Articles

Gulf Coast Library Presents “Mississippi Potpourri, the Art of Susan Hopkins West”

w301717 — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 15:46:26 +0000

Dawn Smith

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Gulf Coast Library on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach is presenting “Mississippi Potpourri, the Art of Susan Hopkins West,” an exhibit on display on the third floor of the USM Gulf Coast Library through August, which can be viewed during regular library hours.

Painting with oils, water colors, acrylics, pen and ink, and mixed mediums, West captures the beauty of landscape, crabs, shells, and flowers. The evolution of her style can be seen in the exhibit’s more than 40 works of art.

She studied painting under Vernon Reinike, Sammy Britt, and Nancy Rupp, and when in Glasgow, studied with well-known Scottish artist, Craigie Aitchison. A change from realism, West began experimenting with impressionism. Her later paintings reflect surrealism and the use of mixed media, which include house paint and chalk.

Although West is from Gulfport, Miss., her father was a pilot in the military, and her family spent time in Japan, Germany, South Carolina, Colorado and Florida. After graduating from Gulfport High School, she spent two years at the University of Mississippi, where she met and married her husband.

After moving to New Orleans, she completed her degree in German with minors in speech and music at Tulane University, where she also earned a master’s degree in early childhood education.

West taught in elementary school for two and a half years, and she credits this experience with changing her life. Teaching children is where she rediscovered her creativity. West says, “One can learn how to paint from children.”

“Mississippi Potpourri” is her first exhibit in six years. While some pieces in the exhibit are on loan from private collections, many will be available for purchase.

For more information about this exhibit, contact Betty Shaw at 228.214.3456 or betty.shaw@usm.edu.

Southern Miss Alumni Association Announces Dates for Annual Kickoff Parties

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 13:34:01 +0000

Nicole Ruhnke

The Southern Miss Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Department of Athletics and Alumni HUBs, has announced the dates for its annual kickoff parties in Jackson, Biloxi and Hattiesburg.

All Southern Miss fans are invited to attend these events to officially kickoff the 2019 Golden Eagle football season. Fans can expect to meet athletes, hear from coaches, take photos with Seymour and much more.

36^th Annual Jackson All-Star Party

Thursday, July 25 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson, Miss.

Admission: $10 per person or $25 per family (limited to parents and children only). Ticket price includes dinner. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets: Visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/AllStarParty2019 or purchase tickets at the door. Proceeds from this event benefit the Jackson Alumni HUB Scholarship.

21^st Annual Gulf Coast Beach Bash

Friday, July 26 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Miss.

Admission: $15 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free. Ticket price includes dinner. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets: Visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/BeachBash2019 or purchase tickets at the door. Proceeds from this event benefit the Gulf Coast Alumni HUB Scholarship.

24^th Annual Eagle Fanfare

Saturday, August 10 from 2 – 4 p.m.

Thad Cochran Center on the USM campus in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Admission: $5 per person or $20 per family (limited to parents and children only).

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets: Visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/Fanfare2019 or purchase tickets at the door.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Pine Belt Alumni HUB Scholarship.

“While our Golden Eagle football team prepares for the 2019 season, alumni and fans can make their own preparations during these annual summer alumni events,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “These events are the highlight of the summer for all Southern Miss fans and provide a one-stop-shop for securing season football tickets, purchasing new Southern Miss apparel and meeting coaches and key players. During this year’s events, we look forward to providing additional activities for kids and additional benefits for active members of the Alumni Association, while providing fans an opportunity to support student scholarships.”

For details on all Southern Miss Alumni Association events, visit SouthernMissAlumni.com.

About the Alumni Association

The mission of The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association is to build a feeling of pride and loyalty among the alumni of the institution while strengthening participation in alumni and University programs; to coordinate the efforts of alumni on behalf of the University as a whole; and to provide a unified voice for all alumni in the affairs of the University.

Curious George Returns Home to USM’s de Grummond Collection

w301717 — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 14:44:21 +0000

Dawn Smith

On June 10, the Curious George Collection arrived back in Hattiesburg to its home at The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection after a two-year journey in Japan. On June 11, the process of opening the crates and examining the collection began.

In August of 2017, the collection, which includes original illustrations and manuscripts by creators H.A and Margret Rey, debuted at the first exhibit site in Tokyo. Over the two-year period, the exhibit traveled to six different cities, covering every geographic area in Japan and welcomed more than 149,000 visitors.

NHK, Japan’s public television entity, airs the “Curious George” program throughout the country, and they came to the Collection in 2016 with the request to launch a traveling exhibition featuring Curious George. After initial conversations, NHK began traveling to Hattiesburg to research the project.

The final visit took place in May of 2017, and included representatives from the shipping company in Atlanta, who would be responsible for transporting the materials to and from Japan. Each and every item was carefully measured and weighed and shipped in the custom-made cases.

The Reys created Curious George while living in France in early 1940. When the German army approached Paris in June 1940, the Reys fled on bicycles to Orleans, where they boarded a train for the Spanish border. They moved on to New York City via Spain, Portugal, and Brazil between June and October. Settled in New York City, the Reys sealed a contract with Houghton Mifflin of Boston for four children's books in February 1941. They published Curious George later that year, although it would not become popular for another decade.

University Libraries’ de Grummond Collection holds the literary estate of H.A. and Margret Rey, curators of Curious George. Dr. Lena de Grummond, a former professor of library science at USM, accomplished her goal of collecting original materials from authors and illustrators of children’s books to use as resources for students by sending handwritten letters to authors and illustrators, including H.A. and Margret Rey. Through her correspondence, she was able to develop relationships on a personal level. Correspondence often included hand-drawn images, which made the letters even more personal. The image associated with Go George Go! was hand-drawn on a letter from H.A and Margret Rey to Dr. de Grummond.

The de Grummond Children’s Literature at USM is one of North America’s leading research centers in the field of children’s literature. The Collection holds the original manuscripts and illustrations of more than 1,300 authors and illustrators, as well as 180,000-plus mostly American and British published books dating back to 1530. For information about the de Grummond Collection, contact Ellen Ruffin, associate professor and curator for the Collection, at ellen.ruffin@usm.edu.

National Sports Safety and Security Conference Returns to New Orleans for 10th Anniversary

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 15:36:01 +0000

Van Arnold

Safety and security remain paramount concerns for officials who manage sports venues across the globe. And no organization is better equipped to provide security training and education than the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

For the past 10 years, NCS4 has brought together the sharpest minds in sports safety and security to share ideas as part of the National Sports Safety and Security Conference. This year the conference returns to New Orleans, site of the inaugural event. With the theme, “Learning from the Past,” the conference will be held July 9-11 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel.

This year’s conference marks a significant milestone for NCS4, which was founded in 2006 to work with the Department of Homeland Security to better prepare and educate security professionals around the world.

“When the National Football League suggested the establishment of the national conference, I knew in 2009 that it would be successful,” said NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani. “There is a need to have a conference to gather attendees across professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, and marathon organizations, which represent law enforcement, emergency managers, event managers, operations personnel, and security directors to network, learn from experts, and share ideas.”

