 Trustee Thomas Colbert (center) with Comissioner Thomas Meredith (left) and Board President L. Stacy Davidson, Jr. (right)  Trustee Roy Estess (center)  Trustee D. E. Magee, Jr. (center)  Trustee Virginia Shanteau Newton (center) | | | | IHL Recognizes Four Outgoing Board Members For a combined 38 years, Trustees Thomas Colbert, Roy Estess, D. E. Magee, Jr., and Virginia Shanteau Newton have served on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. During its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Board President Dr. L. Stacy Davidson, Jr., formally thanked the four Trustees for their service, as their terms on the Board will conclude May 8, 2008. Mr. Thomas Colbert was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governor Fordice in 1996. A resident of Flowood, Mr. Colbert is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and the Louisiana State University School of Banking of the South and is Chairman of the Board of Community Bancshares. Click here to read more about Mr. Thomas Colbert. Mr. Roy Estess joined the Board in January 2006 to complete the unexpired term of former Trustee Roy Klumb. Mr. Estess served as director of NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center and is a native of Carriere. Click here to read more about Mr. Roy Estess. Dr. D. E. Magee, Jr., was also appointed to the Board by Governor Fordice in 1996. A Jackson ophthalmologist, Dr. Magee received his B.S. from Central State University in Ohio; his M.S. from Howard University in Washington, D.C.; and his M.D. from Meharry Medical College in Tennessee. Click here to read more about Dr. D. E. Magee, Jr. Finally, Ms. Virginia Shanteau Newton was also appointed to the Board by Governor Fordice in 1996. Ms. Newton received her undergraduate degree from Mississippi University for Women and her graduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Click here to read more about Ms. Virginia Shanteau Newton. Watch the special presentation to the retiring Board members on the Board meeting webcast archive. | Board Approves Reallocation of Appropriated Funds
Also during Wednesday's regular monthly meeting, the Board voted to rebalance the appropriations allocated to the universities beginning with the FY 2009 allocation. The Board's current funding formula, which accounts for institutional differences in mission, productivity, and size, was adopted in 2003 to allocate funds; however, declining or stagnant appropriations have prevented implementation of the formula. As a result of the Board's action, funding will be rebalanced in such a manner that after six years, all institutions will be allocated funds based on the Board's adopted formula. Click here to view the PowerPoint presented during the Board meeting; click here to view the Board meeting discussion on archived webcast. For more information, email Assistant Commissioner of Finance and Administration Dr. Linda McFall. | IHL to Co-host Campus Emergency Communication Symposium
Next Wednesday, April 30, higher education representatives, including those from Mississippi's community and junior colleges, private colleges and universities, and Mississippi's eight public universities, are cordially invited to attend a symposium on important issues relating to campus emergency notification systems. Mr. Brett Sokolow, president of the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management, will serve as special guest speaker with his presentation, "Best Practices for Timely Campus Emergency Notification Systems." Hosted by IHL and the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, the event will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Mississippi TelCom Center, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS. The event, sponsored as a community service by Cellular South, is free, and lunch will be provided. To attend, R.S.V.P. by April 24 to rsvp@cellularsouth.com. |  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.UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
 Southern Miss Students Honored by Goldwater Program
Two of The University of Southern Mississippi's top students have been honored by the renowned Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, an organization devoted to supporting academic achievement in science and mathematics. Justin Poelma, a junior polymer science major from Ocean Springs, and Tyler McCleery, a sophomore physics major from Mobile, AL, earned the Goldwater Scholarship and an honorable mention from the program, respectively. Both are Presidential Scholars enrolled in the university's Honors College. "It's a real honor because it affirms that people view you as having potential as a scientist who can contribute to the field," said Poelma, who plans on pursuing a career as a university faculty researcher. Named for the late presidential candidate and longtime U.S. Senator from Arizona Barry M. Goldwater, the program was established in 1986 as a way to bolster the number of active scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college sophomores and juniors studying in these fields. Poelma is the 17th Southern Miss student to receive the scholarship and the only student in Mississippi to receive it this year. Learn more. Southern Miss History Professor Editor of New Book on Choctaw Indian History Southern Miss Forensic Science Allows Student Interaction with World-Renowned Scientists Southern Miss Administrator Receives Top Award from National Organization Southern Miss History Professor's Book Reviewed by The Nation UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NEWS
Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale to Perform American Spectacular
