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 UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
MUW Proceeds with Facilities Master Plan
Mississippi University for Women's 20-year Facilities Master Plan, which was unveiled in 2003, is well under way with approximately $27.7 million spent on phase one. Highlights of the three-phase plan include renovation of existing buildings and construction of new buildings to support academic programs, strengthen residential and student life functions, rationalize the delivery of students services, and establish a strong identity for the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, addressing parking needs, and making changes in landscaping. Projects completed in phase one include the $5.2 million renovations of Martin Hall for Nursing and of Cochran Hall for Student Services, repairs to Peyton and Fant Halls for $700,000, high voltage upgrades for $650,000 and additional security lighting for $325,000. Renovations to the Physical Plant Warehouse and construction of a new Grounds and Automotive Building for a total of $1.3 million also were recently completed. Significant progress in the amount of $12.8 million has been made on Emma Ody Pohl Hall and the Marie Charlotte Stark University Recreation Center. Construction on the $13.5 million projects began in the spring of 2005 and should be completed by January 2007. The university expects to have furniture and equipment delivered and installed in February.

Six Inducted into Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers at MUW

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
English Professor, Wife Co-edit Anthology of Midlife Experiences
Middle of life can be complex, whether it means raising children, taking care of aging parents or nursing one's own midlife crisis. 20 Over 40, a new collection of 20 short stories by authors over age 40, explores these complexities. Edited by University of Mississippi English professor David Galef and wife Beth Weinhouse, the book addresses both the humor and perils of the often-ignored middle age. Galef and Weinhouse, a magazine editor, spent two years combing through hundreds of stories to compile a wide range of narratives for their book. "What we found gratifying was how many extremely accomplished authors, no longer in the bloom of youth, were just waiting for a collection like this, and told us so," said Galef, administrator of UM's Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing. "In 20 Over 40, the stories address worry over life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, all of which become a bit challenged in middle age." Weinhouse, who came up with the idea for the book after reading an anthology several years earlier by writers under age 30, said that she thought midlife would be a particularly rich literary topic because it is so varied and has been somewhat ignored. 20 Over 40 features a variety of midlife experiences written by some well-known authors, and others who are being published for the first time. Read more.

Sociology Professor Discusses New Book on Straight Edge Culture on BBC Radio

Student Moot Court Board Revives Publication on Undecided Legal Issues

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Southern Miss' College of Business Hosts Second Annual Golden Eagle Challenge
Nine teams of graduate students from the University of Southern Mississippi's College of Business 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 on this week. The students have spent most of the semester developing products or services, branding them with fictional company names, and writing business plans that could garner investments from financiers. Dr. Jon Carr, a Southern Miss associate professor of management and director of the competition, says that while the students will be pitching business plans for fictional companies, the products and services that they produce are real and could conceivably be commercialized in various markets. "This competition gives students a sense of the requirements and perseverance required to become entrepreneurs," said Carr. "The plans they develop have the potential to be actually funded and moved into the commercial sector." The panel of judges, composed of six executives from various local and national businesses, will rate each team with numerical scores in three areas-the written business plan, the presentation and the viability of the company. The overall goal of the panel is to reach consensus on the company that represents the best investment opportunity. Learn more.

State Auditor to Speak at Southern Miss Fall 2006 Graduation

Royal Walker Named President of National Organization

Southern Miss Grad Strives to Curb Drunk Driving

Southern Miss Gulf Coast English Professor Honored

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
ESPN's Around the Horn Panelist and Los Angeles Times Writer J.A. Adande Featured Speaker at November McCormick Tribune Speaker's Series Event
Los Angeles Times sports columnist and panelist for ESPN's highly acclaimed Around the Horn telecast Joshua Ade Adande visited Alcorn State University Department of Mass Communications as a featured speaker within McCormick Tribune Speaker's Series on November 16th, 2007 at 12:00 pm. Adande, who has been a full-time staff writer for the Chicago Sun Times and Washington Post, has covered such illustrious events such as the Olympic Games, Wimbledon, the Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, and World Cup 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and has held positions at The Washington Post, the Miami Herald, and The San Bernardino Sun. His work has also appeared in the annual "Best American Sports Writing" Series. Mr. Adande is also an esteemed member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Mr. Adande motivated Alcorn State University students by describing his life hardships, giving helpful information about internships, and lectured about the importance of minorities in the field of communications. Learn more.