Marciani points out that the conference has grown in a managed way since its inception, approaching an anticipated 600 attendees this summer. More than 60 exhibitors will also be on display.

“The format has stayed the same, but the content has always been cutting edge. The industry knows that this is a quality conference,” said Marciani. “We strive to attract government and professional experts to speak. This year we are adding a Technology Pavilion, which will highlight the evolution of technology in the industry.”

Dane Dodd, Senior Vice President/U.S. Security Operations for Command Security Corporation, has enjoyed a partnership with NCS4 since the center was formed. He has participated in several previous conference and plans to attend the upcoming event in New Orleans. He notes that the center’s presence and ongoing commitment to global security yields tangible benefits.

“To me, the benefit of NCS4 is that it provides access to industry colleagues in an environment where we can collaborate about emerging threats and risk mitigation efforts,” said Dodd.

This year’s conference will feature keynote addresses by William Bratton, Executive Chairman for Teneo Risk, and Caitlin Durkovich, Director of Toffler Associates. Other highlights include:

Roundtables – Topics included will range from Social Media Monitoring, Training and Professional Development Opportunities, Stop the Bleed, and more.
CASE STUDY BREAKOUTS – After looking at past incidents, the breakouts will look at gaps and solutions that were implemented.
EXHIBIT HALL AND TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE – Vendors will have booths for participants to visit and learn more about growing technology solutions.
NATIONAL FORUM – A group of panelists from college, professional, and private security professions will discuss understanding the past and preparing for the future.
AWARDS LUNCHEON – Industry leaders will be recognized for their hard work and achievement within the sports security profession.

Johnson Controls serves as the conference’s title sponsor. Through the design, integration and installation of technology, Johnson Control helps venues create environments that are safe, comfortable, connected and sustainable, achieving enhanced fan experience, improved operational efficiency, and new ways to increase the financial bottom line.

As he reflects on the previous 10 years, Marciani cites “credibility” as the center’s most defining characteristic.

“We are very respected throughout the world. In the United States, our core work is training,” he said. “Since 2008, we have been the key training providers for sport security and have training more than 15,000 individuals domestically. On the global perspective, we have trained more than 80 countries through our partnership with INTERPOL that will standardize sport security in the world.”

One full decade after a mere suggestion turned into a massive annual gathering, the National Sports Safety and Security Conference promises three days of training, networking, and strategizing in its return to “The Big Easy.”

“I am very excited about the upcoming 10^th anniversary of the conference,” said Marciani. “To us, it confirms that the conference is needed in the country and that it is also sustainable. Our first conference took place in New Orleans, so we thought it would be appropriate to return again for the special occasion.”

To learn more about NCS4 and the national conference, visit: https://www.ncs4.com/home

USM Only Mississippi 4-Year University to Make Military Spouse® Friendly Schools List

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 20:27:38 +0000

Van Arnold

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has been recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly® school by the online veterans resource guide Military Friendly® in its 2019-2020 national survey. USM is Mississippi’s only four-year college or university to earn the prestigious honor.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond (U.S. Army, ret.) serves as the director of USM’s Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families. He notes that the special recognition serves to validate the commitment USM makes to student-veterans.

“At our two USM campus locations (Hattiesburg and Long Beach), we work long and hard to meet the academic interests and needs of a special group of people…our military spouses,” he said. “It should be no surprise to anyone that we made this prestigious list simply because at USM we make it a priority to accommodate all military families.”

Since 2009, the Military Spouse Friendly® Schools list has been a reliable resource for Military Spouses and has set a standard for higher education institutions to provide the best post-secondary education experiences for spouses of service members.

“The Military Spouse Friendly® Schools designation helps military spouses select schools that will support them in their education journey by meeting their unique needs as a part of a military family,” said Brian Hucik, National Program Manager, Military Friendly. “Schools that are selected for the list are at the forefront of supporting the goals of military spouses.”

The prestigious list is created using data sources from federal agencies and proprietary survey information from participating organizations to create a comprehensive guide for military spouses looking to further their education. This year, 196 schools earned the unique designation.

The 2019-2020 Military Spouse Friendly® Schools list will be published in the September issue of Military Spouse magazine. The list can also be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

To learn more about USM’s Veterans Center, call 601.266.4629 in Hattiesburg; 228.214.3244 in Long Beach, or visit: https://www.usm.edu/military-veterans

Southern Miss’ Lindsay Wright Receives Online Learning Award

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 18:11:08 +0000

Tara Burcham

Dr. Lindsay Wright, assistant professor in the School of Child and Family Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi has been named winner of the 2018-2019 Excellence in Online Teaching award.

The award recognizes excellence in quality and commitment in online education at Southern Miss.

Wright is program coordinator for both the Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies and Master of Science in Child and Family Studies. She has been at Southern Miss since 2013.

Wright’s specialty areas include infant development, breastfeeding, parent education, child development, child care, and children with special needs.

Dr. Tom Hutchinson, director of the Office of Online Learning at Southern Miss, says Wright is a dedicated professor. “Dr. Wright is not only passionate about passing on her vast knowledge to her students, but she also mentors new and adjunct instructors to ensure our students are receiving the best in online education.”

Wright has been a key member of the university’s faculty seeking to further enhance online education at Southern Miss by actively participating in the Quality Matters (QM) program. QM is a quality assurance organization focused on faculty professional development that provides a network of professional instructors to help improve and nurture all aspects of online courses.

Hutchinson says Wright has made the time to explain the benefits of the QM program to new faculty, as well as serving as a mentor in the program. “Dr. Wright is dually certified by QM and has volunteered to share her story at new faculty orientation on the benefits and value of QM.”

According to Hutchinson, “The Excellence in Online Teaching Award recognizes Dr. Wright not only for her investment in her students, but also her commitment to The University of Southern Mississippi.”

For more information about online programs at Southern Miss, visit https://online.usm.edu/.

USM to Take Scientific Lead in Investigating Effects of Bonnet Carré Spillway Re-opening

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 18:56:27 +0000

Jim Coll

A team of University of Southern Mississippi (USM) researchers is working to advance the state of Mississippi’s scientific understanding and the public’s comprehension of the effects of the re-opening of Bonnet Carré Spillway on the Mississippi Sound.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the spillway located in St. Charles Parish, La., for the second time in 2019 on May 10 in order to reduce the risk of flooding in southeast Louisiana due to dangerous levels of sustained rainfall in the area. The spillway regulates the flow of water from the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. The flow of freshwater into the Mississippi Sound, which runs east to west along the Gulf Coast, has the potential to significantly impact water quality and marine life, as well as tourism and the Coast’s economy.

“The state of Mississippi has a strong and reliable partner in The University of Southern Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “The work of their research team will be critical in ensuring that our communities and federal government are informed of the adverse effects of the Bonnet Carré Spillway opening. I appreciate the continued collaboration between academia and government as we work to meet the needs of the people of Mississippi.”

USM researchers from its School of Ocean Science and Engineering, located at the Marine Research Center in Gulfport, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, and the John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, have begun a thorough examination of the spillway’s effects on the Mississippi Sound and will continue their work for as long as the effects are measurable and impactful.

