Southern Miss Now

Mississippi Home of Your Own Homebuyer Workshop Set for Starkville

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:03:08 +0000

Alma Ellis

Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO) will sponsor a free, one-day homebuyer education workshop Saturday, June 1, for residents with and without disabilities in Oktibbeha and surrounding counties.

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the USDA Rural Development office at 510 Highway 25 North in Starkville.

In its 16^th year of service to Mississippians with disabilities and their families, HOYO is an award-winning program of The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies. HOYO was created to empower people with disabilities to reach their individual dreams of owning and maintaining their own homes. Since 1997, HOYO has assisted 506 people with disabilities and their families in 63 Mississippi counties in becoming homeowners.

Forgivable deferred loans of up to $15,000 are currently available to eligible borrowers with disabilities in designated areas of the state through HOYO. More information about these grants will be available at the workshop.

HOYO focuses on creating a support system that identifies potential homebuyers, analyzes their housing needs and financial capacity and prepares them for homeownership. Applicants of the HOYO program must attend homebuyer education seminars to be considered for financial assistance in purchasing a home.

For more information or to pre-register for the free homebuyer education seminar, call the Heather Steele at the Hattiesburg office of the Institute for Disability Studies toll free at 1.888.671.0051.

Learn to Drive Program June 3-21 on Hattiesburg Campus

w301717 — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:24:04 +0000

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Human Performance and Recreation will offer its annual summer Learn to Drive Program June 3-21 on the Hattiesburg campus. Students can choose between morning and afternoon sessions, 8-11 a.m. and noon-3 p.m.

Participants must be at least 14 years old and entering the 9^th grade in the fall to participate. Students successfully completing the classes earn one-half credit toward high school graduation. Also, many insurance companies offer a discount for successful completion of a driver’s education program.

The following information is required of participants on the first day of instruction:

Verification of Attendance Form from the school they are attending.
Certified copy of birth certificate. Photocopies are not acceptable.
Original Social Security card. Photocopies are not acceptable.
Completed application for learner’s permit/driver’s license. This form will be mailed once the registration fee has been received.
Five dollars ($5) in cash to cover the cost of the permit on the day that the student tests for his or her learner’s permit.

The registration fee for the program is $275. For more information, contact Jewel Adams at 601.266.5358 or e-mail jewel.adams@usm.edu. An online registration form can be found at https://www.usm.edu/human-performance-recreation/usm-learn-drive-program.

Southern Miss Gulf Coast Summer Registration, Orientation May 22

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:07:14 +0000

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast will host summer 2013 orientation for new undergraduate students at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, in the Fleming Education Center at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. Registration and advisement for new undergraduate students, as well as all returning students, will be held from 2 – 6 p.m. May 22 in the Fleming Education Center.

Summer semester night classes begin Monday, May 27. Day classes begin Tuesday, May 28. The last day to register for full-term summer semester classes is Friday, May 31.

For more information, call 228.214.3444; online, visit www.usm.edu/gulfcoast.

Children's Center Conducts Spring 2013 Graduation Ceremony

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:31:32 +0000

The Children's Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi held its 2013 Spring Graduation ceremony on Friday, May 17 on the Hattiesburg campus.

Dr. Mike Forster, dean of the Southern Miss College of Health, handed out the graduation certificates.

(Photo by Van Arnold, University Communications)

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Marine Education Center to Host Stewardship Summit

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:25:03 +0000

Martha Brown

The Cedar Point teaching site of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) will be the location of the second annual Shifting Baselines Stewardship Summit May 17-18.

TheShifting Baselines projectis funded at GCRL by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Bay Watershed Education and Training Program (B-WET). The project developed a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) to teach K-12 students watershed concepts, science content and environmental stewardship using maps, aerial photography, internet resources and field experiences.

Last summer teachers participated in professional development at GCRL and returned during the school year bringing up to 25 students to practice their skills. Each teacher has invited five exceptional students to return to GCRL for the culminating event of the project, the Stewardship Summit.

The Stewardship Summit provides an opportunity for students from different participating schools to meet each other and become better stewards of our natural environment while learning more about watershed connections to the coast. The teachers and selected students spend a full day in games, presentations and field experiences to learn more about stewardship activities, such as those of natural resource scientist Dr. Keith Mullin (NOAA Marine Mammal Research in the Gulf of Mexico).

Highlights of the Stewardship Summit will be the Earth Ball Obstacle Course (on Friday night), school summaries of their stewardship activities and a field trip to Bay St. Louis to review efforts by various community groups to make Mississippi’s coastal communities more resilient after Hurricane Katrina (both on Saturday morning). By the end of the Summit each participant will identify and describe an action he or she can take to be a better environmental steward.

The teachers and students who will be participating in the 2013 Stewardship Summitattend schools all over Mississippi and Louisiana, including: Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, MS (Jim Luke), St. Stanislaus College, Bay St. Louis, MS (Letha Boudreaux, Dan Munger), St. Thomas More High School, Lafayette, LA (John Dupuis), Blackburn Middle School, Jackson, MS (Bridget Harkins, Marian Howze), St. Martin Middle School, Ocean Springs, MS (Virginia McLaughlin), Sumrall High School, Sumrall, MS (Jamie Sorrell).

The mission of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Mississippi's marine laboratory, is scientific discovery related to coastal and marine resources, development of new marine technologies, and the education of future scientists and citizens.

