is a continuation of the university's housing master plan, with the goal of being a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified residential complex, believed to be the first in the state. Other features of the complex will include double occupancy rooms with private baths; card accessible student rooms; covered bike racks; free cable and laundry services, as well as internet connection capabilities of up to one GB. Century Park, named in celebration of the university's 100-year anniversary, will be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2010. For more information about Century Park, contact the Department of Residence Life at (601) 266-4783 or reslife@usm.edu. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Southern Miss Announces Campaign for Centennial Scholarship Endowment
Speech and Hearing Chair Dr. Brett Kemker Selected as Assistant Provost
Karnes Center for Gifted Studies Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Southern Miss to Host Lucy Buffett Book Signing April 16 at Barnes and Noble
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Southern Miss Gulf Park Campus to Host Jazz and Blues Festival The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will host the Southern Miss Jazz and Blues Festival Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the university's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The musical acts to perform at the festival are the Sauce Boss, the Steve Warren Band and the Jerry Ball Jazz and Blues Quintet. The festival is sponsored by the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Government Association and will be free and open to the public. The majority of contributions received will be donated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth Development Coalition. The remaining proceeds will used to further develop the Gulf Coast Student Government Association. The Sauce Boss is popular with blues audiences for performing with a unique Floridian style. While Bill Wharton and the Ingredients are busy making music, Wharton is cooking his famous gumbo on stage. Typically following his performances, the Sauce Boss shares his gumbo with his audience. The Sauce Boss received his name for his great music and spicy cooking. The Shed BBQ and Port City Café are among a variety of food and drink vendors to take part at the festival. Arts and crafts vendors, along with an assortment of entertainment and prize-winning games for children, will be set up throughout the festival grounds.
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Lansford Serves as Associate Editor for Political Handbook
Gulf Coast Library to Celebrate National Library Week
School of Nursing to Host Blood Drive April 21
Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale to Present Young at Heart Concerts April 24, 26
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY Alcorn Graduate Gets Internship with Interpol in Lion, France Alcorn State University alumnus, Evgeny Dmitriev of Voronezh, Russia, is working as an intern for INTERPOL in Lion, France. INTERPOL is the world's largest international police organization, with 187 member countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. Dmitriev graduated from Alcorn in fall 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Networking. During his last semester, he applied for an internship at different companies via the Internet. To his delight he was chosen for an internship by INTERPOL. Dmitriev's current project is "Information Systems Development". He is working at the I-24/7 Department of INTERPOL General Secretariat, which is the organization's headquarters. Dmitriev's internship will end October 2009 after which he hopes to obtain permanent employment with the organization. While at Alcorn, Dmitriev passed the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam in his sophomore year. According to Dr. Yufeng Zheng, Assistant Professor, Advanced Technologies, Dmitriev was the first student in his grade and the third in the Department of Advanced Technologies to pass the CCNA. In January 2008, Dmitriev was recognized as Student of the Month in the Department of Advanced Technologies' newsletter. In his telephone interview, Dmitriev said he was interested in going to France, but he misses the U.S.
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Alcorn Celebrates its Fourth Annual Media Day
ASU ARM Emergency Response Corps Member Participate in Rebuilding of the Coast
Popularity of ASU Student Leadership Roundtable Grows
International Food Sampling in ASU Advanced Technologies
DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY Delta State Dedicates the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing In recognition of his generous financial support, the Delta State University School of Nursing was officially renamed the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing during a dedication ceremony Wednesday, April 1. A retired Delta farmer, Robert Emil Smith has endowed seven scholarships to the School of Nursing. "Mr. Smith's gift and pledge of $2.1 million is the largest ever from an individual to the University," said Keith Fulcher, executive director, Delta State University Foundation, Inc. "His thorough and diligent planning of his estate will one day transform the School of Nursing and enable them to provide hundreds of scholarships to aspiring nursing students." The Robert E. Smith School of Nursing is the first academic unit named for an individual at Delta State. In his opening remarks, Delta State President, Dr. John M. Hilpert, characterized Smith as a hero. "Robert Smith is as committed to charitable giving as anyone I know," said Hilpert. "Thanks to him the future is infinitely brighter for this school, students pursuing this noble profession, and for the field of healthcare." Ruth Luciano, an emergency room RN at the North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville, was the first to receive a Robert E. Smith nursing scholarship. "I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing," said Luciano. "Your generosity changed the path of my life and allowed me to reach my professional goal."
