Released November 04, 2004

HATTIESBURG - Dr. Robert Sternberg, a professor of psychology at Yale University and considered one of the premier experts in his field internationally, will be the featured speaker at the second annual Lee Hildman Colloquium Series in Psychology at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Sternberg's presentation, titled "Culture and Intelligence," will is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Gonzales Auditorium in the Southern Miss Liberal Arts Building. Admission is free.

"Robert Sternberg is one of the most accomplished psychologists in the world, and I am very excited that he is this year's speaker for the Lee Hildman Colloquium Series in Psychology," said Dr. Stan Kuczaj, chair of the Southern Miss Department of Psychology. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear and meet Professor Sternberg."

The program was established in 2003 in memory of a longtime member of the Southern Miss psychology faculty, Lee Hildman. Hildman passed away in February 2003. Prior to his death, he and his wife, Dr. Tommie Hildman, had discussed making a contribution to the USM Foundation earmarked specifically for use by the Department of Psychology.

Dr. Sternberg is the IBM Professor of Psychology and Education at Yale University. Among his numerous accolades, he has been published more than 950 times, is a member of 12 divisions of the American Psychological Association, has developed eight psychological theories and holds four honorary doctorates from universities in Spain, France, Belgium and Cyprus. He served as president of the APA in 2003.

Dr. Tommie Hildman arranged for the donation through the USM Foundation in spring 2003, and, based on a suggestion made by Dr. Charles Noblin, retired professor in the Southern Miss Department of Psychology, the decision was made to fund a colloquium series in psychology.

"We're excited to have someone of Dr. Sternberg's national and international stature on our campus for this program," said Dr. Willie Pierce, dean of the Southern Miss College of Education and Psychology.

For more information on this event, contact the Southern Miss Department of Psychology at (601) 266-4177.

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