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 Engineers Work to Thwart Terror Threats on Inland Waterways
Mississippi State engineers are working on a homeland security project aimed at thwarting terrorist threats on U.S. inland waterways. A joint research project between the university and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks to devise a computer tracking and monitoring model that will identify in real time riverine-based barges and other vessels carrying potentially dangerous cargoes. Utilizing a $441,000 research grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, MSU's department of industrial and systems engineering (ISE) will begin developing and field-testing a prototype system early next year. "The proposed system will alert decision-makers to possible security threats by identifying strange carriers, strange destinations and deviations from pre-trip plans, including schedules and routes," said ISE professor Mingzhou Jin, principal investigator for the two-year project. Learn more.

MSU Plans Aerospace Center on Donated Land Near Golden Triangle Regional Airport

Software Solutions Firm Comes to Starkville, Will Tap MSU Engineering Expertise

MSU Supercomputer, "Raptor," 18th Most Powerful Among U.S. Universities

MSU Engineering Dean Named Fellow of Leading General Scientific Society

MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
Betcher Hired as Director of Women's Center for Entrepreneurship at MUW
Lucy Betcher has been hired to lead the Women's Center for Entrepreneurship at Mississippi University for Women. The center, which has been established to assist individuals who want to start or enhance a business, will offer important services to decrease the odds of failing at a new business and will offer networking opportunities. Betcher is eager to share her wealth of knowledge with clients. "Since I have worked in the entrepreneurship arena for nearly 20 years, I have developed contacts and working relationships in the economic development field and have the knowledge of resources and programs available to small business owners," she said. "Additionally, since I myself am a woman entrepreneur, I have direct knowledge of the pleasures as well as the problems that confront women business owners." Betcher served as director of two small business development centers-more recently for the University of Southern Mississippi's center in Long Beach, where she supervised a six-county area. MUW President Claudia A. Limbert said the center's role is important to the community as well as the state. For more information, please call (662) 241-6277 or email Lucy Betcher. Learn more.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
$4.2 Million Gift to Fund Faculty Development, Centers for Math and Science Education, Literacy Instruction
University of Mississippi educators plan to improve opportunities in the state's public schools and at the university through $4.2 million in grants from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation. The grants will fund two new centers, the Center for Mathematics and Science Education and the Center for Literacy Education, and faculty development and enrichment opportunities in the schools of Education and Applied Sciences. The Center for Mathematics and Science Education in UM's College of Liberal Arts will aim to improve math and science education in Mississippi by fostering interaction between UM departments and K-12 public schools, and by providing support and training to science and mathematics teachers and students. The Center for Literacy Instruction in the School of Education plans to establish a graduate program in literacy within the university's newly formed Department of Literacy. The new degree will align with the International Reading Association's Standards for Reading Professionals and produce master teachers able to implement a research-based comprehensive literacy program at a classroom level or to serve as a literacy coach. Read more.

Students Seek to Expand CHEERS: Group Promoting Designated Drivers

Public Accounting Report Ranks UM Undergrad, Grad Programs in Nation's Top 25

Law Professor, Son Pen Chapter in Book on the Beatles and Philosophy

Article by Two Sociology Profs Explores Sociology of Food and Eating

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Blount Endowed Chair Campaign Kicks Off with Lead Gift
The campaign to raise $5.5 million for the Major General Buford "Buff" Blount Endowed Chair in International Security and Global Policy at the University of Southern Mississippi recently announced its first major gift with a $750,000 commitment from Dr. Beverly Dale, a retired biotechnology executive from Los Altos, California. The contribution honors Dale's late father, Lt. Col. John H. Dale, Sr., a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. Dale, Sr. was also a professor of military science and head of the ROTC Department at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1957 to 1961 and from 1964 to 1967. The Major General Buford "Buff" Blount Endowed Chair in International Security and Global Policy is the first Chair in International Development to be held by a modern-day combat commander who has overseen a war-to-peace transition in the post-9/11 world. The chair is named in honor of Southern Miss alumnus Gen. Blount, who was the former U.S. Army Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The endowed chair will broaden an already strong curriculum in the International Development Ph.D. Program, one of only three such academic programs in the United States. Learn more.

Nursing Mentor Program Gets Boost with Diversity Grant

Southern Miss Honors College Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Southern Miss English Professor Receives Statewide Teacher Award