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Dr. Luther Brown Hailed for Service
The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Makes its Return to Delta State
DSU Baseball & Softball Teaming up to Fight Cancer Saturday
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY Jimmie James, 'Voice of the Sonic Boom,' Retires after 43 Years at JSU After 43 years of dedicated service as a teacher, band director, and music department chairman at Jackson State University, Jimmie James, Jr. is retiring. James will be honored with a retirement celebration at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at the Jackson State University Student Center. Commonly known as the voice of the Sonic Boom of the South - a position he's held since 1966 - James looks back on his years at Jackson State University with pride. "When I was first asked to do the announcing by Mr. William W. Davis, the former band director, I was interested in impressing him," James said, adding that he later became focused on impressing himself. "I decided that it always had to be the best." James, a Hattiesburg, Miss., native, began his professional career in 1966, six years after graduating from the then Jackson State College. He was Jackson State's first tuba major. A lover of all kinds of music, James helped found the Church Music Workshop of America in 1977, which is held annually at Jackson State. The event attracts participants from across the country for three days of training, discussion and study on such topics as vocal health, the role of pastors in music, and African-American church hymns. Even in his retirement, James has Jackson State students in mind. Money raised from the celebration will go towards a scholarship fund.
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Jackson State Ph.D. Graduate Wins Dissertation Award
Jackson State Walter Payton Center Hosts Summer Youth Camp
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY MSU Student Wildlife Researcher Named 12th Goldwater Scholar A senior wildlife and fisheries major at Mississippi State is a new national Barry M. Goldwater Scholar. Mitchell D. "Mitch" Weegman of Winona, Minn., is among nearly 280 university students being honored this year with the official U.S. tribute to the late former Arizona Republican senator and prominent American statesman. In addition to membership in MSU's Shackouls Honors College, Weegman is a member of the Bulldog track team. The son of Dale and Lise Weegman, he is a Winona High School graduate who simultaneously took classes at Winona State University before coming to the Magnolia State in the fall of 2007. Established more than two decades ago, the awards are presented annually by the Springfield, Va.-based Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Provided for one or two years, they cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. "Mitch is MSU's 12th Goldwater Scholar," said Nancy McCarley, Shackouls Honors College director. "The scholarship was created in 1986 to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering, and is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields." McCarley said Weegman, who is specializing in wildlife science and planning a career as a waterfowl biologist, earlier was awarded an undergraduate research award by MSU's College of Forest Resources.
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U.S. Rep. Blackburn to Sign Her New Book at MSU Ceremony
Meridian Student at MSU Honored by Young Bankers Group
Conservation Biologist to Lead 2009 MSU Carlton Lecture
MSU Bands Welcoming Spring with Two Weeks of Concerts
April 14 - Mississippi State University's libraries presents U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock speaking at 3 p.m. in the John Grisham room in Mitchell Memorial Library. She will speak as part of the Mirris W.H. "Bill" Collins Speaker Series. Learn more.
April 14 - Dr. Malcolm Hunter will bring the MSU College of Forest Resources 2009 Carlton Owen Lecture at 2:00 p.m. in Thompson Hall. Learn more.
April 14 - British physician Dr. Geoffrey Rivett will give the David Fine Distinguished Lecture from 4-5:30 p.m. in the university?s Thad Cochran Center. The topic is "Health Care: Human Right or High Priced Commodity?" Learn more.
