COLLAGE e of College of Arts & Sciences ThMagazine OCTOBER 2016
CENTENNIAL FUND
is not “theEducation filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
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Poet William Butler Yeats
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eats’s words of wisdom inspire our mission here within the College of Arts and Sciences at Delta State University. We aim to spark a flame within each of our students and to nourish that flame into a roaring fire. We accomplish this by first offering our students a curriculum both relevant and rigorous. Our talented and dedicated faculty teaches students to think critically, to communicate effectively, to integrate material across traditional subject boundaries, and to apply what they learn both inside our classrooms and out in the world where they work and live. We invite you to help us keep the fire burning in our students by contributing to the College of Arts and Sciences Centennial Fund. Every dollar donated to this fund will go toward supporting initiatives designed to promote academic excellence both inside and outside the classroom. You can give to the Centennial Fund online at www. deltastategiving.org/academics/centennialfund
CO N T E N T S
CO L L AG E S TA F F
Editor-In-Chief Dr. Dave Breaux Managing Editor Dr. Douglas Mark Production and Design Director Kenner Patton Copy Chief Boyce Upholt Design Consultant Ron Koehler Staff Photographer Rory Doyle A B O U T T H E COV E R
The Arts & Sciences Banner is displayed at every DSU commencement. The flag, designed by Mary Catherine Koehler, features embroidered emblems representing the varied disciplines housed within the College.
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Temples of Sound
The DMI Entertainment Industry Studies program houses one of the most unique recording studios in the Southeast. S TA N D I N G CO LU M N S
2 Editor’s Letter 2 Brag Facts 12 Alumni News 13 Student and Faculty Achievements
F E AT U R E S
4 Looking Sharp!
Caylor-White-Walters Hall renovations are nearly complete.
11 Mapping the
Cutting Edge
A new high-tech degree supports business and military intelligence.
19 Stirring Up Old 20 Current Chairs, 19
Promotions and Memories Alumni share their Retirements wisdom.
FROM THE DEAN
B R AG FAC T S Art
Dr. Dave Breaux
Collage Editor-In-Chief Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
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Six paintings from the Department of Art’s permanent collection, all by Marie Hull, were included in the exhibition “Bright Fields: The Mastery of Marie Hull.” Organized by the Mississippi Museum of Art, the exhibition went on to the Ogden Museum in New Orleans. Dr. Michaela Merryday, Associate Professor, contributed an essay to the exhibition catalogue.
Dear Colleagues, Alumni, and Friends: elcome to the inaugural edition of Collage, a publication of the College of Arts and Sciences at Delta State University, the largest, most Seventeen works of art diverse college at our school. As in a collage—in which created by Department of unique individual pieces come together to form something Art students were exhibitwholly new—each of our academic units contributes to the ed in the 2016 Mississippi fullness of the College of Arts and Sciences. Collegiate Art Competition In an era when public higher held at The education across our entire counArt Center of In an era when public try faces significant challenges, I Mississippi. higher education across am extremely proud of the acour entire country faces complishments of our faculty and “Blues Man,” students. This issue of Collage a welded steel significant challenges, I reflects many of the achievesculpture by am extremely proud of the ments we witnessed during the Michael Stanaccomplishments of our 2015-2016 academic year: the ley, Assistant faculty and students. successful renovation of CayProfessor, was lor-White-Walters Hall, the impleselected as Dr. Dave Breaux one of fourmentation of a new undergraduate degree program in Geospatial Analysis and Intelligence, the teen sculptures included in the Seventh Sculpture installation of new state-of-the-art audio recording equipGarden Competition. The ment at the Delta Music Institute, the homecoming of two sculpture was later moved of our treasured alums, and many accolades for our faculty to a permanent location on and students. It’s apparent to me that the best years of the the campus of the GRAMCollege of Arts and Sciences lie ahead. MY Museum Mississippi. Our campus experienced a tragedy in September of last year. As Dean, I want to extend my sincere appreciation Natalie Tyree and Amy and gratitude to all of our faculty, staff, and friends who Cannestra, Assistant Prohelped get us through that devastating event and on the fessors of Art, have estabroad to healing. You have shown us incredible grace. lished a student chapter I hope all of you enjoy reading about what we have of AIGA, the professional been up to in the College, and I invite you to share any chapter for design. questions, comments, or concerns with me. I can be contacted by email at dbreaux@deltastate.edu or by Biological Sciences phone at (662) 846-4100. The Department of Bio-
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Sincerely, Dr. Dave Breaux
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logical Sciences at Delta State University offers the only bachelor’s degree in
Environmental Science in the state of Mississippi. The Department is home to the herbarium collection, a research and teaching resource, with over 17,000 plant specimens from the state of Mississippi and beyond. Environmental Science students and faculty gave five poster presentations at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting, held February 18 and 19 at the University of Southern Mississippi. The presentations and authors were: “Storm Drain Study on Delta State Univeristy Campus, Cleveland, Mississippi,” Britney Boles, Kendal Davis, Katie Huff, Jarrette Cooper, Regina Horne, Emily Bodin, and Nina Baghai-Riding. “Carbon Dioxide/Leaf Peel Study for Three Plant Species in the Mississippi Delta,” Emily Bodin, Megan Clark, Shawnee Gundry, Ashley Mrozinski, Tyler Toole, Tara Willingham, and Nina Baghai-Riding. “An Analysis of a Palynological Sample from the Bucatunna Formation, Southwestern Alabama,” Nina Baghai-Riding, Kendal Davis, and Brian AxSmith (University of Southern Alabama, Mobile). “Habitat Use and Food Habits of Coyote in Dahomey Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi,” Ahm Ali Reza, Shawnee Gundry, and Megan Clark.
B R AG FAC T S “Molecular Function of Selenoproteins in Rickesttsia Parkeri Survival Within the Tick Host,” Christine Beck, Khemraj Budachetri and Shahid Karim (University of Southern Mississippi). This final presentation was additionally included in the “Posters in the Rotunda” event in Jackson, which showcased student research projects from across Mississippi and was selected to be presented at the National Institute of Health IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) meetings in Washington D.C. in July 2016. Abstracts pertaining to all of these presentations can be found in the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Journal of abstracts: http:// msacad.org/mas-journal/ current-abstract In honor of President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt, faculty members from the College of Education and Human Sciences and from the departments of Biological Sciences and Mathematics developed, planned, and led the first Science, Technology, Engineering and Math summer camp for rising seventh and eighth graders. Campers spent a week learning principles of math and science in a fun format. Chemistry and Physics
The Department of Chemistry and Physics has added a Biochemistry Concentration to the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program. Biochemistry, one of the fastest growing spe-
cializations within the field of chemistry, provides a rigorous path for students interested in a professional degree in medicine or related field. Dr. Sharon K. Hamilton was awarded a $50,994
were invited to attend an Open House at Vanderbilt University, hosted by the Training Programs: Environmental Toxicology, Molecular Biophysics, Chemical Biology Interface and Chemical Biology of Infectious Disease.
