Karnes Donates Book Collection to Southern Miss Cook Library

University of Southern Mississippi Distinguished University Professor Dr. Frances Karnes recently donated to the university's Cook Library 65 of her books reflecting decades of her research and promotion of best practices in the field of gifted education.

The books were co-authored or co-edited by Karnes, and include those focusing on gifted education; legal issues and the gifted; 26 mini-series books on the gifted and six on autism. Others include topics related to competitions; leadership; how teachers can obtain funds to pay for classroom materials, including for purchase of assessment tools; a guide for grandparents of gifted children; and five books on gifted education and leadership training for young women. .

“I'm pleased to donate this collection to University Libraries for the benefit of students, teachers, parents and grandparents,” said Karnes, who is also in the process of co-authoring and co-editing additional books, which will be donated to Cook Library.

Karnes joined the university's faculty in 1973 and founded the Center for Gifted Studies in 1979. Named in her honor in 1999, the Center has furthered the education of thousands of gifted students and those with leadership abilities through teaching, research and service, academic and leadership enrichment programs.

A prominent advocate for legislation benefiting gifted education in Mississippi and across the nation, her students have gone on to work in academia, private industry and the public sector to advance across the country and around the globe. Among her many honors and awards, she is the 2003 recipient of the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children's Award for Excellence.

"Dr. Karnes' impact on the field of gifted education is immeasurable,” said Dr. Carole Kiehl, dean of University Libraries. “This donation of her work is a true asset for our library's collection and will benefit students and researchers for many years to come."