Filed under: MVSU, MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, Mississippi IHL, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
This is the time of year WHEN we give thanks for our blessings and FOR THE love ones in our lives. It’s also a time of reflection. During the holiday, while sitting around the dinner table or gathering with friends, take SOME time to spread love and TO thank those who have encouraged you along life’s journey.
I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
Filed under: MVSU, MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi IHL, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
Today, we honor and thank all military personnel who have served and continue to serve in the United States to protect our freedoms. These men and women are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, traveling to distant lands, putting themselves in harm’s way, to protect the ideals of our great nation.
To the MVSU community: Let us not forget that we have heroes and she-roes who are faculty and staff and students who are veterans or in our ROTC program. Please pause today and reflect on the sacrifices made by those we work, live and study with on MVSU campus and wish their families well.
Veterans must never be forgotten.
Hear President Obama’s Veterans Days Message.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/11/obama-veterans-day-speech_n_2113590.html
Filed under: MVSU, MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi IHL, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
October is always a very busy time on the MVSU campus. As this month ends and students wrap up mid-terms, I wanted to take some time to thank the Division of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management & Diversity, the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Affairs, MVSU Student Government Association, Inc. the MVSU Chapter of National Pan Hellenic Council, Inc., the Homecoming planning committee and others for their dedication to making this year’s Homecoming like none other. They out did themselves. I’m sure next year’s will be over the top!
Organizing weeklong activities like these are a major undertaking that results in rewards for the University as a whole. Below are a few accomplishments I would like to recognize:
Three live entertainment shows of three genres of music– where in Mississippi on October 1, 3 or 5, could you find a gospel singer, a rapper and a comedian at the same location? Only at the Valley!
Students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community at-large came out to be entertained and revived.
On October 1, Grammy Award winner, Smokie Norful, Coahoma Community College Choir of Clarksdale, Miss., First United Baptist Church Choir of Indianola, Miss., and our very own MVSU Gospel Choir performed.
On October 3, Comedian J. Anthony Brown, a Peabody Award and NAACP Image Award winner, made us laugh our hearts out.
And on October 5, FUTURE, Hip Hop Artist and Billboard’s Hot 100, rocked the house.
Voter Registration @ Homecoming
At this year’s Homecoming, the voter registration drive was also a big success. Over 100 MVSU students and others registered to vote and committed to vote in this year’s Presidential Elections. The Zeta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., sponsored the drive. The effort is part of their, “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People,” initiative whose mission is to train individuals on the importance of voting and to register individuals to vote. The chapter plans to provide this educational opportunity every year during Homecoming. The week was full of activities that all age groups could enjoy. This newly organized effort is one I support and wish continued success.
Let’s us all remember that a lot of people have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed for our right to vote. For this reason, we must go to our polling sites on Election Day, November 6. I can’t tell you who to vote for, but I can encourage you to stay involved in the civic engagement process.
For information about Mississippi voter information go to http://www.sos.ms.gov/elections_voter_info_center.aspx.
Filed under: MVSU, MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi IHL, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
A Message Of Encouragement and Hope From One Of Valley’s Own
On behalf of the MVSU family, we salute one of own, who participated and spoke during this year’s Homecoming activities. It’s always a joy to see our alumni come back and offer their expertise, talents as well as financial support.
The Doug T. Porter Endowed Scholarship Program was held on Friday, October 5, 2012 in the H. M. Ivy Cafeteria- Dining Hall IV on the campus of MVSU. Dr. Gary McGaha, class of ‘72, President, Atlanta Metropolitan State College and native of Mississippi, was the keynote speaker and represented Valley well. “Student athletes who attend Mississippi Valley State University should be provided with scholarships to augment their successful academic matriculation. Those scholarships should be brought to fruition from multiple sources and especially from activities supported by alumni of the institution,” says Dr. McGaha.
He makes no apologies for the love and respect that he has for his alma mater. He is a nationally-known leader in higher education and shared a message of love, hope and jubilee during the Doug T. Porter Endowed Scholarship Program. He also talked about cherished memories of those who imparted wisdom and strength during his matriculation.