Southern Miss Recreational Sports Announces Student Staff Award Winners

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:08:21 +0000

Stephanie Patterson

Each year, The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Recreational Sports honors outstanding student staff members and graduating seniors at the Student Staff Appreciation and Awards night. Southern Miss Rec Sports held the 2013 awards night at the end of the spring semester at the Southern Miss Payne Center.

The awards night gave professional staff members the opportunity to say thank you to the students for their hard work. During the banquet, awards and scholarships are given to outstanding student staff members.

2012-2013 Student Staff Award Winners

· Kristy Clevelandof Theodore, Alabama, a senior majoring in English Education, was awarded the Peter E. Durkee Award recognizing the most outstanding Recreational Sports student staff member and the Mike “Coach” Giles Aquatics Employee of the Year

· Eryka Wallaceof Biloxi, Mississippi, a senior majoring in Public Relations, was awarded the Bruce and Virginia Wilgus “Making a Difference” recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for dedication in helping to make a difference and the Student Affairs Student Service Scholarship recognizing a Recreational Sports leader in service on and off campus

· Mark Schimmel of Decatur, Illinois, a senior in Sport Management was awarded the Bruce and Virginia Wilgus “Making a Difference” recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for dedication in helping to make a difference and the Keith’s Superstores Scholarship recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for dedication to volunteerism

· Kaela Perissuttiof Slidell, Louisiana, a senior majoring in Dietetic Studies was awarded the Comcast Golf Classic Scholarship Award recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for their essay “What Southern Miss Means to Me”

· Calvin TaylorofTerry, Mississippi, a senior majoring in Sports Management was awarded the Keith’s Superstores Scholarship recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for dedication to volunteerism

· John McClainof Grenada, Mississippi, a senior majoring in Forensic Anthropology was awarded the Keith’s Superstores Scholarship recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for dedication to volunteerism

· Dannan Dueittof Citronelle, Alabama, sophomore majoring in Nursing, was awarded the Keith’s Superstores Scholarship recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for dedication to volunteerism

· Kendall Farleyof Rockford, Michigan, a junior in Communications was awarded the Micky & Neely Harrington Scholarship recognizing a Recreational Sports student staff member for dedication to community service and the Tricia Linton Sales & Welcome Center Employee of the Year

· Kewin Nielsenof Denmark, a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science, was awarded the James A. Townley Award recognizing the most outstanding Intramural Sports Official of the Year

· Joanna Rochelleof Mandeville, Louisiana, a junior majoring in Human Performance – Kinesiology was awarded the Steve “Big Daddy” Rey Intramural Sports Supervisor Employee of the Year

· Carlos Stallworth ofMoss Point, MS, a senior majoring in Public Relations, was awarded the Evelyn Kwan Green Marketing Employee of the Year

· Gerald West of Jackson, Mississippi, a junior majoring in Criminal Justice was awarded the Outstanding Facility Supervisor of the year

· Tegi Jenkinsof Jackson, Mississippi, a junior in Social Work, was awarded the Outstanding Office Assistant of the year

· Jasmine Steele of Meridan, Mississippi, a junior majoring in Forensic Science was awarded the Outstanding Fitness Attendant of the year

· Elizabeth Calamari of Slidell, Louisiana, a sophomore majoring in Education, was awarded the Outstanding Equipment Issue Attendant of the year

· Stephanie Stokes of Hawaii, a junior majoring in Biological Science, was awarded the Outstanding Group Exercise Instructor of the year

· Natalie Kuchmanof Vicksburg, Mississippi, a senior majoring in Exercise Science, was awarded the Outstanding Personal Trainer of the year

Case-Price Named New Director of Childrens Center at Southern Miss

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:22:32 +0000

Van Arnold

Sarah Case-Price began her affiliation with The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi more than a dozen years ago as a student worker. On July 1, she will take over the reins as director.

Case-Price has served in several capacities at the center since becoming a full-time staff member in 2006 – most recently as assistant director. She takes over for acting Director Cindy Bivins, who will continue to help with the center as a volunteer.

“I am extremely excited to be stepping into this role,” said Case-Price. “I hope to lead The Children’s Center in being as influential in early intervention services as my predecessors have done for the past 40 years.”

Case-Price was selected following a national search, with input from a broad cross-section of Center staff and families, the Center Advisory Board, the chair and faculty members of the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, the dean of the College of Health and members of the Hattiesburg community. She said her immediate goal is to promote growth that meets the individual needs of children who require specialized services.

“I would like to see us grow – not necessarily in size or physical location or numbers of children served, but in our capacity to serve the whole child – in our ability to meet every need that a child and family of a child with a disability may have,” she said. “We have done an outstanding job thus far, but we can do better.”

Case-Price is married to Hattiesburg area realtor Chris Price. The couple has one daughter -- Josie, age 2.

Established in 1974, The Children’s Center is a full service, intensive, transdisciplinary program within the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Southern Miss. The Center directly serves more than 90 children and their families from as many as 22 South Mississippi counties.

DuBard School at Southern Miss to Offer Method® Basic Course June 17-21

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:01:41 +0000

Vanessa Molden

The DuBard School for Language Disorders at The University of Southern Mississippi will offer the nationally-accredited DuBard Association Method® Basic Course on June 17-21 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the DuBard School on the Hattiesburg campus.

The Basic Course teaches educators about the multisensory strategies of the DuBard Association Method® used to improve the development of children’s language, articulation and reading skills.

