IEO Searches at State and Valley Moving Forward
The searches for president at Mississippi State University (MSU) and Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) are moving forward. During its May meeting, the Board of Trustees approved hiring Mr. Jerry Baker of Atlanta-based Baker and Associates, LLC, as the search consultant for Mississippi State. This recommendation to the Board from Commissioner Meredith was made following an extensive request for proposals process. Mr. Baker has been an executive search consultant since 1976. Click here to learn more about Baker and Associates and see a list of their higher education clients. The request for proposals for a search consultant for Mississippi Valley State University is available online; proposals were due to the IHL Executive Office on June 3. Last week, Commissioner Meredith also announced the names of the Search Advisory Committees for both MSU and MVSU. The Search Advisory Committees represent individuals nominated by their various constituency groups who will review all prospective applicants and recommend no less than five names to the Board for interviews. A group of Search Advisory Committee members will also join the Board and participate throughout the entire interview process. View a roster of the MSU Search Advisory Committee, which will be chaired by Dr. Bill Kibler, MSU Vice President of Student Affairs. View a roster of the MVSU Search Advisory Committee, which will be chaired by Dr. Moses Newsome, MVSU Vice President, Research, Planning, Community, and Economic Development. For more information, visit IHL's Institutional Executive Officer search website.
| Opportunity Grant Planning Team Attends Training Academy
On June 2-3, the Mississippi planning team for the Opportunity Grant Program attended an academy at Chapel Hill, North Carolina to begin thinking about plans to make higher education in Mississippi more productive by increasing the number of graduates at a lower cost per degree. The team consists of Dr. Thomas C. Meredith, Commissioner of Higher Education; Senator Doug Davis, Chairman of the Universities and Colleges Committee; Johnny Franklin, Education Policy Advisor to Governor Haley Barbour; Dr. Jason Dean, Momentum Mississippi Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Lynn House, IHL Assistant Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Jim Borsig, IHL Assistant Commissioner for Governmental Relations; and Cheryl Mowdy, IHL Director of Support Initiatives. The academy featured nationally-known speakers addressing the themes of Making Opportunity Affordable, a multi-year initiative of Lumina Foundation for Education. Dr. Meredith participated on a panel focused on how campuses and systems develop better processes for regularly assessing their operational efficiency, identifying opportunities for change, and reinvesting savings. Mississippi is among ten states selected to receive a $100,000 planning grant to participate in the Opportunity Grant Program. For more information, contact Dr. Lynn J. House. | Financial Aid Office Hosts Student Loan Industry Summit
The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, in conjunction with the Mississippi Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) Legislative Committee, recently hosted a loan industry summit for more than 100 industry stakeholders to discuss recent developments in the student loan industry that have resulted from the federal College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (HB 2669). The industry has seen an exodus of lenders from the federal Family Education Loan Program, the consolidation market, and the private student loan market. These changes impact student access to loans. Mississippi's designated guarantor USA Funds, along with several state lenders, assured summit participants they plan to continue to participate in the student loan industry in Mississippi but warned that loan benefits will likely be reduced. A panel of financial aid administrators representing two-year and four-year public and private institutions discussed their plans for ensuring the availability of federal funds for their students. Finally, summit participants learned of a letter dated May 21, 2008 from U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Margaret Spellings that outlines the government's plans to address problems in the student loan industry and to reiterate the government's commitment to a diversified federal student loan program. To learn more about the summit, contact Mississippi Director of Student Financial Aid Mary Jane Covington. |  ARM members with the Jackson State University Region, Martin Meeks and Marethia Davis, man an information booth at a Mississippi Braves baseball game. | America Reads-MS Members Celebrate AmeriCorps Week America Reads-Mississippi (ARM) members celebrated AmeriCorps Week May 11-18 by doing what they do best - serving. Members displayed information booths statewide to create awareness of ARM and to help people see the difference AmeriCorps programs make in the community. Members also recruited new members and volunteers for the 2008-09 academic year and thanked existing volunteers and community partners. Members participated in other outreach activities as well. Della Archie, ARM Jackson State University regional coordinator, and Margie Moore, Project LIFE/LINC (Living Independent for Everyone/Linking Individuals into Neighborhoods and Communities) director, spread the word about AmeriCorps at a Mississippi Braves baseball game, where Judy Stein, AmeriCorps director, and Marcie Skelton, vice chairperson of the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service Board, threw the first pitch. During AmeriCorps Week, ARM impacted over 12,000 people, who received valuable information regarding AmeriCorps. ARM is the largest AmeriCorps program of its kind in the nation, with 350 members serving in 80 elementary and middle schools across Mississippi. Members tutor students in reading, recruit volunteers for literacy activities, and conduct community service projects that meet local needs. For more information, contact America Reads-Mississippi State Director Ronjanett Taylor at (601) 432-6380. | |  Items included in the "University News" section of the System Review are submitted each week by the universities. The news items are listed in rotating alphabetical order by university.MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
