Osher Institute to Present Series on Southern Miss, Higher Education

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will host a series of programs this fall focusing on the impact The University of Southern Mississippi has on higher education in the state and nation, as well as its contributions to our area's quality of life. Other topics will address general issues associated with higher education.

The presentations, to be given by Southern Miss administrators, will be held from noon – 1 p.m. at the Institute, located in the Peck House at 3601 Pearl St. just west of university's Hattiesburg campus. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch.

The schedule of presentations and their presenters is as follows:

*Friday, Sept. 19: Dr. Aubrey Lucas, President Emeritus

“USM through the Years”

Southern Miss President Emeritus Aubrey Lucas will discuss the highlights of his tenure as president of the university.

*Friday, Sept. 26: Chad Driskell, Vice President for External Affairs

“USM and Local, State and Federal Relationships: Do You Hear Us?

USM is an important part of the Pine Belt, but do our politicians know who we are? Chad Driskell will share how USM is at the table in discussions involving higher education in the state of Mississippi and nationally. He will also talk about how individual input can help USM and Hattiesburg.

*Friday, Oct. 3: Dr. Douglas Vinzant, Vice President for Finance and Administration

“The Rising Cost of Higher Education: What Can We Do About It?”

Rarely a day goes by that we don't hear about the rise in student loan debt or the high cost of education. Why have costs spiraled out of control? What can individuals do to help contain the cost so our grandchildren can obtain a college degree? Dr. Vinzant has more than 30 years of experience in higher education finance at several universities.

Friday, Oct. 10: Dr. Joseph Paul, Vice President for Student Affairs

"Meeting the Needs of Today's Students”

Remember when dorm rooms were “cool” when they were equipped with a bed, desk and a phone? Today's students have changed with the times and now dorm rooms have their own kitchens, family rooms, washers, dryers and Wi-fi. This is just one way colleges have adjusted in order to recruit and support students. Learn other areas that today's students differ from yesteryear.

Friday, Oct. 17:  Dr. Gordon Cannon, Vice President for Research

“Innovative and Exciting Research at USM”

Dr. Cannon will share with us the nationally recognized research that is being done in our own backyard. The faculty at USM are very accomplished as researchers. Come and learn what new ideas are becoming reality through USM research.

Friday, Oct. 31: Dr. Chris Crenshaw, Assistant Vice President, Facilities Management and Planning

“Long-Range Capital Facility Plan for USM”

Have you wondered what USM is going to do with the lot adjacent to us? What are the plans for the campus in the future? Will USM expand east, west, north or south? Come and hear from Dr. Crenshaw what the university has planned for the campus and Hattiesburg.

Friday, Nov. 7:  Dr. Denis Wiesenburg, Provost

“USM: Producing Academically Strong Graduates”

If you had to define the qualities every college graduate should possess, what would they be? How would you go about incorporating your ideas into action? Dr. Wiesenburg will share USM's plan to produce graduates that are held in high regard by employers, communities and families.

Friday, Nov. 14: Dr. Steve Moser, dean of the College of Arts and Letters

“The Value of a Degree from Arts and Letters”

Dr. Moser will share his plan for providing a clear path to graduation by connecting courses with the academic  goals of his college's students.

OLLI provides an educational opportunity designed to meet the needs of America's maturing population. Adults over 50 who care about their education, who are self-motivated and wish to define their own educational experience, are able to realize their personal goals in a relaxed university atmosphere through participation in the Institute's programs. The major objectives of the Institute include involving learners in developing college level, non-credit educational activities and providing an organizational structure which distinguishes the institute as an educational community.

For more information on OLLI, visit http://www.usm.edu/lifelong-learning.