Not just for students with language disorders, the DuBard Association Method® is used by general and special education teachers in kindergarten through second grade as well as speech-language pathologists throughout the nation and internationally to build those vital communication skills. K-2 general and special education teachers and speech-language pathologists are encouraged to participate in this course as an introduction to the DuBard Association Method®.

“The training is very well organized. Instructors are very intuitive about the need for further explanation and mastery of a concept,” said Anetra Fish, former participant and special education teacher at Chesapeake Speech School in Hanover, Md. “The student demonstrations were very beneficial.”

The course is approved for four continuing education units (CEUs) for educators and speech-language pathologists and audiologists (intermediate level, professional area).

The cost for the course is $875 (includes lunches) and requires the textbook Oral and Written Communications Disorders which must be purchased in advance ($100). Educators wishing to receive CEUs may purchase those as well for $80.

The DuBard School will also be offering the DuBard Association Method® Seminar, advanced training in the DuBard Association Method®, June 24-28, and DuBard Association Method® Practicum, June 3-27.

For more information or to register, call 601.266.4186 or go online at www.usm.edu/dubard-training.

Schoemann Named Operations Manager at Southern Miss Center

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:09:20 +0000

In accordance with the Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation’s (CLTT) strategic plan, Thomas Schoemann has been selected as the center’s Operations Manager. Schoemann will assume his new position at The University of Southern Mississippi on May 20.

“We are very excited to have Mr. Thomas Schoemann joining the CLTT team”, said CLTT Director Dr. Tulio Sulbaran.

The CLTT’s Operations Manager will have overall responsibility to assist the leadership of the center and its Industry Advisory Council to fulfill the CLTT's five-year strategic plan and secure the necessary funds to perpetuate the position

Schoemann is a retired Air Force veteran and spent the last eight and a half years with Rapiscan Systems as the U.S. Operations Manager for Cargo and People Screening. He is a resident of Ocean Springs, Miss.

“My experience at Rapiscan in operations, logistics, and governmental affairs, as well as instructional training from Keesler Air Force Base will allow me to help the CLTT grow and reach the goals set forth in the five-year strategic plan,” said Schoemann.

Schoemann is married to Terri Schoemann, a teacher in the Ocean Springs School District, and has four children. He earned his Masters of Business Administration and undergraduate degree from William Carey University. He has an Associates of Applied Science in Instructor of Technical and Military Science and Electronic Systems Technology.

“Hiring an Operations Manager for the CLTT is an important step to continue increasing the CLTT capabilities to serve the Logistics, Trade and Transportation stakeholders,” said Sulbaran.

Sulbaran indicated that “the CLTT provides a competitive advantage to logistics and supply chain industry and government agencies through its multidisciplinary activities in Logistics, Trade and Transportation. The CLTT offers an online Master of Science, applied research activities and networking events.”

Southern Miss to Host State Student Affairs Conference May 20-21

w301717 — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:01:03 +0000

David Tisdale

The annual Mississippi Association of Campus Student Affairs Professionals (MACSAP) conference will be held on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus May 20-21. This year marks the third time Southern Miss has hosted the event, which is the annual conference for student affairs professionals at institutions of higher education across the state.

More than 20 sessions covering a wide variety of issues pertaining to college and university student affairs will be offered at the conference.

“We count it as a privilege to welcome fellow student affairs professionals from across the state to our campus, and look forward to informative presentations and dialogue at our topic sessions,” said Southern Miss Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway.

Attendees will be welcomed by University Provost Dr. Denis Wiesenburg and Hattiesburg mayor Johnny DuPree. The two general sessions will include keynote addresses by Dr. Frances Lucas, vice president and campus executive officer for Southern Miss Gulf Coast, and Dr. Eric Clark, executive director of the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges.

For more information, including conference schedule and registration details, online visit http://www.usm.edu/professional-development-educational-outreach/mississippi-association-college-student-affairs; or call the Southern Miss Dean of Students Office at 601.266.6028.

Dr. Ronald Marquardt, Professor Emeritus, Dies at age 73

w301717 — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:01:30 +0000

David Tisdale

Former students and colleagues of Dr. Ronald Marquardt, a professor emeritus and chairman of The University of Southern Mississippi's Department of Political Science, remember him as a model teacher, faculty member and administrator.

Dr. Marquardt died Wednesday, May 15 at his home in Hattiesburg following a lengthy illness. He was 73.

Services will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 117 W. 4^th Street in Hattiesburg, on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg. Visitation will be Friday, May 17 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Forrest Funeral Home, located at 1258 Richburg Road in Hattiesburg.

A native of Pittsburg, Kan., Dr. Marquardt earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pittsburg State University, where he played on the varsity tennis team and served as student body president in 1961. He earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Missouri in 1972, and a law degree, with distinction, from Mississippi College in 1982.

In 1973 Dr. Marquardt joined the faculty of Southern Miss, where he taught political science and constitutional law. In addition to serving as department chairman, he founded and directed its Paralegal Studies Program and served as student legal advisor and faculty representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He is the co-author of the books Gifted Children & the Law and Gifted Children & Legal Issues in Education, published by Ohio Psychology Press (1991). He retired in 2003.

“Ron Marquardt had a remarkable impact at Southern Miss in several ways, but first of all and most importantly, he was a superb teacher,” said Southern Miss President Emeritus Dr. Aubrey Lucas. “Students liked him and he liked students. He was demanding yet open and friendly, and served this university fully, gladly, effectively and made a difference.”

