System Review
Volume 1, Issue 8
December 15, 2006
NEWS FROM THE SYSTEM
State Education Leaders Visit Harvard for K-12 Preparedness Workshop
The Phil Hardin Foundation of Meridian, Mississippi, recently awarded a grant to Dr. Tom
Burnham, dean of the School of Education at the University of Mississippi, and his staff to
develop a new strategy and process for the university to prepare K-12 school administrators. As
part of the grant, Dr. Burnham led a team of education leaders to Massachusetts for a three-day
visit with faculty and graduates of Harvard University. The visiting team was comprised of
Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas Meredith; Assistant Commissioner of Academic
and Student Affairs Dr. Lynn House; State Superintendent of Education Dr. Hank Bounds;
Executive to the Superintendent of Education Steve Williams; Director of Educational Programs
at the Barksdale Reading Institute Dr. Richard Boyd; Senator Mike Chaney; and representatives
from six of Mississippi’s eight public universities. The group heard presentations from Harvard’s
faculty about their experience in training school leaders, participated in a panel discussion with
Harvard graduates about their successes and setbacks as school leaders, and engaged in
dialogue about applying what they have learned to more effectively train school leaders in
Mississippi. The collaborative efforts of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, K-12, state
legislators, and the Hardin Foundation on this initiative demonstrate an aggressive commitment
by all groups to move Mississippi forward through education.
Southern Miss Receives 10-Year Accreditation from SACS
The University of Southern Mississippi has received a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from
the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
SACS (online at www.sacscoc.org), the recognized regional accrediting body in Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
and Virginia, requires colleges to demonstrate compliance with the Commission on Colleges’ core
requirements and comprehensive standards and develop a Quality Enhancement Plan that
focuses on enhancing student learning outcomes as part of the reaccreditation process. “We
celebrate and recognize the efforts of our faculty and staff who worked hard over the past year to
ensure this reaffirmation of our longstanding tradition of academic distinction,” said Southern Miss
President Shelby Thames. The reaffirmation process has been spearheaded by Dr. Joan Exline,
assistant to the president for accreditation, planning, and articulation. Commissioner Meredith
relayed his congratulations on the reaffirmation, saying, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees of
State Institutions of Higher Learning, I am pleased that Southern Miss has been reaffirmed by
SACS. All Mississippi citizens should be assured of the University of Southern Mississippi’s
commitment to higher education.” Read more,
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=335&Itemid=2 .
Commissioner Co-Authors Chronicle Article on Improving College
Readiness
Commissioner Meredith co-authored an article, “A Coordinated Effort to Prepare Students for
College,” which appeared in the December 15 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education. Coauthors include Michael Cohen, president of Achieve (an organization, led by state governors and
business leaders, formed to raise academic achievement throughout the nation); Paul
Lingenfelter, president of State Higher Education Executive Officers; and David Ward, president
of the American Council on Education. The article, which represents a remarkable consensus
among education leaders, outlines the steps that should be taken to ensure the high-school
diploma is “a true indicator of readiness for success in both college and work.” The article argues
that college and high-school leaders must work together to align standards; states must raise
high-school graduation standards; statewide standards must drive not only course work but also
assessment; and high schools and colleges must communicate results to each other. The
potential pay-off is great. Fewer students will need remediation, which simultaneously reduces
the cost of educating those students and increases the likelihood those students will graduate.
Also, the plan should improve the average level of student achievement and result in a larger pool
of well-prepared college applicants. The article is available to Chronicle subscribers at
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v53/i17/17b02001.htm.
December Issue of Mississippi Economic Review and Outlook Now
Available
The December 2006 issue of the Mississippi Economic Review and Outlook, which is published
biannually by the Center for Policy Research and Planning of the Institutions of Higher Learning,
is now available online at http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/urc/economic/review/outlook_dec06.pdf.
According to Dr. Marianne Hill, senior economist and editor of the Outlook, the remarkable
comeback of the casino industry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was just one of the positive
developments in the state’s economy in 2006. She forecasts that, following the slow pace of
Coastal reconstruction this year, housing construction will pick up in 2007. The article “Rebuilding
Housing along the Gulf Coast” summarizes policy recommendations of the recent RAND Institute
study. Other articles of interest in the Outlook include “National Economic Outlook: A Pause that
Refreshes,” “Mississippi Economic Outlook: A Count-down to Takeoff,” “Mississippi Wage Gap
Persists,” and “Hispanic Population in Mississippi.” The Economics Department of the Center for
Policy Research and Planning also offers other economic and demographic information on their
website, http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/urc/planning/econdept.htm.
