Board Names Dr. Mark Keenum 19th President of Mississippi State
On November 12 in a unanimous decision, the IHL Board announced in a press conference that Dr. Mark Keenum, current Under Secretary of Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, will serve as the 19th President of Mississippi State University, to begin in early January 2009. The announcement was made following day-long interviews with various campus and community constituency groups at Mississippi State University, during which those participants had the opportunity to evaluate Dr. Keenum. "Dr. Keenum is an excellent choice to lead Mississippi State University to the next level," said Board Search Committee Chair Trustee Scott Ross. "We are looking forward to him coming home to Mississippi State." Dr. Mark Keenum was sworn-in as Under Secretary on December 20, 2006. In this role, Dr. Keenum provides leadership and oversight for the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Foreign Agricultural Service. In 1989, Dr. Keenum joined the Washington, D.C. staff of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran as Legislative Assistant for Agriculture and Natural Resources. From 1996 through 2006, he served as Chief of Staff for Senator Cochran. Dr. Keenum received his Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University, where he joined the faculty in 1984. During his professional tenure at MSU, Dr. Keenum's primary research and extension work focused on the marketing and economics of aquaculture, specialty crops, and forestry. A biographical sketch and photo of preferred candidate Dr. Mark Keenum may be found here.
| Supreme Court Reverses Chancery Court Decision on MUW Alumni Matter
In an official decision made Thursday, the Mississippi Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the Lowndes County Chancery Court in the case involving Dr. Claudia Limbert, Mississippi University for Women (MUW), and the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), rendering judgment in favor of Dr. Limbert, MUW, and IHL and against the Mississippi University for Women Alumnae Association, Inc. The Supreme Court decision can be found here. "The Board is pleased with the Mississippi Supreme Court's decision," said Board President Amy Whitten. "It is now important that all MUW alumni support the institution by banding together to help Dr. Limbert and the University move forward." | Board Receives Reports, Approves Legislative Reps, Names Deputy Commissioner
During its regular monthly meeting Thursday, the IHL Board received two reports, approved legislative representatives, and named Dr. Linda Mcfall the Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration. The Board received a report on performance-based management for higher education, prepared in collaboration with IHL, the Mississippi Workforce Investment Board, and the National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center. The report can be found here. The Board also received a presentation by Eley/Allred/Sasaki, the Board's design professionals for master planning of the Gulf Coast Cross Creek Campus, on the Southern Mississippi Cross Creek master plan. The report can be found here. The Board approved legislative representatives for Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi, for the purpose of representing the universities to the legislature and executive branches of state government. The approvals were made providing that no funds be paid by any institution or any other agency representative without approval from the Attorney General's Universities Division specifying that payment is permissible. The Board also moved to request an official Attorney General's opinion on the issue. Following an executive session, the Board announced its appointment of Dr. Linda McFall as Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration, effective December 1, 2008. In her new role, Dr. McFall will be administratively responsible for all financial matters, including IHL's Department of Real Estate and Facilities. The new title of Deputy Commissioner recognizes Dr. McFall for her extensive responsibilities for providing assistance with the administration and oversight of the budgets within Mississippi's higher education system. The archived webcast of Thursday's Board meeting can be found here |  SGA System President Melissa Cirino addresses fellow student leaders and Board members. | Board Meets with Student Leaders The IHL Board met with Student Government Association (SGA) leaders and campus newspaper editors at an annual roundtable luncheon on Thursday. The luncheon provides Board members an opportunity to hear the student perspective on a number of important issues. The student leaders in attendance included: Eddie Davenport, SGA representative, and Erica Turner, The Campus Chronicle representative, from Alcorn State University; Dillon Robinson, SGA representative, and Kenny Bunch, The Blue and White Flash representative, from Jackson State University; Braxton Coombs, SGA representative, from Mississippi State University; Graham Purcell, Associated Student Body (ASB) representative, and Tyler Clemons, The Daily Mississippian representative, from the University of Mississippi; Kim Gannon, ASB Representative, from the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and Melissa Cirino, SGA System President and SGA representative from the University of Southern Mississippi. | Register Now for Creating Futures Through Technology Conference
Register now for the 13th annual Creating Futures Through Technology Conference and trade show to be held at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, February 25-27, 2009. The conference is hosted jointly by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges and IHL. This conference provides the opportunity to highlight the state's commitment to integrating new technologies into the learning process at the postsecondary level. To learn about keynote presenters, see a lineup of breakout sessions, or register, visit the conference website, and prepare to "Chart a Course for Success." | November Issue of Mississippi's Business Released
