Southern Miss Honors Supporters with Naming of Foods Lab

Two special supporters were honored recently for their contributions to renovation of the foods laboratory in the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Southern Miss alumni Dale and Janet Shearer were saluted during a reception last month to unveil the new 1,384-square foot lab located on the first floor of Fritzsche-Gibbs Hall. The lab, which serves as a teaching classroom, provides a functional space for hands-on training of more than 100 students each year. 

The laboratory was renovated during the summer of 2011, upgrading its countertops and appliances, including state-of-the-art ventilation hoods with fire-suppressant sprinkler-heads. The Shearers were recognized with a plaque that hangs in the laboratory.

Dale Shearer graduated from Southern Miss in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in English, and currently serves as an attorney with Copeland, Cook, Taylor and Bush in Ridgeland, Mississippi. He is involved with the University as a member of the Golden Eagle Advocacy Network, and the Southern Miss Alumni Association's board of directors, including his current role as president-elect.

Janet Shearer earned her master's degree in Home Economics with an emphasis in Food and Nutrition in 1990 from Southern Miss. She has served Mississippi as a registered dietitian, making important contributions regarding insurance coverage for nutrition care as well as in identifying special nutrition needs such as the assessment of home care patients and nutrition related to HIV. She is also an accomplished oil painter.

For more information regarding the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, call 601.266.5377.