In 1961, Dr. Marquardt was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Lee, Va. followed by two years of service in the National Guard. He was honorably discharged as a captain in 1965.

A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and an avid tennis player, Dr. Marquardt was a founding member and former president of the Racquet Club in Hattiesburg. He continued to play tennis on U.S. Tennis Association teams until 2010.

Dr. Ed Wheat, a professor emeritus of political science at the university, was a fellow graduate student of Dr. Marquardt’s at Missouri. “From the viewpoint of working faculty, Ron was the best department chairperson imaginable,” Wheat said. “One of the best experiences of my life was when we were reunited at Southern Miss.”

Two of Dr. Marquardt’s former students, Subrina Cooper and William Newman, now serve as instructors for the department’s paralegal studies program. They also recall him for his devotion to the success of the department and its students.

“He was an outstanding professor, having taught me constitutional law during my early days at Southern Miss,” Cooper said. “We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for having the vision to found our paralegal program, which continues to thrive 35 years later.”

Newman said as much as he admired Marquardt for his skills at management and diplomacy as department chairman, he’ll remember him even more for his unfailing generosity. “I’ve never seen a boss or manager of any kind who was as good at building consensus as Ron was,” Newman said.

“But it’s the goodness of his heart that I will miss most. For decades he gave unselfishly of himself to students of all backgrounds, and his kindness extended equally to ‘A’ students and ‘D’ students. I particularly remember being inspired by his altruism when he used his law degree to assist students with legal concerns – for little or no pay.”

Dr. Marquardt is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marguerite Marquardt, and a sister, Patricia Marquardt. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Susan Marquardt; two sons, Mark Marquardt (Hajira Majid) of Evanston, Illinois, and Rick Marquardt (Julianne) of Salt Lake City, Utah; three grandchildren: Adam, Alexandra Jane, and Katherine Hope; and a brother, Paul Donald Marquardt of Walton, Ky.

Dr. Marquardt was a member of the USM Foundation. Memorials may be made to the Ronald G. Marquardt Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, #5210, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001.

DuBard School at Southern Miss Salutes ‘Better Hearing and Speech Month’

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:02 +0000

Catherine Lott

Since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has celebrated Better Hearing and Speech Month each May to raise public awareness of speech, language and hearing disorders that affect 14 million Americans. The DuBard School for Language Disorders at The University of Southern Mississippi wants to help spread the word.

Speech and language disorders can take many forms and can limit academic achievement, social adjustment, and career advancement. An individual may be born with a speech or language disorder, or it may be caused by accidental injury or illness.

For more than 50 years, the DuBard School for Language Disorders has been bringing the gift of oral and written language to individuals with communication disorders, including the written language disorder of dyslexia.

“If you are wondering when is the right time to address possible language disorders or hearing loss, the answer is now,” said Dr. Maureen Martin, director of the DuBard School. “The sooner any issues can be addressed, the more successful a child will be in their development.”

The DuBard School offers full-time enrollment services, outclient services, evaluations and diagnostic teaching, resources and referrals, professional development and research in the field. The staff at the DuBard School is well-educated and trained to meet the needs of individuals with speech and language disorders and hearing loss, as 20 members of its staff are certified speech-language pathologists (awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), 15 of whom are also Certified Academic Language Therapists (awarded by the American Language Therapy Association).

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 145,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language and hearing scientists. The Mississippi chapter, Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA), is highly active in sharing resources with individuals throughout Mississippi. To learn more about speech-language pathologists and the impact they have on individuals with communication disorders and hearing impairments, visit the MSHA website at www.mshausa.org.

Mississippi Polymer Institute Teams with Miss. State on Rocket Project

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:33:04 +0000

Heather Leighow

The Mississippi Polymer Institute at The University of Southern Mississippi has teamed up with Mississippi State University’s Space Cowboys rocket team to produce 3D printed parts for its rocket build.

For the past year, the rocket team students have worked with MPI to engineer these rocket parts, which has allowed the team to successfully launch their rocket as planned. MPI is honored to be involved with such an exciting aerospace engineering program.

The Space Cowboys rocket team was founded in 2006 at Mississippi State University. The team participates in the University Student Launch Initiative (USLI) each year, beginning in August. The project spans an 8-month time period where students get hands on experience with rocketry and many other fields.

Students will get experience with scheduling, purchasing, performing calculations, financing, coordinating logistics, arranging press coverage, educational engagement, web site development and writing design reviews.

The Space Cowboys involve themselves in outreach activities such as helping girl scouts and boy scouts earn badges, rocketry demonstrations, and holding the Middle School Launch Challenge (MSLC) each spring. In hopes of expanding interest in rocketry in the community, the Space Cowboys recently chartered a NAR chapter.

For more information on MPI’s 3D printing capabilities, please call 601.266.4607 or visit http://www.thepolymerinstitute.com/rapid-prototyping/3D-printing.html.

Geography Students Study McComb’s Assets for Downtown Development

w301717 — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:56:48 +0000

Geography students from The University of Southern Mississippi recently joined with the Asset Development Division of the Mississippi Development Authority to study downtown McComb’s opportunities for economic development.

Working with GPS equipment and geo-coded cameras, the combined team added downtown McComb to the state’s growing “asset map,” now available online: http://assetmap.mississippi.org

The Southern Miss students gained an appreciation for the state’s wide-ranging economic development efforts, as well as the sometimes “hidden” assets of local towns such as McComb. Joy Foy, director of the Asset Mapping Division, and Brandi Hough, Project Manager, valued the fresh perspective on McComb through the eyes of college-age students.