“This work is a priority for The University of Southern Mississippi in the immediate future as USM researchers all along the Gulf Coast continue to pursue advanced understanding of this critical body of water,” said University President Rodney D. Bennett. “I am proud that USM is best positioned to lead this important work, and our efforts will reflect our significant commitment to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as our responsibility to the state as a leader in public higher education and research.”

USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, among many other fields. USM is coordinating research efforts with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the state’s marine resource management and regulatory agency.

“The University of Southern Mississippi houses a diverse array of scientific expertise suited to explore and understand these types of events with significant coastal impacts,” said Dr. Monty Graham, Director of USM’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering. “Specifically, we’ll be using various technologies and projects to gather data on biological resources such as oysters and crabs, monitor water quality components, use remote sensing and circulation modeling, and survey the impacts to seagrass, artificial reefs and channels.”

The University’s findings will be made publicly available and will be consistently communicated to state leaders and the general public.

“South Mississippi’s greatest resource is our Gulf, and we owe it to the people and ecosystem whose lives are directly impacted by the opening of the spillway to be transparent in our findings. Routine public updates will be provided as our analyses continues to evolve,” said Dr. Read Hendon, Associate Director for the School of Ocean Science and Engineering’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. “Our scientists have dedicated their lives to better understanding our local waters to help protect both the marine life and those who utilize the Gulf.”

“Our commitment to the Mississippi Gulf Coast is to help explain, and, when possible, provide solutions to the effects of the spillway’s re-opening,” Bennett said. “I am confident the depth and breadth of our faculty’s expertise will allow us to advance this critical research swiftly and provide an accurate assessment grounded in sound scientific research.”

Girls State 2019 Delegates Elect Executive Officers, Girls Nation Senators

w301717 — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:51:19 +0000

Delegates to the 2019 American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, held June 2-7 on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus, recently elected executive officers for the state of “Magnolia,” include Nadia McKenzie of Ellisville, governor; Jordan Smith of Hattiesburg, lieutenant governor; Sylver Garcia of Wiggins, attorney general; Sara Burden White of West, secretary of state; Haley Dean of Saltillo, state treasurer; Abigail Buress of Smithdale, state auditor; Jennah Williams of Carriere, commissioner of insurance; and Anna Carter of Pelahatchie, commissioner of agriculture.

Delegates also selected Elizabeth Jane Downing of Jackson and Breanna Masterson of Petal as Girls Nation Senators.

Approximately 300 rising female high school seniors from across Mississippi participated in the weeklong program of civic education, which teaches the mechanics of representative government with hands-on activities. The delegates also heard from, and interacted with, local and statewide elected officials who gave their take on careers in public service and the importance of participatory citizenship.

For more information about American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, visit www.missala.com (USM photos by Kelly Dunn).

Haley Selected for USM’s Moorman Professorship in the Humanities

w301717 — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 14:12:59 +0000

David Tisdale

Dr. Andrew Haley’s ongoing investigation into the context of Mississippi’s treasured community cookbooks - the social forces shaping the lives of their contributor’s food ways, recipes and world beyond the kitchen – has produced much food for thought in the consideration of an important element of the Magnolia State’s cultural legacy.

Dr. Haley’s research will now be nourished by his selection as The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Charles W. Moorman Distinguished Alumni Professor of the Humanities for 2019-21.

The Moorman Professorship is made possible by the USM Foundation, through a matching grant from the Phil Hardin Foundation and honors Charles W. Moorman, a longtime Southern Miss professor of English and Vice President for Academic Affairs in the 1970s. The professorship is awarded biennially for a two-year term to a senior professor in English, history, foreign languages or philosophy.

As part of the award, recipients receive financial support for research in their field of study, and must present a public lecture by the end of their term as the Moorman Professor.

“I am elated to be named the Moorman Distinguished Professor, but also humbled, given the remarkable scholars here at USM who have previously held the title,” Dr. Haley said. “I’m going to have to hustle over the next two years to prove I am worthy.”

A member of the USM History faculty in 2005, Dr. Haley holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. His areas of expertise include class and culture in the United States from the Gilded Age through the 1950s; popular culture; gender; food; and nationalism. He also serves as director of the USM Honors College’s popular University Forum.

His work focuses on examining community cookbooks, daily dining and social class in Mississippi, borne from his ongoing research into Mississippi’s unique culinary heritage and work with the Mississippi Community Cookbook Project.

Dr. Haley describes himself as “a historian who studies what people ate and what it says about them.” During his tenure as the Moorman Professor, he will complete work on a project exploring Mississippi towns through the community cookbooks that civic groups and churches published.

"Dr. Haley is not only a recognized scholar in his field, but he actively engages the public in his research work,” said Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the USM College of Arts and Sciences. “His investigations of how food and community cookbooks help to shape local culture have been recognized nationally but are also highly relevant here in Mississippi."

Five years ago, Dr. Haley and Jennifer Brannock, University Libraries’ Curator of Rare Books and Mississippiana, began collecting Mississippi cookbooks with the goal of preserving the state’s culinary and local histories. The collection now includes more than 1,000 cookbooks.

Hidden in these cookbooks, Dr. Haley says, are stories about the resilience of our state and region, as well as the unexpected influence that our national culture has had on Mississippi and Mississippi on the nation. These stories, Dr. Haley says “are often neglected, because both the women who wrote these cookbooks and the small towns they lived in are rarely the subject of historical study.”

“The Moorman professorship will also provide me with an opportunity to continue to publicize and grow the culinary collection in Special Collections at Southern Miss’s University Libraries that Jennifer Brannock and I—with the help of countless Mississippians—have created.”

He will also visit remote parts of the state to share stories about Mississippi’s culinary traditions, and to encourage people to donate their unused cookbooks to Southern Miss.

“Partnering with Andrew on the community cookbook project illustrates the potential of cross disciplinary collaboration at Southern Miss, and, together, we have created a significant collection of cookbooks that documents the food and local histories of Mississippi," said Brannock, curator for the collection.

To learn more about Dr. Haley and History at USM, visit https://www.usm.edu/history/faculty/andrew-p-haley-0. For information about the USM College of Arts and Sciences, visit https://www.usm.edu/arts-sciences. For information about Special Collections, visit http://www.lib.usm.edu/spcol/.

USM’s Accelerator Continues to Provide State-of-the-Art Environment for Companies of All Sizes

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:18:51 +0000

Van Arnold

Aptly named The Accelerator, The University of Southern Mississippi’s business innovation center provides a supportive boost that many companies need to cultivate significant growth and development. After nearly a decade in operation, the facility shows no signs of braking.

Home to a bevy of technology-based tenants designing and testing a wide array of advanced materials/products, The Accelerator’s underlying mission is quite basic says Robbie Ingram, Director of USM’s Innovation & Commercialization Park and Accelerator.

“The Accelerator is designed to cultivate ideas from mind to market,” he said. “Our mission is to drive economic development through technology innovation and commercialization. We serve businesses as an innovation center for accelerated technologies development, scale-up, market validation, manufacturing and commercialization – all under the same roof.”