 MSU Challenge X Team Wins Competition for Second Consecutive Year
For the second consecutive year, Mississippi State's Challenge X team is taking first-place honors in student competition sponsored by General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy. The MSU group topped 16 others from universities in the United States and Canada, all seeking to re-engineer a sports utility vehicle with advanced technologies that improve fuel economy and lower emissions while maintaining driver comfort and vehicle performance. GM also announced that MSU will be participating in the next national design challenge. The automaker provided each team with a Chevrolet Equinox that employs advanced power-train technologies. MSU's vehicle is an electric hybrid powered by a 1.9 liter GM direct injection turbo diesel engine fueled by B20 biodiesel. It achieved a 38 percent increase in fuel economy over the production vehicle on a modified urban test cycle, competition officials said. Marshall Molen, Challenge X faculty adviser and an MSU distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering, expressed pride in seeing the team rewarded again for their dedication and innovation. "They have found out, along with the rest of the country, we can compete with anyone," he said. Learn more. Sarah Rajala Takes Helm at MSU Engineering College MSU Faculty Member Receiving NEH Support for Harvard Study Even without Hat, Whip, MSU Archaeologist Rates as Real 'Indy' Senior MSU Student to See 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration Up Close, Personal MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND VETERINARY MEDICINE NEWS
MSU Extension's 4-H Youth Program Enters Second Century
The challenge has begun for Mississippi youth to make the next hundred years of 4-H more remarkable than the first. More than 600 youth, their volunteer leaders, and Mississippi State University Extension Service staff worked hard to make the 2008 4-H Congress successful. The event took place May 28-30 at MSU. "Each year, we welcome the chance to share our university life with 4-H members and afford them opportunities to compete, participate, and lead," said Susan Holder, state 4-H program leader. "By attending Congress, we hope young people will be motivated to support and promote 4-H in their communities back home." 4-H Congress activities include opportunities for program and leadership development through workshops, contests, elections, and visual presentations. Some events, such as those that involve livestock, plants, and consumer science, have been part of 4-H Congress for some time. Today's 4-H youth also are interested in computers, robotics, and fitness. Those themes are covered in many of the activities offered at various locations on campus during their stay. "There are many different things to do at 4-H Congress," said Harvey Gordon, 4-H youth development specialist. "The only problem for many participants is finding time to do them all." Learn more. MSU's 'Farmweek' Plows into Its 31st Year on the Air MSU Forest Products Grad Students Take Top Regional Honors MSU Extension Specialists: Organic Options Available for Garden Pest Control MSU Study Shows Economic Impact of Sardis and Grenada Lakes MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
MUW Graduate Nursing Program Has 100 Percent Pass Rate on ANCC Exam
The graduate nursing program at Mississippi University for Women recently announced a 100 percent pass rate on the American Nurses Credentialing Center nurse practitioner exam for 2007. The program surpassed the national average mean score of 396.59 with its score of 412.29. The 2007 class was the first year of teaching for four of the graduate nursing faculty. It was also Dr. Patsy Smyth's first year as chair of the program. "I was very excited and of course gratified. It was also my first year as program chair so it made it even sweeter for me. Because of the true commitment of all the faculty, we work hard to make this program a continued success," she said. The MUW graduate nursing program prides itself on its expertise because all the Master's faculty are working nurse practitioners who practice in local clinics. While they teach information from books and research literature, they also teach based on their own experiences working in the profession. "It is rare in a graduate program to have all faculty positions filled by practicing NPs. Some programs have faculty who haven't touched patients in years. The dean, Sheila Adams, recognizes the need to maintain clinical expertise and supports us to achieve this goal," Smyth said. Learn more. Bean Receives Kossen Faculty Excellence Award at MUW MUW Receives No Child Left Behind Grant for Summer Math Program MUW Graduates to Continue Their Studies at Harvard and Johns Hopkins MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
 Mississippi Valley State University Online
www.mvsu.edu UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Media Representatives Visit UM Campus to Begin Preparations for Debate