GIT The Center for Geospatial Information Technologies was selected by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey as a Center of Academic Excellence in Geosciences. The Center captured approximately $550,000 in grant and contract funding during the 2015-2016 academic year. This included a $350,000 award to develop methods for automating the recognition of features in aerial and satellite imagery. MS-INBRE grant to support one of her undergraduate research projects, titled “Investigation of Drug Release Capabilities of Novel Oxidized Alginate Nanofibers.” Dr. Sharon K. Hamilton and Dr. Joe Bentley were selected as 2015 OIT Challenge Grant recipients. The award is being made in support of their project titled “Developing an ‘Okra Strong Chemistry’ Program with Cutting Edge Teaching Technology.” This grant funded the purchase of one ELMO-MO-1 + CRA-1 Tablet Bundle to be used by the Chemistry and Physics faculty during their lecture classes. DSU American Chemical Society members
The students heard oral presentations by faculty and graduate students in the programs, toured the facilities, and attended a Q&A session with graduate students. Students in attendance included Zach Boone, Daisy Camarillo, Jasmine Milan, Katie Penton, Ashley Weatherspoon, and Will Weeks. In 2015, the Department of Chemistry and Physics American Chemical Society chapter received an Honorable Mention chapter award for the students’ commitment and achievement during the 2014-2015 academic year. Delta Music Institute
Broke and Hungry Re-
cords, located in St. Louis, MO, recently released a blues album recorded at the Delta Music Institute (DMI) Studios and mixed by Miles Fulwider, Instructor of Entertainment Industry Studies. He was assisted by two DMI students. The album was released at the Juke Joint Festival, held in Clarksdale this past April. Miles Fulwider was an engineer on the film score recording for the Ken Burns’ documentary on Jackie Robinson. The filmed aired on PBS. The DMI Entertainment Industry faculty work hard to provide unique hands-on learning opportunities for our students, whether in the form of production for our local Levitt AMP Cleveland Music Series or working with our artist-in-residence, award-winning singer/songwriter, Steve Azar. That’s often where the real learning takes place. Music
During the 2015-2016 academic year, the Department of Music hosted more than 425 high school and community college students from Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas in a number of events. The events, attracting record numbers of students, included Band Day, Honor Choir, Honor Band, the Art of the Piano, Flute Day, and “Slidin’ in the Delta” Trombone Day.
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Looking Sharp! Caylor-White-Walters Hall renovations are nearly complete.
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drive down Fifth Avenue on the DSU campus over the past few years could show you that something has been happening at the school’s science and mathematics building. The state-funded multimillion dollar renovation in progress on Caylor-White-Walters Hall is now nearly complete. The building is home of the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Chemistry and Physics, and the Department of Mathematics. This project has been a major campus priority and has been funded via the State of Mississippi Bureau of Buildings. Originally built in the 1970s, Caylor-White-Walters Hall now has a larger building footprint, allowing for additional teaching and research space. Technology upgrades are visible throughout the newly renovated building, as well, providing for greater capacity for student training. The building’s laboratories and classrooms have been equipped with SMART Podium interactive displays and projectors that allow faculty to create interactive presentations. This technology allows faculty to save notes, illustrations, and class examples, which are immediately uploaded to Canvas, an online course management system allowing student access for review. Other updates include cutting edge-software (such as the latest versions of Maple, Mathematica, and others), state-of-the-art, energy-efficient ven-
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tilation hoods in the science labs, and balanced airflow throughout the building. New classroom furniture allows for more student interaction and small group discussion, and new faculty offices allow for better service to students in need of advising and tutoring. Growing the Life Sciences: Caring for People and the Environment The renovation has already had a huge impact on the Department of Biological Sciences, creating space for new equipment that provides research opportunities for students and faculty. “Anyone who wants to be a biology major needs to be prepared for a lot of hard work and effort,” Hristina Koceva, a biology pre-medical student, says. “But with all the great facilities that this school has, it’s a really good place to go.” The biology laboratories are now outfitted with research-grade compound microscopes for every student. New instructor microscopes are attached to digital cameras so that an entire class can view the same preparation on the new SMART Podium displays. A new Scanning Electron Microscope, housed in a new lab on the first floor, can magnify objects up to 300,000-fold and determine elemental composition of samples, and can be remotely controlled. Funded by a joint biology and chemistry grant from the National Science Founda-
Dr. Ellen Green, Chair and Associate Professor of Biology, using a tiger swallowtail butterfly from the Delta State insect collection to teach plant-insect interactions.
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Caylor-White-Walters Hall Renovation Timeline
Demolition begins on the site for the new addition. (March 2010)
The new addition goes up on the east side. (November 2010)
The new addition has walls. (April 2011)
General biology and cell biology labs ready to occupy. (August 2014)
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tion, it is already supporting multiple student and faculty research projects on topics ranging from climate change to the incorporation of metals in insect mandibles. New specialized temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms for animal care are now available, and a recent grant from the Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (MS-INBRE), funded through the National Institute of Health, has provided for a cell-culture facility, which will allow the department to offer new courses in advanced cellular physiology. The renovation has dedicated space to showcase natural history specimens from the Delta and surrounding areas in a new science museum, as well as new “wet” rooms for field tests preparation. The department houses a herbarium collection, where over 17,000 plant specimens from Mississippi and beyond have been curated, catalogued, and digitized for a global database. The renovation has also provided space for the department greenhouse, a teaching and research resource, on the roof of the Caylor-White-Walters Hall.