The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale and Hattiesburg Choral Union will present the American Spectacular performance at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, in the Saenger Theatre on Reynoir Street in Biloxi. There will be an encore performance at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28, at Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. The all-American musical performance will include "America, the Beautiful;" hymnodies; folk tunes; and songs by Stephen Foster, Irving Berlin, and Randall Thompson. The feature song of the performance is Thompson's "The Testament of Freedom." Thompson, who composed the piece during World War II, wrote "The Testament of Freedom" from passages by Thomas Jefferson. Randol Alan Bass of Dallas has taken Thompson's original orchestral score and arranged a musical score for brass instruments to perform the song. This performance will be a world premiere of "The Testament of Freedom" using brass accompaniment. Learn more. Southern Miss College of Health to Host Health Fair in Hancock County Southern Miss Gulf Coast Students Win Awards Southern Miss Gulf Coast Sets Date for Summer Registration ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Alcorn State University SIFE Team Wins Entrepreneurship Competition
Students in the Alcorn State University business group Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) were the finalists in the "Individual Topic for Entrepreneurship" at the regional competition in Roger, Arkansas. The students competed in three categories, winning the prized "Entrepreneurship" competition with national recognition. The honor comes with a plaque and a $1,000.00 award for the organization to continue its work. The selection was based on the results of a workshop designed to aid women and minorities who desire to start a new business or improve an existing venture. The topics in the workshop included the development of a business plan, the legal structure of a new business, financial preparedness, financial procurement, and other related areas. Sam Walton Faculty Fellows Dr. Ella Anderson and Mr. Willie Anderson are the faculty advisors of the SIFE program. Learn more. DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Griffin to Present Delta State's Annual Cranford Memorial Lecture
Dr. Larry J. Griffin will present Delta State University's Eleventh Annual Sammy O. Cranford Memorial Lecture in History on Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Jobe Hall Auditorium on the campus. Griffin will speak on "Race, Memory, and Historical Responsibility: What Do Southerners Do with a Difficult Past?" A Delta State alumnus, Griffin is currently John Shelton Reed Distinguished Professor of Sociology, professor of history, and adjunct professor of American studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Learn more. St. Petersburg Ballet: Romeo and Juliet at the DSU Bologna Performing Arts Center DSU's Delta Music Institute Seniors Present Showcase Delta State's 'Spring Sports Day' set for Saturday, April 19 JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Jackson State's Commencement Returns to Campus May 9-10
For the first time since 2003, Jackson State University's commencement ceremonies will return to the main campus. Undergraduate and graduate ceremonies will not be held together, however. The ceremony for graduate students will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center. The undergraduate ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 10, also at the AAC. With the number of graduates exceeding 1,000 and increasing annually, the commencement program held at the 60,000-seat Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium grew to nearly four hours. Graduates and their families, along with Jackson State faculty and staff, encouraged university officials to make changes. "Our main purpose is to shorten the program. This is our first time using this method, so I hope it will be better," said committee chair Bettye Graves, who anticipates the graduate and undergraduate programs not to exceed two hours. Feedback so far has been favorable from students, faculty, and staff, Graves added. Andrell Harris, a 2008 business finance graduate, sees the advantages of the return to campus. "It will definitely be better to have the ceremonies on the inside. It is more intimate and more family-oriented," said Harris, 2007-08 Student Government Association president. "Also, it would be a good recruiting instrument for the university. People who come to the graduation can see how nice the campus looks now." Learn more. Civil Rights Veteran Speaks to History Honorees Jackson State Sponsors 'Jazz on the Plaza' JSU First University in State to Offer Earth Systems Science Degree MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Evans Now Leading MSU's Bagley College Fundraising
Bennett Evans is the new director of development for Mississippi State's James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. Since 2002, Evans has led development efforts at the College of Architecture, Art and Design. A third generation alumnus of the university, the Columbus native holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's in public policy and administration. Prior to returning to campus, Evans worked for eight years with Boy Scouts of America, including service as district director for the metropolitan Atlanta area. He succeeds Ryan Little, who left the university in March for a similar position in another state. "Bennett has performed superbly as development director for the architecture college and is the caliber of fundraiser now needed for the engineering college," said John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni. "He will continue to play a major role in fundraising for the ongoing 'State of the Future' capital campaign, as well." The largest fundraising effort in the land-grant institution's 130-year history, "State of the Future" topped the $400 million goal in December. It's now at the $414 million mark. Learn more. Retired Starkville Historian Honors Memory of Late MSU Mentors Noxubee Senior at MSU Honored by National Engineering Body MSU 'Road Dawgs' Planning to Visit More Than a Dozen Cities MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND VETERINARY MEDICINE NEWS