Officially, the media circus that is the first 2008 Presidential Debate won't start until the fourth week of September. Unofficially, it began Wednesday. That's when dozens of producers and technical advisors from local and national news organizations visited the University of Mississippi for a site inspection. Their job: to look around campus, kick the tires and determine exactly what it's going to take to present this event to the world. The exit polls are favorable. "It's a lovely setting," said John Reade, a veteran CBS senior producer who covered the 1976 Presidential Debate and the 1988 Vice Presidential Debate. "The Ford Center is a beautiful theater. You're going to have hundreds of media types running around so it'll be crazy, but debates are fun. Everything is going to work out fine." Representatives for the Commission on Presidential Debates hosted local and regional media in the morning, with national news outlets such as ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and Fox News touring in the afternoon. They were at UM to scout locations and coordinate behind-the-scenes details that viewers never think about - including where to place satellite trucks, how far they'll have to run cable and the like. "The Ford Center is going to look great, given the sit-down format of the debate," said Glenn Elvington, operations producer for ABC News. For more debate news, go to http://debate.olemiss.edu . Learn more. Accountancy Students Gain Hands-on Experience in Internal Audit Department Mississippi Encyclopedia Nears Final Stage of Production Two Croft Students Receive Prestigious IIPP Fellowship Interim Associate Provost Wilkin Named Fellow in Pharmacists Association UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
Cardiologists Strengthen UP's Multispecialty Practice
Two of the state's leading cardiologists are now calling the University of Mississippi Medical Center home. Dr. Bryan Barksdale, a former cardiologist at St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Stephen Hindman, a former cardiologist at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, joined the Medical Center team last month. "We are so pleased to have Drs. Barksdale and Hindman join us," said Dr. Dan Jones, vice chancellor for health affairs. "The respect for their professional skills in cardiovascular medicine is unparalleled in this state. Our programs of clinical care and education have moved forward substantially with this addition. I am personally grateful for their commitment to be a part of our team as we meet needs in Mississippi." Learn more. Taylor Receives Accolades for CV Efforts UNIVERSITY OP SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Center for Spectator Sports Security Management Forms National Advisory Board
A national advisory board with key relationships in the world of sports and security is the newest partner of the Center for Spectator Sports Security Management at The University of Southern Mississippi. The Sports Security and Safety Management Advisory Board includes representatives from the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, United States Tennis Association, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Indy Racing League, National Hockey League, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, National Collegiate Athletics Association, Stadium Managers Association, University of Texas at Tyler, United States Department of Homeland Security, Madden & Patton, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, HOK Sport, Weber Shandwick, and Robinson & Cole LLP. Its purpose is to serve as a national advisory, educational, curriculum, and placement resource to the center for research toward spectator security in the United States and abroad. The Center for Spectator Sports Security Management is an interdisciplinary environment where research, education, and outreach efforts are aimed at ensuring the safety of collegiate sports venues. Addressing and implementing this security at any level of sports events is a top priority for coordinators across the globe. Learn more. 61st Annual Magnolia Girls State Convenes at Southern Miss Southern Miss Students Sweep Statewide Business Plan Competition Southern Miss CCCD Director Reappointed to Council by Governor Southern Miss Incubator Helps Jump Start Local Business Effort UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NEWS
Jazz and Blues Festival set for Aug. 23 at Southern Miss Gulf Park
The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will host the Southern Miss Jazz and Blues Festival Saturday, Aug. 23 from 2-8 p.m. on the front lawn of the university's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The festival is sponsored by the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Government Association and is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth Development Coalition and the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Student Government Association. Scheduled entertainment includes The Sauce Boss - Bill Wharton and the Ingredients and The Steve Warren Band. Other bands and non-profit children's groups are expected to join the performance lineup. Learn more. Southern Miss Gulf Coast Professor Named Delegate to Democratic Convention Live Oak Writing Project Invites Teachers to Improve Writing Skills Southern Miss Gulf Coast Staff Win Public Relations Awards ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Alcorn Alumna Receives Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree
Deidra Janiece Jones of Port Gibson, received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center on Friday, May 23. She was the recipient of the Ottilie Schillig Memorial Scholarship from 2005-2008. She received her bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from Alcorn State University in May of 2004. She graduated magna cum laude and was the recipient of numerous awards while in attendance at the university. Dr. Jones' future plans are to complete a residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Learn more. Alcorn CITS Prepares for the Banner EPR System Major Upgrade DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
DSU Slagell Elected President of the Mississippi Library Association