Co-located with the Mississippi Polymer Institute in USM’s Innovation and Commercialization Park, The Accelerator opened in 2010 with a handful of clients. Nearly a decade later, the facility is currently home to 14 companies with two others in the application and approval process. Ingram notes that 30 different businesses have utilized space at The Accelerator since its doors opened.

The Accelerator’s innovative approach involves a unique combination of a full-service 66,000-square-foot facility, including private offices and laboratories; testing, validation, and pilot production capabilities; along with world-class expertise in complete product development and commercialization. Clients have access to state-of-the-art equipment and amenities without tremendous overhead.

Some of the vast services and amenities that can be coordinated through The Accelerator include:

Formulation and testing
Business plan assistance
Marketing assistance
Product development
Laser scanning
3D printing
Rapid prototyping
Non-contact metrology
Pilot manufacturing
Workforce development and training
Advanced materials manufacturing training
ASTM Standardized testing

Once routinely marketed as a “business incubator,” Ingram says The Accelerator has outgrown that label and remains one of Mississippi’s most misunderstood assets.

“Our clientele spans all phases of business development,” he said. “We work with early-stage companies and encourage technology-based start-ups, but we also have clients that are publicly-traded companies on the New York Stock Exchange. Growing innovative, technology-oriented enterprises is our mission, no matter the size of the company.”

For the past two-and-half years, international firm Oxiteno has used space at The Accelerator to streamline research and development objectives in the United States. Oxiteno is a leader in the production of surfactants and specialty chemicals. The company develops innovative and sustainable solutions that serve the agrochemical, personal care, domestic and institutional cleaning, oil and gas, and coating markets.

Oxiteno has a presence in nine countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with 12 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela. Research and development centers, along with commercial offices, are located in Argentina, Belgium, China and Colombia.

Dr. Kip Sharp, a graduate of USM’s polymer program, serves as the senior R&D Manager at Oxiteno’s research facility in The Accelerator. He emphasizes that the partnership has yielded tangible and intangible benefits.

“First, the site has allowed us to rapidly build out our R&D support to the U.S. without the hassle of building a new facility. Second, the location gave access to talented employees from the area. And third, the access to the Mississippi Polymer Institute and the University assets has benefited the company globally by increasing our customer response time and reducing our technical development time,” said Sharp.

Dr. Gordon Cannon, Vice President for Research at USM, stresses that The Accelerator provides an important piece of the puzzle as the University endeavors to move new ideas, processes and materials from laboratories into commercial development and, ultimately, markets.

“In addition, the Accelerator provides space and expertise for fledgling companies spun out of the University while they develop their ideas and products to a point where the company can become independent,” he said.

Beyond the obvious outlets for innovation made available by The Accelerator, Ingram says that another significant byproduct involves job creation. From the beginning, the facility has attracted technology and knowledge-intensive businesses that hire from the local and regional communities.

“Ultimately, these businesses will outgrow The Accelerator and open larger facilities in the area, thereby creating more jobs,” he said. “The long-term goal is to be a technology-based economic development engine that serves as the catalyst for the exponential creation of high-tech, high-wage jobs for our graduates and for local and regional residents.”

Ingram was hired to manage The Accelerator just a few months after the facility became operational. He has enjoyed an up-close view of The Accelerator’s impressive maturation. Every day he gets to work alongside some of the brighter minds in business and academic research. That, in turn, makes it easy for him to leave home every morning with a smile on his face.

“I get to work with an amazing group of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, all focused on creating innovations that make our world better in some form or fashion,” he said. “All of the groups and companies I get to work with have great culture, and that makes the collective culture of The Accelerator a fantastic environment.”

To learn more about The Accelerator, call 601.266.5585 or visit: https://www.usm.edu/research/garden

School of Psychology Faculty Member Earns Prestigious APA Award

w301717 — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 19:10:34 +0000

David Tisdale

Dr. Evan Dart, an associate professor in The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Psychology, was recently named recipient of the American Psychology Association’s (APA) prestigious Lightner Witmer Award for significant early career contributions to the field of School Psychology.

The Lightner Witmer Award is named for the American psychologist credited as founder of the field of clinical psychology. Recipients of the award are invited to submit a manuscript for the annual awards issue of The School Psychologist, and give a presentation the following year at the meeting of the APA.

Dr. Dart, who serves as director of training for the School of Psychology’s School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis Programs, joined the USM faculty in 2013. He was an early career scholar participant in the School Psychology Research and Collaboration Conference (SPRCC) in 2015, and is recipient of an Aubrey and Ella Ginn Lucas Endowment for Faculty Excellence Award and a federal research grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) in 2016.

“It’s fantastic to have colleagues recognize the work I’ve done as important to the field of school psychology. It also speaks to the strength of my colleagues and graduate students in the school psychology program and School of Psychology at USM, who were instrumental in my development as an early career scholar,” Dr. Dart said.

Dr. Dart’s research interests fall in the scope of school-based behavioral interventions implemented within a multi-tiered system of support. “I have specific interest in peer management interventions, class-wide behavioral assessment, implementation science, and visual analysis of single-case data,” he said. “I conduct investigations of these topics through the lens of behavior analysis, emphasizing feasibility.”

Dart also has active research projects in linear graph construction for the display of single-case data, evaluating class-wide interventions for classrooms serving students with emotional and behavior disorders, and the use of roleplaying-game elements to teach social skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

For information about the USM School of Psychology, visit https://www.usm.edu/psychology.

Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families Announces Honor Corps Academic Achievement Results

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 16:21:19 +0000

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families recently recognized 919 of its student members as having earned Honor Corps status for the 2019-20 academic year, an increase of 299 from the previous year.

The USM Honor Corps was established by the Center more than a year ago to recognize undergraduate and graduate students serving in the military who, while enrolled at USM, demonstrate exceptional academic accomplishments in conjunction with military service values related to cumulative grade point averages (GPAs), including in the following categories:

“Personal Courage” (3.00 to 3.24 GPA)

“Selfless Service” (3.25 to 3.49 GPA)

“Integrity” (3.50 to 3.74 GPA)

“Commitment” (3.75 to 3.99 GPA)

“Follow Me” (4.0 GPA)

A total of 101 USM students serving in the military earned and/or maintained a perfect cumulative 4.0 GPA to earn “Follow Me” status, an increase of 50 students from the previous year; 209 students achieved “Commitment” status, an increase of 64 students from the previous year; 221 earned “Integrity” status, increasing by 79 from the previous year; and 193 achieved the “Selfless Service” level, an increase of 67 students from the previous year. The “Personal Courage” level was earned by 195 students in reaching/maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or better, reflecting an increase of 39 from the previous year.

For information about the USM Veterans Center, call 601.264.4629, or visit www.usm.edu/military-veterans.

USM Honors Outgoing Police Chief Hopkins

w301717 — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:59:02 +0000

David Tisdale

A veteran Pine Belt lawman who oversaw the advancement of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Police Department concludes a stellar career in law enforcement June 28, when he trades his badge in for what family, friends and colleagues agree is a well-deserved retirement.