The department has been very successful in placement of their students in professional and graduate schools as well as in industry and governmental jobs, and the new facilities should only improve this success. Stars Shine on the Delta One of the star attractions of the new Caylor-White-Walters Hall is the addition of a new three-dimensional digital projection theater to the current planetarium. The new planetarium seats over fifty people and is a resource that benefits programs across the DSU campus and Delta region, with availability for regular shows for local schools. The renovation has provided the Department of Chemistry and Physics with much-needed space for research and teaching using the department’s instrumentation, such as the 300MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrophotometer (NMR), which can perform structural and chemical analysis. In addition to existing instrumentation, a new liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC/MS), used for separation and identification of constituents in a liquid sample, was purchased under Title III funding, and the Malvern gel permeation chromatograph (GPC), which can separate large molecules based on size, was purchased via a grant from MS-INBRE. “Students that have used
these new instruments are showing a deeper understanding of chemistry and its applications,” says Dr. Sharon Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, who uses the GPC with students in her lab to research drug delivery in wound healing. “It is obvious that using an instrument and seeing how a theory they learned in the classroom applies in the laboratory is essential to creating well-rounded graduates.” The availability of the department’s new technology allows students and faculty to conduct more research, preparing students for a variety of professional and graduate schools across the country. The department also provides a top notch education for students leaving DSU to go immediately into a career in chemistry or physics. Zach Boone, a May 2016 chemistry graduate, used the LC/MS in his research. “Being proficient on a cutting edge instrument will really stand out on my resume,” Zach says. “Not only did the chemistry courses at Delta State prepare me for the MCAT, but the faculty also gave me support throughout the process, supplying me with letters of recommendation, interview preparation, and anything else I needed to help me gain admission,” says Bonnie Beth Moore, another 2016 chemistry graduate, who will be beginning medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in the
Drs. Mary (’63) and Robert (’59) Elliott are alumni of the DSU science programs, and are still engaged with faculty and stuMaking Mathematics dents. The Elliotts, who are Accessible the founders of the MasIn the Department of tology Center (now called Mathematics, students are the Elliott-Elliott-Head already noticing a more Breast Cancer Research comfortable learning enviand Treatment Center) in ronment, and appreciating Baton Rouge, are the new software still involved in and equipment. providing patient “I have noticed Moving back into the care and researcha positive improvebuilding is like coming home ing treatments for ment in the motivabreast cancer. tion and attitude of after a long vacation. It just Via the request, students since movplanning, and suping into the new Dr. David Herbert feels right. port of the Elliotts, building,” notes Dr. the College of Liza Cope, Assistant Arts and Sciences initiatstudents,” says Dr. WingProfessor of Mathematics. ed a two-year campaign Through the renovation ard. In addition to success to build a program called leading K-12 classrooms, project, the department’s classroom and laboratories former students have been Integral Funding for Science Education, or InFuSE. accepted into a variety of have been redesigned to graduate programs, includ- InFuSE is intended to raise provide more space to use funds to support science hands-on manipulatives in ing medical school. education and research for In a separate but the study of mathematics. DSU and students of all related project, a recent Cuisenaire rods, for ages and to increase the Mathematics and Science example–which look like involvement of our alumPartnership grant, funded just simple rods of different ni and the community in through the Mississippi colors and lengths–are a science education. Department of Education tremendous teaching tool. Dr. Rose Strahan, due Dr. Clifton Wingard, depart- and the U.S. Department to her belief in and comof Education, provided ment chair of Mathematics, mitment to the Departprofessional development notes the tools can be used ment of Mathematics, for local Delta elemenin work from simple multiinitiated the Rose Strahan tary education teachers, plication to calculations in Scholarship for Mathepreparing them to earn an Calculus 4. matics. This fund is used endorsement for teaching The department also to assist in supporting middle school mathematreceived an updated comone deserving student in ics through the eighth puter laboratory space, mathematics. Dr. Strahgrade. used for both classes and an was a faculty member student projects. The new in the department for Alumni and community software purchases allow involvement in education over forty years, retiring for expanded opportuniAmid these renovations, in 2009, and served as ties for students to learn department chair from mathematics using applied, DSU has also been workreal-world examples–some ing to increase involvement 1980 until retirement. Dr. Strahan is also a donor to and capacity in science of the same techniques education, both on campus the Mathematics Fund, future teachers will use in which provides funding and beyond. their classrooms. fall. She scored among the top ten percent of applicants to the school.
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“Since a large number of our students are preparing to go into educating the next generation, it is very important to have them learn various methods of using mathematics teaching equipment and examples to make mathematics more accessible and easier to understand for K-12
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to assist the department in its teaching, research, and faculty development needs. She challenges other individuals to assist in supporting education in mathematics. For further information on giving to InFuSE or one of the Mathematics funds, please visit the Delta State Foundation at www.deltastategiving.org and search for Instrumental Funding in Science Education, the Rose Strahan Scholarship for Mathematics, or the Mathematics Fund. You may also contact Ms. Darlene Breaux, Academic Affairs Development Officer (dhbreaux@deltastate.edu or 662-846-4013 or 662312-9323) for assistance. Stop in for a visit While a few last improvements to the two large auditorium-style rooms are still pending, the renovation is scheduled for completion in 2016. Faculty have moved into the new offices, and classes and laboratories are now being held in the building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held later this fall. “Moving back into the building is like coming home after a long vacation,” says Dr. David Hebert, Associate Professor of Mathematics. “It just feels right.” So the next time you drive down Fifth Avenue, stop in and take a look at the future of science and mathematics at Delta State. by Joe Bentley, Darlene Breaux, Ellen Green and Clifton Wingard
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Temples of Sound The DMI Entertainment Industry Studies program houses one of the most unique recording studios in the Southeast.
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hen you work as an audio engineer, your ability to listen matters. And if you’re trying to build your ears, it’s important to work on the most up-to-date technology. Too often, students aspiring to work in the music industry gain experience only with the simplest audio consoles. “Having to work their way up in the industry for 10 years before they’re finally able to work in a facility that’s got great equipment like this—and only then assess their skills—that feels backwards,” says Miles Fulwider, an instructor in Entertainment Industry Studies at the Delta
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Audio instructor and engineer, Miles Fulwider, at the DMI Studio A SSL Duality Delta console.
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GRAMMY nominated songwriter Dennis Morgan recording in DMI Studio B. Music Institute (DMI) at Delta State University. He is sitting behind the new audio console in the control room of Studio A. Built into an old gymnasium, it’s one of the marquee facilities of the program. “In this institute they have those tools from the beginning,” he says. The DMI is an Independent Center of Excellence within the College of Arts and Sciences, and offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Industry Studies. Students in the program concentrate on the technical, creative, and business areas of the music and entertainment industry. Tricia Walker, director of the DMI, observes that
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the program has grown significantly over the last six years. “These upgrades increase the visibility of DMI as one of the flagship programs of the university, and our unique studios are a recruiting tool across the board,” she says. “For students to have the opportunity for hands-on learning with this level of professional equipment in a small college environment, with industry professionals as faculty, is a real win-win scenario for them.“ The new 48-channel Solid State Logic (SSL) Duality Delta audio console offers a host of key features—though their functions may be beyond the comprehension of a
layman. Fulwider rattles off the reasons why the DMI selected the SSL Duality: flexible routing options, comprehensive analog processing, dual DAW control, in-DAW console automation. These, he says, all contribute to effective and relevant learning. DMI’s Studio B, which is considered the ‘workhorse’ of the studio facilities, also has new technology: an Avid Pro Tools S6 control surface, which leverages the best of the industry-leading ICON in a revolutionary new modular design. The S6 delivers what Fulwider calls “intelligent studio control,” providing an intuitive, immersive experience
for the sound engineer. Built on proven technology and trusted by top audio professionals, the S6 delivers the performance students need to complete projects faster and deliver the best-sounding mixes possible—helping them begin the kind of portfolio they need to break into the industry. Fulwider notes that with these upgrades in place, students in the DMI can gain the experience and skills they need to go out and dive into the world of commercial audio. “Hopefully their careers just explode at that point for them,” he says. by Miles Fulwider and Tricia Walker
A group of active duty Marines participated in a pilot course of study for the BAS-GAI degree program.