MSU Doctoral Student Leads Rice Genetic Markers Research
A multi-state project to reveal genetic markers for some of the Mid-South's best rice breeding lines is underway. The goal is a genetic map of about 470 of the most successful rice varieties. Genetic markers help researchers predict the presence or absence of traits. The project, known as an association mapping of historic rice breeding lines, will tie observable, or phenotypic, traits, such as plant height, with the corresponding genetic markers by using advanced genetic detection technology. RiceCAP, a multi-institution, multi-state program that promotes biotechnology research in rice is funding the project, which is an initiative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "A wealth of information can come out of this research," said Walter Solomon, a Mississippi State University doctoral student who is leading the project. "It will give rice breeders more information about what's in their program at the molecular level and how genetically diverse it is." To choose certain phenotypes, rice breeders selected major traits they consider important to their breeding program. These include heading, maturity date, leaf length, number of seeds per panicle, seed color, seed length, and seed shape. This summer, researchers in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana will plant the historic breeding lines and evaluate them for the selected traits. Learn more. MSU Extension Agents Aid Flooded Wheat Farmers Willard to Head MSU's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department MSU's Bulldog Stampede Rodeo Draws 300 Student Competitors from Ozark Region Colleges MSU's Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory System Serves All of Mississippi MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
MUW Fine Arts Building Undergoing Renovation
This Halloween will be full of treats for students and faculty of the Art & Design Department at Mississippi University for Women. October 31 is the target completion date for the renovation work currently underway on the Fine Arts Building, which was severely damaged by the tornado that swept across campus in November 2002. That tornado damaged 26 buildings on the MUW campus. The Fine Arts Building, originally built in 1961, lost its entire roof structure and suffered extensive moisture damage which led to the removal of all floor, wall, and ceiling coverings. Sam Wise, director of Facilities Management, promised all new plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems in the Fine Arts Building, adding that the new steel frame roof truss system put in place shortly after the tornado would allow the Art & Design Department to take advantage of additional space on the third floor which was previously not usable. "There will be a total interior renovation of that building," said Wise. Patricia Donat, acting dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, "We are thrilled to return. . . . With its well-equipped classrooms, studios, gallery, and office spaces, the renovated [Fine Arts Building] will provide the facilities to support the creative work of our faculty and students in an environment designed specifically to support students' developments as artists and scholars." Renovation of the building began in February. Learn more. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
MEC President Speaks At Valley On Monday
The president of the Mississippi Economic Council will discuss entrepreneurship and opportunities in Mississippi during the Mississippi Valley State University Founder's Breakfast on Monday, April 21. Tickets for the breakfast, which is open to the public, are $10 each and available at the H.M. Ivy Dining Hall IV, where the breakfast will be held. Area business and industry persons are encouraged to attend. Blake Wilson is only the third executive of the State Chamber of Commerce in 50 years. He came to MEC in 1999 from the Florida Chamber of Commerce where he served as executive vice president. While in Florida, he developed the most sophisticated grassroots member legislative action program in the nation. Under his direction, MEC has become the fastest growing state chamber of commerce in the nation. Previously, Blake was executive director of Associated Builders & Contractors' Delaware Chamber and spent nearly 10 years with the Delaware Chamber of Commerce. Before entering the association business he spent nine years as a newspaper editor and reporter. His expertise is building an involved membership capable of winning positive legislative change to stimulate investment, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. For more information, contact the MVSU Office of Public Relations at (662) 254-3578. Learn more. UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
UM Prepares for Presidential Debate: A Monumental, Historic Undertaking
More than 65 miles of wiring must be installed for hundreds of new workstations, classrooms must be converted to offices, more than a half-mile of fencing must be erected, wireless Internet capabilities must be added to the performing arts center and several nearby buildings, and an army of visitors must be housed and fed. These are just a few of the logistical challenges being tackled by the University of Mississippi as it prepares to host the first presidential debate of 2008, just a bit more than five months away. Nearly a dozen university and community committees have begun working on the infrastructure upgrades, programming, and all the minute details that must be completed in that time. "This is a huge undertaking," said Andy Mullins, executive assistant to the chancellor. "We've never experienced anything quite like this at Ole Miss." Sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, the Sept. 26 event is to be broadcast live from the Ford Center for the Performing Arts. An estimated 3,000 journalists from around the world are expected, and all of them need not only a place to work, but also telephones, Internet access, and more. "One of our biggest challenges is providing the technology to thousands of media and making sure it is flawless," said Mullins, also UM's liaison to the debate commission. "It's an enormous task, but our team will make it happen. This is a tremendous opportunity for us on a worldwide stage." Learn more. Student Environmental Activist Chosen for Prestigious Udall Scholarship Niemeyer Named to Lead Fledgling UM-Grenada Program Chinese Course for High School Students Offered this Summer with Expenses Paid Student's Art Thesis Snags World Record UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