The November issue of Mississippi's Business has been released by the Economics Department of the IHL Office of Policy Research and Planning. The issue, which can be accessed online as a PDF, provides an overview of the state's economic situation as indicated by the leading and coincident indexes. For more information about Mississippi's Business, contact Senior Economist Darrin Webb at (601) 432-6556. | IHL Executive Offices Closed Nov. 27-28 for Thanksgiving
The IHL Executive Offices will be closed on November 27 and 28 in observation of Thanksgiving. Offices will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1. | |  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 MISSISSIPPI NEWS
 UM Academics Going Green with New Environmental Studies Minor
Among steps the University of Mississippi is taking to become more eco-friendly is a new 18-hour academic minor in environmental studies. Responding to the incredible growth of environmental studies programs across the country, the university this fall began offering ENVS 101, Classics of Modern Environmental Literature. Twenty-three students enrolled, and nearly three-quarters of them have expressed an interest in pursuing the new related minor. "Our students are excited," said Ann Fisher-Wirth, professor of English. "There is an urgent need for students to study environmental issues, and this type of academic pursuit is the wave of the future." Frank Butz, a 20-year-old sophomore international studies major from Ocean Springs, is among the students in the course. "The wealthiest 20 percent of the world's population consumes some 80 percent of the earth's resources," Butz said. "So, it's easy to recognize that we have a problem." The new minor is interdisciplinary in nature, involving coursework in the sciences, social sciences and the humanities. Courses in the minor include Southern environmental writing, environmental ethics, global environmental issues, conservation and restoration ecology, and introduction to environmental toxicology. "ENVS 101 is a launch pad for future environmental studies at Ole Miss," said Fisher-Wirth, academic adviser for the program. Fisher-Wirth is hopeful the program will expand to offer an environmental studies major. Learn more. Honors College Sophomore Racks Up Impressive List of Accomplishments Four Outstanding Freshmen Awarded Lott Leadership Scholarships Distinguished Economics Professor to Be Installed As President-Elect of Southern Economics Assn. Williams Library Recognized by State Library Association for Presidential Debate Activities UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER NEWS
'Chefs and the City' Fundraiser Honors Former Batson Patient
Peter and Tamar Sharp's lifelong dream of owning a bed and breakfast landed them in Jackson at the Fairview Inn. Two days after they arrived, they were living a nightmare that every parent fears: their 14-yearold son Simon, Boy Scout, musician and ultimate optimist, was diagnosed with leukemia. After quickly reaching remission, Simon began having adverse reactions to some of the chemotherapy drugs that could cure his cancer. He died 15 months later at the age of 15, one day after he recited the Boy Scout oath for the last time and earned his Eagle rank. Simon's death was only the middle of the story that has its beginnings in Celebration, Fla., where Simon was a Life Scout working up to Eagle rank. His Eagle Scout project was to raise funds for a veterans' memorial in their town, which had suffered the loss of several soldiers killed in Iraq. "There was no place to gather in the town for a memorial service for the war dead," said Tamar. She recalled that she would drive Simon all around the community to collect donations from older veterans. "They would give him their donation and tell Simon their story. He loved it." When Simon left Celebration, his intention was to carry on his project from Jackson. He had already raised $14,800. Seven or eight months later, when Simon realized he would be unable to finish the project, he turned it over to his deputy patrol leader and friend Bradley Trowbridge. Learn more. 2008 Medic Dedicated to Student Advocate, Compassionate Physician Base Pair/SOAR Program Puts Bite into Scientific Discovery Schumacher Receives Funds for MI Program Development Bidwell Obtains DOD Funding for Breast Cancer Treatment Research UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Legendary Singer Sandi Patty Headlines Holiday Concert
The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will present its annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, featuring special guest artist Sandi Patty and the combined voices of the Hattiesburg Choral Union and Temple Baptist Church choirs. Concert organizers announced today that a few individual tickets remain, but are going fast. "Her music has touched so many lives for so many years," said Beverly Barton, assistant to the worship pastor at Temple Baptist Church of Hattiesburg, an event partner. Patty is one of the most highly acclaimed performers of modern time. With five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three Platinum records, five Gold records and more than 11 million albums sold, she is simply known as "the voice." The concert is also presented in partnership with Forrest General Hospital and the Southern Miss Barnes and Noble bookstore. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children's Center for Communication and Development at Southern Miss. Individual tickets for the Dec. 2 holiday concert are $59, $45, $29 and $19 for students with ID. All tickets are available at the Southern Miss Ticket Office until sold out. For tickets, call 601.266.5418 or 800.844.8425 or order online at http://www.southernmisstickets.com. For information, call the Symphony office at 601.266.4001 or visit online http://www.usm.edu/symphony. Learn more. Southern Miss' Jestice Chosen for Mississippi Humanities Council Award Southern Miss Photojournalism Project Offers Students Unique Opportunity Southern Miss Recreational Sports Announces Shoe Drive Choral Concert Celebrates Hymns Nov. 23 at Southern Miss UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NEWS