The students and the professionals sometimes disagreed on McComb’s strongest assets. Foy and Hough both singled out the city’s railway heritage and green space along the downtown rail corridoras the asset with the most underdeveloped potential.The students saw more opportunity for the city in thearts, music and other activities.

“One of the best things about McComb, which could lead to many opportunities for the city, is its ties in history to music,” geography major Chance Byrd of Lumberton said.

Lamar Gillespie of Hattiesburg said what he loved most about McComb was its art festival that the group experienced the day of their trip. “The various crafts, jewelry and paintings on sale displayed the excellent talentsof McComb's local and surrounding artists.”

“What I like about McComb is the friendly people and unique building areas downtown,” said Southern Miss student Rochelle Russell-Odom of Anchorag, Alaska. “I would like to see more community spaces that bring all parts of McComb together, like more concerts and parks with playgrounds for children around the downtown area.”

For more information about the project, contact Dr. Mark Miller, Southern Miss professor of geography and interim chairman of the Department of Economic and Workforce Development at m.m.miller@usm.edu

NCS4 2013 Conference and Exhibition Forum to Focus on Open Access Events

w301717 — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:18:28 +0000

Security management at open access sporting events will be the focus of this year’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) Conference and Exhibition National Forum July 16-18 in Orlando, Fla. In conjunction with Stadium Managers Association, the forum will be held Tuesday, July 16 from 12-2 p.m. with a news conference to follow.

The NCS⁴is located on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus.

In response to the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, the goal of the National Forum is to develop a set of protective measures that will establish secure environments at events with open access that include, but are not limited to, marathons (and other road running races), cycling races, parades, festivals, auto road racing, and tailgating activities, without hindering the enjoyment of those who attend.

David Scott, general manager and race director for US Road Sports & Entertainment of Florida, will serve as forum facilitator. Alana Penza, program manager forNCS⁴’s Institute for the Study of Sport Incidents, will give the forum’s opening remarks. Subject matter experts (SMEs) will begin the forum by addressing the unique safety and security challenges facing event operators, law enforcement, and first responders at events with open access areas.

Scott said that a constant concern for all event directors is what can be done to produce safe and secure events, especially those in an open access venue such as marathons, golf tournaments and festivals. The Boston Marathon bombings highlight the fact that extremists will use weapons, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), to target events with open access areas where large gatherings tend to form.

“In light of the Boston Marathon tragedy, I am sure even more attention in the coming weeks will be given to the current issues and what new practices can be implemented,” Scott said. “The NCS⁴conference and the panel discussion addressing these topics should not be missed.”

The forum discussion will also feature forum SMEs and its audience exploring various protective measures that could have an impact in securing events where mass gatherings are expected in open access areas. Such measures include security, emergency response, and evacuation planning, identifying possible IED indicators, conducting searches and sweeps and training the public to be more aware of their surroundings.

“We look forward to having an engaging discussion on this important topic, with some of the top people in the field of event management helping us explore ways we can advance security for the safety of both participants and fans,” said Dr. Lou Marciani, director of NCS⁴.

Established in 2006, The National Center for Spectator Sports and Security specifically focuses on research, education, and outreach in sport event security, providing an interdisciplinary academic environment to further increase sport security awareness, improve sport security policies and procedures and enhance emergency responses through evacuation, recovery operations and crowd management training. For more information, visit the NCS⁴conference website at https://www.ncs4.com/conference/.

Southern Miss to host Professional Teaching Workshops

w301717 — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:57:07 +0000

Ashlea Maddox

The University of Southern Mississippi will host a series of professional teaching workshops this summer.

"Professional Teaching Standards for National Board Teacher Certification" will provide teachers with a working knowledge of the standards before engaging in the National Board Certification process. This workshop will be offered on the Hattiesburg campus of Southern Miss at the Baptist Student Union from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., May 29-31. The same workshop will be offered at Bell Academy, located in Boyle, Miss. July 16-18, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 pm. each day.

The registration fee for this workshop is $100.

This three-day workshop is a prerequisite to becoming a member of Southern Miss’ World Class Teaching Program, which provides candidates with 10 support sessions during the 2012-2013 school year and a National Board Certified Teacher as a group facilitator. This workshop also allows teachers to consider how their practice aligns with the National Board’s standards and is helpful to all teachers, whether or not they seek National Board Professional Teaching Standards certification.

Workshop participants should provide a valid email address and current phone number, and also download portfolio directions for his or her certificate area and the standards of his or her certificate area from the workshop’s website to bring to the workshop (www.nbpts.org).

The final workshop of the series is "World Class Teaching Program" and is ideal for teachers in their eighth or ninth year of certification who need to begin work toward renewing their certification. This session offers information about the renewal process and is the first step toward establishing support groups for renewal candidates in the Mississippi Delta area. It is scheduled for Friday, July 19 at Bell Academy in Boyle from 9 a.m. – noon.

Registration for these workshops is limited, so interested teachers should register soon by contacting Darcie Conrad at 601.266.5066.For more information about the workshops, contact either Ginger Worthington at 662.588.6942 or worthingtonginger@yahoo.com or Robin Atwood at 601.606.5534 or robin.atwood@usm.edu.

