MDE Board Joins IHL Board to Review BRC Recommendations
Members of the Mississippi State Board of Education joined the IHL Board during its monthly meeting on Wednesday to hear preliminary recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Redesign of Teacher Preparation (BRC). The BRC convened in November 2006 to increase the quality and quantity of teachers in Mississippi by improving teacher preparation and recruitment programs in the state. The BRC goals include redesigning training programs; creating an accountability system to link student achievement with teacher education and alternate route programs; implementing strategies to improve teacher recruitment; increasing teacher retention rates; aligning certification and licensure requirements with standards and federal mandates; and developing a better linkage between teacher education programs at junior and community colleges and universities. "The preliminary recommendations presented by the BRC have the potential to revolutionize how we prepare Mississippi's teachers," said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith. "The hard work and efforts of the Blue Ribbon Committee will directly impact the success of our teachers, our students, and our state's future." Feedback on the recommendations is being solicited in Town Hall Meetings, being held throughout the state. The next Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for August 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Kresge Room at William Carey University in Hattiesburg. Learn more about the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Redesign of Teacher Preparation.
| | Board Approves Degree and Department Name Changes, Grants Raises
During its August meeting on Wednesday, the IHL Board approved name changes for several university degree programs. Delta State University's Bachelor of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts degree program will now be called the Bachelor of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts degree program to better reflect the content and focus of the program. The University of Mississippi's Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences degree program will now be called the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition degree program to better align the dietetics and nutrition emphasis area of the present program with accreditation requirements. The University of Mississippi's Department of Communicative Disorders within the School of Applied Sciences will now be the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. This change will allow the department name to more accurately reflect the standard terminology used for identification of this profession with federal agencies, discipline terminology, and the actual research of faculty. In other business, the Board approved a $9,500 private salary increase for Mississippi State University President Dr. Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong from the Mississippi State University Foundation, as well as a $25,000 private salary increase for University of Southern Mississippi President Dr. Martha Dunagin Saunders from the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation. View an archived version of the IHL Board Meeting webcast online.
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Items included in the “University News” section of the System Review are submitted each week by the universities. The news items are listed in rotating alphabetical order by university.
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
 Alcorn State School of Nursing Accreditation Approved
The continuing accreditation of Alcorn State University nursing program was approved by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission's (NLNAC) Board of Commissioners at their meeting on July 11 and 12. The Board granted the associate degree nursing program continuing accreditation and scheduled the next evaluation visit for Spring 2015. The NLNAC, and its predecessor, the National League for Nursing, have stood for standards of excellence for all types of nursing education for over 50 years. By choosing to be accredited by NLNAC, Alcorn State University faculty have demonstrated their commitment to the highest standards of nursing education. Successful accreditation shows that the School of Nursing meets the highest standards. Learn more. DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Delta State's Hilpert Delivers State of University Address
As part of the University's annual opening session, Delta State President Dr. John M. Hilpert delivered the State of the University address Monday inside the Delta & Pine Land Theater at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on campus. "What theme could be more appealing for the students, faculty, and staff of an educational institution located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta? What theme could be more appropriate for a university community that bears the name of this region? What theme could be better targeted for our outreach to the people and communities that we serve," Hilpert questioned. The address marked the start of Hilpert's fifth year at the helm of the University, and the President's first order of business was to formally introduce Delta State's new year-long theme for 2007-08. "This is our year to examine, celebrate, and expand our awareness of Delta heritage. We've enjoyed and learned from the 'Year of Cleveland' and the 'Year of Health and Wellness' in the Delta. Now we will focus on and plan programs and other opportunities around the theme, the 'Year of Delta Heritage,'" he proclaimed. Learn more. Delta State Faculty Chosen for Research Funding Delta State's Morehead Recognized by Accountants' Association Nine Statesmen Named to Football Gazette Preseason All-America Team Statesmen Add Bevy of Newcomers to Men's Basketball Roster JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