IHL Board Executive Office Holiday Schedule
The IHL Board Executive office will close for the holiday season at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
December 20, 2006, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. The System
Review will take a holiday publication break as well. Expect to receive the next issue on Friday,
January 12, 2007.
UNIVERSITY NEWS
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
MVSU Awarded $1.2 million National Science Foundation Grant
Approximately 1,500 students and 25 teachers from 11 schools in a ten-county Delta area will be
learning more about math, science, and technology, thanks to a $1.2 million grant awarded by the
National Science Foundation to Mississippi Valley State University professors. The grant will be
used to increase the state test scores in science of ninth grade students and ultimately increase
the number of students entering the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
disciplines as desired careers. “Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers
Using Catfish and Their Environment as a Model” was written by Dr. Abigail Newsome, Dr. Louis
Hall, Dr. Mack Felton and Dr. Udai Kudikyala, all members of the MVSU Department of Natural
Sciences and Environmental Health. Funding for the project will enhance the capabilities of
MVSU in exploring greater research opportunities and building its capacity to compete for
expanded funding opportunities while increasing opportunities for high school students and
teachers in the region. Each participating school has been given a laptop computer, testing
instruments to measure chemicals, and other supplies. Through the three-year program, schools
will increase the use of information technology in science education as students increase their
performance in science and mathematics. Scotland Fisheries of Itta Bena is participating in the
project by allowing students to visit its ponds for science experiments.
Delta teachers test water samples using new equipment provided by MVSU through a National
Science Foundation grant.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Law Student-run Network Gets National Recognition for Katrina Efforts
After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005, a University of Mississippi
law student helped start a nationwide network of law students to provide legal aid to victims. The
resulting Student Hurricane Network (SHN), involving more than 65 schools, has been
recognized with a national award. Soon after the storm, Allison Korn of Memphis, a third-year law
student at UM, began calling coast organizations to offer assistance. Though grateful for her
offer, those in charge were too overwhelmed to accept assistance. Undeterred, Korn continued
her efforts and helped create the SHN, a law student public service group that continues to work
as a liaison between coast organizations and law student volunteer groups to provide legal aid
relief. After a year of diligent work, the founders of the SHN met together for the second time
recently in Washington, D.C. The students were there to receive the Lexis-Nexis MartindaleHubbell Exemplary Public Service Award during the 2006 Equal Justice Works Awards Banquet.
In less than one year, the SHN secured a financial sponsor, accepted charitable donations and
assisted 56 schools in planning trips to the coast. To date, about 15 UM law students have
participated on coast trips, and several more have provided logistical support by providing names
of people and organizations to contact or updates on repair work in their hometowns. Read more,
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5735&mode=full.
Oxford Native Larry Sparks Named Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5730&mode=full
Sociology Professor Gives State a Voice in Shaping 2010 Census
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5733&mode=full
Business Professor Receives Outstanding Paper Award
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5728&mode=full
Second High School Mathematics Tournament Fields 88 Students
http://www.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/news2000/display.pl?id=5722&mode=full
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI NEWS
Southern Miss Campus Master Plan under Development
The University of Southern Mississippi is in the process of creating a new campus master plan
with guidance from Sasaki Associates and a Master Campus and Facility Planning Committee
composed of students, faculty, staff, alumni and representatives of surrounding communities. So
far, the group has conducted several work sessions which began in July. During September, the
Master Planning Collaborative conducted a design charrette strategizing the placement of future
facilities and open spaces on campus. From this, a framework plan was developed and
presented in November. Based on the feedback received from campus and community
constituents, more detailed plans and recommendations will be presented in February. The goal
of the planning collaborative is to create an environment that meets students’ developmental
needs by providing opportunities for their intellectual, social and personal growth. The plan will
serve as the conceptual armature for organizing land uses and academic, residential, athletic and
student service zones for the next 20 years. With emphasis on the quality of the pedestrian
experience, the collaborative’s work is inspired by the earliest architectural plans and celebrates
The University of Southern Mississippi’s architectural history. The landscape must enhance the
experience of campus life. To ensure the campus environment supports the institution’s goals,
this plan is shaping the campus’ buildings and open space to reflect our unique cultural and
educational mission. Read more, http://projects.sasaki.com/usm/index.html.