$1 Million Gift Supports Southern Miss Hattiesburg Campus Restoration

w301717 — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:28:28 +0000

Jim Coll

Inspired by the passion for The University of Southern Mississippi demonstrated by hundreds across the country as part of the University’s “Day of Giving” May 8, an anonymous donor has contributed $1 million to help restore the institution’s Hattiesburg campus.

The donor presented a check to University President Rodney Bennett and Vice President for Student Affairs Joe Paul last week. The funds will support the University’s efforts to restore landscaping along the southern edge of campus impacted by a February tornado.

The tornado not only heavily damaged a number of buildings on campus but also destroyed 75 trees, including a number of decades-old oaks that welcomed visitors near the University’s Centennial Gateway at the main entrance to campus.

“This gift and the success of the ‘Day of Giving’ demonstrate that there are many individuals who fully support Southern Miss and are behind our efforts to restore the beauty of the Hattiesburg campus,” Bennett said. “They selflessly care about the institution and are committed to helping the University achieve its goals. We thank each contributor for their support.”

In April, the USM Foundation announced the Campus Beautification Campaign in support of a $3 million landscaping plan for the “front door” of the Hattiesburg campus. An initial gift of $100,000 from the Southern Miss Alumni Association helped support the purchase of five 40-foot live oaks that were planted on campus last week. On May 8, the foundation encouraged supporters to participate in a “Day of Giving” as part of the campaign. In all, 374 gifts were given from 37 states, totaling $130,234 in a 24-hour period. To date, $1.3 million in private funds has been raised for campus restoration.

The support is a credit to the resiliency of Southern Miss supporters and the surrounding communities, Bennett said.

“The tornado damaged homes and buildings in the Pine Belt and even knocked a few of us to our knees,” Bennett said. “But the South Mississippi spirit is emerging intact. Our passion for this place has been intensified, and our resolve has been strengthened as a result of this test.”

Paul said restoring the campus landscape is important not only to alumni and friends, but prospective students.

“It is the first impression people have about the quality of the educational experience we offer,” Paul said. “A beautiful campus is a reflection of our commitment to teaching and graduating future leaders of our state and nation.”

The USM Foundation’s Campus Beautification Campaign is ongoing. Contributions can be made at www.usmfoundation.com/restore or by calling 601.266.5210.

Mother, Daughter Receive Southern Miss Diplomas at Spring Commencement

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:13:05 +0000

Van Arnold

Beth Biagini always imagined that she would watch her youngest daughter graduate from college. But the mother of four never dreamed that she would be wearing a cap and gown on the same day herself.

On Friday, May 10 Beth Biagini and her daughter, Cally Biagini, strolled across the stage at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Reed Green Coliseum to receive their diplomas during the Spring 2013 Commencement ceremony.

“I think I am definitely more excited than she is,” said Beth. “When I enrolled in the Teacher Assistant Program, I realized Cally would be graduating approximately three years later. The idea of graduating with Cally has kept me on track during some very difficult times.”

Beth received her undergraduate degree in elementary education, while Cally earned hers in marketing. Cally leaves an impressive mark at Southern Miss where she compiled a 3.9 grade point average and secured a spot in the student Hall of Fame.

“Graduation is already an exciting time, but getting to experience it with my mom makes it so much more special,” said Cally. “When she first asked me what I thought about her possibly graduating around the same time as me, I told her that I would love nothing more than for our graduations to be on the same day, at the same time.”

Beth and her husband, David Biagini, have three other children – Leona Biagini, 36, a certified emergency medical technician and emergency medical dispatcher; Kimberly Biagini, 23, an Ole Miss graduate and David Biagini, 16, an 11^th-grade student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Miss.

The couple resides in Gulfport, Miss., where Beth works as a teacher’s assistant in the Harrison County School System. Before becoming a teacher’s assistant in 2000 Beth spent 20 years working in the legal field as a New Jersey resident.

“I love working with children and I love my job. I knew this is what I wanted to continue doing,” she said. “I began thinking about returning to school to complete my college education that I had begun many years earlier. I had put it on hold to raise my family.”

Cally notes that she actually began contemplating a degree in marketing while attending Harrison Central High. One of her teachers, Southern Miss alumnae Julie Williamson, spoke highly of the University’s marketing program which made Cally’s decision an easy one.

“I chose to study marketing because it fully embraces the mathematic side of business while emphasizing the ‘people’ aspect – not just interacting with people, but also understanding them,” said Cally. “I knew that understanding people would be a necessary skill in any career, and I wanted to have a background in business.”

Beth’s road to an undergraduate degree was made more difficult by the declining health of her mother and step-father. Somehow Beth managed to care for both of them while tending to her own family’s needs, working full-time and going to school. Her mother died in January of 2012 and her step-father passed away last summer.

“I always had my books and laptop with me wherever I went,” she said. “We spent a lot of time in the hospital and the last few months in hospice care. Sadly, they won’t be here to celebrate in person with me. But I know they’ll be with me in spirit.”

Cally and Beth Biagini each accepted their diplomas as members of the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, but Cally insists there was no competition between them regarding grade point averages.

“Both of my parents have always had high expectations for me academically, which I have been very thankful for throughout college, because I learned to have those expectations for myself,” she said. “But when it comes to my mom, I never really thought to compare our grades. It’s funny to talk to her about those things though, because she’s just like me in terms of not wanting to settle for a ‘B’.”

Beth Biagini offers some pointed words for potential college students who may consider themselves too old for a classroom.