Mapping the Cutting Edge
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A new high-tech degree supports business and military intelligence.
hough the average citizen may not notice, there is a new form of geographical thinking informing decisions made in fields from intelligence to investment to insurance. “The ‘where’ component is always a key piece of information,” explains Talbot Brooks, the director of DSU’s Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information Technologies. “Where is the bad guy? Where is the competition? Where are risks the greatest?” By answering such questions, decision makers can discover key insights about why, when, or how something happens, Talbot says. So the ability to incorporate spatial information provides a key competitive
advantage—essential to both American security and American businesses. To help fill a growing need in both fields, the Center recently launched a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geospatial Analysis and Intelligence. In Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), analysts integrate data from many sources to create a more robust understanding of a single geographical place. Such analysis can describe, assess, and even visually depict the physical features and human activities within a region. Consider as an example traffic-based routing services like those from Garmin and Google. These services integrate information from government-run
transportation monitoring systems with data collected from smart phones and other devices. Users are thus able to note the location of traffic delays and choose alternate, timesaving routes. There are more sophisticated military applications of GEOINT, as well. A government agency might integrate satellite imagery, signals intelligence, the sale prices of certain goods or services, and similar information to identify terror-related activities. The new program of study is designed to meet two audiences: traditional students and active duty military personnel seeking an online degree. Traditional students may pursue either an online program
or complete their course of study through a combination of in-residence and online study. Military personnel have the additional option of completing their degree through a Department of Defense-compliant five-year program of study. This program will be administered online, and is part-time and year-round. The proposed degree program seeks to prepare students for professional certification and licensure while offering rigorous academic study and practical experience through cooperative education. Graduating students will be prepared for careers with a variety of federal agencies—such as intelligence services, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency—as well as major insurance and investment brokerage firms and critical infrastructure operators such as electric and gas utilities. DSU’s efforts in this arena were recently recognized by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the United States Geological Survey, who selected the Center as one of 17 “Centers of Academic Excellence.” Other schools chosen included the Air Force Academy, George Mason, and Penn State. Interested students are encouraged to contact Mr. Chris Smith at cdsmith@ deltastate.edu for additional information. by Talbot Brooks
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A LU M N I N E W S Biological Sciences
ated from The University of Southern Mississippi in the spring with a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Nicole Nielson, BS Biology alumna from Southaven, was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Molly McWhorter, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, will be attending Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, in the fall to pursue a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology.
Giorgio Grant, BS Biology alumnus from Jackson, has accepted a new position in Quality Control at PharMEDium. Sara Triplett, BS Biology and MS Natural Sciences alumna with an emphasis in Biology from Cleveland, has accepted a new position as a Project Quality Outcome Assistant at the Semmes-Murphey neurosurgery clinic in Memphis. GIT
Blake Davis, MAS-GIT alumnus from Oak Hill, WV, was granted the GIS Award for the Best Capstone Project. Blake has also accepted a new position as a Project Scientist at Alliance Consultants in West Virginia. Pramod Mishra, MASGIT alumnus from Olds, Alberta, Canada, has accepted a senior GIS Spatial Analyst position in Canada after receiving his master degree from DSU. Chemistry and Physics
Bonnie Beth Moor, ACS Chemistry alumna from Southaven, has been accepted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine in Jackson. She was in the top ten percent of the UMMC ap-
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Andrew (Drew) Fioranelli, BSIS alumnus from Cleveland (photo above), is now the GIS Administrator for Farquier County, Virginia. Drew completed his GIS Certificate prior to graduation and completed the Center’s first international internship with the Canadian telephone company Telus.
plicant pool for the upcoming 2016-2017 academic year. Languages and Literature
Amber Marie Wright, BA English alumna, has earned her Master of Arts in English from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. Amber will be teaching 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English literature including Honors and Creative Writing at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School in Huntington. Speech and Hearing Science
Whitney Crum, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, will be attending Jackson State University in the fall to pursue a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders.
Elizabeth Culberson, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, graduated from Jackson State University in the spring with a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders. Adrian Dill, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences, will be attending the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg in the fall to pursue a graduate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Alaina Fanning, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, graduated from Jackson State University in the spring with a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders. Sheridan McClendon, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, gradu-
Amy Scott, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, graduated from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus in the spring with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Lauren Simmons, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, in the spring with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. Erin Tucker, BS Speech and Hearing Sciences alumna, will be attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, in the fall to pursue a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. We would love to learn more about what our alumni are doing. Please forward your news to us at dbreaux@deltastate. edu, so we can publish it in our next issue.
S T U D E N T A N D FAC U LT Y AC H I E V E M E N T S STUDENT AC H I E V E M E N T S Art
Patrons and friends of the Department of Art gave $4,000 in awards in the annual student exhibition. Hannah Core won the President LaForge Purchase Award and Selena Nause, won the President’s Cabinet Purchase Award. Both artworks become part of the Department of Art permanent collection. Other winners included Ariel Artis, R.J. Fitzpatrick, Christopher Pecou, Lindsay Marter, Gracie Pelton, Lawson King, and Hannah Core. Biological Sciences
Derrell Hart, Senior Biology Pre-Pharmacy major from Coldwater, was accepted to pharmacy school at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. Meghan Johnson, Senior Biology Pre-Medical major from Coldwater, was accepted to medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Meghan is also a recipient of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program. Andrew VanVelsor, Senior Biology Pre-Medical major from Senatobia, was accepted to medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Andrew is also a recipient of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program.