With the launch of our new Alumni Engagement Initiative, HBCUs need their alumni more than ever. We can no longer rely solely on government funding to sustain us, but we have to renew a sense of ownership and pride in our colleges and universities. Dr. McGaha was sincere yet firm as he reminded alumni that all HBCUs are being challenged with creating innovative ways to generate revenue. “HBCUs have to diversify their programs with traditional and non-traditional strategies to maintain competitive academic and athletic programs along with expanding community partnerships and an aggressive alumni engagement initiative,” said Dr. McGaha.
As the school year progresses, it is my desire to stand with MVSU alumni as well as those Valley Scholars to come, and do what it takes to keep Valley on the road to progress, sustainability and an educational leader in the Mississippi Delta.
Celebrating MVSU Visual Artists
MVSU has many artistically gifted and accomplished alumni. You can see some wonderful artworks in the Alumni Artists Exhibition in the Johnston Gallery through October 26. Enjoy the creative expressions of:
- Jacoby Cornell
- Frank Hardmon
- Wysheshe Jones
- John McCall
- Lucy Page
- Jocelyn Redmond
- Dantonio Stanley
- Tamika Williams
The exhibition is open to the public and free of charge. The gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
Filed under: MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi IHL, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
Congratulations to the student athletes, coaching staff and Coach Morgan for their BIG win against Gambling State University! The winning score of 45-21 is the result of teamwork at its best. It’s my understanding that Valley hasn’t scored high -points such as this since the early days of Rice-Totten days on the gridiron.
Delta Devils defeat Grambling State for first time since 1996
http://www.mvsusports.com/news/2012/10/13/FB_1013122910.aspx
Please know I am your biggest cheerleader and wish you many more wins before the end of the season. With last week’s win, be confident in knowing that your MVSU family will be lifting you up and cheering you on at tomorrow’s Jackson State University game. Give it your Valley ALL, stay focused and know you ALL are winners.
Go Delta Devils!
Filed under: MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi IHL, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
Photo courtesy of Leflore County School District Public Relations
Last month, my visit to Amanda Elzy High School was a big success. The visit was part of an initiative the University has implemented to build innovative relationships with high school guidance counselors and at the same time talk to juniors and seniors about the importance of attending college. With me came Dr. Anna Hammond, provost/executive vice president, Dr. Jerald Adley, vice president for student affairs, enrollment management, and diversity, Ms. Jacqueline Williams, interim director of admissions and recruitment, Dr. Constance Bland, chair, department of math and computer science, recruiters from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment and MVSU students.
During the visit, I reminded students that we live in a knowledge driven economy and that their future success depends on the amount of education they have. I also shared with them that in order to have a better life and to be able to take care of themselves and their families, the continuation of their education at the postsecondary level was imperative. I encouraged students to go to college somewhere, but not to forget about Mississippi Valley State University and all of the great things it has to offer them.
I plan to visit more high schools in the area, carrying the message, “Make Valley Your 1st Choice”. Highlighting the fact that MVSU has over 30 undergraduate degree programs; an outstanding faculty; and a staff that is committed to student success, gives students a glimpse of the MVSU experience.
Filed under: MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi IHL, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
Good News…Committed to Stabilization and Optimism!
The Valley continues to produce good news! With the September 13 Delta Devils 6-0 win over Southern University and the September 17 IHL preliminary announcement of an increase in our enrollment upward stability is promising. I am overjoyed and proud to be the president of this historical university.
Go Delta Devils!
Congratulations to Coach Morgan, his coaching staff and student athletes for a job well done. Being the underdog is not always the most popular place to be, but what’s important are the attitudes and actions taken to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Despite the odds, you remain focused, unshakeable and confident. This is a top-dog approach to winning!
In less than two hours, you will play Northwestern State. The MVSU family’s most heart-felt support is, as always, with you. We know it will be challenging, but because of your last win, you will have the confidence going into tonight’s game. Go Delta Devils!