Wheeler: Health Care System Needs "Uniquely American" Solution
A quality, efficient national health care system, accessible to everyone, that doesn't bankrupt individuals, families, or businesses is a realistic goal, according to one of the nation's foremost leaders in health care. But it won't happen without major reform. Cass Wheeler, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, Inc. (AHA), said a "uniquely American" solution is needed to resolve the nation's floundering health care system. Otherwise, "if we don't have a health care system that works for all of us, we will soon have a system that works for none of us." Learn more. Cochlear Implant Center One of 12 Nationally to Receive AG Bell Award 
Apr. 18-19 - Jackson State and the International Museum of Muslim Cultures (IMMC) celebrate seven years of connecting Americans to Islamic cultures. The opening program will be held at 9:30 a.m. at McCoy Auditorium at JSU. Most events are free. For more information, call (601) 960-0440 or email inmuseum@bellsouth.net. Learn more. Apr. 19 - The 28th Annual Alcorn State University Jazz Festival will take place in the Vicksburg Convention Center. For details, call Dr. David Miller at (601) 877-6602 or go to http://www.alcorn.edu/academic/ACADEM/fineart/jazz.htm. All events in the festival are free and open to the public! Learn more. Apr. 19 - Mississippi State University's Professional Golf Management Club presents "Play Golf Day" at the MSU golf course from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone can play golf for free, enjoy food, and get free instructions from PGA Golf professionals and PGM students. Learn more. Apr. 19 - The San Diego Chicken will be on hand at Legion Park in Greenville when the Mississippi Valley Delta Devils take to the diamond against the Jackson State Tigers. Tickets are $5.00 each for the double-header that begins at 1 p.m. The event is hosted by the MVSU Washington Alumni Chapter. Learn more. Apr. 20 - The annual Springfest concert at the University of Mississippi will rock the Grove Stage with music by Sister Hazel and Matt Wertz. The 3:30 p.m. concert is free and open to the public. Learn more. Apr. 20 - The College of Health at The University of Southern Mississippi will host the "Doing Health" health fair for people of all ages from 1-4 p.m. at St. Rose de Lima Church, located at 301 South Necaise Avenue in Bay St. Louis. The health fair is free and open to the public. Learn more. Apr. 21 - Richard Stengel, managing editor of Time, delivers the third annual Stuart J. Bullion Lecture in Journalism at the University of Mississippi. Sponsored by the Department of Journalism, the free, public presentation is scheduled for 9 a.m. in Overby Center Auditorium. Learn more. Apr. 21 - Southern Miss tourism students will host a tasting dinner and silent auction. Learn more. Apr. 22 - Delta State University will present St. Petersburg Ballet Romeo and Juliet in the Delta and Pine Land Theatre of its Bologna Performing Arts Center at 7:30 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/index.asp. Learn more. Apr. 22 - Mississippi State University's Campus Activities Board presents Spring Fling beginning at 4 p.m. in the Junction. The free event brings people together for live music, crawfish, and more. Learn more. Apr. 22 - Dr. Jim Bowyer, professor emeritus of the University of Minnesota, will be the Carlton Owen Seminar speaker in MSU's College of Forest Resources Tully Auditorium. Learn more. Apr. 22 - The Court of Appeals of Mississippi moves its proceedings to the University of Mississippi School of Law for a special session in which law students deliver oral arguments in cases pending before the court. The court convenes at 1:30 p.m. in the William N. Ethridge Jr. Moot Court Room. Learn more. Apr. 22 - Southern Miss presents an Earth Day lecture and provides Internet resources to promote sustainability. Learn more. Apr. 24 - MSU's one-day Natural Resources Workshop focuses on outdoor businesses for farmers, landowners, and resource managers. The event begins at 8 a.m. in Benndale in George County. Early registration ($25 fee) is recommended because of space limitations. To register, call (662) 325-3133. Learn more. Apr. 25 - Mississippi State University-Meridian presents Randy Newman performing at the Riley Center beginning at 8 p.m. Newman is an iconic singer/songwriter with 16 Oscar nominations. For more information, contact the Riley Center box office at (601) 696-2200. Learn more. Apr. 27 - Jackson State University's Concert Chorale and University Choir will hold their spring concert at 4 p.m. at the F.D. Hall Music Hall. Admission is free. For more information, call (601) 979-2141. Apr. 27-28 - The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale presents their American Spectacular performance at the Saenger Theatre in Biloxi on April 27 at 7:30 p.m. They will have an encore performance at the Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Learn more. May 20-22 - The Mississippi Homemaker Volunteer State Council holds its annual meeting at Mississippi State University. Contact Marylin Winters at (662) 325-3360 or winm@ext.msstate.edu. Learn more. |
