Greetings,
March brings growing excitement to our campuses. We are looking forward to the arrival of our new provost, Dr. Robert Lyman. He will be ready to take the helm of the academic division in July, after wrapping up his work as Dean of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University.
The selection of our provost ends a six-month national search and he joins my team on the executive cabinet. The search process was well-run with a lot of participation from across the university, including the Gulf Coast, staff, faculty and leadership. My thanks go to all.
Our new University Strategic Planning Committee has met several times and is now working in sub-committees to identify appropriate key performance indicators and goals for our four areas of strategic focus: image development; top-flight educational experiences, connection with the community; and a culture of healthy minds, healthy bodies and healthy campus.
No. 4 is still No. 1 in our Hearts
It was an historic passing. Brett Favre will break his personal streak for consecutive starts in the NFL as he declared his retirement from the Green Bay Packers. "I remember the final time playing at Roberts Stadium and how I wished it never had to end," Brett told John Cox once. "I wouldn't trade those four years for anything in the world." Read more of what John Cox, the voice of Golden Eagle sports, has to say about Brett and his days at Southern Miss.
My husband, Joe Bailey, and I have been to Lambeau Field and it is an amazing experience. I am also glad that our band, The Pride of Mississippi, had a chance to play for Brett in that stadium during the 2006 season. Now, we welcome Brett back to Hattiesburg and congratulate him on a spectacular career. This Golden Eagle did great!
New Orleans Renaissance
We can be very proud of our University Symphony and its performance this past weekend in New Orleans at the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square. It was the world-premiere of the work of New Orleans native son and composer, Jay Weigel. This work paid tribute to the rebuilding of New Orleans and this gala performance was remarkable.
Dr. Jay Dean, director of The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and our very talented students played to a packed cathedral and gave us a beautiful afternoon of music.
More News From Around Campus
Our Students Recognized
It is no surprise to me that we have great students at Southern Miss. Recently two have been spotlighted for outstanding academic achievement.
Jessica Shackleford, a chemistry major from Senatobia, and Paul Saputo, a psychology major from New Orleans, are finalists in the prestigious Truman Scholarship competition. Named in honor of the late U.S. President Harry S. Truman, the Truman Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving college juniors who show commitment to public service and potential to continue that service beyond graduation. It provides $30,000 for graduate study and leadership training.
Jessica Shackleford is the recent selection as an honorable mention selection to USA Today’s 2008 All-USA College Academic Team putting her in the company of the top 80 college students in the nation.
Signing Day Success!
Football Coach Larry Fedora hosted more than 1,200 Golden Eagle fans on National Signing Day to celebrate Southern Miss success. Ranked as the No. 38 recruiting class in the country, the coaches talked about our new class of players, visited with fans and signed memorabilia during this community event. Coach Fedora is extremely excited about this class and is bringing a lot of new excitement to our football program. WE are looking forward to the Spring Game on April 12.
From the Gulf Coast
Gaston Point Elementary School second graders picked up teddy bears from School of Nursing students at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast at the Well Bear Clinic last month. The clinic, which teaches children how to check the health of their teddy bears like nurses check newborn babies, was developed as a way for elementary school students to gain a better understanding of the nursing profession. When the students arrived at Southern Miss to participate in the Well Bear Clinic, they were given a teddy bear to use in the clinic and to also take home as a memento of their experience at Southern Miss.
Looking ahead
My inauguration as the ninth president of The University of Southern Mississippi has been scheduled for March 28. I am very grateful for the work of dozens of volunteers who will make that an occasion of celebration for our university. There will be events on the Gulf Coast and Hattiesburg campuses, culminating in the actual investiture at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 28 at Bennett Auditorium. Inauguration information on all these events is available online.
Spring Break is upon us and our students are heading home to rest or vacation with friends. Many use this time for volunteer activities. This signals the promise of the conclusion of another successful academic year.
Dr. Martha D. Saunders
President