“I’d say think again. You are never too old,” said Beth. “And it can be very rewarding. I am so excited to have this opportunity and look forward to hopefully having my own class in August.”

To learn more about the Teacher Assistant Program at Southern Miss, call 228.214.3274 or visit: http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/education-psychology/teacher-assistant-program-tap

Gov. Bryant to Southern Miss Spring 2013 Graduates: “Rise Up”

w301717 — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:52:48 +0000

David Tisdale

Gov. Phil Bryant urged spring 2013 graduates of The University of Southern Mississippi to “have a sense of urgency” in seizing life’s opportunities, and not lie down in the face of adversity.

In his commencement address given at two ceremonies Friday at Reed Green Coliseum on the Hattiesburg campus, Bryant also asked them to reflect on their achievement and give thanks to family, friends and university faculty and staff for helping them secure their degrees. “Remember this day,” Bryant said. “You have accomplished a great thing.”

More than 1,800 students were candidates for degrees this semester.

In his address, Bryant recounted the state’s history, noting the challenges it has faced over time – recovery from the Civil War, the Great Depression, racial conflict and segregation and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and last February’s F-4 tornado that damaged the Pine Belt and Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus.

But instead of retreating into despair and self-pity, Bryant said Mississippians have faced down those challenges and sought opportunity for all of its citizens by expanding its economic base and pursuing the development of cutting-edge technology to compete in a global economy. "We’ve learned to overcome adversity,” Bryant said. ‘We’re accustomed to it.

"We (Mississippi) could have stayed down, but we decided to get up. Graduates, rise up and do great things.”

As an example, he noted the advancements made in the polymer science laboratories of Southern Miss that have helped attract industry worldwide to the Magnolia State.

Recently, GE Aviation celebrated the grand opening of a manufacturing facility in Ellisville. The company’s partnership with Southern Miss means polymer science research developments at the university will be used in the products produced by GE Aviation.

“You don’t to have to go to other places to find the best in technology. It is right here in Mississippi,” Bryant said, urging the graduates to stay in the state after graduation and use their talents and skills to continue that progress. “Help us make it better.”

Southern Miss President Rodney Bennett reflected on what was for him his first graduation to preside over as head of the institution. Bennett was selected as the 10^th leader of the university in February.

“It’s an exciting day for me, but also for the university as a whole as we send out our graduates, who are well-educated and prepared to positively impact communities across the nation and around the globe,” he said. “That’s a testament to the quality and dedication of our faculty and staff.”

Bryant praised Bennett, including for his leadership in helping the Hattiesburg campus recover from the Feb. 10 tornado. “I’m proud to tell people he’s president of my university,” Bryant said.

Caroline Baucum of Laurel, Miss. received her bachelor’s degree in business administration Friday and plans to pursue a career in sales. She’s glad she made the decision to attend Southern Miss.

“I had wonderful professors who had my best interests at heart, and were always there to help me and my fellow students,” she said.

Jeremy Byrd of Moss Point, Miss. received his bachelor's degree in psychology Friday. He plans to take the Graduate Review Examination and apply to graduate school to pursue a master’s in social work. “It feels great to reach this milestone, to see your hard work pay off.”

Byrd said Southern Miss was the perfect place to pursue a college degree. “It’s a great school, with a real sense of community.”

Southern Miss Business Students Take Tour of Cintas

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:52:31 +0000

A group of Southern Miss business students toured the Cintas facility in Mobile on Friday, May 3 to speak with plant managers and other officials. Pictured here are Southern Miss students, left to right: Kevin Shelby, Samantha Linzy, Cameron Bradley, Kayla Danielle Herrington, Candanise Walters and Charles King.

Enrollment Begins for Early Connections Learning Center

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:02:11 +0000

Alma Ellis

This summer your child can learn to cook, be a scientist, explore the rain forest or go camping. The Early Connections Learning Center is holding six special summer camps for children ages 3 through 7, are Mondays through Thursdays each week of June and two weeks in July. Camps are $115 each, with a 10% discount for siblings.

Summer camps scheduled are:

June 3-6 – The World of Author Eric Carle

June 10-13 – Kinds in My Kitchen

June 17-20 – Little Scientists

June 24-27 – Art Camp

July 8-11 – Rain Forest

July 15-18 – Camping

To register your child for a summer camp, call Alicia Sanders at 601-268-0621. Registration applications may be completed online at www.usm.edu/disability-studies/earlyconnections.

History Student’s Fellowship to Focus on Missing American Soldiers

w301717 — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:25:16 +0000

Ashlea Maddox

A history graduate student at The University of Southern Mississippi will soon be joining an elite team of researchers as they attempt to learn more about the fate of American soldiers from World War II missing in action in the South Pacific since the war ended in 1945.

Colin Colbourn, an advanced Ph.D. student, accepted an Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education Fellowship with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), located at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska. Colbourn will join two other historians; only three researchers in the entire country were extended these fellowships, which could last as long as five years.

The opportunity to help families find closure after decades of not knowing what became of their loved one is an honor for Colbourn.

“This fellowship comes with both an historical and emotional element,” said Colbourn.

“I hope to help in the process of identifyingpeople’s family members who have been missing for years. This is when history comes alive and truly affects people.”

Colbourn will work as a historical researcher, uncovering evidence about soldiers lost in the South Pacific during World War II, specifically searching for records that could identify soldiers missing in action and unknown soldiers. As late as 2013, the armed forces are still working to identify the bodies of some soldiers killed from 1941 to 1945 and to uncover the fate of those MIA.