Workshop to Provide Update on Coastal Marine Environment
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=332&Itemid=2
Southern Miss Students Raise Funds for Cleft Palate Surgery
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=325&Itemid=2
USM’s Biotech Stature Growing
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS01/612040301
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Alcorn State Named Business of Year
Alcorn State University Nursing School and School of Business received the Business of the Year
Award of the Natchez Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Mary Hill, dean of the School of Nursing,
accepted the award at the annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner on Tuesday, December 5.
DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
On Stands Now, Delta State Student’s Work Featured in Sports Illustrated
Delta State University senior Travis Chamblee’s photography work is currently featured in this
week’s edition of Sports Illustrated, on stands now. An image of Statesmen quarterback Scott
Eyster, captured by Chamblee during the 2006 season, was used by the SI staff in its “Week
Ahead” section. A sports information major from Vicksburg, Chamblee is credited for the work.
He first began shooting athletic events last fall as part of his photojournalism class work, under
the direction of University photographer, Bill Moses. A natural talent and quick study, Chamblee’s
work has since been featured in area newspapers, including the Delta Democrat Times, the
Cleveland News Leader and the University’s school newspaper, The Statement. His camera
work can also be regularly viewed on the Delta State athletic website,
http://www.gostatesmen.com, as Chamblee currently serves as a student assistant in the Athletic
Media Relations Office, under the direction of Matt Jones. Of his first appearance in the sports
magazine, Chamblee offered, “Every young athlete dreams of being in Sports Illustrated. This is
unbelievable and I am honored. I just thank Sports Illustrated for not only making my dream come
true, but Scott’s too.”
Delta State Welcomes Redlin to VP for Finance Post
http://www.deltastate.edu/pages/1073.asp?item=1953
Delta State Celebrates Fall Commencement
http://www.deltastate.edu/pages/1073.asp?item=1951
Delta State Unveils ‘Health and Wellness in the Delta’ Logo, Continues to Celebrate Year’s
Theme
http://www.deltastate.edu/pages/1073.asp?item=1954
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
JSU Air Force ROTC Students Enlist in Reserve
Five students who are members of Jackson State University’s U.S. Air Force ROTC program
enlisted in the Air Force Reserve on Thursday, December 7. The students were recognized
during a ceremony at the John A. Peoples Science Building on the main campus. Jackson State
is the only historically black college or university in the state of Mississippi with an Air Force
ROTC program. Col. Joseph L. Brown, commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 006, said he
wants to help the students develop into superior officers and let others know what outstanding
candidates they are. “These candidates are just as sharp as any candidate I’ve ever seen,” said
Brown, who has been on active duty for 29 years. The five enlistees include three from Jackson
State and two from Belhaven College. They all are receiving Air Force ROTC scholarships. Read
more, http://www.jsums.edu/~announcements/12.8.AFROTC.pdf.
Jackson State University U.S. Air Force ROTC program members (left to right) Daniel Paul Bond,
Joel Johnson, Ethan Samuel Rodgers, Brandan Ward, and Ashley Michelle Stewart are sworn
into the Air Force Reserve on Thursday, Dec. 7. Bond and Rodgers are Belhaven College
students.
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Tuck, McCullough Address MSU Winter Grads
Mississippi State graduates received warm send-offs from two successful MSU alumni this past
weekend. Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck spoke at the fall semester's Friday night commencement, while
former Tupelo mayor Glenn L. McCullough, Jr. addressed the university's Saturday morning
program. Tuck, a Maben native, took a moment in the early part of her address to express the
state's special thanks to 16 fall graduates who have served in the military during the Iraq war.
She later urged all in caps and gowns, to "never stop seeking knowledge," adding, "remember
that a good education remains constant, no matter how the world changes. It cannot be lost in the
stock market, be eliminated in a corporate downsizing or be taken away in trying economic
times." McCullough, now serving as a partner in a Jackson-based executive counsel and
development firm, focused his remarks around the four Fs--family, faith, freedom, and future.
Students in the Bagley College of Engineering and the colleges of Veterinary Medicine;
Agriculture and Life Sciences, including the School of Human Sciences; Forest Resources; and
Education received diplomas Friday. Degrees from the colleges of Arts and Sciences;
Architecture, Art and Design; and Business and Industry, including the School of Accountancy,
were awarded Saturday. Read more, http://www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3690.