Bob Hopkins, who previously served with the Hattiesburg Police Department, was promoted from lieutenant investigator to chief of the USM University Police Department (UPD) in 2001, and leaves as the longest-serving head of the department. During his tenure, the department was recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2005, and fully accredited in 2009.

“It’s been a pleasure, a real joy and a blessing, for me to lead the men and women who serve this department and the university,” Hopkins said. “I’m grateful to have had this opportunity, and I know UPD will continue to thrive and serve the needs of our community in a professional manner for many years to come.”

Hopkins earned praise for his leadership during his 20-plus year service to the department, particularly during crises that included Hurricane Katrina, for which he was named one of USM’s “Heroes of Katrina,” and in the aftermath of an EF4 tornado that struck the Hattiesburg campus in February 2013.

“The care you’ve shown for our university, and how you’ve trained your employees to provide that same care and service, truly exemplifies what it means to be a Golden Eagle,” said USM Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dee Dee Anderson at a retirement reception for Hopkins May 30 on the Hattiesburg campus.

UPD Assistant Chief Rusty Keyes, who will take over as chief of the department following Hopkins’ retirement, said his friend and mentor “is leaving UPD as one of the best law enforcement agencies in the country.”

“I appreciate his guidance and mentorship over the last few months in preparing me for my new position,” Keyes said. “I also thank him for having the trust in me to continue taking UPD to the top. He is leaving a true legacy at the department and Southern Miss, and will be missed.”

USM Director of Student Counseling Services Deena Crawford described Hopkins as “a Southern Miss ambassador - always helpful and friendly, dedicated to the university - both the institution and the people.”

“As a colleague, I’ve laughed with him often and, thank God, less often, I’ve been reassured by his calm presence during tense situations,” Crawford said. “I’ll miss him dearly, but am grateful we are in the very capable hands of Chief Keyes.”

Project Search Program at USM Sees 11 Interns Meet Graduation Requirements

Fri, 31 May 2019 19:41:10 +0000

Jerry Alliston

The words of English author A.A. Milne, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” were once again featured as the inspirational message for the fourth annual Project SEARCH Southern Miss graduation.

Eleven interns met all criteria of the Project SEARCH employment program with 10 interns participating in the actual graduation ceremony at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) on Tuesday, May 22.

Project SEARCH is a 10-month training program administered by USM’s Institute of Disability Studies (IDS) that consists of daily employment preparatory skills training, community development, mentoring services and work internships. The interns participated in daily employment training and then completed three work internships with the outcome goal of young adults with intellectual, cognitive and other developmental disabilities obtaining competitive, community-based employment.

“These interns have been very dedicated over the last year and have worked on improving their employment skills,” said Dr. Jerry R. Alliston, associate director at IDS. “Several interns have already acquired community-based employment positions prior to graduation which demonstrates the impact of this program.”

Project SEARCH is a collaborative effort among three strong Hattiesburg community partners. USM serves as the host business and provides training space and internships. The Hattiesburg Public School District provides a full-time teacher and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services supplies two job coaches. In addition, all interns are recommended to apply for Mississippi Division of Medicaid Waiver Services for long-term support.

Originally developed at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 1996, Project SEARCH offered employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in a medical setting. IDS received a grant through the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities (MSCDD) in 2014 to plan and implement Mississippi’s first program, making Project SEARCH Southern Miss a reality.

For more information about the Institute for Disability Studies, call 601.266.5163 or visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies.

Partners for the Arts Announces Gala in Celebration of USM Symphony’s Centennial

Thu, 30 May 2019 14:43:10 +0000

Mike Lopinto

The creative team that brought you the “Atlantis” and “Shangri-La” galas will present a Partners for the Arts Gala in celebration of the renowned University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s 100th Anniversary.

Set amid the enchanting wonders of Morocco, the event promises an affair as memorable as the one between the characters in the legendary film. The most exciting fundraising event of the year in South Mississippi, the Gala “Casablanca,” will take place on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Hattiesburg-Bobby L. Chain Municipal Airport.

Partners issues a passport to mesmerizing art when underwriting art projects and student initiatives at USM — taking patrons to places they can only imagine.

“We are grateful to Partners for the Arts for hosting a Gala to kick off the USM Symphony Orchestra’s year-long Centennial Celebration,” said Dr. Michael Miles, interim director of orchestral activities.

“Our Symphony Orchestra is a fixture in the arts community of the Gulf South region, and we hope all of those we have touched through our history of providing excellence in orchestral performances through the years will join us in this historic celebration,” Miles added.

“As the chair of the Gala, I have been overwhelmed by the excitement from our announcement revealing our “Casablanca” theme. This elegant evening will showcase our Symphony Orchestra in its 100th Anniversary. Art is too important not to share — you won't want to miss an evening you will surely remember as one of your favorite memories in Hattiesburg.” said Leigh Ann Underwood.

“With your support, the proceeds benefit our students at Southern Miss and help us attract and retain top-notch talent to our city," Underwood added.

Gala Committees include:

Event Chair: Leigh Ann Underwood;
Events Hosts: Dr. Chris Winstead, Dr. Jay Dean, Dr. Michael Miles, Ron Hancock;
Event Designer: Dr. Mike Lopinto;
Event Decor: Nancy Leader, Dr. Mike Lopinto, John David Williams;
Food/Wine: Anita Murphy, Traci Rouse, Wes Rouse, and Sally Sullivan;
Sponsorships: Stacy Ahua, Cory Ferraez, Lisa Conn, Linda Boutwell Griffith, Amy Hinton, Dick Jordan, Millie Swan;
Patron Services: Jerry DeFatta, Lynn McMullan, Becky Montague;
Publicity: Jim Coll, David Gustafson, and Randy Swan.

Current member of Partners for the Arts, 2019-20 membership year, will get advance access to pre-sale tickets for the “Casablanca” Gala on June 1 thru June 22, before sales open to the public on June 23. The proceeds raised will bring vital funds and support to the arts programs at Southern Miss.

Join or renew your Partners for the Arts membership now to secure access to the pre-sale tickets. A sellout is expected for this very special centennial celebration, packed with some of the most dazzling experiences we’ve ever presented.

You may join or renew Partners for the Arts online by visiting usm.edu/partners-arts. If you have any questions, please call 601.266.5922. Gala Tickets will go on sale at $100 per person. Sponsorships and donations for the Gala are now being accepted until August 1.

USM Polymer Professor Co-Authors Important Research Paper on High-Spin Organic Materials

Thu, 30 May 2019 16:28:29 +0000

Van Arnold

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) polymer Professor Jason D. Azoulay has co-authored a paper that outlines groundbreaking research into the potential for new high-spin organic materials. The paper appears in the May 24 edition of highly acclaimed research journal Science Advances.

A total of 13 different authors collaborated on the paper, titled: “A high-spin ground-state donor-acceptor conjugated polymer.”

In the paper, the authors note that interest in high-spin organic materials is driven by opportunities to enable far-reaching fundamental science and develop technologies that integrate light element spin, magnetic, and quantum functionalities. Although extensively studied, the intrinsic instability of these materials complicates synthesis and precludes an understanding of how fundamental properties associated with the nature of the chemical bond and electron pairing in organic materials systems manifest in practical applications.