Damian Mercier, Senior Biology Pre-Medical graduate (Spring 2015) from Hattiesburg, was accepted to medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Austin Henderson, Senior Biology Pre-Medical major from Madison, was accepted to medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
• Meghan Johnson; Senior, Coldwater • Marc Leggett; Senior, Gautier • Haley McDonald; Junior, Merigold • Kara Lane Nowell; Senior, Louisville • Hannah Register; Senior, Vicksburg • Will Weeks; Senior, Boyle
Ellen Tarrant, Senior BS Biology major from New Albany, was accepted into the Veterinary Medicine program at Mississippi State University in Starkville. Christine Beck, a Senior from Crystal Springs majoring in environmental science with a concentration in wildlife management, was the recipient of the $5,000 Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts scholarship. Jessica Hood, Senior BS Biology major from Gore Springs, was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at University of Mississippi Medical Center. Alpha Epsilon Delta, the world’s largest honor society exclusively serving premedical education, initiated its newest student members on November 5, 2015. The new AED initiates are: • Anna Brown; Senior, Isola • Derrell Hart; Senior, Coldwater • Jessica Hood; Senior, Gore Springs
Dr. William F. Laforge Dean, 1969 – 1992 Dr. Laforge joined Delta State in 1957 to serve as Chair of the Social Sciences Department. He was appointed inaugural Dean of the newly formed School of Arts and Sciences.
Zach Odoms, a Senior from Pascagoula majoring in biology with a concentration in pre-physical therapy, was selected as the 2016 Congressional Fellow for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi. Two Senior BS Biology majors, Christine Beck of Crystal Springs and Rebekah Napier-Jameson from Randburg, Gauten AE, South Africa, were selected as finalists at the Academic Research Showcase held at DSU on February 9. Both presented at the
“Posters in the Rotunda” research exhibit in Jackson on March 24. Phyllis Stewart, Senior BS Biology major from Greenville, was selected as a summer intern at the USDA catfish laboratory in Stoneville. GIT
Gunnery Sergeant Brian Gipson, Senior BAS-GAI major from Camp LeJeune, NC, received a letter of commendation for his work in assisting with the development of the BAS-GAI degree program. Gipson was also promoted to Master Sergeant. Master Sergeant Matthew Paez, Junior BAS-GAI major from Springfield, VA, was named the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) for the U.S. Marine Corps Basic Geographic Information Specialist School at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. Staff Sergeant Joel Crenshaw, Junior BAS-GAI major from Virginia Beach, VA, and Sergeant Brian Buttacio, Freshman BAS-GAI major from San Diego, CA, were selected for Operation GAMEKEEPER. Master Sergeant Joshua Stone transferred to the National Intelligence University. DMI
Amber Foster, Senior DMI student, successfully completed her work as producer of the Levitt AMP
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S T U D E N T A N D FAC U LT Y AC H I E V E M E N T S • “Investigation of electrospinning novel oxidized alginate nanofibers,” Kathryn Penton, William Weeks and Sharon Hamilton.
by Nick Houston Informal Essay: First Place: “Nothing MiThe 2016 DMI All-Stars, nor” by Alecia Wilson a group of select enterSecond Place: “Animals tainment industry majors, Don’t Believe in Mercy” by performed at Mississippi Jess Bennett Night! during GRAMMY Kathryn Penton won third Honorable Mention: “Look week in Los Angeles. place in the Fourth Annual at the Flowers” by Kole State Honors Conference Oakes Ten entertainment industry Formal Essay: studies majors from the First Place: “Natural Means DMI recently attended a of Expression: The ImporGRAMMY Museum edutance of Play” by Sarah cational program, Fortenberry “The Music of Ray Charles,” Second Place: “Windows in at the White House. First Zach Boone, Katie Penton, Dubliners: Joyce’s Theme Lady Michelle Obama welRobert Beamon, and Lane of Enclosure” by Sarah comed the student guests. Fortenberry Winn were nominated for Honorable Mention: “Sixty membership-at-large to Fighting Okra Records anDays of Death” by Julian Phi Lambda Upsilon, the nounced the signing of the Dr. Johnny Ouzts Drake National Chemistry Honor label’s 2015-2016 recording Associate Dean, Congratulations to the Society. The aims and artist, junior Audrianna 1969 – 1992 winners of the Oratorical purposes of Phi Lambda Johnson from Grenada. Dr. Ouzts joined DelContest held on Thursday, Upsilon are the promotion ta State in 1964 as a Chemistry and Physics April 28th: of high scholarship and faculty member in the Students and faculty gave Michelle Hill, winner of original investigation in Biology Department. two poster presentations informative speaking all branches of pure and He was named as and one oral presentation Charlie King, 2nd place applied chemistry. Assistant Dean in 1969 at the Mississippi Academy persuasive speaking and later appointed Languages and of Sciences Meeting, held Sarah Wysoki, winner Associate Dean in 1973. Literature February 18 and 19 at the persuasive speaking Additionally, he chaired The Department of LanUniversity of Southern MisSarah Mumme, 2nd place the Biology Department guages and Literature is sissippi. The presentations informative speaking from 1974 – 1978 and proud to announce the from the Hamilton Lab served as Director of student winners of the 2016 Two students have comwere the result of a collabothe Center for Alluvial DA: A Journal of Delta Arts pleted internships with ration between Dr. Sharon Fiction: Plains Studies. K. Hamilton and Dr. Gisela the University Press of First Place: “Traps” by Kole Mississippi: Laura Strong, Buschle-Diller at Auburn Oakes University. The presentaCreative Writing major Poster Session. Penton is Second Place: “The White- with a minor in music and tions and authors were: the DSU Honors Program • “Electrospinning Natural President for the 2015-2016 ness of the Whale” by Jess Jess Bennett, English and Bennett Polymer Fibers,” Kathryn academic year and was History major. Their blogs Penton, William Weeks, responsible for hosting the Honorable Mention: reflecting on their expe“Picks” by Laurel Breeland riences have been added Lucas Veide (Auburn Uni- conference on April 8 and Poerty: versity), Sharon Hamilton, 9 in conjunction with the to the UPM site. Jess also and Gisela Buschle-Diller Honors Program Director. First Place: “All Trains” by won the paid McRae PubNick Houston (Auburn University). lishing Internship of the Second Place: “Cycle of • “Theoretical Calculation Will Weeks and Kierstin University Press of Missisof the C-H Quantum Vibra- Page took second and third Eyes” by Kole Oakes sippi for summer 2016. Honorable Mentions: “Nattional Energies in Hydrogen places, respectively, in the Cyanide,” Kathryn Penton DSU Research Symposium uralistic Seasons” by Jess Music Bennett and “Black Boy” and Joseph Bentley. Beth McWhorter-GuilPoster Session. Cleveland Concert.
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Delta State University Chemistry students and faculty assisted in judging the Bayou Academy Science Fair in Cleveland on March 3. Judges included Zach Boone, Senior Chemistry major from Southaven, Jacob Mercier, Junior Chemistry Premedical Science major from Hattiesburg, Daisy Camarillo, Junior Chemistry major from Gilcrest, CO, and Dr. Sharon K. Hamilton.