April 14 - The Gulf Coast Library at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus will celebrate National Library Week with book talks, book signings, and a free creative writing workshop in room 204 of the library. Learn more.
April 15 - Leaders of two thriving national firms - FNC Inc. and Medical Marketing Economics LLC - plan to share secrets of their success at the inaugural Innovators Discovery Luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m. at the Oxford Conference Center. Hosted by UM, the event is free but advance registration is required. Learn more.
April 16 - Mississippi State University's disaster resistant university program presents a public meeting at 3 p.m. to invite suggestions on how university, local and state officials can work toward the MSU's designation as a Disaster-Resistant University. Learn more.
April 16 - The Southern Miss Children?s Center for Communication and Development will celebrate its 35th anniversary with an open house from 4-6 p.m. The newly renovated Center is located on the Southern Miss campus in the Communication, Speech & Hearing building on Fraternity Drive. Learn more.
April 16-26 - The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Southern Mississippi will present the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Urinetown" April 16-19 and 23-26 at the Martha R. Tatum Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus. Learn more.
April 17 - JSU will host the third annual Fannie Lou Hamer Humanitarian Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Student Center on Jackson State University's main campus, 1400 John R. Lynch St. U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters will be the guest speaker. Learn more.
April 17 - This year's Springfest concert at the University of Mississippi features a blend of country, rap and rock with featured acts Zac Brown Band, Soulja Boy and the Skinner Boys Band. The annual concert is set for 6 p.m. on the Grove Stage. Admission is free. Learn more.
April 18 - The 29th Annual Alcorn State University Jazz Festival will take place in the Vicksburg Convention Center. University, college, and high school jazz ensembles from around the Southeast will perform in the morning and afternoon. For details, call Dr. David Miller at (601) 877-6602 or Google "ASU jazz fest." All events in the festival are FREE and open to the public! Learn more.
April 20 - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and Delta Council Executive Director Chip Morgan will be the featured speakers at the annual Founder's Day Breakfast at Mississippi Valley State University, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the H.M. Ivy Cafeteria, Dining Hall IV. Tickets are $15 and available at the door. Learn more.
April 20 - 23 - Designed for professional forest resource managers, MSU's Prescribed Burning Short Course will be in Memorial Hall. CFE credits in Category I, 23 will be offered. Learn more.
April 20-24 - UM and the city of Oxford are partnering for a week of activities to raise environmental awareness throughout the community. Green Week 2009 includes a series of free lectures, forums, interactive activities and displays to educate participants about environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. Learn more.
April 21 - The University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing and Mississippi Blood Services will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the Advanced Education Center rotunda at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. Learn more.
April 22 - Mississippi State University's eco office presents an earth day fair from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Old Main plaza to celebrate and learn more about local sustainability efforts and activities. Contact Nisreen Cain at (662) 312-8080 for more information. Learn more.
April 24 - JSU will feature New Orleans jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison fot its annual outdoor concert, "Jazz On The Plaza," at 6 p.m. on the main campus, 1400 John R. Lynch St. Learn more.
April 24 and 26 - The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Civic Chorale will perform two free concerts. The first concert will be Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Biloxi. The encore performance will be Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium on the Gulf Park Campus. Learn more.
April 25 - JSU's College of Public Service will host "Celebrating the Giving Heart II" Scholarship Gala at the Hilton Jackson Hotel in Jackson. Otis Williams of Motown's legendary Temptations will perform at the event honoring the college's founding dean, Gwendolyn Spencer Prater. Tickets are $125. Learn more.
May 9 - MUW's graduation ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in Whitfield Hall, Rent Auditorium. The time-honored Mag Chain ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. on Shattuck Lawn. For more information, contact the Registrar's Office at (662) 329-7135. Learn more.
May 13-15 - MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers will have tours, workshops, educational sessions and awards recognition on campus on. Contact Lelia Kelly at (662) 566-2201 or leliak@ext.msstate.edu. Learn more.