“We implemented an entirely new macromolecular design in order to yield a material that is high-spin and stable in its neutral form,” said Azoulay, who served as corresponding author on the paper. “While predicted by Hund’s Rule, such materials have eluded synthesis until now.”

“These studies are the first of their kind that overcome significant and historically rooted challenges associated with high-spin organic materials and open access to a broad variety of technologically relevant applications thought of as beyond the current scope of functional organic materials systems,” he added.

Azoulay notes that the project was a multi-year, multi-institution investigation which demonstrates a significant advance and overcomes important fundamental problems when compared to current state-of-the-art approaches.

“The design guidelines disclosed will not only be the basis for a new generation of materials with more complex and tunable electronic structures, emergent functionalities and new devices, but will also serve as a platform for fundamental investigations of chemical bonding and electron pairing in organic materials systems,” said Azoulay. “We believe this paper will be recognized as one of the pioneering efforts in this area.”

Science Advances is an online-only gold open access journal from AAAS, the publisher of Science. It publishes high-quality, original research and reviews in all disciplines of science. Science Advances is run by a board of prominent, active research scientists who guide the direction and maintain the high standards of the journal.

To read the paper’s entirety, visit: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/5/eaav2336

Alfreda Horton Retires from Division of Student Affairs

w301717 — Wed, 29 May 2019 19:47:40 +0000

Alfreda Horton, center, coordinator of The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Office of Student Oriented Services, celebrated her retirement from the school after 29 years with family, friends and colleagues May 23 during a reception held in her honor at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus. A native of Vicksburg and a USM alumna, Horton has been with the university’s staff since 1989, working in the Division of Student Affairs. Joining her in marking the milestone was Valencia Walls, left and Delores McNair (USM photo by David Tisdale).

USM hosting 71st American Legion Auxiliary Magnolia Girls State June 2-7

w301717 — Wed, 29 May 2019 15:25:48 +0000

The 71st session of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Magnolia Girls State program will be held June 2-7 at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg.

The weeklong event allows rising high school seniors from across the state to come to learn about how our representative democracy works in federal, state and local governments through simulated political campaigns, legislative and judicial processes, city and county governments in the fictitious state of “Magnolia.”

State and local government elected and non-elected officials, as well as those serving in the military and law enforcement and emergency services, serve as guest speakers to discuss public service, issues of the day, and how the average citizen can make a difference through their participation in our representative democracy.

The schedule of guest speakers for Magnolia Girls State is as follows, with the majority of events slated to be held in USM’s Thad Cochran Center (TCC):

• Commander Zeita Merchant, U.S. Coast Guard, will speak at the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday afternoon, June 2, at 4 p.m. at the Thad Cochran Center (TCC) Ballrooms 1 and 2 on the 3rd floor.

• Rebecca Rutz, Parliamentary Procedure Basics presenter, Sunday, June 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., TCC Ballrooms 1 and 2.

• Agnes Dalton, Party Caucus workshop presenter, Monday, June 3, 10-11 a.m., Ballrooms 1 and 2.

• Attorney General Jim Hood will speak at 1 p.m., Monday, June 3.

• Lt. Latasha Myers-Mitchell, Hattiesburg Police Dept., to present Women’s Awareness and Response (WAR), on Monday, June 3, 4 p.m. at TCC Ballrooms 1 and 2.

• State Treasurer Lynn Fitch will speak on Tuesday, June 4, at 3 p.m. at TCC Ballrooms 1 and 2.

• Steve Guyton, PR for American Legion and Military Academies Liaison in Mississippi, to speak to delegates at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, in the TCC Ballrooms 1 and 2.

• Christy Pickering CPA, Former IHL Board Member and Girls State Alumna, will speak on Wednesday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m. in TCC Ballrooms 1 and 2.

• College Day for Girls State from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 3rd floor lobby area and Ballroom 3.

• Johnny Poulos, Miss. Highway Patrol, will present on Wednesday, June 5 at 3 p.m., TCC Ballrooms 1-2.

• Administer Oath of Office to 2019 ALA Magnolia Girls State Officials by the Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Dawn Beam on Wednesday, June 5, at 4:30 p.m. in TCC Ballrooms 1/2.

• On Thursday, June 6, the Top Eight elected officials and several counselors will leave for Jackson around 8 a.m. to visit their respective counterpart State officials.

• Thursday Break-Out Sessions on June 6 will host presentations by a variety of local city officials.

• Representative Jeramey Anderson and Senator John Polk will work with the Magnolia Girls State House and Senate and Municipal Judge Gay L. Polk-Payton will work the Mock Court on Thursday, June 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in TCC Ballrooms 1-2 (House) and 3 (Senate) and TCC 210 (a.m.) and 216 (p.m.) (Court).

THURSDAY (June 6) BREAK-OUT SESSION SPEAKERS

City Officials: TCC 216

Mayor – Toby Barker (Hattiesburg), 9-9:40 a.m.

City Councilwoman—Mary Dryden (Hattiesburg), 9:40-10:20 a.m.

City Clerk – Mary Ann Hess (Laurel), 10:20-10:50 a.m.

Fire Chief – Sherrocko Stewart, Fire Chief and Danny Wade, Asst. Fire Chief (Hattiesburg), 10:50-11:30 a.m.

Law Enforcement: TCC 214

Sheriff/County – Phillip Hendricks, (Forrest Co.), 9-40 a.m.

Special Guest Speaker – Casey Hendricks, Center for Violence Prevention (Tower Program), 9:40-10 a.m.

Police/City – Ray Barrett (Fulton), 10:10-11 a.m.

Mississippi Highway Patrol —Travis Luck, 11-11:30 a.m.

County: TCC 218

Tax Collector—Gary Beach (Pearl River County), 9-9:30 a.m.

Chancery Clerk—Jimmy Havard (Forrest County), 9:30-10 a.m.

Supervisor—Phillip Carlisle (Lamar County), 10-10:30 a.m.

Tax Assessor—Mary Ann Palmer (Forrest County), 10:30-11 a.m.

Circuit Clerk—Martin Hankins (Lamar County), 11-11:30 a.m.

Courts: TCC 210 (9 a.m.-noon) and Mock Court in TCC 216 (1-3 p.m.)

Honorable Gay L. Polk-Payton, Municipal Court Judge Pro Tempore for Hattiesburg

Senate and House: TCC Ballrooms 1 and 2 (Senate) and Ballroom 3 (House) (9 a.m.-3 p.m.): Rep. Jeramey Anderson and Sen. John Polk.

• Closing ceremonies/Graduation on Friday, June 7, at 8:30 a.m. at Bennett Auditorium on the USM Hattiesburg campus.

For more information about Girls State, contact Angela Kilcrease at angelakilicrease@bellsouth.net.