Southern Miss Introduces Discoveries Performance Series to Gulf Coast
The College of Arts and Letters at The University of Southern Mississippi is introducing the Discoveries: Gulf Coast Performance Series, with three holiday performances scheduled for December. The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale will kick off Discoveries with two holiday concerts. The first concert will be Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Advanced Education Center auditorium of the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The encore performance will be Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi. The chorale, which features more than 80 singers from across the Gulf Coast, will perform K. Lee Scott's Christmas Cantata along with brass accompaniment. The final Discoveries performance for 2008 will be the Southern Miss Percussion Ensemble Christmas Show Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. This concert will also be held in the Advanced Education Center auditorium on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus. The Discoveries arts series on the Gulf Coast provides performances in percussion, chorale, theatre, dance, jazz and steel pan music free of charge to the public. The program will continue through the university's 2009 spring semester. Learn more. Katrina Research Center to Host H.C. Porter Book Signing Nov. 23 ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Alcorn Honors Students Visit Ohio State University
Three students who are members of Alcorn State University's Honors Program recently participated in the Graduate & Professional Schools Visitation Days event on November 2-4 sponsored by The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Victoria Brinkley, Nicole Jones and Ebony Moore took part in a variety of events designed to educate them about attending graduate school at Ohio State. Victoria, Nicole and Ebony note, "We were able to speak with many faculty members and attend actual classes. We also learned a lot about the application process." The students were accompanied by Ms. Sherita Bailey, instructor of English in the ASU Department of English and Foreign Languages. The students' trip was funded by the Honors Program at Alcorn State University which is chaired by Dr. Donzell Lee and coordinated by Dr. Larry Konecky, chair of the Fine Arts Department. Learn more. University Press of Mississippi Visits Alcorn's Campus ASU Football Team Does Community Service DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Biography of Delta State's Beloved Coach 'Boo' Ferriss to be Released
"Boo: A Life in Baseball, Well Lived," a biography written by Rick Cleveland, is set for release on Friday, November 28. Best-selling author John Grisham provides the foreword. Coach "Boo" Ferriss and Rick Cleveland will host a book signing on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4-7 p.m. at the Delta State University Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni House. He will also host book signings at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4-7 p.m. and at the University of Southern Mississippi's Pete Taylor Park press box on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 4-7 p.m. To purchase the book online go to booferrissbook.com. Dave "Boo" Ferriss, Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer and legendary coach of the Delta State University Statesmen, retired following the completion of the 1988 season, but he continues to be a tireless supporter at all levels of baseball throughout the state and especially his beloved Statesmen. Learn more. The Bologna Performing Arts Center and Delta Music Institute to Host Delta Idol Competition Delta State Journalism Host Emily Wagster Pettus to Premier John Merrill Lectureship Statesmen Chasing History Versus Pioneers JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
JSU Public Health Program Earns Accreditation Through 2013
Jackson State University's Public Health Program in the School of Health Sciences has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for the five more years. This accreditation applies to both the master of public health and doctor of public health degrees, making Jackson State University's Doctorate of Public Health Program the only accredited program in the Stat e of Mississippi. Dr. Velvelyn Foster, vice president for academic affairs and student life, said that gaining accreditation is an extraordinary achievement for the School of Health Sciences. "We, at Jackson State, were confident our Public Health programs are of stellar quality, and the distinction of accreditation endorses that," Foster said. "Jackson State looks forward to a longstanding history with the Council and plan to be proactive in being a member institution." The mission of the Public Health Program is to provide quality education and leadership in community-based research and practice. Through collaborative efforts with communities, the Program promotes health and seeks to prevent disease and disability, with special emphasis on the underserved and at-risk populations in Mississippi, the nation, and the world. Admission into the doctoral program, which had been suspended pending accreditation, is now re-opened effective Fall, 2009. This accreditation term will last until December 31, 2013. Learn more. JSU Receives Two Statewide Awards for Construction JSU Formalizes Relationship with Veterans of Mississippi Civil Rights Movement JSU Assistant Professor Nominated 'Humanities Award Winner 2008' MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
