System Review
Volume 1, Issue 6
December 1, 2006
NEWS FROM THE SYSTEM
IHL Board Makes Progress on Coast
Since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast in August 2005, the area’s citizens
have demonstrated a resilient spirit of determination and optimism for the future. The IHL Board is
similarly committed to the continued progress of higher education in south Mississippi. During its
June 2006 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the rehabilitation of the University of
Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus, which was almost completely destroyed in the storm.
Night classes will resume at Gulf Park this January, and a full schedule of classes will be offered
in the Fall 2007 semester. In preparation for the eventual Gulf Coast population growth
forecasted by state demographers, the Board is currently looking at various sites close to the I-10
corridor for an additional Southern Miss campus. Because of the importance of such a decision
as building an additional university campus, the Board is determined to diligently examine all
information that could potentially impact their decision. As the Board continues to take steps
towards the rehabilitation and revitalization of the higher education offerings on the Gulf Coast,
the Board office will be enhancing the IHL website to include updated information on the progress
on the Coast. The website, www.ihl.state.ms.us, presently features contact information for Mr.
Robert Bass (mailto:rbass@ihl.state.ms.us), who was hired by the Board in August as its Project
Director of Gulf Coast Operations.
ASU and Southern Miss IEO Search Website Updated
The searches for institutional executive officers (IEOs) at Alcorn State University and the
University of Southern Mississippi are under way. Extensive information about the searches is
available on the Institutional Executive Officer Search Process web site, which is updated
regularly. New to the site are the announcements for both openings. Other information on the site
includes a detailed description of the search process, a timeline of events, answers to frequently
asked questions, contact information for the search consultant and Commissioner of Higher
Education, and links to search-related press releases. IHL's institutional executive officer search
process allows Mississippi to be on the consideration list of the highest caliber professionals in
higher education. The process, which is open, transparent, and representative-based, works in
accordance with today's recruitment standards for high-level institutions of higher learning and
has been warmly supported by the major constituencies at both universities.
New Degree at Southern Miss a Win for Transfer Students
During their regular monthly meeting in November, the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State
Institutions of Higher Learning approved a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Technology
within the University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Economic and Workforce
Development in the College of Science and Technology. The program’s primary objective is to
provide students in the applied technology field with a general college education. The program
will meet Mississippi’s need to provide community and junior college graduates with associate
degrees in applied technology with an appropriate, corresponding baccalaureate degree. Of the
nearly 21,000 students who enter Mississippi’s community and junior colleges each year, some
enter the workforce after completing one- or two-year programs or transfer to four-year
institutions in other states. However, only about 4,500 students, or about 22 percent, transfer to
Mississippi’s four-year colleges or universities. The IHL Board is committed to finding ways to
encourage more students to transfer to Mississippi’s institutions of higher learning. For more
information about the new degree program at Southern Miss, contact the university’s Department
of Economic and Workforce Development at 601.266.6067. To learn more about IHL’s efforts to
increase the number of transfer students in Mississippi, contact Assistant Commissioner Dr.
Reginald Sykes in the Office of Community and Junior College Relations at
rsykes@ihl.state.ms.us or 601.432.6458.
IHL Today Luncheons Held in Tupelo and Vicksburg
State legislators and business and community leaders learned about the current state and future
of higher education in Mississippi during luncheons held in Tupelo on Tuesday and Vicksburg on
Wednesday. Attorney Guy Mitchell, III, hosted the Tupelo luncheon which was coordinated by
Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi State University, and the University of Mississippi.
Hal Gage, Chairman of River Hills Bank, hosted the Vicksburg luncheon, which was coordinated
by Alcorn State University. The luncheons were part of a statewide campaign to promote
Mississippi’s system of higher education and encourage government and business leaders to
help IHL spread the message of the importance of higher education. Commissioner Meredith
presented the keynote address, in which he outlined the benefits of higher education to
individuals and the state; discussed changes in appropriations and tuition; and provided an
overview of the current state of Mississippi’s public university system. Luncheons have been held
in Cleveland, Starkville, Oxford, Greenwood, Biloxi, Meridian, Southaven, Jackson, and
Hattiesburg. The twelfth and final luncheon will take place December 4 at Thad and Rose
Cochran Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus in Columbus.
Legislators and business leaders attended the IHL Today luncheon in Tupelo, hosted by attorney
Guy Mitchell, III.
River Hills Bank Chairman Hal Gage hosted the IHL Today luncheon in Vicksburg.
Alcorn State University student leaders (from left: Korri Jones, Jessica Hinton, Quintiya Miller,
and Larry Duncan) represented the university at the IHL Today luncheon.
UNIVERSITY NEWS
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 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, www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3670.
MSU Plans Aerospace Center on Donated Land Near Golden Triangle Regional Airport
www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3674
Software Solutions Firm Comes to Starkville, Will Tap MSU Engineering Expertise
www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3675
MSU Supercomputer, "Raptor," 18th Most Powerful Among U.S. Universities
www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3678
MSU Engineering Dean Named Fellow of Leading General Scientific Society
www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3677
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 lbetcher@muw.edu. Learn more,
http://www.muw.edu/publicaffairs/2006_prnews/061117_wce.html.
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, http://www.olemiss.edu/cgibin/news2000/display.pl?id=5686&mode=full.
Students Seek to Expand CHEERS: Group Promoting Designated Drivers
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5703&mode=full
Public Accounting Report Ranks UM Undergrad, Grad Programs in Nation's Top 25
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5690&mode=full
Law Professor, Son Pen Chapter in Book on the Beatles and Philosophy
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5694&mode=full
Article by Two Sociology Profs Explores Sociology of Food and Eating
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5689&mode=full
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,
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=2.
Nursing Mentor Program Gets Boost with Diversity Grant
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=283&Itemid=2
Southern Miss Honors College Celebrates 30th Anniversary
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=285&Itemid=2
Southern Miss English Professor Receives Statewide Teacher Award
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=301&Itemid=2
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, http://www.alcorn.edu/Bulletin/GoodNews.htm.
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. To
learn more about Richmond, visit http://www.myspace.com/rhondarichmond. Read more,
http://www.jsums.edu/~announcements/11.27.06Richmond.pdf.
Rhonda Richmond
World Aids Day Activities Planned at JSU
http://www.jsums.edu/~announcements/11.22.AIDS.pdf
Late JSU Students Shared Common Bonds
http://www.jsums.edu/~announcements/11.21.students.update.pdf
Science Students Encouraged to Make Research Matter
http://www.jsums.edu/~announcements/11.16.research.pdf
COMING UP
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,
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5688&mode=full.
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
http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/events. Learn more, http://www.olemiss.edu/cgibin/news2000/display.pl?id=5684&mode=full.
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
mailto: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,
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=294&Itemid=2.
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,
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=306&Itemid=2.
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,
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=295&Itemid=2.
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,
http://www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3668.
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, www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3667.
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 662-2416850.
Look for the next issue December 8.