JSU Sets New Funding Record with $66 Million in External Awards
Jackson State University recently garnered a record $66.7 million in research and other sponsored program awards for fiscal year 2006-07, topping the previous years' record of $56 million, officials said. The latest figures also show a 35 percent increase in five years. The $66.7 million represents external funding for 184 projects from federal and state agencies, said Felix Okojie, vice president of the Office of Research Development and Federal Relations. "We are excited about moving the university's research enterprise forward," Okojie said of the 19 percent increase over last year's awards. "Due to this additional funding, our academic community will be able to conduct research activities that contribute more to the quality of life for the state and the nation." Jackson State President Ronald Mason Jr. said the research funding boost also illustrates the university's standing as a "burgeoning research enterprise." "All the credit goes to Dr. Felix Okojie, Dr. Velvelyn Foster, and the outstanding research faculty and staff at Jackson State," Mason said. Learn more. Jackson State/Meharry Partner to Increase Jackson’s Teen Seat Belt Usage JSU Social Work Student Awarded Scholarship JSU Offering Free Medicine Database Training JSU School of Social Work Hosting First Doctoral Research Conference MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
S.C.-born Historian to Lead MSU African-American Studies Program
An historian, author, and scholar, Stephen Middleton's life represents an example of African-Americans' access to the American Dream and obstacles they had to overcome to achieve it. For Mississippi State, the new history professor and director of the land-grant university's new African-American Studies program represents a long-term commitment to research, statewide community engagement, and teaching of a people's story within the larger context of American history. A South Carolina native from a family of eight children, Middleton spent time in his youth participating in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Reared in a rural environment where he worked as a plowman and cotton picker, he realized that life had other opportunities for him. "As a teenager, I decided to do something else," Middleton said. Middleton went on to complete a bachelor's degree in history from Morris College in 1976 and, the following year, a master's in black studies, with a concentration in African-American history, from Ohio State University. Later, he earned a history doctorate from Miami University (1987) and attended New York University Law School for a time. Middleton comes to MSU from North Carolina State University, where he had been a professor since 1989. He earlier taught at the University of Cincinnati and Wilberforce (Ohio) University. Learn more. Committee Announced for MSU Athletic Director Search Prominent MSU Demographer Named to National Advisory Board MSU Student Forestry Group Again Tops Among Peers MSU Administrator to Head Leading Wildlife Society MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
MUW Program 'Bridges the Gap' between High School and College
When Shantrice Gaston attends classes this week at Mississippi University for Women, she will enter them more confident than she did a few weeks ago. Gaston was one of 15 students who recently completed the Summer Bridge Institute, a five-week residential program that assists minority students in "bridging the gap" between high school and their freshman year in college. The program consists of academic and life skills activities, according to Phillip "Flapp" Cockrell, assistant director of student life for diversity education and programs. Full support is provided for books, housing, meals, and tuition. Students also receive four college credit hours. Cockrell said the program assists students in transitioning from high school to college. "They will know how to study, who their professors are, the resources available on campus, and [they will] have formed a family within the group. They are one step ahead." Gaston, who is from Greenwood, said attending the program was a great opportunity and she looks forward to residing on campus. "I'm not expecting any surprises," the music education major said. "We learned about college life and what it is like to live on campus." Learn more. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
MVSU Prepares for Chicago Classic
Tickets are on sale now for the 2007 Chicago Football Classic scheduled for September 8 at Chicago's Soldier Field. This year's contest will pit Mississippi Valley State University's Delta Devils against the Jaguars of Southern University. Tickets are available at the MVSU ticket office for $15, $25, $30, and $40. For more information, contact the Cashier's Office at (662) 254-3013. The host hotel for the Chicago Football Classic will be Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Fans are encouraged to contact them regarding hotel rates and special packages. Valley will open the season on September 1 at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Season tickets remain on sale until August 20. UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