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
New Book on Nationally Recognized Programs to Bolster Black Male Achievement Features Chapter by Alcorn's Late President, Dr. Clinton Bristow, Jr.
A recently published book, Models for Success: Supporting Achievement and Retention of Black Males, includes a chapter by Dr. Clinton Bristow, Jr., the late president of Alcorn State University. Published by the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the book explores best practices for supporting black male achievement at the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Shortly before his untimely death in August of 2006, Dr. Bristow penned the chapter in which he describes the successful Alcorn State University Men's Club. The Men's Club, which Dr. Bristow established in the early years of his presidency, consists of a select group of high achieving black males with the common goal of going on to graduate and/or professional school. A unique and enriching aspect of the club was the one-on-one interaction that members enjoyed with the president, a level of access not enjoyed by many college or university students at HBCUs or majority institutions, either. Since its inception in 1997, more than 50 young men have joined the Men's Club, which boasts a 100 percent graduation rate among its members. Learn more about the book by visiting the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund website at www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org. Read more Good News from ASU.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Jazz Artist Rhonda Richmond Returns Home for JSU Dinner Theater
Rhonda Richmond leaves Jackson often to pursue her professional music career, but her heart never leaves Mississippi. The Jackson native will return home on Thursday, Dec. 7, as the guest of the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center's Dinner Theater and Auction. The event begins at 7 p.m. at M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge. "I'm really excited about the performance," said Richmond. Although she appreciates the exposure she gets while touring nationally and abroad, there is something special about returning to the familiar. "When you perform at home, you get a very warm feeling. Home is home," she said. "I will probably forever reside in Jackson. I am a Mississippi girl." Richmond, who studied music at Jackson State in the 1970s, will perform songs from her new CD, Rhythm and Strings, which will be available in early 2007. In addition to experiencing good music, soul food, and a silent auction, attendees of the fundraiser will help raise money for the preservation of African-American culture. To purchase a $35 ticket or learn more about the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center, call (601) 979-2055. Learn more about Richmond. Read more. See picture: Ronda Richmond.

World Aids Day Activities Planned at JSU

Late JSU Students Shared Common Bonds

Science Students Encouraged to Make Research Matter

Nov. 14-Dec. 8 - MUW Senior Exhibition showcases artwork by eight fall 2006 graduates of MUW's art and design program. The MUW Art Gallery is located in Shattuck Hall on the northeast corner of the MUW campus. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To arrange a visiting time or special tour, contact the Department of Art and Design at 662-329-7341.

Nov. 20-Dec. 8 - UM Gallery 130 in Meek Hall presents the artwork of Pinkney Herbert in the exhibition "Fire and Water" inspired by the artist's memory of his childhood home burning. The exhibit, which includes seven large oil paintings and several pastels, is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Learn more.

Dec. 1 - Deadline for registration for the Southeast Regional Conference of the American College Dance Festival Association, to be hosted by UM's Department of Theatre Arts, March 14-17. For a registration form and information on fees and other details, call the Office of Professional Development and Non-Credit Education at 662-690-7283 or 662-915-7283, or visit the website. Learn more.

Dec. 5 - UMMC's Face Center will host a seminar on the latest cosmetic skin care and facial skin rejuvenation treatments from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Norman C. Nelson Student Union. The seminar will include informal discussions about facial skin care with Dr. Randy Jordan and Christy Waggoner, and a short presentation on the latest technology. To register, send an e-mail to csuber@ent.umsmed.edu with the attendee's name, department and extension number. For more information about the Face Center, call 601-815-3037.

Dec. 5-15 - USM graduating seniors of the Department of Art and Design will celebrate their academic achievements with an exhibition of their works at the university's Museum of Art in the Fine Arts Building at the southwest corner of campus. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the Museum of Art at 601.266.5200. Learn more.

Dec. 7 - USM's College of Business graduate students, organized into nine teams, will square off to pitch their plans for start-up businesses to a panel of mock investors in the Second Annual Southern Miss Golden Eagle Challenge. The final round of the competition, which is open to the public, begins at 2 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center, Room 218. The presentation of the winners and a reception will follow at 4 p.m. Learn more.

Dec. 7 - USM's nationally acclaimed Wind Ensemble will present its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium. The concert band will also be featured at the Mississippi Bandmasters Association convention Dec. 8 in Tupelo at 8 p.m. Learn more.

Dec. 8-9 - MSU alumni, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck and former Tupelo Mayor Glenn L. McCullough Jr., will address MSU fall graduates in separate ceremonies at Humphrey Coliseum. Tuck, an Oktibbeha County native, will be the featured speaker at a 7 p.m. commencement program Friday, Dec. 8. McCullough, also former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors, will address another group of MSU graduates Saturday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. Learn more.

Dec. 9 - Starkville/MSU Symphony and Chorus presents "Holiday Gems, Guitar and Gloria," a free concert to celebrate the sounds of the holiday season, at 7:30 p.m. in the newly renovated Lee Hall auditorium. Learn more.

Dec. 10 - JSU will host its Annual Winter Concert at 7 p.m. in the F.D. Hall Music Center on the JSU campus. The concert will feature Jackson State choral ensembles, including the University Chorale, University Choir, University Women's Chorus, University Men's Chorus, University Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and the JSU Singers. Conductors are Willenham Castilla and Loretta Galbreath. For more information, call (601) 979-2141.

Feb. 22 – MUW’s Honors Forum presents Arun Gandhi, grandson of the legendary peace fighter and spiritual leader, Mohandas K. Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, at 6:30 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium, Parkinson Hall. For more information, contact the Honors College at 662-241-6850.