S T U D E N T A N D FAC U LT Y AC H I E V E M E N T S lory, Junior Vocal Performance major from New Orleans, won first place at the Southern Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition in Monroe, Louisiana. Minji Kim, Senior Piano Performance major, was awarded Honorable Mention at the 2016 Music Teachers National Association – Southern Division Competition held at the University of South Florida. Delta State Jazz Ensemble members Daniel Christy, Joshua Mims, and George Mumford received Jazz Ensemble Scholarship awards for their musical, academic, and service contributions to the ensemble. Conor Bell, Sara Crider, Chandler Smith, Basia Thomas, and Rory Young were inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the music honors society on Monday, April 18. Solo performances at the Honors Recital, which features outstanding student performers as selected by the music faculty through a competitive audition process, included Melissa Britton, soprano, Junior Music Education major; Sara Crider, alto saxophone, Junior Music Education major; Monica Ely, soprano, Senior Music Performance major; Minji Kim, piano, Senior Music Performance major; Elizabeth McWhorter, sophomore music performance
major; and Dakota Young, alto saxophone, Freshman Music Education major.
Senyoabge Shelter Dor, Senior from Oxford, MS
Emily Hercules, Sophomore Music Education major from Ripley, performed in a February 4 masterclass with internationally renowned clarinetist Julian Bliss.
Students Jerri Clemons, Senior Social Work major from Helena, AR, and Claire Griffin, Senior Social Work major from Decator, won the Alabama/ Mississippi Social Work Education conference Poster Competition. Their research was on using the Virtual Dementia Tour to educate students in the helping professions.
Social Work
FAC U LT Y AC H I E V E M E N T S Dr. Richard Myers Dean, 1992 – 2003 Dr. Myers joined Delta State in 1968 as a faculty member in the Chemistry Department. He was Director of the Office Institutional Research and Planning from 1989 – 1992. He was appointed Dean in 1993 – 2003 and served Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs from March – June, 2003.
Art
Michael Stanley, Assistant Professor of Art, has been selected as the International President of Kappa Pi International Art Honor Society. Dr. Michaela Merryday, Associate Professor of Art, was honored by the Mississippi Humanities Council with a Humanities Teacher of the Year award. Biological Sciences
Dr. Yongqin Zhang, Assistant Professor of Biology and Coordinator of the Masters of Applied Science Social Sciences and in Geospatial Technologies History The following students have program, published a book been selected to participate chapter entitled “GIS in Biological Science Research in the Washington Center and Education” in STEM Summer Internship program for the summer 2016 and GIS in Higher Education with her graduate semester in Washington, student Thomas Wilson D.C.: and her colleague, Dr. Aja Buckhalter, Senior Eric Blackwell, Associate from Madison, MS Professor of Biology. Dr. Victoria Burton, Senior John Tiftickjian, Professor from Louisville, MS
of Biology and past chair of the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences, was the recipient of the 20152016 Kossman Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Severine Groh, Assistant Professor of Biology, has developed a mammalian cell culture laboratory and a course in advanced cell physiology through funding from the National Institutes of Health Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence grant program. Dr. A.H.M. Ali Reza, Assistant Professor of Biology, has been nominated and selected as the Vice President of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology division of the Mississippi Academy of Science for the 2015-2016 academic year. Dr. Reza also recently published an article, “Herpetofaunal Species Richness In the Tropical Forests of Bangladesh” in the Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. Dr. Jira Katembe, Associate Professor of Biology, was recently awarded a grant, “Replacement of Core Instrumentation for Enhancement of Biotechnology Program,” in the amount of $25,000, from the University of Southern Mississippi and the National Institutes of H ealth. Dr. Nina Baghai-Riding, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, and Dr. Eric Blackwell, Associate Professor Biology,
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S T U D E N T A N D FAC U LT Y AC H I E V E M E N T S co-authored the following peer reviewed publications: B. Olivi, J. Lemoine, N.L. Baghai-Riding, and E. Blackwell, “Census of the Delta State University Woody Plant Community and Its Implications for Ecosystem Health.” L. Fitts, N.L. Baghai-Riding, E. Blackwell, R. Napier-Jameson, “Place-based Environmental Science Training in the Rural Mississippi Delta.” The article appears in the Fall 2015 edition of the Delta Journal of Education. GIT
Robert Austin, Adjunct Faculty, CIGIT, Dave DiSera, and Talbot Brooks, Director, CIGIT, published GIS for Critical Infrastructure Protection through CRC Press. Talbot Brooks earned the first “Universal Geospatial Professional” designation from the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. DMI
Miles Fulwider, Instructor in Entertainment Industry Studies, recently produced a new recording in DMI Studio A for Grinder Blues, a blues rock trio featuring Doug Pinnick of King’s X and the Bihlman Brothers. Tricia Walker, Delta State University’s DMI Director, was featured with other musicians at the 26th annual Evening in December holiday event in Nashville. Walker was also a featured panelist in the “Breaking
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the Sound Barrier” session at the 2016 Leadership Music Class in Nashville.
Mr. Collier Parker Dean, 2003 – 2010 Mr. Parker joined the Delta State Art Department in 1984 and served as department chair from 1992-2003. He was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2003. Chemistry and Physics
Dr. Sharon K. Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry, presented a poster entitled “Electrospinning Natural Polymer Fibers” at the 2015 Southeast Regional IDeA Meeting in Biloxi. “Assessing Correlation Between VARK Learning Modalities and Science Majors” at the Chemical Education Undergraduate Research Poster Session of the 251st American Chemical Society National Meeting.
with structural information about actin-related protein 2 and potential WASP binding sites” at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Crystallographic Association, and published a research paper in the September 2015 issue of Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun. Dr. James Gerald, Assistant Professor of Physics, presented “Open Source and Collaboration using Pressbooks Textbooks” at the the National Science Foundation Creating Futures Through Technology Conference on March 2 and 4 in Biloxi, MS. Jill H. Harper, M.S., Instructor in Chemistry, was awarded the Wayne Walley Medal for outstanding teaching and service at the Elliott Awards Dinner in Spring 2016. Languages and Literature
Dr. Judith C. Coleman, Assistant Professor of English, presented “Magic, Law, and the Terrible Power of Tamburlaine’s Words.” at the South-Central Renaissance Conference in St. Louis in March.