Jeff Slagell, director of Library Services at Delta State University, has been elected president of the Mississippi Library Association. Slagell will lead the multifaceted organization whose members include public, school, college, university, and special librarians from throughout Mississippi. Learn more. DSU to Host the 2008 Mississippi Summer Arts Institute DSU University Student Helps Boy Scouts of America Create New Merit Badge JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Former Jackson Mayor Donates Planning Documents to JSU
Hundreds of documents recently were donated to Jackson State University to aid students and local residents researching urban and regional planning. Former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. donated the documents to the JSU Information Services Library in the Universities Center on Ridgewood Road. "JSU was the logical place for my donations," said Johnson, a visiting professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Johnson, the first African-American planner in Mississippi, said most of the documents are related to his work with the Mississippi Institute for Small Towns(MIS). MIST was a nonprofit agency that assisted economically depressed towns with housing, community development, and infrastructure needs. It was co-founded in 1979 by Johnson, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, and George Owens, a former Tougaloo College president. The documents have information ranging from The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to the demographics of African Americans in the Mississippi Delta. Johnson's work as a planner in Mississippi in the 1970s and 1980s can assist with research topics and give historical insight on planning issues. "The planning documents could crack the history of planning in Mississippi," said Johnson, who also is the executive director of JSU's Center for University-Based Development. Otha Burton, Jr., chair of JSU's Department of Urban and Regional Planning, said the documents have significant value. Learn more. Undergrads, High School Teachers Doing National Science Foundation Internships at JSU JSU/NASA Educator Resource Center Announces Summer 2008 Workshops 
June 6-7 - The nation's oldest and largest live woods demonstration of forestry equipment is at Mississippi State University's John W. Starr Memorial Forest, just south of Starkville on Highway 25. The biennial Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show celebrates 25 years of showcasing the newest timber technology. Learn more. June 6-8 - Aspiring writers are invited to hone their skills at the UM Yoknapatawpha Summer Writers Workshop, which features creative writing exercises under the instruction of local authors, UM faculty members, and other professionals. The workshop includes panels, lectures, open-mike readings, and discussions. Learn more. June 7 - Jackson State and the Jackson Heart Study will hold the 7th Annual "State of the Study" Community Monitoring Board Meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall. Learn more. June 9 - Mississippi State University's Mitchell Memorial Library Presents a workshop on how to use the library at 11 a.m. in the ELI room. The hour-long workshop provides an overview of library resources and services, including how to find books and journals. Learn more. June 9-July 18 - Alcorn State University will be holding a Summer Apprenticeship Program for upcoming high school juniors and seniors in Claiborne, Jefferson, Adams, and Warren counties. For additional information, contact Dr. Patrick Igbokwe at (601) 877-6542. Learn more. June 12 - The Vegetable Twilight Tour (5:30- 8:00 p.m.) is open to growers, marketers, educators, and researchers at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Truck Crops Branch in Crystal Springs. For more information, contact William Evans at (601) 892-3731 or wbe1@msstate.edu . Learn more. June 13-July 2 - The fifth annual Oxford Shakespeare Festival promises to impress theatre patrons with professional productions at UM. The schedule of 22 performances includes Shakespeare's plays Much Ado About Nothing and The Merchant of Venice and Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore . Learn more. June 15-19, July 13-17 - Mississippi State University's 15th annual 4-H Entomology Camps, often referred to as "Bug Camps" will take place in June at Crow's Neck Environmental Center in Tishomingo County and in July at the USM campus in Hattiesburg. These camps offer an intergenerational experience the whole family can enjoy. Learn more. June 16-19 - Jackson State University will host the annual Church Music Workshop featuring Myrna Summers and Norman Hutchins. Learn more. June 17 - The University of Southern Mississippi Office of the First Year Experience will host the university's next preview session for students who will be freshmen this fall. For more information, call (601) 266-6405 or visit online . Learn more. June 17-18 - Braves 1 Day Camp will be held on the main campus of Alcorn State University for student-athletes entering 10th- 12th grades this fall. The program includes position drills, testing, tours of facilities, and hands-on instruction from ASU football staff. Learn more. June 20-24 - The 35th Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference at UM explores "Faulkner: The Returns of the Text." Instead of approaching his works as a reflection, representation, or illustration of context, this year's conference explores how his stories have responded to the facts and forces of an evolving world. Learn more. Aug. 23 - The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will host the Southern Miss Jazz and Blues Festival from 2-8 p.m. on the front lawn of the university's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The festival will be free and open to the public. Learn more.
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