MFA Program in Creative Writing Lands on Atlantic Monthly's 'Emerging' List
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of Mississippi has been recognized by The Atlantic Monthly magazine as one of five "Up-and-Coming Programs" in the nation. Other institutions on the list, printed in the periodical's Fiction 2007 issue, are Brooklyn College, Ohio State University, Rutgers University at Newark, and the University of Wisconsin. "To be named in The Atlantic this way is recognition of a lot of hard work on the part of our students, faculty, and administration," said David Galef, professor of English and administrator of the MFA program. In his Atlantic essay, "Where Great Writers Are Made," journalist and fiction author Edward J. Delaney writes, "Some programs, such as Mississippi's and Brooklyn's, seem to form around a dynamic teacher - Barry Hannah and Michael Cunningham, respectively." Hannah, an acclaimed author who has won numerous awards and other recognition, is a long-standing writer-in-residence at the university. He serves as director of the MFA program, which remains the only one of its kind in the state. For three years straight, UM students in the program have garnered inclusion in Best New American Voices, an anthology of the best of fiction workshops across the country. Learn more. Two Mississippi Companies Support School of Engineering Madison Resident Lands Prestigious Day Scholarship to Study Business Variety of Events Highlight Back-to-School Activities UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
UMC Alum Becomes Media Authority on National TB Scare
When the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente needed to consult with a physician on what was believed to be a case of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, they called Dr. Charles Daley, head of the Infectious Diseases Division at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver. Daley, an alumnus of the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, worked with doctors on the case of Andrew Speaker before the Atlanta lawyer's international travels sparked a media firestorm. He was Speaker's physician, and for nearly two months, Daley was the authority for national media, such as CNN and the network news programs, who called for questions on Speaker's tuberculosis and treatment. "We certainly didn't expect quite the attention it got," Daley said. "Literally, the media was camped out here for two weeks." Speaker, the first person quarantined by the U.S. government since 1963, underwent treatment at National Jewish for more than a month. He became the focus of a CDC investigation and the subject of an international health scare when he took a wedding trip to Europe against the recommendations of public health officials. Learn more. Reeves Draws Upon Experience, Military Service to Lead SOD Clinical Affairs UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Golden Eagle Welcome Week Set for Aug. 18-21
In many ways, the changes that new students at The University of Southern Mississippi will undergo this fall as they begin their college careers could be likened to an "extreme makeover." That's the theme for this year's Golden Eagle Welcome Week, a program of multiple activities and orientation opportunities designed to help new students, including freshmen and those transferring from other institutions, transition into college life. The fall semester at Southern Miss begins Aug. 22. Golden Eagle Welcome Week includes a steady stream of fun and informative events that include Movie Night at the Rock, Picnic with the President, Friday Night at the Fountain, recreational sports, Painting the Eagle Walk, a welcome from Southern Miss head football coach Jeff Bower, and more. In a special twist, this year's closing convocation on August 21 will be a mock graduation ceremony to help students envision their goal of completing their degree program. Other programs are designed to help students deal with a variety of issues they may encounter as a college student, including campus safety, relationships, and making wise choices. Learn more. Dieth Named Interim Executive Director of Southern Miss Foundation NASDAQ Vice President Named 2007 College of Business Distinguished Alumnus School of Social Work Introduces Changes to Address Shortage Holloway chosen for Mississippi Civil Rights Education Commission UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NEWS
Aug. 22: Gulf Park's New Day - Campus Coming Back From Katrina
The Sun Herald published the following article by reporter Melissa Scallan about The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus on Sunday, August 12. When the Gulf Park campus of the University of Southern Mississippi opens Aug. 22, it will be more than just another school starting classes; it will be a major sign of recovery for South Mississippi. The campus, which faces U.S. 90 and the Mississippi Sound just inside the city limits of Long Beach, took a major hit from Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005. Three historic buildings in the front of campus sustained major damage and the rest of the buildings received water and wind damage. Within a few weeks of the storm, though, university officials reopened at a much smaller site behind Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. For nearly a year after that, residents, faculty members and students speculated about the future of the campus, but in June 2006 officials with the state College Board announced that Gulf Park would reopen. But they said they also would look for 150-200 acres to build an additional campus. Gulf Park reopened for night classes in January, but university employees and contractors have been working furiously since the storm to get the campus ready for the fall 2007 semester. And most of the work is complete. "Being able to offer day and night classes on the Gulf Park campus is a significant step in the rebuilding efforts of Southern Miss, city of Long Beach, as well as the entire Gulf Coast," said USM President Martha Saunders. Learn more. Elevation Station - New Measuring Network Can Find Location Within Less Than an Inch 