Dr. Lauren Coker-Durso, Assistant Professor of English, presented “Early Dr. Chris Jurgenson, Modern Disability PerAssistant Professor of Bioformance and Theatrical chemistry, was appointed to the Outlaw-Sullivan Pro- Space in The Knight of fessorship in Biochemistry. the Burning Pestle” at the Dr. Jurgenson also present- Exploring the Renaissance/ South Central Renaissance ed a poster entitled “Crystals of the Arp2/3 complex International Conference in St. Louis in March. She in two new space groups
also contributed a “Review of Great Shakespeare Actors: Burbage to Branagh, by Stanley Wells” to The Shakespeare Newsletter. Dr. Eugene Clinton Tibbs, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, published an article, “Mediumistic Divine Possession among the Early Christians: A Response to Craig S. Keener’s ‘Spirit Possession as a Cross-Cultural Experience,” in the Bulletin for Biblical Research, and contributed a chapter to Biblical Inspiration and the Authority of Scripture, “Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances in the Light of Full-Bodied Spirit Materializations.” Dr. Susan Allen Ford, Professor of English and editor of Persuasions and Persuasions On-Line, the peer-reviewed journals of the Jane Austen Society of North America, released POL 36.1 in December, on Jane Austen’s birthday. Dr. Ford also presented one of the plenary lectures at the Jane Austen Summer Program in Chapel Hill in June. Her talk was entitled “Mansfield Park and Sheridan’s Art of Reading.” Mathematics
Dr. Liza Cope, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, presented “Teachers’ Perceptions of the Characteristics of Highly Effective Coaches” at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference in Nashville, in November 2015.
S T U D E N T A N D FAC U LT Y AC H I E V E M E N T S Dr. Paula Norris, Professor of Mathematics, presented “Operations with Polynomials Using the Area Method and the Reverse Area Method” at the 2015 Fall Conference of the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
thored “Association among subtypes of bullying status and sexually- risky behaviors of urban African American adolescents in Chicago.” Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 2016
Dr. Hui Peng Liew, Assistant Professor of Sociology, published peer reviewed articles in the following Dr. Lee Virden, Associate journals: Professor of Mathemat• Health Policy and Technolics, presented at the Gulf ogy, 5: 26-31. South Teaching Pedagogy • Journal of Divorce & ReConference at William marriage, 57(1): 76-85. Carey University in Hat• Bulletin of Sociological tiesburg, in November 2015. The presentation was Methodology, 129: 78-93. • Journal of Depression titled “Simulation Data in and Anxiety. S1: 016. Microsoft Excel – Useful doi:10.4172/2167-1044. for More than Just ProbaS1-016 bilities.” • Progress in Economic Dr. Clifton Wingard, Pro- Research, Volume 31. fessor of Mathematics and • Bulletin of Sociological Department Chair, pre- Methodology, 126: 99-108. sented “Working with Linear Equation: A Different Dr. Brian Becker, “IanApproach” at the Nation- uensis, ergo pirata: The al Council of Teachers of Influence of Piracy on Mathematics Annual Meet- Genoese Self-Image and ing and Exposition in San Foreign Reputation during the Middle Ages” at the Francisco in April. Forty-First Annual SeSocial Sciences and wanee Medieval ColloquiHistory um: Peace and War, The Dr. Brian Becker, AssisUniversity of the South, tant Professor of History, Sewanee, Tennessee, April published “Riccoldo da 10-11, 2015. Montecroce’s Epistolae V commentatoriae de perDr. Hyejin Kim, Assistant ditione Acconis, 1291, as Professor of Social Justice Evidence of Multifaceted and Criminology, “PerTextual Movement in the sonality traits of juvenile Eastern Mediterranean,” delinquents on personality in Texts in Transit, Pennassessment inventory” at sylvania State University the annual meeting of Press. the American Society of Criminology, WashingDr. Sujung Cho, Assistant ton DC, November, 2015. Professor of Social Justice and Criminology, co-auDr. Sujung Cho presented
“The prediction validity of Hare’s psychopathy check list-revised with Korean sample” at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, New Orleans, LA, November, 2016. Dr. Sujung Cho presented papers at the following conferences: • The 72th Annual Confer-
Dr. Paul Hankins Interim Dean, 2010 – 2014 Dr. Hankins joined the Delta State Music Department in 1999 and was appointed department chair in 2007. He served as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2010 to 2014.
ence of American Society of Criminology (ASC), New Orleans, LA • 16th Annual Conference of European Society of Criminology, Muenster, Germany. • 7th Annual Conference of Asian Criminological Society, Beijing, China. • 53rd Annual Conference of Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Denver, Colorado • 71th Annual Conference of American Society of
Criminology (ASC), Washington, DC. Dr. Paulette Meikle, Chair of the Division of Social Sciences and History Associate Professor of Sociology and Community Development and Dr. Leslie Green-Pimentel, Assistant Professor of Community Development, co-authored “Building Assets among Low Income Families Using a Community-Based Research Mode of Inquiry,” Paper presented at the Southern Sociological Society Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, April 2016. Dr. L.B. Norman, Assistant Professor of Social Justice and Criminology co-authored and presented the following papers: “Social Norms and Prescription Drug Misuse: Does Reason for Misuse Matter?” at the Mid-South Sociological Association Annual Meeting, Lafayette, LA, October 2124, 2015 and “What’s Love Got to Do with It: Women’s Constructions of the ‘Reality’ of Romantic Love” at the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, August 22-25, 2015. Dr. Chuck Westmoreland, Assistant Professor of History presented the following papers: “Southern Pharisees: Prayer, Politics, and Public Life in the South, 1955-1996,” MS Historical Society Annual Meeting, Jackson, MS, March 4, 2016 and “Headlocks and Heritage USA: The Intersection of Professional Wrestling
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S T U D E N T A N D FAC U LT Y AC H I E V E M E N T S and the Televangelism Scandals of the 1980s,” Louisiana Studies Conference, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA, September 12, 2016 Dr. Paulette Meikle served as panelist for “The Demographics of Wealth: How Age, Education, and Race Separation Thrivers from Struggles in Today’s Economy” hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Memphis Branch, at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, September 24, 2015. Dr. Paulette Meikle presented a paper entitled “Community Advancement through the Enabling of Women,” at the Community Development Society Annual Meeting, Lexington Kentucky. Music
Dr. Laurissa Backlin, Assistant Professor of Music, presented a lecture-recital entitled “Iron Sharpens Iron: Duets for Two Women in the Teaching of Undergraduate Women” at the Southern Regional College Music Society Conference at Southern-Birmingham College on February 19. Dr. Backlin performed four duets with Dr. Emily Grundstad-Hall, soprano (Armstrong State University), and Dr. Kevin Chance, pianist (University of Alabama). Dr. Douglas L. Mark, Associate Professor of Music (trombone), served as a guest artist and clinician at
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the American Trombone Workshop, March 9-12, hosted by the United States Army Band at Fort Myer, Arlington, VA. He was
Dr. Dave Breaux Dean, 2014 – present Dr. Breaux is serving as the fifth Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He joined the Delta State family in 2014.