MSU Improves Ranking Among Kiplinger's '100 Best Values'
Mississippi State University moves up four spots among the "100 Best Values in Public Colleges" in the latest edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine. Now listed at 83rd, the 130-year-old land-grant university is the only Mississippi institution included in a feature story of the personal finance magazine's December issue. Now in its sixth decade, the monthly publication annually provides the ranking based on its assessment of more than 500 schools. According to the editors, greater emphasis is placed on academic quality. "In our scoring system, academic quality carries more weight than costs (almost two-thirds of the total)," they explain in the introduction. Kiplinger's calculates that MSU's total cost for in-state students is $13,484, or $8,798 after taking into account financial aid. (The complete report is available at .) In compiling its figures, the popular magazine considers academic measures that include, among others, freshman ACT scores and admission rates, freshman retention rates, student-faculty ratios, and four- and six-year graduation rates. Measures of cost included total and average costs, as well as average percentage of need met by financial aid. Learn more. U.S. Rep. Blackburn to Deliver MSU Commencement Addresses MSU Expert Panel: As Phone Use Changes, So Do Phone-based Surveys Lee Countian Establishes MSU Trust to Aid Visually Impaired MSU Honors Alumni Through Fellows Program MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND VETERINARY MEDICINE NEWS
Mississippi's Only Veterinary Dermatologist Helps Pets Through MSU
Allergy season can be year-round for many pets, and solutions can be harder to find for small animals than for their human friends. "With the exception of allergies to fleas and certain foods, people cannot protect their pets from many of the environmental causes of allergic reactions, such as pollens and house dust mites," said Dr. Juli Gunter, veterinary dermatologist with Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "We often find ways to manage, not cure, their allergic reactions." Gunter, the only board-certified veterinary dermatologist in the state, recently joined MSU as a clinical faculty member. She said pet owners should watch for signs of allergies and discuss them with their pet's veterinarian to determine treatment options. "Animals have better options and may respond better to treatment if allergies are caught early," she said. "Some of the signs of allergic skin problems include excessive licking, chewing, scratching, rubbing and removing hair. At times, the only sign in cats may be over-grooming with resulting hair loss." Different diagnostic tests may be needed depending on the animal's history of skin problems. Non-seasonal itchy pets may need to take part in a food trial before being tested for allergies. Food products that typically cause allergic reactions in dogs include beef, milk, wheat and soy. Cats may be allergic to milk, other dairy products and fish. Learn more. MSU Extension Aids Mississippi Tree Farmers with Carbon Credit Trading MSU Wildlife Researchers Work to Draw Bird Watchers to Mississippi MSU Extension's Unique Body Walk Program Provides Physical and Nutritional Education Wood Rich Mississippi Benefits from MSU Bio Mass & Bio Energy Research MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
MUW's December Graduates' Recognition Ceremony Dec. 5
Mississippi University for Women will hold its sixth annual December Graduates' Recognition Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in Rent Auditorium of Whitfield Hall. Students who participate will receive a long-stemmed red rose and a certificate of participation. Diplomas will be mailed to the students after grades are final. Participants who wish to do so will have the opportunity to thank those who were particularly helpful during their college years. Those students will be limited to one minute at the microphone. "This is a very special ceremony for our students," said Dr. Claudia A. Limbert, MUW president. "It gives the students a sense of closure since many of them are not able to come back to campus in May to participate in commencement. We have found they enjoy the December ceremony so much that they often don't feel the need to participate in the May ceremony too." Dr. Suzanne Bean, professor emerita of education, will be the keynote speaker. A faculty member at MUW from 1989 to 2008 and former director of the Roger Wicker Center for Creative Learning, she was chosen to receive the 2008 Kossen Faculty Award of Excellence at the May commencement exercises. Bean earned her bachelor's degree from Delta State University and master's and doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi. Learn more. Sorrels to be Honored with Tree Planting at MUW Threadgill Series Presents Holiday Concert MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS ONLINE
 Mississippi Valley State University Online
www.mvsu.edu/ 
Nov. 18-23 - Southern Miss Theatre Studio Series Produces "Down the Road." Learn more. Nov. 20 - Delta State University will present "The Ant and the Elephant," a matinee, in the Bologna Performing Arts Center at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For ticket information, please call the Box Office at (662) 846-4626. Learn more. Nov. 21-22 - Jackson State University will host the Nobel Laureate Seminar Series featuring Nobel Prize winner Harold Kroto Nov. 21 on the university's main campus. On Nov. 22, the University will sponsor Nano Day at the Natural Science Museum at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (601) 979-2171.