Fully Online Sociology Degree New at Southern Miss

Wed, 29 May 2019 14:20:45 +0000

Tara Burcham

We live in the information age where today’s students are globally connected. They seek to serve, share, and impact the world around them. That is why The University of Southern Mississippi has launched the fully online bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Choosing sociology as a major provides students with the tools to understand and research contemporary social issues, such as the influence of social media on our lives, why people commit crime, and issues of inequality.

Dr. Dana Fennell, program coordinator for sociology at USM, says sociology is the perfect choice for students who seek to understand our increasingly complex and stressful world. “Sociology at heart is the study of people” Fennell says. “It is perfect for the student who wants to examine social concerns and promote change.”

Now that the program is fully online, Fennell says it opens a new world of opportunities to students seeking a fully online undergraduate degree with practical real-world applications. “Our degree is different,” says Fennell. “We take naturally inquisitive students and give them the tools to succeed at a variety of different jobs and improve their own well-being. They learn research and communication skills, for instance.”

Since sociology studies include using scientific research methods, studying patterns of social change, and examining the role of institutions like the education system in social life, Fennell says the number of careers available to students earning a sociology degree are multiple, “Students can choose many career paths, from social services, non-profits, research, business ownership, marketing, public health policy, education, and criminal justice.”

A degree in sociology pairs well with minors in areas such as management, business administration, psychology, and criminal justice, says Fennell. Choosing a sociology degree can also be the perfect preparation for post-graduate work not only in sociology but in other fields as well, says Fennell. “Since the degree focuses on the structure of societies and human interaction, students who choose sociology are academically prepared for the rigors required when studying law, higher education, business, and social work.”

Fennell says faculty in the department have diverse interests, which adds value to the fully online sociology degree. “Our faculty are actively researching numerous areas including stigma and mental health, non-profit studies, caregiving and the family, educational inequality, sport and leisure, and social movements, just to mention a few,” says Fennell. “By sharing this knowledge with our students and helping them with their own research interests, our faculty are excellent at mentoring students.”

The fully online sociology degree is one of many fully online degrees offered by Southern Miss. Dr. Tom Hutchinson, director of the Office of Online Learning, says this new online degree is specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s students. “Many students want to work on their degree but distance is keeping them from coming to campus,” says Hutchinson, “By adding new fully online degrees we are bridging this gap so they can still receive a quality education in the subject area they desire.”

Southern Miss is continuing to meet the needs of students around the state and around the globe. Dr. Amy Chasteen Miller, sociology Professor and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, is proud of the strides Southern Miss is constantly taking to meet students where they are and still offer the highest quality academic programs. “Our goal is to constantly innovate while also improving every level of academics,” says Miller. “We are investing in faculty who can offer a rigorous education to our students. By adding new online degrees such as the sociology degree, we are increasing access to quality education for the state of Mississippi and beyond.”

The new sociology degree accepts transfer as well as freshman students. To learn more about the fully online sociology degree, visit https://online.usm.edu/.

New Evidence Shows USM Scientists Originally Discovered America’s Last Slave Ship

Tue, 28 May 2019 13:46:38 +0000

James Skrmetta

A recent discovery in Alabama shows evidence that a team of researchers from The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering discovered the Clotilda, America’s last slave ship, more than a year ago.

Ben Raines, a writer and documentarian who was then a reporter for AL.com, believed he had located the whereabouts of the Clotilda deep in the waters south of Mobile and wanted to know for sure. He contacted SOSE Director Dr. Monty Graham and set up a date for a hydrography team to assist in his quest.

“At the time we got the call for this project, there was a narrow window where the water was just right to do this,” said Dr. Graham. “I saw this as an opportunity to not only discover a sunken piece of history, but to also use this expedition as a teaching moment for our students to use their trade to marry science and history under the most unique of circumstances. “

In April 2018, USM scientists conducted a hydrographic survey of the Mobile River on the east side of 12-mile Island using the RV LEMOYNE, which was outfitted with sonar capable of both bathymetric mapping and side scan sonar imagery, a Marine Magnetics Explorer Pro Magnetometer for metal detection, the Applanix POS-MV and GPS antennas for positioning, and a Velodyne Puck lidar for shoreline delineation and terrain.

The team led by Maxim van Norden, coordinator of the USM Hydrographic Science Program, included Dr. Anand Hiroji, Marvin Story, Kandice Gunning, Jennifer Rhodes, Ashley Boyce, Alexander Kochersperger, and Dr. Graham.

Kandice Gunning said she vividly remembers the mood on the vessel that day.

“The day had an air of curiosity and enthusiasm as we embarked on our journey up the river,” she said. “We had a lot more systems running than usual, it forced us to be even more engaged and attentive to what was happening on the monitors. With real-time hydrographic survey data coming in showing features that met the description of the Clotilda, the mood overall was pensive.”

Gunning, originally from Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago, came to USM in 2011 to pursue a master’s degree in hydrography before beginning her Ph.D. in marine science with an emphasis in hydrography in 2013.

During the Clotilda discovery survey, Gunning was responsible for survey line planning, operation of a system, which offers bathymetry, tracking backscatter and sidescan imagery, on-survey object detection and processing of the data for production of a bathymetric chart of the area of survey.

Dr. Graham said the team had almost finished their search to no avail after all they found were an array of sunken metal boats and lumber when suddenly Gunning noticed something strange showing up under the surface.

“It can’t be understated how important Kandice and Max were in us continuing our search that day,” he said. “They really helped us pinpoint the exact spot.”

Dr. Graham said Gunning and Van Norden had found an area of wreckage that perfectly mimicked the dimensions of the Clotilda. Divers and technology aboard the vessel started to quickly find strong evidence linking their search to the sunken slave ship.

The week after the survey trip, the team processed and reviewed the collected data. USM researchers discovered about 10 possible contacts along the eastern side of the river. After further analysis, they narrowed down the three most significant contacts could possibly be the Clotilda.

“It made the simplest sense this is where the ship was sunk,” Dr. Graham said. “With every nail and wooden stake we pulled up, we thought this was it.”

Although the team found evidence of 19th-century construction such as nails, and believed the size was identical to the dimensions of the Clotilda, researchers were told their findings weren’t consistent enough to confirm the discovery.

“Thinking back to the moment I was told that our findings were inconsistent, I don’t think I responded to that information but instead absorbed it,” Gunning said. “I thought our work was significant despite the news. We conducted a survey in a body of water that from all reports had not been surveyed as extensively as we did. So, my general outlook on that news was more acceptance than defeat.”

Any sting of defeat would not linger long. More scientists led by Dr. James Delgado, an authority in maritime archaeology, descended upon the original spot uncovered by USM.

After intensive research such as X-ray fluorescence tests and comparisons of building materials, dimensions and stories, and multiple dive teams, Dr. Delgado sent his findings to six experts for a peer review on the data. Every one of them concluded this ship was in fact the Clotilda.

Gunning said hearing the evidence they found is indeed the Clotilda gives her a sense of relief that their work to unveil some of America’s history wasn’t in vain.

“I’m truly pleased that our work has contributed to a finding of that magnitude,” she said. “I’ve been reading even more about the ship and the people associated with it and am relieved that we could add details to history.”

The journey’s foundation may have been within the scope of hydrography and marine science, but Gunning said this discovery means more than that.