Students Dreams Come True At Valley
We have begun the stabilization of Valley’s enrollment and have put systems in place to make sure Valley is a good fit for students. We are aware that we must work even harder to sustain these results and know that this is a long-term challenge with gradual change over time. We are positioning ourselves to explore all opportunities to establish top-notch programs in athletics and student affairs by laying a good foundation. Valley can accomplish anything with teamwork, perseverance and a unified voice. This direction is crucial as the University recruits students who want to make Valley their home and their dreams a reality. The increases in all categories of new student enrollment demonstrate that students continue to select MVSU as their first choice for a high quality education and to fulfill their dreams.
Here are statistics we all can be proud of:
· An increase of 18% in freshmen students
· An increase of 3% in transfer students
· An increase of 9% in new graduate students
· An increase of 29% increase in students who were readmitted after having previously left school.
The University’s diligent efforts in implementing our strategic recruitment and marketing plan, innovative relationship building with high school guidance counselors and community college transfer coordinators have contributed to these positive outcomes.
Filed under: MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
On Monday, September 17, the MVSU community will observe Constitution Day which commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. It recognizes all who are born in the United States or by naturalization, have become U.S. citizens. The program will be held Monday, September 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. on the Bennie G. Thompson Plaza of the Jacob Aron Student Union. I encourage all faculty, staff and students to attend this event, and learn facts about our Constitution. Please remember that because we are U.S. citizens’, exercising our right to vote is a good way to honor freedom, liberty and justice. I can’t tell you who to vote for, but I can encourage you to become involved in the civic engagement process, by being 21st century change agent. Many people have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed for our right to vote. If you have not registered yet, the deadline to vote in the November 6 election is October 6.
Filed under: MVSU | Tags: Delta Mississippi, HBCU, Mississippi Valley State University, MVSU
On September 11, MVSU had a 9/11 Commemoration Service for the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This tribute was a collaboration of the Division of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management & Diversity and the Student Government Association, Inc. I commend their willingness to show compassion, concern and kindness to others. I am proud to know that despite hectic schedules, time was taken out taken to uplift up and pray for those who lost lives, the wounded, and the thousands of families touched by such horrible attack. In times like these, the MVSU community bonds closer together and keeps us grounded and ever so reminded of the many blessings God has bestowed upon us and our campus.
During these turbulent times, our nation and the world are in daily unrest with wars, protests, terrorist acts, voter suppression, domestic violence, economic ups and downs, and more. However, at Valley, we remain united, faithful and steadfast toward what we believe is a brighter future.
Filed under: MVSU
During our Annual Faculty and Staff Institute on August 15, I adopted and signed the Disaster Resistance University Mitigation Plan. Mississippi Valley State University is officially designated as a Disaster Resistant University through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I would like to thank the advisory committee which was comprised of MVSU faculty, representatives from Mississippi Valley State University, the City of Itta Bena, the City of Greenwood, Leflore County, Greenwood Leflore Emergency Management Agency, Mississippi Emergency Management and the Institution of Higher Learning.
Their leadership and guidance throughout this process is appreciated and shows that with collaborative partnerships, important objectives can be accomplished. As part of the development of the Disaster Resistant University process, the University held a series of town-hall-style meetings, to obtain citizens input into the development of a disaster preparedness plan and to review the mitigation plan, which are dedicated to reducing the cost of natural and man-made hazards at MVSU and enhancing the health, safety and welfare of students and employees. I understand that approximate three hundred people participated in the DRU process.
I am pleased to know that the MVSU community is concerned about the safety of all study and go to work at the University. Keeping our campus safe, sound and secure is a top priority to the University as well as securing funding for the implementation and monitoring of the plan.
The plan’s thirteen goals and objectives were approved by the advisory committee which prioritized them keeping the protection of MVSU population, property, and the services that will be impacted by hazardous incidents in mind. Some of the plan’s goals include: reducing/eliminating vulnerabilities to equipment investments, library archives, and administrative records due to natural hazards; providing innovative, community-specific and relevant services to promote and maintain the health, safety, and security of students, staff, faculty, visitors, and the entire MVSU community; placing secure solar lights throughout the campus to enhance the visibility of markers that will be crucial for speedy exits during disasters; and using the knowledge gained from Mississippi Valley State University Disaster Resistant Universities Project to reduce/eliminate vulnerabilities at other Mississippi Colleges and Universities.
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