joined by Dr. Jung-Won Shin, Associate Professor of Music (piano), and Ms. Anne-Gaëlle Ravetto, Adjunct Instructor of Strings (violin), in performing the world premiere of From Wuteve to Woodall - A Suite for Trombone, Violin and Piano. Dr. Chad R. Payton, Assistant Professor of Music, traveled to Skidmore College in New York as a Visiting Artist-in-Residence to perform the title role in a production of Georg Friedrich Händel’s opera Xerxes. Dr. Adam Potter, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, presented a session on “Sight-Singing Systems in Collegiate Choral Curricula” at the 2016
Florida Music Educators Association Professional Development Clinic-Conference in Tampa, FL, on January 16. Dr. Jung-Won Shin, Associate Professor of Music, was invited to perform at the Lives of the Piano Concert Series of the Manhattan School of Music in New York on Februrary 9. Additionally, Dr. Shin presented a master class for undergraduate and graduate students and a guest artist recital at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg on January 26. Dr. Kumiko Shimizu, Associate Professor of Music (piano), was selected as one of three pianists who participated in masterclasses held in Scotland in 2015. Additionally, Dr. Shimizu received the James Ronald Brothers Distinguished Achievement in Collaborative Piano Award at the NATS Southern Region Conference. Social Work
Dr. Lisa Moon, Associate Professor of Social Work and Department Chair, was voted Alabama/ Mississippi Social Work Educator of the Year in October 2015. Dr. Jana Donahoe, Assistant Professor of Social Work, and Lisa Moon won the top research article for all articles published in the Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work.
Speech and Hearing Science
Mrs. Janie Magee, Clinic Director and Instructor of Speech and Hearing Sciences, presented “Virtual Dementia Tour” at the Mississippi Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention held in March in Jackson. Dr. Lekeitha R. Morris, Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Speech and Hearing Sciences, presented presented work entitled “Undergraduate Advising: Helping Students Craft Their Path to Success” at the Mississippi Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention in March in Jackson. Dr. Lekeitha R. Morris, Mrs. Janie Magee and Mrs. Aathirai Sharma, Instructor of Speech and Hearing Sciences, attended the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Conference held in March in San Antonio, TX. They also presented their work entitled “Providing a Framework for At-Risk Students to Achieve Academic Excellence.” Dr. Lekeitha R. Morris and co-authors had an article entitled “Comparison of African American children’s performance on a minimal competence core for morphosyntax and the Index of Productive Syntax” published in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
F E AT U R E D A LU M N I
Stirring Up Old Memories I
Alumni share their wisdom.
with brushes and paints these days. Instead she paints vivid n April 2016, Erica Spindler and Nathan Hoffman pictures with words. After graduating from DSU, Spindler visited the DSU campus for the first time in approxiearned an MFA and began teaching in Louisiana. Shortly mately 30 years and were able to transport back in time thereafter, while spending time at home ill and reading to visit old haunts and stir up many fun memories as well a novel, she had a career- and life-changing thought: she as spend Saturday morning at the Crosstie Festival. Erica and Nathan both noted how it was great being back ‘home’ could write these stories, too. Now Spindler is a New York Times bestselling author at Delta State and that they with over 30 books to her wouldn’t have traded their credit. Her books sell in 25 time or experiences there countries, and have been for the world. They were translated into multiple generous with their time, languages. To read more becoming actively engaged about Ms. Spindler, please with several classes in Art, visit her website www. Languages and Literature, ericaspindler.com. and Criminology. The Hoffman is also a students were able to 1979 BFA graduate in garner pointers and tips on Art-Graphic Design. He building a career that you founded his own advertislove and the all-important ing firm in 1984. Hoffman housekeeping rules necMiller Advertising is based essary to build a successin New Orleans and repful career. Many of the resents many well-known students found Erica and clients. He has used his Nathan Saturday morning educational background at the Crosstie Festival to build and sustain a very and spent a good bit more successful career representtime asking questions, ing companies across the talking about their plans nation. To read more about for the future, and asking Hoffman Miller Advertisfor advice. They both gave ing, please visit the website their time and assistance www.hmadvertising.com. and also agreed to also be Spindler and Hoffman members of the Inaugural reside in Mandeville, Arts & Sciences Dean’s Louisiana. They are both Alumni Advisory Council. members of the College Erica and Nathan return to the DSU Wright Art Gallery, Spindler is a 1979 of Arts & Sciences Dean’s April 2016, where some of their work, from the late ‘70s graduate with a Bachelor of Alumni Advisory Council. as students, was displayed along with the current Fine Arts in Art-Painting, by Darlene Breaux student showcase. though she rarely works
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C U R R E N T C H A I R S O F T H E CO L L E G E O F A R T S & S C I E N C E S
Department of Art Mr. Ron Koehler Chair
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. Karen G. Bell Director
Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Ellen Green Chair
Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information Technologies Mr. Talbot Brooks Director
Delta Music Institute Ms. Tricia Walker Director
Department of Chemistry and Physics Dr. Joseph A. Bentley Chair
Division of Languages and Literature Mr. Don Allen Mitchell Chair
Department of Mathematics Dr. Clifton Wingard Chair
Department of Music Dr. Karen Fosheim Chair
Division of Social Sciences and History Dr. Garry Jennings Interim Chair
Department of Social Work Dr. Cora Jackson Interim Chair
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences Dr. Lekeitha R. Morris Chair
P R O M OT I O N S A N D R E T I R E M E N T S P R O M OT I O N S
Dr. Karen Fosheim Promotion to Chair Department of Music
Dr. Paulette Meikle Promotion to Professor Community Development and Sociology
Mr. Don Allen Mitchell Promotion to Chair Division of Languages and Literature
Dr. Lisa Moon Tenure and Promotion Associate Professor of Social Work
Dr. Bret Pimentel Tenure and Promotion Associate Professor of Music
Mr. Michael Smith Tenure and Promotion Associate Professor of English
Mr. Mack Smith Instructor of Mathematics Department of Mathematics 11 years of service to DSU
Ms. Stella Woods Senior Secretary Department of Social Work 25 years of service to DSU
RETIREMENTS
Dr. John Tiftickjian Professor of Biology Department of Biological Sciences 32 years of service to DSU
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Dr. William Hayes Professor of English Division of Languages & Literature 34.5 years of service to DSU
Mr. Jack Phillips Instructor of English, Division of Languages & Literature 21 years of service to DSU
Dr. Paula Norris Professor of Mathematics Department of Mathematics 35 years of service to DSU
DSU Box 3104 Cleveland, MS 38733 www.deltastategiving.org
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