Now through Oct. 31 - A new exhibit, "Everything Old Is New Again" will be open in the Capps Archives & Museum on Delta State's campus. The exhibit features some of the recent donations made to the museum. For more information, call (662) 846-4780. Aug. 18 - Fans of the Ole Miss Rebels can hear coaches talk and get autographs from soccer, volleyball, and football players at the annual "Meet the Rebels" activities, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Indoor Practice Facility. Learn more. Aug. 23 - The Blue Ribbon Committee for the Redesign of Teacher Preparation is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss recommended changes to Mississippi's teacher education programs from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. in the Kresge Room of the Thomas Business Building at William Carey University in Hattiesburg. Learn more. Aug. 24 - Mississippi State University's Muslim Student Association presents a welcome party for members, anyone interested in becoming a member, or anyone interested in Islam. The event on the Drill Field will include pizza and games. For more information, call Amanda Harris at (662) 341-5076. Learn more. Aug. 24 - The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band from Southern Miss will present a preview concert at 7 p.m. at the Power House Restaurant on campus. Admission is free. For more information, call (601) 266-4990. Learn more. Aug. 24 - The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will be hosting Fall Convocation for Southern Miss Gulf Coast employees from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach. Aug. 24 - 25 - The Katrina Research Center (KRC) at Southern Miss partnered with Barnes & Noble of Gulfport to raise funds for the KRC. With a special voucher from the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Web site, a portion of any purchases made at Barnes & Noble on Friday, Aug. 24 or Saturday, Aug. 25 will go to the KRC. Learn more. Aug. 25 - The annual "Rumble in the Grove" at the University of Mississippi features performances by Eric Church, Ingram Hill, Drew Holcomb, and Yoni with a wing-eating contest sponsored by Wing Fanatic. Admission is free. Learn more. Aug. 27 - The Blue Ribbon Committee for the Redesign of Teacher Preparation is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss recommended changes to Mississippi's teacher education programs from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium in Parkinson Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus in Columbus. Learn more. Aug. 27 - Mississippi State University will host its Biofuels Conference from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Hunter Henry Center. The conference includes presentations on topics such as biodiesel, ethanol, bio oil, and green diesel. For more information, call Rafael Hernandez at (662) 325-0790. Learn more. Aug. 28 - The Blue Ribbon Committee for the Redesign of Teacher Preparation is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss recommended changes to Mississippi's teacher education programs from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. in the Union State Room at Delta State University in Cleveland. Learn more. Aug. 28 - Jack Pendarvis, winner of the 2006 Pushcart Prize and this year's Grisham Writer-in-Residence at the University of Mississippi, reads from his works and signs autographs at 7 p.m. in Nutt Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more. Aug. 30 - The Blue Ribbon Committee for the Redesign of Teacher Preparation is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss recommended changes to Mississippi's teacher education programs from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. at the Mississippi State University Riley Center, located at 2200 5th Street in Meridian. Learn more. Oct. 6 - Jackson State will host "High School Community College Day" for prospective students. For more information, call (601) 979-2913. Learn more. Oct. 13 - Mississippi Valley State University welcomes alumni and friends to Family, Community, High School, and Take-a-Kid-to-the-Game Day. MVSU plays North Dakota State, with kick-off at 2 p.m. in Rice-Totten Stadium. For more information, call (662) 254.3313. Oct. 20 - Mississippi Valley State University will celebrate its annual Homecoming during the Texas Southern football game. Kick-off is at 2 p.m. in Rice-Totten Stadium. For more information, call (662) 254.3313. Nov. 14-16 - JSU's College of Lifelong Learning will host the Spirit of Safety (S.O.S.) Conference, featuring television host Judge Greg Mathis at the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center. The conference's goal is to promote violence free educational environments. For more information, call (601) 432-6649. Learn more. | 