The Elkhart, Indiana native first came into contact with JPAC while on a 2012 trip to Vietnam when he wrote for Leatherneck, a Marine Corps magazine. The name struck a chord with him when he later heard about the fellowship in Nebraska.

Colbourn says Southern Miss has influenced his success, and specifically credits the Department of History’s Center for the Study of War and Society.

“The center has produced many nationally and internationally known scholars, and my professors have propelled me to places I never thought I’d go. I am very excited as this fellowship marks a whole new stage of my life. It will take my career even further,” said Colbourn.

Dr. Andrew Wiest, a University Distinguished Professor of History and the director of the Center for War and Society, recently spoke of the importance of Colbourn’s fellowship, saying that the research is crucial and necessary.

“It is a huge task, and one that very much needs to be done in order to honor our fallen heroes of past wars,” said Wiest.

Colbourn will begin his fellowship at the new JPAC Identification Laboratory in Nebraska in May of this year.

Dr. Phyllis Jestice, professor and chair of the Southern Miss Department of History, is also pleased with Colbourn’s success.

“The fellowship is a spectacular start to what is a very promising career,” said Jestice. “It is a tribute to Colin's deep knowledge and understanding of the war in the Pacific and a credit to his skills as a research scholar. We're very proud of him.”

Colbourn has a string of successes behind him, including being awarded the Lemuel C. Shepherd United States Marine Corps Dissertation Fellowship, the only such fellowship awarded in the entire country for 2012.

For information about the Southern Miss Department of History, online visit www.usm.edu/history.

Miller Named Associate Dean in Southern Miss College of Arts and Letters

w301717 — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:55:20 +0000

Ashlea Maddox

Dr. Amy Chasteen Miller, associate professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, will take on the role of associate dean for academic affairs in The University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Arts and Letters beginning in July.

In working to ensure undergraduate student success, Miller will focus on professional development, academic engagement, and intellectual growth. She will also work to develop leadership-building initiatives.

“Amy brings her celebrated energy and enthusiasm to this role, as well as her expertise in undergraduate student success,” said Dr. Steve Moser, dean of the college. “We very much look forward to welcoming her to this new leadership role in the college after several years as a successful chair for her department.”

Miller earned her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Alabama, master of arts from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan. She also earned a graduate certificate in women’s studies from the University of Michigan.

Miller began her career at Southern Miss in 1997 and has served on the Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program advisory board and on Faculty Senate. She also served as director of Honors College Forum and was the founding associate director of the Center for Black Studies.

“I am thrilled to be joining the dean's office and look forward to working with everyone, particularly as we move forward with the new strategic planning process in Arts and Letters as well as a new President for the University. It's an exciting time to be doing this work, and I am honored by the opportunity,” said Miller.

For information about the College of Arts and Letters, visit www.usm.edu/arts-letters.

USM Foundation Announces Successful Campus Beautification Day of Giving

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:56:39 +0000

Amy Martin

In just 24 hours, The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation successfully raised $130,234.46 to support the restoration of the front lawn of the University’s Hattiesburg campus that was heavily damaged by the tornado on February 10.

During the Southern Miss Campus Beautification Day of Giving on May 8, the USM Foundation utilized the University’s social media platforms to encourage alumni, family and friends to make a gift to the Southern Miss Campus Beautification Campaign. The total amount raised represents 374 gifts from donors in 37 US states and the country of Barbados.

“We are so grateful for the widespread support we received on the Day of Giving to help restore the beauty of our campus,” said Megan Burkes, manager of annual giving and special projects for the USM Foundation. “It shows the strength of our University family and is truly something to be proud of.”

The Foundation will continue to raise money for the Southern Miss Campus Beautification Campaign to assist in funding the $3 million landscape restoration plan. For more information on the campaign or to make a gift, visit www.usmfoundation.com/restore.

Southern Miss Plants Five Mature Oak Trees on Hattiesburg Campus

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:42:48 +0000

Van Arnold

Three months after an F-4 tornado tore through the front part of campus The University of Southern Mississippi has taken a huge step in restoring the damaged landscape.

On Tuesday, May 7 five mature oak trees were planted to kickoff the first phase of a Campus Beautification Plan. The live oaks, measuring 40-feet high by 40-feet wide, were supplied by Florida-based grower, The Magnolia Company. These trees are root-pruned and grown specifically for transplantation. Each one is between 25-30 years old.

The tornado that struck the Hattiesburg area on Feb. 10 destroyed approximately 75 trees on the Southern Miss campus. Among the trees destroyed were four legacy oaks estimated to be at least 90 years old.

“After we realized how much damage had been done to the landscape, we immediately began formulating a plan to restore the beauty that everybody associated with this campus,” said Loren Erickson, superintendent of landscape at Southern Miss. “Replacing the giant oaks that were lost with these new trees is a great start to what we believe will be an even better ‘front porch’ for students, faculty, staff and visitors.”

Last month the University launched a $3 million Campus Beautification Plan aimed at restoring the campus’ “front porch.” Thus far the campaign has raised $170,000 which includes a $100,000 contribution from the Southern Miss Alumni Association.

Additionally, today (May 8) has been set aside as a "Day of Giving" for those who wish to make contributions toward restoration of the campus landscape.

To learn more about the campaign or make a donation visit: www.usmfoundation.com/restore