“The history surrounding U.S.-Africa slave trade, the ship and the people onboard holds great cultural, political and historical significance,” she said. “Specifically, for those who are descendants of its journey, this discovery may help bring closure and healing. I could imagine that from generation to generation this story was passed on. A story of a culture’s past that desperately needed a final chapter. I am glad that we could help provide some help with the contents of the last few paragraphs of that final chapter.”

More than a Graduation for USM Children’s Center Families

Tue, 28 May 2019 14:36:32 +0000

Courtney Tesh

In many ways, The Children’s Center’s graduation at The University of Southern Mississippi looked like a typical preschool graduation. Some children refused to walk down the aisle, some waved like they were in a parade. There were adorable renditions of “The Wheels on the Bus” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider” sung off-key, passionately, or not at all.

And, as with any children’s graduation ceremony, parents and caregivers stood proudly by, cameras and cell phones in hand, determined to document this sweet moment in their child’s life.

But for the families of The Children’s Center graduates, this day was more than sweet and cute. This day was a symbol of progress made, a culmination of months and years of hard work.

Each of these graduates came to The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at USM, a non-profit that provides innovative therapies to children with disabilities, with obstacles to overcome – from speech and motor delays to feeding difficulties and behavioral struggles. Their days at The Center were filled with fun and hard work, laughter and tears, frustration and celebration. They made friends, built relationships, and learned and grew alongside one another. And often times, the same could be said for their families.

For the families in the audience, graduation was more than a moment. It was a period, an ellipsis, and a question mark all wrapped into one. It signified the end of their child’s time at The Center, but only the beginning of their journey – the first chapter of a yet unwritten book.

Children’s Center graduate Ali Bryant has been with The Children’s Center since she was 8 weeks old. “They have helped us navigate this journey,” said Ali’s mother, Reagan Bryant. “Ali loves it there. On the morning of her last day at The Center, she took her therapist’s hand and waved bye to me. She feels safe and loved there because she is. They truly love her and push her because they know she is capable. I pray as we begin our new journey through the school system that God will put teachers in her path that will love her and push her like this. We are forever grateful for everything they have done for us.”

But the gratitude clearly goes both ways. “We feel so fortunate to be part of these families’ lives,” said Sarah Case-Price, director at The Children’s Center. “It’s hard to put into words what this day means for all of us each year. We are so proud of our graduates and we can’t wait to see where their journeys take them from here. But one thing is for sure – no matter where it leads them, they will have a team of lifelong cheerleaders here at The Children’s Center.”

The Children’s Center for Communication and Development’s graduation took place Wednesday, May 22 at The Trent Lott Center on USM’s Hattiesburg campus, and 32 children received their diplomas.

About The Children’s Center for Communication and Development

The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi is a non-profit that provides cost-free communicative and developmental transdisciplinary services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers while educating, training and supporting families, university students and professionals. For more information, visit www.usm.edu/childrenscenter.

Gifted Studies hosting TIP Awards Ceremony June 1, Readies for Summer Programs

w301717 — Tue, 28 May 2019 15:16:38 +0000

The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg will kick off a spectacular summer schedule Saturday, June 1 with the annual Mississippi Awards Ceremony for Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) honorees. The day will feature an informational session at 11 a.m. for parents and high performing students focused on preparing for college as early as middle school.

Following time for lunch and explorations of campus, honorees will attend a medal ceremony at Bennett Auditorium for a medal ceremony. These honorees are 7^th graders who have scored as well as or better than entering college freshman on the ACT or SAT.

For many years, the Center for Gifted Studies and Duke TIP have collaborated to bring students in Mississippi the exciting, accelerated courses that are known as the Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth. USM is one of only four schools across the nation that share this prestigious relationship with Duke. Students enrolled in the program meet qualifying standards established by Duke, and take courses designed to provide high level academic activities that showcase each participating university's premiere programs of study.

After the awards program, the Karnes Center will begin focusing on hosting its four summer programs for children ages 3 through rising high school seniors. Each program meets the specific needs of a unique group of students.

*The Day Program for Young Gifted Students, held June 10-14, serves children as young as age three through students in 3^rd grade, and provides an introduction to creativity training, accelerated content, and collaboration in the classroom.

*The Leadership Studies Program, held June 17-22, offers students in grades 6-11 the opportunity to make significant changes in the world around them through their school, community, or faith-based organization.

*The Summer Gifted Studies Program, June 23-28, provides an accelerated and in-depth look at integrated topics of study for students in grades 4-8 who perform in the top 10 percent of students on IQ or achievement tests.

*Finally, the Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth program, July 7-26, allows advanced students in 7^th -11^th grades the opportunity to take the equivalent of a year-long course in the condensed time-frame of three weeks, while meeting the research faculty and exploring the unique facilities found on the USM Hattiesburg campus.

For more information about the Karnes Center for Gifted Studies and Duke TIP, visit https://www.usm.edu/karnes-gifted.

USM Director of Career Services Offers Tips for Students Seeking Summer Jobs

Fri, 24 May 2019 14:24:04 +0000

Rusty Anderson, director of Career Services at The University of Southern Mississippi, offered expert advice for student seeking summer employment as part of a feature published recently by personal finance website WalletHub. You can read more here: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-for-summer-jobs/21137/#expert=rust...

USM Student Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

Fri, 24 May 2019 14:17:27 +0000

University of Southern Mississippi student Landry Smith of Laurel, Miss., has been awarded a study abroad grant worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi --the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Smith is one of 75 students nationwide to receive the award.

The grants are designed to support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers from campuses that have Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.

Currently a junior majoring in psychology at USM, Smith will use the grant to study abroad in the United Kingdom.

The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and acceptance into a study abroad program. Each recipient receives $1,000 to be applied toward travel abroad.

Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program has awarded more than $875,000 to undergraduate students. The grants are part of the Society’s robust portfolio of award programs, which gives nearly $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

To learn more about the Study Abroad Program and other Phi Kappa Phi awards, visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." For more information, visit www.phkappaphi.org.

USM Nursing Student Wins 2019 Eliza Pillars Scholarship

Thu, 23 May 2019 19:27:21 +0000

Tyunna Odom, a junior nursing major at The University of Southern Mississippi, has been awarded the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM) Undergraduate Scholarship.

The Eliza Pillars organization has been awarding the Undergraduate Scholarship to nursing students in the State of Mississippi since 1986. Only one student in the state is chosen to receive the scholarship.

“It is such an honor to receive such a prestigious award from the Eliza Pillars organization,” said Odom, a Lena, Miss., native. “This award will help me pay for tuition, and I am just so grateful.”

After graduation, Odom plans to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner.

“Nursing is a rewarding profession. It requires an individual to be diligent, authentic, and devoted,” said Odom. “I believe I can fulfil those qualities and I hope to establish a connection through my community that continues to touch other people’s lives.”

About EPRNM
The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi organization was named in honor of Eliza Parish Pillars, the first African American nurse appointed to the Mississippi State Board of Health in 1926. The mission of the organization is to promote distinguished community leadership and partner with other organizations to provide healthcare education and other community services.