Podcasting Brings New Dimension to MSU Classes
http://www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3686
Termite Control First MSU Cochran Endowment Beneficiary
http://www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3687
Students Honored by Retired MSU Faculty
http://www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=3688
Workshop to Focus on Pest Management
http://msucares.com/news/releases/06/061207pest.html
MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN NEWS
Jordan to Join MUW as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Mississippi University for Women recently announced Dr. Sandra Jordan from Murray State
University in Kentucky as its new vice president for academic affairs and provost. Pending IHL
Board approval, she will join MUW July 1, 2007. “Dr. Jordan will be a wonderful addition to our
team,” said MUW President Claudia A. Limbert. “I look forward to working with her as she takes
on this very important position to our university.” She currently serves as associate provost at
Murray State and has nearly 18 years of experience in higher education administration. In
addition to Murray State, she has worked at Eastern New Mexico University, the University of
Montevallo (Alabama), Lander University (South Carolina), and Auburn University (Alabama).
Jordan earned her masters and doctorate in art history, both with honors, from the University of
Georgia in Athens. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in
Tuscaloosa. Jordan will oversee the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College
of Education and Human Sciences, College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology,
Culinary Arts Institute, Library, Registrar, Academic Support Services, Governor’s School,
Graduate Studies, Honors College, Southern Women’s Institute, Study Abroad, Wicker Center for
Creative Learning and the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Read more,
http://www.muw.edu/publicaffairs/2006_prnews/061208_Jordan.html.
COMING UP
Dec. 16 – The USM Steel Band, Percussion Ensemble and Samba Band will present its everpopular “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,
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=324&Itemid=2.
Jan. 6-7 – The Southern Miss Alumni Association will host several events leading up to the
Golden Eagles’ appearance in the GMAC Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 7 in Mobile, Alabama.
On Saturday, Jan. 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Southern Miss Mardi Gras Madness will kick off
the weekend at Martini’s Fine Food and Spirits at 250 Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile. On
Sunday, Jan.7, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and ending just prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff, the P.O.D.S. /
Southern Miss Pregame Buffet will be located on the east side of the stadium. Read 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 at http://southernmiss.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/specrel/120506aad.html.
Jan. 11-14 – UM hosts the Mississippi Theatre Association's Annual Statewide Festival at the
Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The Festival, which kicks off at 8 a.m., consists of nine high
school productions, six community theatre productions, theatre workshops, a Theatre for Youth
Festival and more. Performance tickets are $5. For more information visit http://www.mtaonline.org, or contact Stephen Cunetto at (662) 325-8542 or scunetto@bellsouth.net.
Jan. 15 – ASU will hold the Southwest Mississippi Meat Goat Sale at the Port Gibson
Fairgrounds, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. All goats will be sold “on the hoof.” Interested persons
wishing to buy or sell should contact Dr. Gregory Reed at 601.877.3933. Persons wishing to
receive periodic updates should join the Alcorn Goat Group online at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alcorngoatgroup/.
Jan. 15 - MSU hosts the Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast in Bost Auditorium at 7:30 a.m. The
Keynote speaker will be former congressman Mike Espy, who also served as Secretary of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Jan. 18 - MSU's Lyceum Series presents jazz guitarist Jesse Cook, appearing with jazz vocal
sensation Sophie Milman, both of Canada, in Lee Hall Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 24 – Southern Miss’ Trent Lott Center Entrepreneurs in Polymer Science Lecture Series will
host Dr. Joseph DiSimone, principal researcher and founder of Liquidia Technologies, in the
auditorium of the Shelby F. Thames Polymer Science Research Center. The lecture, “The
Blending of Research and Teaching with Entrepreneurship: The Launching of Liquidia
Technologies,” will begin at 3:00 p.m., and is to be followed by a reception at 4:00 p.m. and
Perspectives on Entrepreneurship at 4:30 p.m. Read more,
http://www.usm.edu/polymer/news/DeSimone%20TLLS.pdf.
Feb. 21 – Southern Miss will host Nobel Laureate Richard J. Roberts at 6 p.m. in Bennett
Auditorium, where he will speak on "Friends and Foes: The Unseen Bugs who Share our Planet.”
Roberts is chief scientific officer of New England Biolabs. For more information call 601.266.4497.
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 January 12.