Nov. 22 - A performance of "The Ant and the Elephant" kicks off this season's Family Friendly Series at the UM Ford Center. Based on the book by writer and illustrator Bill Peet, the 3 p.m. musical is the first of this season's three shows in the series. Tickets are $7 for children and $15 for adults. Learn more. Nov. 22 - A tuba/euphonium symposium and concert will be presented at Southern Miss. Learn more. Nov. 23 - The Katrina Research Center at The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach will host a book signing with nationally acclaimed Mississippi artist H.C. Porter from 2-4 p.m. on the third floor of the university's Gulf Coast Library. Learn more. Dec. 1 - Mississippi State University's Student Association presents Holiday in the Junctions at 7:30 p.m. The second annual program will include lighting of the university's Christmas tree, caroling, a concert, and more. Learn more. Dec. 1-2 - The annual cotton short course at Mississippi State University will be in the Bost Extension Center. The pre-registration ($80.00) deadline is Nov. 21. On-site registration is $100.00. Contact Tammy Scott at (662) 325-2701 or tscott@pss.msstate.edu. Learn more. Dec. 2 - Mississippi State University's Department of Music presents the December Holiday Choir Concert at First Baptist Church in Starkville. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the concert will feature MSU's Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Belles of State, and The Men of Maroon and White. Learn more. Dec. 4 - JSU's Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center will honor longtime area physician Dr. Robert Smith at its 16th annual dinner theater at 7 p.m. in the JSU Student Center Ballroom. Tickets are $35 each and $290 for a reserved table of eight. For more information, call (601) 979-2735. Learn more. Dec. 5 - JSU's Mississippi Urban Research Center will sponsor a 2008 Census Information Center Technical Assistance Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mississippi e-Center @ JSU. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, call (601) 979-4204 or email smozee@murc.org. Learn more. Dec. 6 - High school students and their families are invited to learn more about the University of Mississippi at a Red and Blue Preview Day. The free event, which begins at 8:30 a.m., includes an academic programs fair, sessions on admissions and financial aid, and tours of campus and residence halls. Learn more. Dec. 10-12 - A Mississippi State University landscape short course will give professionals and enthusiasts a chance to learn more about plants and maintenance. Sponsored by MSU's Extension Service, the event is in Dorman Hall. Contact Tammy Scott at (662) 325-2701 or tscott@pss.msstate.edu for registration. Learn more. Dec. 12 and 14 - The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale will perform two free holiday concerts on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach and on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi. Learn more. Dec. 15 - The Southern Miss Percussion Ensemble will perform their Christmas Show at 7 p.m. in the Advanced Education Center auditorium on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. This concert is free and open to the public. Learn more. Through Dec. 31 - Rare and previously unexhibited paintings by artist Theora Hamblett are on display at the UM Museum and Historic Houses. "Trees" is a 23-piece collection showcasing Hamblett's paintings of horticulture. The museum is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. Learn more. Jan. 8 - MSU Extension hosts the 19th Annual Mississippi-Louisiana Dairy Management Conference in Tylertown. Featuring specialists from MSU, LSU and Auburn the event deals with production, policy and economics. Contact Lamar Adams at (601) 876-4021 or walthall@ext.msstate.edu. Learn more. |