Student Engagement Office and International and Multicultural Student Organization Plan Holiday Events

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
ESPN2 to Feature Delta State and Grand Valley in Semis on Sunday
It just feels right! The NCAA announced that ESPN2 will nationally televise the NCAA D2 semifinal between the Statesmen of Delta State University and the Lakers of Grand Valley State University on Sunday, December 10, at 6 p.m. After three years of disappointment and misalignment of the stars, senior quarterback Scott Eyster and fifth year head coach Rick Rhoades have led the Statesmen to the national semi-finals this season. The Statesmen will travel to Allendale, Michigan, where they will face the undefeated, defending national champion Lakers (13-0). "We are very excited about this opportunity to showcase our football team, student-athletes, and Delta State University on a national stage," said DSU head coach Rick Rhoades. Sunday's game will mark the first meeting between the Statesmen and Lakers on the gridiron. "There is no denying Grand Valley State has a great team, but I think we have proved this season that we can compete with anyone in the country," said Rhoades. "We've been down this road before and I know our guys will be ready when the whistle is blown on Sunday." Learn more.

Shawhan to Present Keynote Address at Delta State's Fall Commencement

Delta State Honors Area Leaders with 3rd Annual Community Recognition Luncheon, Continue to Celebrate New Theme 'Health & Wellness in the Delta'

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Eric Stringfellow to Host New WJSU Weekly Roundtable Segment
Clarion-Ledger metro columnist and Jackson State University alumnus Eric Stringfellow is scheduled to debut a new WJSU-88.5 weekly roundtable discussion segment on Dec. 8. "The Metro Journal" will air at 7:45 a.m. each Friday with a repeat at 4:45 p.m. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, Stringfellow already has a loyal following through his hard-hitting, informative and thought-provoking columns. "Some of the topics will include local, regional and statewide politics, sports and even the latest news," said Gina Carter, WJSU assistant general manager/development director. "If it is affecting Jackson, it will be a part of the roundtable," she said. "It is all designed not to necessarily tell people what to think, but to give people something to think about. Our mission is to educate, inform and entertain and we promise you that this program will do more than that." Stringfellow said he also is excited about the new show, calling it "a forum that is desperately needed in Jackson." He went on to say, "I've done broadcasting before and this gives me an opportunity to do things that you can't do in a column, such as engaging dialogue with people and other guests that will be on the program." For more information on "The Metro Journal," call Gina Carter at (601) 979-8672. Listen online. Learn more. See picture: Eric Stringfellow.

JSU Student Lands Gilman Scholarship to Study Abroad
Jackson State University student, Takeshia Fields, was recently named a Gilman Scholar. She received a $3,000 scholarship to study in Costa Rica for one semester. Fields is JSU's second Gilman Scholar. For more information about the Study Abroad Program, Division of International Studies, call Eddie Brown, Office of Public Relations, at (601) 979-1457. See picture: Takeshia Fields.

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Company to Manufacture Wearable Fuel Cells for Personal, Soldier Power
A California-based company that manufactures wearable fuel cells for consumer and military applications will launch operations in Starkville early next year and work with Mississippi State researchers to refine its product. Ardica Technologies, an innovative micro fuel cell-manufacturing company headquartered in San Francisco, plans to set up shop in Starkville, according to MSU research vice president Colin Scanes. Tom Covington, Ardica's chief executive officer, said the company's Starkville location will grow to 10 employees in 2007 and expand its production staff over time. MSU graduates are expected to compete for jobs. Ardica produces hydrogen cartridges and fuel cells that can be used for a wide range of applications. The independent company will collaborate with MSU chemical engineers who are conducting research on similar portable power sources. Learn more.

MSU Researchers Help State Furniture Industry Compete Globally

MSU Archaeologist Receives National Organization's Highest Award

MSU Lowering Age for Retiree-Age Students to Attend Free

MSU Faculty Artist Offers Work to Support Conservation Group

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. 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.

Dec. 13 - ASU graduate Jessica LaShawn Williams, a 2005 English literature major, will hold a book release party at 6:30 p.m. on 651 West Washington Blvd., Chicago, Illinois, to celebrate the publication of her first book of poetry, I Never Knew What Time It Was. For more information contact Ms. Williams via email or phone at (773) 220 9708. Read more.

Dec. 15 - UM Chancellor Robert Khayat plans to discuss recent successes at Ole Miss and the vision for the university's future when the Ole Miss Luncheon Series visits Natchez. Sponsored by the Ole Miss Alumni Association, the event is slated for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Carriage House Restaurant at Stanton Hall. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. To guarantee seats to the event, attendees are encouraged to register online. For more information, for assistance related to a disability, or to register by phone, call 662-915-7375. Learn more.

Dec. 16 - The USM Steel Band, Percussion Ensemble and Samba Band will present its ever-popular "Rhythms of Christmas" at 7:30 p.m. in the Mannoni Performing Arts Building auditorium in Hattiesburg. This family holiday concert spectacular, of rhythmic proportions with a touch of jazz, will transform traditional Christmas music into toe-tapping, reggae fun. Learn more.

Jan. 7 - The University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles will face off against Ohio in the GMAC Bowl, in Mobile, Alabama, at 7 p.m. This will be the ninth bowl game appearance in the last 10 years for Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles last played in the GMAC Bowl in 2000 when they defeated TCU, 28-21. Get tickets.

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.